Mt. Talinis: Trek to Talinis 2015

Trek to Talinis is an annual climb organized by the Cuernos De Negros Mountaineers Club, Inc. based in Dumaguete City. It is an open climb though slots were limited. This year the theme was "The best year to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now". Aside from the climb itself, the event also have a tree planting activity. The climb was held last September 25-27, 2015. Yes, it took me six months before I had the urge to create an entry for this climb :)

A Quick Visit to Kalanggaman Island

Kalanggaman Island

Kalanggaman Island has been on my bucket list for quite some time. Four months ago, I was finally able to cross the island off the list.

I expected Kalanggaman Island to be a tiny island with white sand beach under the bright blue sky. This was not the case when we visited the island. We got the tiny white sand beach island alright but without the bright blue sky.

Hello El Nido!

It was a gloomy afternoon when we arrived at Puerto Princesa International Airport of Palawan from Cebu. Palawan is known for the famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. We skipped the underground river and headed north of the island. Our destination, El Nido, is a couple of hours away.

Puerto Princesa International Airport

The Boundary Climb at Mago Peak

A friend invited me to a climbing event, The Boundary Climb, at Mago Peak which is at the boundary of the towns Carmen, Danao and Tuburan, last July 2015. Since camping sessions were getting rare for me, this was my first overnight trek for almost a year, I did not hesitate and immediately agreed to join the climb. The event was organized by PAC Outdoor Gear which was open to all trekkers, both experienced and beginners.

Getting High at Mount Apo

The Mighty Mount Apo

Mount Apo. The tallest mountain in the Philippines. It is also a potentially active volcano, though its last eruption is still unknown. Rising at 2,954 meters above sea level, it is almost three times taller than Osmeña Peak, the highest in Cebu. From afar, its white facade of volcanic boulders stands out from other nearby towering mountains.

Sagada: Lemon Pie House and Pinikpikan Haus

When we arrived at Sagada, all we had in mind and we're looking forward to were the activities we were about to experience. As with most of our travels, we often neglect eating time as this can always be done along the way. This time around, we had our guides, Kuya Junefer and Kuya William, plan out where to dine. Mostly because they already knew where the best restaurants and carenderias can be found and the time frame for the activities.

The gang at the Sagada Lemon Pie House. Photo by: Myraine

Sagada: A Hidden Shangri-La

Sagada behind the pines.

Sagada is a cool and quiet town at the top of Mountain Province. Around 5,000 feet above sea level, its cool climate makes it a perfect getaway from the city heat. Surrounded by lush, green forests of pine trees, along with caves and falls, this is possibly the closest to nature I can be.

This mountain paradise is now becoming more and more popular with tourists as this majestic place really does have a lot to offer. I observed that there are a lot of guesthouses and homestays. You can also meet a lot of foreigners roaming around the town. I am glad though that it has not reached to the point of commercialization. It would really ruin the nature vibe of the place.

Town of Bontoc. Photo by: Myraine

From Banaue, we reached Sagada via the town of Bontoc. The three hours of travel did not seem so long as we passed scenic views of terraces, flower patches along the road and wide rivers beneath the valleys which kept our eyes busy.