NCR Trekker’s Multi-Peak Escape in Kandungaw, Maloray, Dalaguete

On the edge of Kandungaw’s Peak!

In preparation for a major climb this June, NCR Trekkers went back to one of the countable town to town trek in Cebu – Maloray, Dalaguete to Sohoton, Badian with an overnight camp at the foot of Kandungaw Peak. 25 adventurers joined the trek, 13 of which were NCR trekker members. Compared to the “foggy” visit in November 2015 with no clearing, this time the great Kandungaw finally revealed all of it’s splendor.

From L-R, T-B: (1) Group pic at the front of the wall (see the star). (2) Our tents with the great Kandungaw’s back in the background. (3) The husband posed at the heart of Kandungaw. (4) Me on top of Kandungaw.

Up close with the 2nd peak connected to Kandungaw.

Up close with the peak opposite Kandungaw. It’s the best peak of all for the brave at heart. Getting up on a loose soil while scrambling your way to the top and getting down on a vertical descent with rocks. Must climb!

Kandungaw, like it’s neighboring peak, Osmeña can be accessed via Mantalongon, Dalaguete. From the bus stop at Mantalongon Market, you will have to hail a habal2x (motor) to the jump-off at Maloray, Dalaguete. The hike to the peak is short but coupled with mostly ascents. On a clear day, you can see the tip of Kandungaw on the ride to the jump-off and in the ascent. With our usual pace and picture stops in between, we reached the peak after an hour.

The manmande steps to Kandungaw. A view of the wall. And climbing through the entrance of the campsite.

One more ascent and finally, hello campsite.

From L-R, T-B Peaks surrounding the camp site: (1) Not fit for climbing. (2) For the brave peak. (3) Connected to Kandungaw Peak. (4) Kandungaw Peak – it does look like a lion to me!

Hiking up the trail to Kandungaw, you will be amazed at the wall-like mountains that would greet you after enduring the oversize man-made steps. Beyond the wall where Kandungaw stands as it’s highest point, is the campsite conveniently tucked at the heart of 3 other smaller peaks. 2 of the peaks offered amazing views and should not be missed. A stone-throw away from the camp is a house.

Climb-able peak’s view at night!

Like every other NCR trek, there were socials and this time, everyone participated. After dinner, the usual get-to-know-you and #hugot lines started, with Lanz (NCR Trekker’s Most Active Villager on our first ever Werewolves game in Lanigid) kicking it off. The favorite game of “Werewolves” followed with 24 players. AJ, the club president, moderated the game which ended at 12 AM where 4 all women villagers emerged as the victors defeating 3 women and 2 men werewolves.

NCR Trekker’s group: The riches led by AJ, the squatters led by Lanz and the free spirits (Me, Migo & Liz) and all of us gathering together for the socials!

The night was peaceful with no rains but the fog covered the peak at 5 AM. It drizzled a bit as well stopping us to see the sunrise at the peak. We were afraid not to catch a clearing so we decided to bring our breakfast to the top while waiting.

Breakfast at the peak achieved while waiting for the clearing! Yayyyyy!

The adventures of Migo&Miga! Thanks to our photographer, Liz of litratoko.com!

Playing with the sun at the peak opposite the main peak of Kandungaw!

We broke camp and left Kandungaw around 9:30 AM just in time for a strong rain to fall. Unlike last November’s climb, we didn’t backtrack, we traversed to Badian led by an NCR member who’s a local in Maloray. After an almost 4 hours trek, 2 of which were under the rain, we arrived at Nanay Rosa’s house just 5 minutes away from Sohoton Elementary School. We left Nanay Rosas’ at half past 3 and were exhausted. Pressed for time, the planned side trip to Lambug Beach did not push through.

And continuing our goal, the sign ready to be posted at the shed on the peak’s shoulder. Lanz’s group owned the task!

The adventurers!!!

To end this post, we will be inviting everyone to participate in the National Cleanup Day wordwide led by PinoyMountaineer on June 4, 2016. A lot of groups in Cebu will be adopting a mountain. Don’t miss this opportunity to give back to nature. We will be adopting Mt. Babag on that day. It’s a day trek only. If you wanna join, drop me a comment below or see “Get Involve“.

Do more than appreciate the beauty around you. Don’t be a freeloader, take time to care and give back to Mother Nature. Book your calendar, June 4! Please pass the word to all adventurers. Let’s join our hands together!!!