mt. kapayas: a reminiscent of bukidnon

If there's one mountain in Cebu I would never get tired of suggesting to other people who are interested in hiking, it would be the glorious

Mt. Kapayas, also known as “Torre Peak” located in Catmon.

Uncrowded and unspoiled, it is celebrated for its rich flora and fauna.

I've been to a lot of mountains in the province since 2019, and up until now, Mt. Kapayas' panoramic view remains incomparable, at least in my own opinion. It is reminiscent of the breathtaking views of the famous Bukidnon.

Imagine this:

“ I am sitting at the peak, at the edge of the world, for 10 long minutes, gazing at the beautiful horizon while listening to “Araw-Araw” by Ben&Ben. Trying to prolong that fleeting moment. The mighty sun and I were staring at each other, wild clouds dancing in the sky, and a thousand mountains in perfect triangles geometrically patterned with no end. “

I know it's cliché, but it's those kinds of moments that I live for.

I've visited Catmon three times already—scaling Mt. Kapayas twice. On the third visit, we conducted an Outreach Program at the foot of the mountain in Sitio Lumanoy, Brgy. Cabangkaya.

Am I in love with it? Definitely yes.

Standing at a height of 783 meters above sea level, Mt. Kapayas is considered to be the second-highest peak in Cebu.

I commend the Local Government Unit of Catmon for doing an excellent job in protecting the mountain. As one of the key biodiversity areas in Cebu, it is necessary to hire a guide, secure a permit from the municipality, and register yourselves before climbing Mt. Kapayas.

The fees may seem pricey, but the experience is undoubtedly worth every penny.

The variety of its trails including grassland, forest, cliffs, uphill assault, and a challenging vertical rock climb, offers a truly unique and diverse hiking experience.

If you are new to this hobby, don't get hardly intimidated by its rock-climbing characteristic. With the right mindset and a fit body, there's no challenge you'll never conquer.

Starting from the Municipality of Catmon Hall, we will register in their directory of visitors for that day. This way, in case of unforeseen circumstances (hopefully not), the LGU can track the details of the hikers.

You will ride a motorcycle to the jump-off point, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. While there may be other trails, the most common and the one I prefer is in Sitio Lumanoy, Brgy. Cabangkaya.

The primary part of the trail is an open field. Wearing a cap, arm sleeves, sunscreen, and carrying plenty of water and energy drinks is highly recommended. You will be welcomed with smiles from the locals along the way, so be sure to smile back.

After battling the hot midday sun (which is often the case at the start of your hike), the second part involves entering the forest proper of Mt. Kapayas.

During this phase, take a stroll to discover what the mountain has to offer. Pay attention to the ground to avoid stepping on large millipedes along the trail. Take a moment to observe the various birds you may come across or have a close-up encounter with rare plants you've never seen before.

When you pass by a big rock wall, it's a sign that you are nearing the top. The last part of the trail, and perhaps the most talked about, involves a challenging 90-degree rock climb. You'll need to free your hands from anything because you'll be using both for better holding.

Exercise caution with each hold and step as the rocks in nature can be sharp. It's one of the highlight challenges in Mt. Kapayas and is something to look forward to.

This leap of faith is worth it. After a sweaty walk in the second part of the trail, finally feeling the excitement of reaching an open horizon at a height of 783 meters, with the strong fresh wind signaling that you are moments away from the peak is a matchless feeling.

I always say this.

Bukidnon vibes.

While I haven't visited Bukidnon myself yet, I've compared it to pictures online. The view of Mt. Kapayas is one for frames. The way it was naturally designed explains why nature is worth saving. Sure, skyscrapers and city lights have their own vibe, but this kind of wonder is unparalleled.

Mt. Kapayas promises a thrilling journey—one that is both friendly and challenging, catering to various adventure preferences. Beyond the hike, it beckons with additional activities and surprises that can enrich your itinerary and make your visit one for the books.

STARGAZING

I shot this using my phone and a tripod way back last November 2020, my first exploration of Mt. Kapayas. Just look at it. The magic of nature is right before your eyes. My love for the stars traverses in light years. It constantly reminds me of how tiny I am in this immense world. To always keep my feet on the ground. A gaze in this unfathomable sky makes me feel humble. The cosmos is staring and telling me its grandness. It makes me wonder about my infinity as well. That I am destined to do greater things like the universe itself.

CAVING

There's a secret cave lying below Mt. Kapayas for those seeking an obscure challenge. It's a short journey into the pitch black, but be cautious because it's not an easy one. A headlamp is essential, so make sure to secure it.

The cave entrance is small and may trigger claustrophobia. There's an eerie vibe, perhaps because it's not frequently visited by the public.

A great dose of adrenaline pump. Just ensure that every step, crawl, and hold lands in a safe spot.

CAMPING

A short distance above the guide's house, there lies a compact yet adequately spacious campsite. It provides an ideal spot for stargazing at night, enhanced by a backdrop of mountain ranges that contribute to a picturesque composition.

As dawn breaks, the harmonies of nature's sounds and the veils of morning fog will rouse you from your slumber, inviting you for a cup of coffee.

BATHING

Who wouldn't appreciate a revitalizing whole-body soak after a series of challenging hikes? In retrospect, Tinubdan Falls used to be a common side trip for hikers exploring Mt. Kapayas. Regrettably, since a tragic incident claimed lives in 2021, the falls have been closed to the public.

However, our guide has still something up his sleeves. There’s an untouched river meters away from the campsite where you can enjoy the refreshing cold waters for free! This is literally in the heart of the forest. This natural oasis is accessible on foot with no entrance fees or other unexpected charges.

Enter Carling Colipano Pautan, a local resident of Sitio Lumanoy. He serves as one of the official forest wardens of Mt. Kapayas, having undergone training facilitated by the LGU Catmon. It's worth noting that, in contrast to other municipalities I've visited, Catmon stands out for its commendable practice of employing trained guides.

Kuya Carling has been my go-to guide during my last three visits to the mountain—a guide who has evolved into a friend.

He possesses extensive knowledge of the trails, insects, and birds found in Mt. Kapayas, even knowing their scientific names. Besides being adept at capturing beautiful pictures, he is a humble man who offers top-notch hospitality and is also a skilled cook of Bisayang Manok! He embodies all the positive characteristics one could wish for in a guide.

If you wish to contact him directly, you can reach Kuya Carling through his Facebook account or contact him at 09317782040.

You can also get in touch with the President of the Association of Guides of Catmon, Mr. Kyno Lim Dumlao. He is an approachable individual willing to address all your inquiries about Mt. Kapayas.

Below is a sample itinerary for our Mt. Kapayas adventure, provided for your future reference:

DECEMBER 23, 2023

I’ve collaborated with a local outdoor and clothing brand named Sagawas.PH during their Christmas Sagawas Outreach. For this event, we selected Sitio Lumanoy as the beneficiary. We distributed 50 waterproof bags, each containing cookies and toys, to the gradeschoolers.

Engaging with the children, playing together, and sharing a meal with the locals was a heartwarming experience.

This initiative is my way of giving back to a community that has contributed to the joy and fulfillment I’ve found in my adventures on Mt. Kapayas.

I will be back.

This thought echoes in my mind, a mantra repeated during my last three visits.

The chance to connect with the locals on a personal level, sharing smiles and laughter, is a deeply human experience.

Mt. Kapayas has been etched in my heart not as a mere mountain anymore, but as a second home.

CARLING COLIPANO PAUTAN

KYNO LIM DUMLAO

SAGAWAS.PH