Hiking in the Cordilleras (CAR)

 May 19, 2008 Gideon Lasco

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MOUNTAIN INDEX
Kibungan Circuit: Benguet / 2105m
Mt. Ampacao: Mt. Province / 1889m
Mt. Amuyao: Mt. Province / 2702m (#10)
Mt. Amuyao/Traverse to Batad, Ifugao / 2702 (#11)
Mt. Kabunian: Benguet / 2000+m
Mt. Kalawitan: Mt. Province / 2714m (#10)

Mt. Kapugan: Ifugao / 1305m
Mt. Lobo: Benguet / 2000+m
Mt. Napulauan: Ifugao / 2642m (#15)

Mt. Osdung: Benguet / 2617m (#16)

Mt. Patukan (Sleeping Beauty): Kalinga / 1906m
Mt. Pigingan: Benguet / 1328m
Mt. Pulag/Akiki Trail: Benguet / 2922m (#3)
Mt. Pulag/Ambaguio Trail: N. Vizcaya / 2922m (#3)
Mt. Pulag/Ambangeg Trail: Benguet / 2922m (#3)
Mt. Pulag/Tawangan Trail: Benguet / 2922m (3)
Mt. Pulag/Traverse from Mt. Ugo: Benguet & N. Vizcaya
Mt. Pullol: N. Vizcaya /1400m
Mt. Purgatory Traverse (Mt. Pack): Benguet / 2329m
Mt. Sto. Tomas: Benguet / 2256m
Mt. Tabayoc: Benguet / 2842m (#5)
Mt. Tenglawan: Benguet / 1996m
Mt. Timbak (Singakalsa): Benguet / 2717m (#9)
Mt. Ugo: Benguet + N. Vizcaya / 2150m
Mt. Ugo-Mt. Pulag Traverse / 2150-2922m
Mt. Ulap: Benguet / 1846m

BACKGROUND
The majestic mountains of the Philippines lie on its largest mountain range, the Cordilleras in Northern Luzon. With a total area of 18,300 km², the mountain range has been declared as an administrative region which includes the provinces of Benguet, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain Province, and Ifugao. It is home to highland peoples who have developed a fascinating mountain culture which is manifest in the world-famous Rice Terraces. Tourists – local and foreign – are enchanted with the semi-temperate climate of the region, which is a refreshing change from the tropical lowlands. Pine trees, rolling slopes, and vegetable farms characterize much of the region’s landscapes. Ilocos Region, adjacent to the range, is included in this group because most of its mountains are contiguous with the range.The major center of the Cordilleras is Baguio City – six hours away from Manila by bus – also the most common staging-off point of climbs in the region. Here you can buy all the supplies you need – from fresh foodstuffs to butane and fuel cans, as well as mountaineering gear. A popular sidetrip is a visit to the ukay-ukay (second-hand) clothing shops in Baguio, which sell a lot of hiking apparel, shoes, and bags with North Face, Columbia, and other popular brands. Beware though of fakes, and you have to bargain.Popular and at the same time challenging climbs include those Mt. Pulag, the highest in Luzon island and perhaps having the most spectacular views; Mt. Ugo, a mountain laden with pines whose typical trail involves a traverse from Nueva Vizcaya to Benguet; Mt. Amuyao, the country’s 10th highest peak, also with a traverse that will take you to the most pristine Ifugao villages and the famed Batad Rice Terraces; and Mt. Napulauan – with its dazzling mossy forest and historical echoes of a Japanese general seeking refuge.For a more in-depth exploration of the Cordilleras, one can visit the towns of Benguet and their mountains. The town of Bakun has a set of mountains called Bakun trio: Mts. Tenglawan, Kabunian, and Lobo. The town of Kibungan has been compared with Switzerland perhaps for the success of its ‘highland feel’. The town of Kabayan, aside from being home to the famed Mt. Pulag, has Luzon’s second highest, Mt. Tabayoc; and four beautiful lakes within its domain. The mountain fanatic will find delight in Kalinga’s Sleeping Beauty, and the historical trails such as Tirad Pass that faces the Ilocos region west. Meanwhile, easy dayhikes include Mt. Sto. Tomas, the highest point in Baguio City; and Mt. Timbac. A outdoor destination that’s a must-visit is the quaint town of Sagada, blessed with caves, waterfalls, other wonderful sights and delicious cuisine.The possibilities are simply infinite. Mt. Pulag alone has four trails, three of which are featured in PinoyMountaineer. Other peaks, some among the highest in the country, are still unexplored. Aside from these mountains, the cultural attractions – villages, burial caves, rice terraces – and the wonderful peoples themselves –make the Cordilleras the ultimate hiking destination in the Philippines.

