When 2024 started, I wasn’t chasing fitness trends or weight goals—I simply wanted to move more, feel better, and live a little healthier. My routine was simple: daily walks, light jogs, a bit of cycling. I wasn’t aiming for anything extreme.
Then one random day at work, during a casual lunch, my officemates shared their past experiences in hiking and mountain climbing.
“It must be very tiring,” I told them.
They laughed and replied, “Yes, but once you're up the mountain, the experience is amazing.”
That sentence sparked something in me.
The Spark: Discovering Mt. Kulago
Later that week, I started searching for beginner-friendly hikes—and as if by magic, Facebook started showing me mountains. One caught my eye: Mt. Kulago in Bukidnon, also known as the "Hummingbird of Bukidnon."
As I dug deeper, I found out it offered breathtaking views and side trips to Communal Ranch and Cedar Falls. The photos looked like scenes from a postcard. I checked the tour dates and fees and immediately shared it with my officemates.
They were in.
The Plan: A Weekend Escape
We booked an overnight tour for January 20–21, 2024, with a package rate of ₱2,500 per person.
Here’s a breakdown of what I spent:
Expense Cost
Tour Fee ₱2,500
Tent (Rent) ₱200
Tourism Fee ₱30
Habal-Habal Ride (Optional) ₱100
Food & Misc. Expenses ₱500
Total ₱3,330
The Journey Begins
At around 12:20 AM, I met Nikay and Nely at Petron, Mintal, just a few meters from home. We waited for our van ride from Davao to Bukidnon. The van was packed—I had a hard time getting a seat—but excitement made it bearable.
By 5:30 AM, we reached Maramag, Bukidnon, for a quick breakfast. Then we headed to Impasug-ong Tourism Office to pay the environmental fee before continuing to our first destination.
Stop 1: Communal Ranch – “Little New Zealand of Bukidnon”
Our first stop was the Communal Ranch, the jump-off point for the Mt. Kulago trek. Spanning over 600 hectares, it’s the largest communal ranch in the Philippines, managed by the local government for cattle raising.
It honestly looked like New Zealand—rolling green hills, grazing cattle, and a view that instantly relaxed the soul. We took photos here and prepped ourselves for the climb.
The Trek to Mt. Kulago Begins
By 9:00 AM, under the blazing sun, we began our hike. It was an open trail, no shade, just us, our backpacks, and the mountain ahead.
We reached a river crossing and rode a “balsa” (bamboo raft) to get to the other side—Mt. Kulago’s basecamp.
By 12 noon, we arrived at the campsite, set up our tent, had lunch, and spent the afternoon resting and soaking in the scenery. That evening, we enjoyed a bonfire and acoustic music played by locals. The vibe was pure and authentic—something you don’t get in the city.
As joiners, we met new friends, played games, shared stories, and yes—had a few shots of liquor to cap the night.
The Summit Climb: A Mix of Pain and Awe
At 3:00 AM, it was time. We made a short offering and started the climb to the summit.
I wore shorts and a windbreaker, thinking it would be enough. But soon, the cogon grass started cutting into my skin. It was itchy and painful. I was sweating buckets, so I took off my jacket and hiked topless—itchy, sweaty, but determined.
After nearly 3 hours of steep uphill, we reached the summit.
And wow.
Just wow.
The sunrise was like a painting—the mountain ridges, bathed in golden light, took my breath away. I wanted to take more photos, but sadly, my phone battery was nearly dead. Still, the view is forever etched in my memory.
Going Down and Moving On
By 7:00 AM, we started the descent as the sun grew stronger. It was faster but painful—my legs ached with every step as I tried not to slip. I reached the campsite by 9:00 AM, ate breakfast, and prepped for the next leg of our adventure.
We packed up and headed back to Communal Ranch, then drove to find a lunch spot before going to our final stop: Cedar Falls.
Stop 2: Cedar Falls – A Hidden Gem
As we approached the Cedar area, I was amazed by the towering, straight trees lining the road. Based on what I read, they were White Lauan trees, often mistaken as "cedars." Regardless of the name, they were majestic.
A short walk took us to Cedar Falls. We crossed a small river, and then it came into view—a crystal-clear waterfall, refreshing and wild.
I swam in the cold water and jumped near the falls like a kid again. The whole place felt untouched, like a hidden paradise.
The Final Stop: YAKA Restaurant
Before heading back to Davao, we stopped at YAKA Restaurant in Malaybalay. It's a cozy spot made of bamboo where you sit “yaka”-style (on the floor). The food was delicious and affordable—a perfect end to a tiring yet fulfilling trip.
By 6:00 PM, we were on the road again. And before midnight, I was finally home.
Final Thoughts
This was my first real hike, and it tested me physically and mentally. My legs were sore for days, but something inside me changed. I proved to myself that I could do it. All the walking, jogging, and cycling before the hike helped—but nothing prepared me for the sense of awe and achievement I felt on that mountain.
So if you're thinking of trying something new for your health—consider climbing a mountain. You might come down tired, yes, but you'll also come down stronger, braver, and more alive.
Quick Tips for First-Time Hikers:
- Wear leggings or hiking pants – avoid scratches from grass!
- Bring power banks – don’t let your phone die at the summit!
- Hydrate and bring trail snacks
- Respect the environment and the locals
- Most importantly—enjoy every step.
