Destinations: Mindanao

Ang ganda mo, Mindanao!

Text by ADELA ROSLAN Images by EDGAR ALAN ZETA YA & ZULHILMI IBRAHIM

To some people, travelling is all about seeing nice architecture, staying lavishly in private resorts, or watching beautiful cultural dances. But to me, travelling is all about mountains. It has always been a dream of mine to hike every mountain all over the world and see the view from above. I’ve been hiking countless mountains before and for this trip, it was to summit Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, which has been beckoning me for some time. I wondered why it is called Mount Apo, which sounded masculine – it might be more fitting to call it Mount Lorraine or Mount Christine instead because of its sheer majesty that forms like a sleeping beauty around the city of Davao. But let’s not get too deep into that because the most important thing is the experience of being with nature. It was like being in the movie “Everest” but in a rather small way, and without snow and avalanche, of course.

I love you from 9698 feet

I flew on the national carrier Philippines Airlines. Since it was my first time to the Philippines, I figured it would be best to travel in the cosiest plane. There were 10 of us on this trip: two of us Malaysians and the rest were locals from Earth Explorers Travel and Tours team. The hike was shouldered by Earth Explorers Travel and Tours, and it was really a huge help since there are a lot of procedures to be done before getting yourself into the Philippine’s woods.

#earthexplorersph made full arrangements for us, from guide and meals to hiking gears and everything in between at affordable rates. Our climb was in March 2019 via Bansalan trail. We were supposed to use the other trail but due to El Nino, most of the trails were closed. We were actually the last 10 lucky climbers to summit Mount Apo, as right after we completed the climb, the trail officially closed.

For those who are in good physical condition, the climb is really just, as others have said, ‘one long trek’. The trek brought us through farmland, rainforest and big boulders that gave the trek dramatic contrasts. The challenge began right after we left the rainforest: a trail exposed to the sun that it felt like our heads were fried but windy at times until we reached the camp. Upon arrival, we pitched the tents and cramped inside due to extreme cold. The camp area was probably colder than the peak because we needed more layers of clothing to stay warm.

We peaked on the second day and reaching it felt like approaching heaven. The hike was like out of this world, with jungle terrain and clouds constantly drifting right towards us and engulfing us. We reached the highest point almost two hours after the first ray of the sun hit our eyes. We’ve had the best weather that day, with the sun on the horizon, clouds below us, cool breeze kissing our faces and the vast blue sky overhead. We saw chained berries along the trek, the same kind I saw when I hiked in Sweden! We also had breaks in the cloud to see more of the skies and sunrise, which was really good for the photographs.

Descending was way easier for us, passing through the forest of dense vegetation, grown trees, and streams. But it didn’t last long because we eventually reached the boulder side of the mountain where there are sulphur vents all around. This part of the trail gets too technical where one has to use both hands and feet to negotiate the rocky terrain; when I say rocky, I mean boulders as big as a television set up to a size of a car. That, accompanied by the unpleasant smell of sulphur around us, made the experience unforgiving.

Despite the rocky terrains, wet shoes, cold campsite and long trek up to Mount Apo, I truly loved every moment of it and was glad that I made it to the peak to tick one of the highest mountains in South East Asia! #WhenAdelaHikes #HikeWithZulH

They know better

#earthexplorersph got us to the peak, cooked us nice fresh fish and vegetables (not packaged food). They also transported us from Davao City to the foot of the mountain. We also had a great time socialising with them, talking about mountains in the world and how is it like to hike in Malaysia with Malaysian tigers! They also helped us set all paperwork ahead of time that made clearance to climb a breeze. I definitely recommend Earth Explorers Travel & Tours service if you’re planning to explore the Philippines.

Facebook: Earth Explorers Travel & Tours Instagram: @earthexplorersph // #earthexplorersph // +63 088 881 9399

Take note!

» The trail is confusing at some junctions, so it is necessary to have a mountain guide or someone familiar with the trek.

» There are many options for making the trip with various pricing.

» Bring as much water as you think you will need and more.

» The best time to climb is from March to June (the Philippines’ summer season); avoid rainy season.

» Some of the treks aren’t hard but take note that Mount Apo is hardly open due to El Nino and typhoons, so please check the weather before you hop on the plane!

The Land of Smiles

We had four recovery days after the hike and our Filipino friends showed us around using almost various public transport: tricycles, jeepney, habal-habal, van, and bus. It is definitely easy to get to places here. The tricycle is the most common way to get around, I would say. It’s also really affordable and accessible too! Just flag one down on the street, jump in and away you go! Filipinos are really friendly and you will find the communication medium here is stress-free since almost everyone speaks English.

#WhenInGenSan

To catch the fish auctions in General Santos, we woke up as early as 5:00 a.m.