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PinoyMountaineer.com welcomes information and contributions to cover these mountains. Groups/individuals who contribute will be acknowledged and their help will be greatly appreciated

Hiking matters #599: Yarigatake to Hotakadake Traverse Day 2 – Daikiretto (大キレット)

 July 30, 2018 Gideon Lasco

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TOKYO – After a restful sleep and early breakfast at Yarigatake Sanso, I set off for the most exciting 9 kilometres of the hike. It would be a traverse from Mt. Yari to Mt. Hotake, via a ridge that passes through several of Japan’s highest peaks: Yarigatake (槍ヶ岳; 3180m – #5); Obamidake (大喰岳; 3101m – #10),  Nakadake (中岳; 3084m – #12), Minamidake (南岳; 3032m – #17), Kitahotakadake (北穂高岳; 3106m – #9), Karasawadake (涸沢岳; 3110m – #8), and finally, Okuhotakadake (奥穂高岳; 3190m; #3). Between Minamidake and Kitahotakadake lies the feared Daikiretto (大キレット) – literally the ‘big cut’, considered one of the most challenging trails in Japan, even as the entire day can be considered a big challenge.

The day can be divided into three parts: (1) the ‘warm up’ from Yari to Minamidake; (2) the Daikiretto; and (3) Kitahotaka to Okuhotaka via Karasawa. I would say that in terms of difficulty, the three can be apportioned with the following percentages: 15-50-35. Auspiciously, I woke up to see a distant Mt. Fuji behind the Southern Alps helmed by Mt. Notoridake. I started the hike at exactly 0600H. From Yari to Minamidake, one follows the ridgeline trail that features 3000-meter peaks and a (relatlively) gradual trail connecting them.

The ‘fun’ begins past Minami-dake, when the Daikiretto commences – in my case, at 0813H. One takes the ‘plunge’ to a 300-meter ‘cut’ between two 3000-meter peaks; the descent through steel ladders, metal ropes, and precipitous slopes never seem to end.

And just as when you think the descent is over, there are several ups and downs in the middle before finally ascending again. This is a trail that must be taken with utmost seriousness and caution. But at the same time, it’s an exhilarating ride: one that must be relished and enjoyed! (Sadly, I was hiking by myself and wasn’t able to take too many pictures).

Finally, at 1101H, I arrived at the Kitahotaka-sanso, completing (and surviving) the notorious route! Looking at the spear-shaped Yari behind me and the great gap I had just crossed, I was filled with a reverence for the wondrousness of the Earth itself. I rewarded myself with a lunch of ramen and some drinks, but as it turns out, it was too early to celebrate. Almost as tough as the Daikiretto – albeit markedly less technical – is the traverse to Karasawa-dake. At the end of it, at last, is the destination for the day: Hotakadake Sansō, where I would spend the night. Continued in Hiking matters #600.

FUJI AND THE DAIKIRETTO (SUMMER 2018)
Hiking matters #596: Takao-Jinba traverse, revisited
Hiking matters #597: Mt. Fuji for the fourth time
Hiking matters #598: Yarigatake to Hotakadake Traverse Day 1
Hiking matters #599: Yarigatake to Hotakadake Traverse Day 2
Hiking matters #600: Yarigatake to Hotakadake Traverse Day 3

HERMOSA BEACH:A BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE NOT JUST FOR SURFERS

BY CAZ | OCTOBER 4, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Read our Disclosure.

Sunset Serenity

Hermosa Beach. The ‘beautiful’ beach as it translates from Spanish. There’s not many areas in LA I would call beautiful, but Hermosa is definitely one. It’s not a place you will find hordes of backpackers, the majority that come here are of a certain backpacking breed. Surfers. Lots of surfers, which is why a lot of Aussies can be heard sipping cheap happy hour beers around you. It is also why I feel like Hermosa is a place I know and could lay my head for awhile. I understand the surfie vibe, the relaxed persona, the carefree attitude that comes from a life lived around the pulse of the next incoming wave. All that matters is you and the ocean, and the sand that molds around your toes. I don’t surf, but I grew up around many that do, and I understand the pull of the ocean, or in essence, nature itself. A surfer town is a place where many live for the pure joy of the moment, knowing that in two days time the ride of your life may have receded back into the mystery from where it came. There are no questions, no fear, no regrets just an acceptance that this is how life plays out and I’m going to play it as so.

