Get high at Kandungaw Peak and sneak into Kandungaw Cave

The sun's up
So does our spirits;
There are these roads
Leading us to somewhere beautiful;

So we traveled far
To see more
To get no tangible things
Just pure bliss.

What’s fulfilling about climbing on to the ladder of success is by gaining control over those mishaps and perhaps. And to tell you, climbing some of the mountains of Cebu have taught me control on my decisions and actions. That is to know when to rest, to continue, to look for reinforcements, and to never quit.

During our climb at Kandungaw Peak, never did I thought I would doubt myself if I could continue. At first, I was very hepped up and felt so well. But maybe I have strained myself when I looked up to see how high and how far we still have to go. Nevertheless, I still managed to continue. All thanks to Him and to my Kandungaw buddies.

 

The Journey

From Cebu South Bus Terminal, we hopped in a Bato via Oslob Ceres bus for a travel time of more than three (3) hours. We alighted at 7-Eleven near the junction of Mantalongon, Dalaguete to prepare. For a round-trip motorcycle fare of 300 pesos each, we were transported to Barangay Maloray. Along the way, we passed by Mt. Talongon Sunflower Garden and Strawberry Farm. It was quite a long ride compared to Osmeña Peak. Cristal, who’s from Badian, asked Kuya driver if there’s a road that leads to Badian in which Kuya driver affirmed and pointed some routes. Roads were still under construction though, but sooner once it’s done then visitors would be able to go to Badian or Dalaguete faster as both towns are one of Cebu’s tourist spots.

Registration area

We reached at Kandungaw Peak’s registration area after almost an hour of habal-habal ride. Registration fee is 30 pesos. Climbers may request for a guide for a minimal fee depending on how much the climbers will give; however, when I asked the upon registering, we were told that the minimum guide fee is 200 pesos. We were also asked if we would like to go caving since beneath the peak was its cave. So we rented a flashlight for 20 pesos.

Then our climb began…

We were greeted by their stairs with a 190 steps if I remember it right. And we passed by some houses and a well where children were bathing and doing some laundry. It was a good sight though as it brings back good childhood memories. And don’t worry I am still fine during that. It was only until when we’re almost at the first resting area that I suddenly felt dizzy after looking up to the peak but with reinforcements and good company, I felt good again. So we took a rest and talked for a while with our guide. He told us about the mountain, the mishaps of other climbers he had guided before, the appearance and the community of monkeys that stole their crops, and how being a guide adds to their family’s income.

Alvin and Cristal on their first ascent.

After which, we again started climbing. Good thing that they placed ropes for us to hold on to. I think it’s best to have a guide as they know the area very well and they will tell the climbers how to climb especially when reaching to the mouth of the cave.

stalactites and stalagmites

We crawled and get mesmerized by the cave’s stalactites and stalagmites. “This cave is alive!”, I even exclaimed. I just happen to know it was because I have watched Kara David’s documentaries. 😁

Our guide also pointed on another hole but is narrower than the hole we entered into so we did not dared.

A little more climbing then we were at the peak! It was well-kept. There were resting areas too. And…it’s like a mini-park overlooking Dalaguete and other neighboring towns! The caretakers grew some flowers too. It was all nature. We heard the chirping of the birds, the cool breeze on our skin, the sun shining above us, and of course, the appearance of fogs even at noontime. Cellular sites are available too.

Resting area

Here are some of our photos…

Note: Most of which were captured by our guide (thanks to his photography skills).

#RaiseOurFlag shots

When we are about to descend, there came a personnel from their barangay. Our guide told us that a barangay staff frequently checks Kandungaw Peak which for me was a good idea. Our guide even told us that Kandungaw Peak guides receive trainings and seminars too.

On the way to camp site.

Resting area near the campsite

Our rocky shots at the camp site

The hills and Moalboal

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Buwis-buhay shots

 

Climbing Tips

Even when I almost fainted, I will still enumerate some climbing tips that I know all climbers know:

1. Fill your stomach before ascent. Food energizes us to climb.
2. Bring lots of water. It surely is important all through out the climb. During our descent, there was a little girl who was selling various refreshments since it was their summer vacation.
3. Bring stomach-fillers. Never forget to bring food for the climb but take your garbage with you or put it in their provided trash sacks.
4. Extra shirt(s). It surely is an all-sweat climb. Only our guide seemed dry even after ascent.
5. Sun protectors such as caps, jackets, and lotions with SPF count. But sometimes it’s good to have some sun though. It is also breezy atop the mountain.
6. Bring refreshing oils too. It did help me.
7. Lastly, never forget to thank Him and your company. You know, they’re with you.

Our descent was comfy since we took the stairs provided. It’s a 300 plus steps. Our guide told us that we were going to take it on our descent since it’ll be tiresome and too open to sunlight. But there were other climbers whom we meet during our descent who preferred the stairs.But it was good that Kandungaw Peak offers climbers a two-way climb.

And this #BEEautifulEncounters🐝  that starts well, ends well…

 

 

Yours in wander,

TheDiaryOfABee