Before going to Tupi, South Cotabato via Gen. Santos City; pre-climb coordination with the Municipal Tourism Office was done. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of Sir Maulvi, who processed my permit and secured my guide.
April 7, 2015; after exploring the city proper of Gen. Santos, I proceeded to Tupi via van... no one is stranger there! All people that I met were hospitable and polite. I stayed in Bienvenido's Pension house few blocks away from the Municipal Hall and comfortably rest in anticipation for the next day 2,289 MASL whole day climbed.
April 7, 2015; after exploring the city proper of Gen. Santos, I proceeded to Tupi via van... no one is stranger there! All people that I met were hospitable and polite. I stayed in Bienvenido's Pension house few blocks away from the Municipal Hall and comfortably rest in anticipation for the next day 2,289 MASL whole day climbed.
Johanne, the assigned guide and I left the pension house at around 5:30 AM and went to Sitio Gandlang, Barangay Kablon by riding a habal-habal. after passing through the picturesque fertile pineapple and avocado plantations, we arrived at the DENR registration point at around 6:15 and immediately proceeded to the jump-off point that was few minutes away from the DENR.
We started trekking at around 6:30 AM. Initially, we passed through the avocado farm of DOLE Philippines and then through vegetable farms of the local. after few minutes, we reached the edge of the forest where there is a water source; according to Johanne, there are times that the water from this source tastes 'unusual' due to some plants within the area.
We walked through gradually sloping trail for an hour and a half until we reached Camp 1. It is very evident that the area is rich in biodiversity, the forest is vibrantly enhanced by the sounds of various types of birds and crickets. The trees are comparable to the first growth forest of Bicol National Park and there is diverse types of flowering plants. We also saw rafflesia!
We had our very early 'lunch' (actually, it was a brunch) at Camp 1 because we had no time for breakfast and we did not find any open carenderia in Tupi during our early morning climb preparation. After resting for thirty minutes, we started to trek to a more inclined trail leading deeper and higher to the forest. With no scorching sun to deal with, I decided to take a "baby step less stop" approach to have enough time in enjoying the beauty of the forest. Literally, we only had occasional 'stops' to take pictures. After less than an hour we reached the beautiful mossy forest, this time the trail was very steep... this part of the trail required us to grapple with vines and portruding stones. This time also, my "baby step less stop" approach became "baby step, giant leap and less stop" mode. the trail became more steep when we are about to reach the last 400 meters of our climb.
We reached the summit faster than the usual trekking time! It took us only 3.5 hours from the trail head to the highest peak. According to Johanne, in the past years, climbers could enjoy the 360-degree view from the peak. However, the reforestation cover was successful... trees now hinder the view but further beautified the mountain peak. After taking some souvenir pictures we, continue trekking to the other peak.. passing through more than half of the crater rim. In the other peak, the view of the crater is very picturesque. The crater is now covered with dense forest... hiding the sign of eruption in the early 1900's.
At 12:30, after resting; we started our descent and reached the trail head after 3 hours.