This is all you find in Hermosa. The pretentiousness of nearby LA cannot be found here.There are no silicon implants, or botox faces scrutinizing their worth in passing mirrors, maitre d’s don’t look you up and down before refusing you entry into the latest in-vogue bar, and your worth is not judged before passing strangers decide if they can offer you a simple smile or hello.

Volleyball time

Hermosa is laid-back, grungy, and real. Skaters skate around the pedestrian promenade that is flanked by palm trees, surfer shops, bars, and restaurants all sprouting happy hour prices, cheap fish tacos and nightly dinner specials. Down on the beach, friends stand around spiking balls over volleyball nets, some in training for the upcoming local competition, others just kicking back and enjoying another gorgeous sunset. Bikini-clad roller bladers (turning me a pale shade of green) skate by and families on their beach cruisers cycle along the beach side path that runs to Manhattan Beach in one direction and Redondo Beach in the other.

This is our third trip to Hermosa. We stumbled upon it in August 2006. We were looking for a place close to LA to

Pier Promenade

spend a couple of days while waiting to fly out of the country. We read a couple of sentences about it in the Lonely planet and thought it was worth a look and upon arrival discovered it was so much more than that. Our days were spent running along the beach, swimming, playing volleyball, hanging out in the common room with backpackers, and catching the setting sun with beer specials at any of the numerous outdoor drinking establishments. We skip LA now when we come here and head straight for Hermosa, only a 30 minute trolley ride from the airport. We speak of it to every backpacker we meet going to or in LA. No one has heard of it and none seem to keen to follow our enthusiastic recommendation to head there for a chilled, local LA beach experience.

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We now find ourselves sitting in the Watermans bar that is underneath the Surf City Hostel, where we first stayed. Watermans wasn’t here back then, it was instead, Dragon’s, a thumping nightclub that kept us awake till all hours until we learned that the only way to beat them was to join them. The vibe of Watermans is upbeat and causal, and even the blustering wind couldn’t contain the obvious joy that people had in spending time in Hermosa. We spent the morning at Manhattan Beach, and took a leisurely walk down, stopping to push Kalyra on the swings that lay rooted in the sand and talking of how one day we would return to rent one of the gorgeous mansions that sat right on the beach edge, beckoning us to come sit down on the porch with an ice cold corona.

Waterman's Bar with hostel above

The Watermans only opened in February 2010, and throws off the aura of an owner who has traveled, surfing through many tropical lands. Balinese  teak wooden structures, island tiki-house bars, and reggae chilled surfer music that plays in the background helps to create the “Safe House for Surfers” vibe. Dishes have Australian and Asian names, and backpackers sit in groups enjoying their two for one beers. The workers are relaxed, welcoming and friendly, and it was place we felt at home at sitting for an afternoon of sundowners. Endless baskets of chip and spicy salsa arrive at our table with plenty of wheat beer to wash it down with. A lady, from San Francisco sits next to us with her daughter. They are down for the weekend to interview for a sport scholarship for UCLA. She talks to us of her love for Hermosa, which we reciprocate. She comes here often, cycling the trail down from Santa Monica and can think of no better place to have a meal with her child.

Enjoying Hermosa

We leave with a warm, happy buzz and are followed by the moon, who lights our way back to the bus in Manhattan. A familiar feeling of contentment and gratitude for living this traveling life and getting to know places like this around the world envelops us. Hermosa is a place that has laid permanent roots in me and one day I may find myself doing the same back. In Hermosa, life asks for nothing, except maybe a warm smile to match the sunshine.

Silly face time at Watermans

How to get there:

Trolleys leave every 30 mins from around the airport area. Cost is $5 return and takes about 30 mins. You have to get off at Manhattan Beach and walk to Hermosa from there.

Things to see and do:

• Hire a bike, roller blades or skateboards and ride up and down the beach side path. You can even walk it.

Ride the beach path to Manhattan Beach

• Take a volleyball down to the beach for a game.

• Watermans: 22 Pier Ave. Check out the menu for happy hour prices and special nightly dining prices including Taco Tuesdays.

