traversing Mt Hibuk2x

When I first visited Camiguin in 2007, I promised myself that I will climb the majestic Mt Hibuk-hibok on my next trip to this beautiful volcanic island. Finally, got the opportunity to fulfill  that promise during this backpacking trip in Mindanao.

The most famous among the seven volcanoes of Camiguin, Mt. Hibuk2x is an astounding beauty, towering silently over the capital town Mambajao and Catarman. Yet, it became famous because of its history of destruction. More than 3,000 were killed during its last eruption in 1951.

We started our day trek in the coastal barangay of Yumbing. Eventhough Hibuk2x altitude is only at 1,330 meters above sea level (masl), the trek started at almost zero masl. We passed agricultural lands and cogon areas before entering the low-land forest of Mt Carling, the adjacent volcanic cone. Saw these amazing fauna and flora – pygmy frog, greens and lovely flowers

After 4 hours, we reached the crater that caused the last deadly eruption. According to my guide Ronald, the crater is “technically” part of Mt Carling. Today the "killer" crater is a shallow lake of freshwater and rainwater. We saw two beautiful brahmy kite hovering lowly on the lake.

I can’t resist having a quick dip after a long trek hehehe.

Another 1 hour of steep climb before we reached the summit. Lots of pitcher plants, mossy trees and bonsai ferns along the trail (reminds me of another famous volcano… Mt Makiling) 

Fog engulfed the surrounding when we reached the summit,

but still fortunate to have a quick glimpse of the crater lake and the town of Mambajao

After a quick lunch, started the steep decent to Barangay Tagdo. Lot of loose rocks along the trail so the trek is a bit tricky.

After one and a half hours of trekking, we reached Ardent Hotspring Resort, a government-owned facility. Here one can can relax, take a dip on hot spring pools and grab a cold bottle of soda or beer.

A great day. Very happy also to meet fellow mountaineers during this amazing climb in one of the country's deadly volcanoes.

Mt Hibuk Hibok

Mambajao, Camiguin

05.05-06.12