We went to General Santos Fish Port as early as 4:00 a.m. in the morning to watch the fish auction! Huge tunas are brought in that time to be weighed for the fish bidders. They poked the flesh to see the quality of the meat and stamped their names on the fish they want to buy. Bidders are usually from big restaurants. This reminded me of the time when I was in Japan in 2017 when I watched my first fish auction.

Tip: When you’re in the tuna capital, be sure to taste all parts of the tuna prepared raw or cooked into soup, sisig (cooked with egg), grilled, and more.

#WhenInTupi

Donning my #KankenArt fable at the sunflower farm in Tupi.

We headed to Tupi for Instagram-worthy photos at Blooming Petals Agri-Tourism Park, an instant tourist attraction since 2017 with an entrance fee of P50. It looks like the one in Thailand, but partitioned. Besides the popular sunflower field, the park also grows chrysanthemums, roses and various vegetables including lettuces, French beans, red radish, and Japanese cucumber, among others.

Tip: Be sure to don contrasting outfits and avoid wearing orange, yellow and green; otherwise, you wouldn’t be distinguished from the sunflowers. Best to dress in white with a huge straw hat.

#WhenInSouthCotabato

Flying without wings along South East Asia’s tallest zip line in South Cotabato.

Lake Sebu’s seven falls could be the most picturesque scenery to be seen when you are zip lining. It offers views of different falls along one ride and back. As adventure goers, we looked forward to flying on this one-minute flying session that cost us around P350 each. You can choose to fly solo or tandem with your partner. It has two stops: the first is 45 seconds and the second is 25 seconds.

Seven falls zip line in South Cotabato is the tallest zip line in South East Asia and we did it!

Tip: Don’t miss the rainbows especially at the flight’s first stop. Strap your gadgets tight and don’t forget to push the record button!

#WhenInLakeSebu

Lunch at Lake Sebu with various kinds of amazing tilapia dishes.

If you have time, plan your lunch and cruise around Lake Sebu. While cruising, experience the traditional dances and instruments on the 45 minutes boat cruise and try on all types of tilapia feast from; fried, sisig (cooked with egg), cabbages wrapped, and salads and steamed – all tilapias!

Tip: Swing by Sunrise Garden Lake Resort to catch sunrise over Lake Seloton, which has lotuses blooming all over.

#WhenInKoronadal

You should not miss savouring catfish when you’re in Koronadal because the town is popular with it. Simply make your way to any restaurant in town to experience a totally affordable all-catfish slap-up meal ranging from fried, soup, curry and even caramelised!

#WhenInDavao

Great beans produced at Malagos Garden Resort, which makes the finest chocolate in Davao.

So we’re back to Davao City for our final days before flying back home. The city is huge and it is one of the largest cities in the world in terms of land area. You can travel for three to four hours yet still within Davao city. We headed to Malagos Garden Resort (MGR) for a two-night stay and to actually eat in, stay in and do everything at the resort.

#RediscoverMalagos

I find staying at MGR was peaceful and the much-needed rest after all the leg work. Everyone at the resort is hospitable and friendly. We had the chance to stay and experience all activities in less than 72hours. Special thanks to Edgar and Jaydee for making the arrangements. Trust me, you would actually need more than three days here; or perhaps a week, maybe? The longer you stay, the better.

Tip

» Participate in feeding the birds, milking the goats and touring the butterfly sanctuary. Do take photos with the birds at only P50.

» Make your own chocolate at the chocolate museum & be your own chocolate master.

» Tour around the chocolate farm and learn about how to break cocoa pods, then ferment, dry and sort the good beans. MGR makes the finest chocolate in Davao!

» Do not go back until you indulge in chocolate spa. We had the chance to try the chocolate facial, shoulder and feet spa. It was worth it, the facial spa was really comforting, and they were using all kinds of chocolates and fruits for the massage sessions. We were even greeted with a cup of hot chocolate before the sessions.

» Watch the bird show. It carries valuable messages for human beings.

» Bring back chocolate bars at only P500. It’s a must.

» Bring the elderly, children and even babies; the resort is suitable for all ages!

They know better

Instagram: @MalagosDavao // @MalagosChocolate Find them using #RediscoverMalagos #MalagosGardenResort

Is it safe to travel in the Philippines?

It´s totally safe to travel in the Philippines and we have never heard about travellers having problems when exploring the country. The worst risk in the Philippines is that you would feel heartbroken to leave it! Because you see, #ItsSoMuchFunInThePhilippines!

Stay connected with everyone at home while you’re travelling with Roaming Man Travel WiFi (www.roamingman.my). With its fast and broad coverage, you will not miss any single moments to share with everyone! #RoamingmanMY