• Hennesey’s Tavern: an upstairs beer garden on the corner of the promenade that gives great sunset views

• Scottys: a small, laid-back restaurant that is nothing to look at but has cheap food and beer. Happy hour early 2-5pm (others close at 7pm) Cheap beer jugs $6.50 $3.50 cocktails. All you can eat spaghetti $6.95

MY BORACAY EXPERIENCE & WHAT EVERY VISITOR SHOULD KNOW JESSA DELM CASTANEDAFEBRUARY 23, 20180 0

MY BORACAY EXPERIENCE & WHAT EVERY VISITOR SHOULD KNOW

JESSA DELM CASTANEDAFEBRUARY 23, 20180  0

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Contributed by Dyaryo de Byahe

I’ve listed the things you need to know about Boracay Island of Malay, Aklan.

Basically, the island is the place…

Where summer never ends

The island is visited by local and foreign tourists daily but more day-trippers and vacationers gather at the island chiefly during summer, and from June solstice to the September equinox. Since Boracay is known internationally for its white floury sand and clear waters, more and more people visit this popular beach destination making it hard to point out when the off-peak season really starts. Some people hate photobombers, so they just choose to visit Boracay after summer.

There were more foreign tourists than local visitors during our visit last March 2017. I saw more Koreans and Americans than Filipino locals.

Also read: Unconventional Boracay: 7 Things To Do With The Gang During Off-Peak Season

Where activities are not the typical challenges

You won’t enjoy your vacation on the island without experiencing challenges that give you an adrenaline rush. The activities here could be part of your ‘living life to the fullest’ bucket list. One must at least set aside some budget and try the water activities on the island. The activities are as follows:

• Fly Fish and Banana Boat Ride
• Parasailing and Helmet Diving
• Zipline Adventure and ATV Ride

Where island hopping is a must-do

Never leave Boracay without exploring the nearby islets. Complete your island tour by visiting the famous Puka Beach, the Magic Island, and the Crystal Cove. Grab an island hopping tour package with buffet lunch for a hassle-free island journey. As for our island hopping tour, we took our lunch of barbeques and veggies at a resort across Magic Island.

Puka Beach (AKA Puka Shell Beach or Yapak Beach)

Named after the puka shells and its location, Barangay Yapak. Visiting Puka Beach was the first part of our island hopping itinerary. The island was uninhabited and the powdery white sand entices you to walk barefoot on the beach. The pale blue waters, however, were deeper even in nearby shores. There are locals selling bracelets and souvenirs made up of puka shells for as low as ₱25 each.

Magic Island

Magic Island is a must visit for cliff diving aficionados. You may start diving from a three to five metres cliff height, or if you’re a fighter and brave enough, crack the 10-metre cliff dive at this island. However, please be reminded not to do dangerous diving stunts unless you’re a professional. One mistake could end your life in the water. We saw one man who mistakenly tried to pull a risky stunt which got him unconscious for a few seconds in the water. I was glad the lifeguard was vigilant; he threw a lifejacket and jumped off the ridge to help him. The man’s nose was bleeding after he was pulled out from the water. I’m not discouraging you to try this but please make sure not to do perilous diving acts to avoid injury and death.

Crystal Cove Island

Crystal Cove Island is located across Magic Island where two caves are situated. The first one has a pool and the other leads you to coral shores and the water.

Where parties become a nocturnal habit

People like to party to ease the stress from work, to meet new acquaintances, and to enjoy the evening breeze with friends filled with beers, lights, and music. In Boracay, most beachfront establishments are restaurants and disco bars, from Station 1 to Station 3 and to other parts of the island. Foreigners love to party, making Boracay as one of their favourite spots for nightlife.

When you go to Boracay, you’ll that observe most people are out during the night. Lovers at the beach; tourists at the bar; and people exploring and watching the fire dance. Restaurants close at 10pm or so, but beach counters which serve alcoholic beverages are available until dawn.

Try dining at a seafood restaurant. We actually had our dinner at Paradiso Grill. I love the butter-filled shellfish, scallops and barbeques marinated in highly seasoned vinegar sauce. Yum!

Where budget is necessary

When you’re planning to go to Boracay, make sure you have enough budget for your trip. But how to actually spend less on the island? You can wait for the airlines’ promo fares so you can avail of cheap flight tickets. Also, try to dine at inexpensive restaurants and book a hostel which offers cheap rooms. You can also choose not to avail of packaged tours and activities, and do a DIY vacation.

Also read: DOT & DENR Joined Forces To Protect Boracay

Once you’re there, of course, you’ll try to spend less, but you have to invest in the fun activities. I don’t think that you will enjoy your vacation without even trying the different physical challenges. Remember that you’re visiting the island to relax and enjoy, so budgeting for your trip is essential and necessary to maximise your stay in Boracay.