Scenic. Dreamy. Heavenly. Stunningly beautiful. These are just few of the words to describe the view that was set before us when we reached Panimahawa Ridge!
I've seen some pictures on the internet regarding this place and was enticed by the picturesque view it offers to hikers. I further googled and was surprised to know that the ridge was located at the province of Bukidnon, so much accessible for a Mindanaoan like me that I included it on my "to go" list this year. As they say, it's better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times!
Located at Implutao, Impasug-ong Bukidnon, Panimahawa Ridge was recently opened to the public early this year. Treks to the ridge are currently handled by the Ant Farm. Here are some tips to help you prepare on your climb to Panimahawa Ridge.
1. Set your preferences. There are two ways to experience the ridge. You can choose to camp overnight at the peak or you can choose to day-hike to witness only the sunrise. Either way, the experience would be incomparable.
2. Contact a local guide. This is to ensure if you could pursue your planned trek or camp on your desired schedule. Just because safety and good weather spells total enjoyment. Your local guide will also inform the Ant Farm owners of your scheduled trek beforehand and will contact your lead and sweeper guides on the day of your trek. The total fee per head is P300.00. This fee is paid to camp site owner, barangay, sitio, and local guides. You can contact our local guide, Sir Bob, at 0997-801-3135.
3. Trek away! We preferred day hike to the ridge as we don't have camping equipment at hand. The trek was one of the quick plans so we were not able to, uhmmm, prepare mentally and physically. Luckily, one member of the group offered us their family van so we didn't have to worry on our transportation. We departed from Iligan at 10pm and arrived at Impalutao Elementary School where we are instructed to at 2:30 am. Sir Bob fetched us and led us to Ant Farm. Vehicles could pass through the road to the farm but expect some big stones and mud holes. Other groups preferred to hike the 1 km trail to the farm.
As soon as we arrived at Ant Farm, we registered and Sir Bob introduced us to our group's lead and sweeper guides. Normally, the farm would provide wooden trek poles but due to the great number of overnight campers (about 70 pax), none was left for us.
We started our trek at 3:20 am. Beams from our headlamps guided us through the dark, swampy trail. This is my first time to night-trek and my first realization is to make sure that your headlamp or flashlight has enough battery power. (I forgot to check mine and I ended up using my phone's flashlight.) The muddy trail with slippery, loose rocks and steep parts called for our heightened senses. One also needs to watch out for ravines on the trail sides.
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| 4:55 AM The ridge at a distance |
So how was my climb? Hmmmmmm, for a person who is so unprepared like me (no enough sleep, no exercise, just because I thought getting to the ridge is somewhat like a stroll in the park), I found myself gasping for air on the steep, uphill parts of the trail. On those moments, I realized one should never underestimate any mountain. :) These struggles were rewarded with the awesome, surreal view when we reached the ridge. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! The moment was fleeting that I wanted to freeze it for hours, totally grateful to the One who created it.
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| Sunrise at the ridge = perfection! |
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They say, one could experience sea of clouds at the ridge by chance. So we called our group the lucky ones. Wishing to pass our fortune to you too. :)
ITINERARY:
10:00 PM Left Iligan City via private vehicle
02:30 AM Arrived at Impalutao Elementary School
02:45 AM Fetched by Sir Bob
03:10 AM Arrived at Ant Farm
03:20 AM Started the trek
05:34 AM Reached the peak :)
If you want to avoid the hassle of traveling overnight, you could stay and sleep at Ant Farm free of charge. Just bring your own tents. For those who wanted to camp overnight at the peak, you can start your trek by 3:30 PM. By the way, there are no vendors within the area so pack your own baon and other necessities. Just make sure to remember the principle: Leave No Trace Behind. :)
If you have any questions, please feel free to message Sir Bob as he knows better than I do. :)
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