GRUELLING RIDGES AT MT. MEGATONG

Mt. Megatong is where I had my first climb and start to crave more climb thereafter.

Mt. Megatong is the pride of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte. Classified as minor climb with an open trail but it has a difficulty level of 4/9 according to the the guide/s I had talked to. Mt. Megatong is approximately 1,876ft above sea level. When you're at the summit, you can see the scenic view of Kipaliku river.

Going to the summit, we trekked along the relentless ridge for fours hours depending on participant's pacing and traversing Kipaliku river crossing 15 rivers for three hours and ascended to Sitio Talos for another one hour.

Moreover, this mountain is also known for its hidden waterfall located at the center of the mountain. This waterfall is one of the water source in the mountain. The water is clean, fresh, cold and potable.

We found theHidden Waterfall

Furthermore, you have two options in climbing this mountain: first is a day hike, the other one is spending a night at the summit. During our climb, we chose to sleep at the summit beneath the starry sky and looking at the city lights of Davao del Norte at the same time.

Note: Bring your sleeping bag, jackets and socks to protect you from cold weather.

Dinner at the summit of Mt. Megatong

If you want to explore Megatong on a day hike, better bring the following:

1. Sunblock/sunscreen
2. Umbrella
3. Wear a cap
4.Rushguard/windbreaker jacket/rain jacket
5. Liters of water and
6. Anything that will protect your skin from the heat of the sun. It is surely freaking hot.

Some of the rivers you have to cross have strong currents, better  not to walk alone. Cross the river with your co-mountaineers.

Note: Use comfortable durable shoes with good grip that will survive both on difficult trail and long river trek.

Why shoes with good grip? Because of the cliffs Mt. Megatong had and is steep, muddy and slippery.


Prepare yourself to fall on the ground repetitively and your knees for balance. The trail is not easy for beginners. Yeah! It is a minor climb but trust me the trail is difficult and not for beginners.

If you haven't done any mountain climbing activity, and wanted Megatong to be your first mountain to conquer, prepare yourself. Jog  for at least one month before your scheduled climb.

You'll have river trekking for three hours and prepare yourself for a one hour assualt back to Sitio Talos.  

Tip: Use trekking sandals during river trek to free yourself from hassle in removing the sands that  goes through your shoes.
                           
Mt. Megatong is also known for it's wonderful sea of clouds and sunrise depending on the weather condition. 

My first time to see "sea of clouds"

Sunrise at the Summit of Mt. Megatong

📍How to get there?🚗
🚌Ride a bus to Sto. Tomas, meet up with the guide at 7/11 near the Bus Terminal
🛵Ride a sky-lab to the jump-off area- Sitio Talos, San Jose Dvo Del Norte to perform rituals with the Datu.

Budget: P1,500. 00 is enough for your fare, meals, trail foods and registration fee which includes 2 meals: dinner and breakfast.

Things to Bring:

1. Tent
2. Sleeping bag
3. Headlamp/flashlight
4. Windbreaker or rain jacket, at least 1extra socks 

5. Tissue
6. Camera
7. Powerbanks
8. Trail foods (chocolates, jelly ace, raisins, biscuits, cup noodles and coffee)
9. Food and water containers and utensils
10.#ootds para pang awra!
11. Slippers/Trekking Sandals

THE SOCIAL CLIMBER AND "PICTUNEERING" MOUNTAINEER

I heard some people said I am not a mountaineer or I don’t exhibit the spirit of a  real mountaineer. However, I have the spirit of "photoneering"/"pictuneering" moutaineer. 

Whatever it is, I don’t care and it’s not a big deal to me whatever people called it. What's important is that I am happy with what I am doing; taking pictures in any part of the mountain from its trail to the summit.

I think it’s not bad to capture the struggles and the happiness you've felt during the climbing journey.I firmly believe that it does not make you less of a mountaineer if you take photos. Nevertheless, at the end of the climb, what's left with you were the photos and memories of your adventures and conquests. 

All you need is the best buddy who will support you in doing so.In my case, I’m glad I met friends with the same passion as I am. Frustrated Models. haha!

Moreso, why I am into mountain climbing?Here are my top 10 reasons:

1.I really love mountain climbing even before but the problem is that I don’t have friends who love the same hobby as I am. So, I started as a "joiner" with groups organizing mountain climbing. Mountain climbing for me is the best stress reliever. Natural stress reliever. When I climb mountain, I released the stress in every step towards the summit. It is one of the best exercise and it is good for your health as well. Later on, you’ll realized that something in your body changes. Hence, you will develop an incredible strength and endurance from climbing mountains.

2. You see amazing views and places very few get to see. I love to watch the wide view of green and blue horizons. The wonderful view you'll long to see in posters, books, internet and postcards but going to these places requires time and efforts to climb daylong high altitude. However, when you make it to the summit, the feeling was amazing, fulfilling and you will enjoy the rarity of the view. 

Tip: When good weather is given, take photos as much as you can because the weather at the mountain is unpredictable and it changes rapidly.

The Boulder Face to Mt. APO Summit

3. Climbing mountain is the most exhausting and hardest thing I did my entire life (so far). It tested not just your physical capabilities but also mental abilities. Thus, you will learn not to give up easily. It teach you to be more patience, persistence, gratitude and being optimistic in every circumstances that may arise.  

Tip: Think of a reward as your source of motivation. Think about your efforts why you're there instead of working at the office.

4. It will make you feel how to be a "Miss Earth" advocate. Seriously, it will strengthen your eagerness to protect the environment specially on how to conserve water. Certainly, water is LIFE. You’ll realized how important water is.

5. You will become appreciative in every little things and enjoy the small luxuries in life. We often overlook small things in life and we took it for granted. Like water, after grueling of eight hours and roasted under the scorching sun and you stop for a water break, it’s absolutely the best water you have ever tasted in your life.

6. The mountain will teach you to embrace uncertainties. Like the weather, it constantly changes in a snap, unpredictable that's why you have to adopt changes specially in your itinerary. Don’t get disappointed, it’s beyond anyone's control. Just be ready always.

7. You'll learn to trust someone you don’t know fully like your guide/s and the people you've newly met. You have to trust them because somehow they knew the mountain more than anyone else there. 

8. Every mountain will teach you something. I learn, how important sleeping bag is. You’llearn many things, from the experiences and stories of the people you’ve met and twas one the best thing.

9. You will meet the most amazing people who you will call friends when you get down. As stated, "unexpected friends are the best ones". Research shows that hikers and climbers are awesome breed of people, because they are positive, happy and confident that's why these people are the best. You’ll get to know each other for a short time but you will long to see each other for the next climb.

10. Lastly, mountain climbing can be the best and the worst thing you will ever do in your life but in the end you will usually end up wanting and craving more of it no matter what it takes. Yeah! It’s exhausting but the most fulfilling as well.

Lovelots,

Daisy Crazii

Sosyal Climber/Pictuneering Mountaineer