mt. kang-irag: a well-known river trek in cebu

When I think of the Cebu Mountaineering Community, one name instantly comes to mind—the popular Mt. Kang-irag, also known as Budlaan Trail or Sirao Peak, located in Sirao, Cebu City.

I bet everyone who is into hiking and camping, whether a beginner or not, has this trail checked off on their bucket list here in Cebu. This is, by far, one of the most visited hiking spots in the city.

As a trivia, Mt. Kang-irag holds a special place in my heart, as it marks my first-ever mountain hiking and camping experience back in 2019. This adventure marked the beginning of a new era for me, sparked by a random invitation from my college classmates.

“It was a night trek; we commenced at 5:00 pm, and believe it or not, it turned out to be one of my longest nights, as we ventured into the abyss. We lost our way in the trail three times and reached the peak around 10:00 pm, late in the evening, feeling very hungry and exhausted. It was during this trek that I encountered peculiar yellow lights, similar to those of wolves’ eyes. The moon served as our only guiding light in this nocturnal journey. We didn't have our own headlamps; I was merely wearing an office backpack, highlighting my ignorance of the necessary preparations back then.”

It was fun and notable despite of the mishaps.

The rest was history.

Mt. Kang-irag, Circa 2019

Mt. Kang-irag stands at a height of 700 meters above sea level and it is still considered by many as a beginner trail. There are various routes with varied distances that you can choose from but I recommend two of the most preferred routes; a shorter 30 minutes to an hour ascend starting at the Ayala Heights also known as “Mt. Kang-irag Backdoor” and a more challenging course for about 3-4 hours of trek depending on your pace starting at the Gaisano Talamban also known as the the infamous “Budlaan Trail.”

If you want a great doze of adrenaline pump, then the Budlaan Trail would be your best choice. This will set forth the highs and lows of mountaineering. The challenging traverse of the 7-level Budlaan Falls, spider trail, panoramic view of the magic trees (self-dubbed) and a steep assault called “Judas Trail” will definitely seek you for more.

The entry point for the Budlaan Trail starts at the Jolibee in Talamban, just a few blocks away from the pathway of Sunny Hills Subdivision. It's an easily recognizable location as many hikers gather there. You will then need to take a motorcycle ride to reach Sitio Baugo, or Baugo Chapel, the jump-off point. Mention “Baugo” and the drivers would know of your drop-off point.

Gaisano Talamban - Assembly Area

So, hold your worries and second thoughts because whether you prefer going solo or joining a group to scale Mt. Kang-irag, the options are plenty. Various local hiking groups offer this trail every weekend. If you choose to go solo, that won't be a problem either, as you're sure to encounter numerous hikers along the way whom you can join.

An approximate 15-minute motorcycle ride will reach you the jump-off point. There are stores surrounding the area where you can buy refreshments, chocolates and snacks for the trail.

The first part of the trail is an easy mix of open, forests, and minimal cliffs setting forth the unexpected challenges ahead.

FIRST CHALLENGE: RIVER TREK

The river trail begins once you cross a wooden bridge. It is highly recommended to wear waterproof hiking shoes, but if you're on a budget, hiking sandals are also a viable option for this part of the trail, considering the costliness of waterproof shoes. After all, you wouldn't want your freshly washed rubber shoes to get wet, right?

Take each step carefully, as the stones vary in size, and most of them are quite slippery. This section serves as the base of the 7-level waterfalls of Budlaan Falls.

SECOND CHALLENGE: BUDLAAN FALLS

Budlaan Falls goes by several names such as Kabang Kalls, Kainsing Falls, or Tinisik-uwang Falls. It features a 7-level waterfall system, with the highest level reaching 15 meters. This part of the trail becomes a bit more challenging due to the natural complexities of a river. Slippery boulders become your main challenge, particularly during rainy weather.

So, here's a heads up: if you plan to tackle the river trail in Mt. Kang-irag, it's best to do it on a sunny day to spare yourself from the added challenge brought by the rain.

There are excellent spots along the Budlaan Falls where you can have lunch while indulging in the therapeutic sounds of the flowing water. You can also take a break, and refresh yourself by bathing in the rejuvenating waters, allowing the natural flow to bring a healing sensation to your tired feet and sweaty body.

THIRD CHALLENGE: SPIDER TRAIL

Following a series of watery challenges, the ultimate test in the Budlaan Falls adventure is the “Spider Trail”. This segment requires a short ascent using a rope as you exit the waterfalls section of the hike. Despite its brevity, don't underestimate the difficulty of this portion; it demands extra caution due to its inherent danger.

The name "Spider Trail" is fitting, as observers may draw parallels between climbers and spiders when seen from a distance. The ascent is steep, slippery, and reminiscent of scaling a wall, with cliffs on both sides and waterfalls cascading down. Approach this section with the utmost care and respect for its risky challenge.

If you successfully scaled the Spider Trail, give yourself a pat on the back because you are good to go for the remaining challenges of Mt. Kang-irag. It's a significant relief, considering I deem it the riskiest part of the entire Mt. Kang-irag adventure.

The trail following Budlaan Falls becomes dimly lit, surrounded by a canopy of trees. It's an opportunity to cool your bodies and refresh your minds in preparation for the upcoming open field section. Along the way, you'll come across a single house owned by Kuya Val. His humble home is welcoming to hikers, offering a place to take a quick rest and find some shade. You can also request coconut water, available at 40 Pesos each.

After passing Kuya’s House, a couple of meters ahead, you'll reach a community area, passing by a basketball court and a barbecue vendor. This spot serves as the primary location for hikers to enjoy their lunch. It is the final stop to rest, reenergize, and rejuvenate before tackling the last challenge of Mt. Kang-irag.

FINAL CHALLENGE: JUDAS TRAIL

This marks the final stretch to test your limits. While not inherently dangerous, most hikers hold great respect for this part due to its subtly steep incline, demanding steps, and the hot, open field with limited shade that genuinely challenges your endurance. Aptly named as the “Judas Trail”, it can be a bit of a traitor, luring you into thinking it's a walk in the park. However, trust me, traversing this trail will be far from a leisurely stroll, despite the panoramic views it offers.

Indeed, even though it goes by the name "Judas," this trail offers some of the most breathtaking views. Personally, I've dubbed a section of this trail as the "Magic Trees" because you'll encounter a series of extraordinary trees, creating an enchanting atmosphere as if you've been transported into a magical world.

The Judas Trail takes approximately thirty minutes to an hour to traverse, depending on your pace. At this point, pay attention to your body's signals. Take breaks as needed. You are just one step closer to reaching the peak.

MT KANG-IRAG PEAK

At the summit, you'll find a green plain ground, ideal for camping, offering picturesque views of Cebu City. This serves as a rewarding conclusion to challenging yourself with a series of water obstacles and endurance tests. The expansive area is perfect for team-building activities, picnics, playing games, and various leisure pursuits.

A caretaker is present, selling a variety of foods including snacks, condiments, canned goods, and beverages. Comfort rooms are available for your convenience. Additionally, for those without a tent, there are rooms and huts available for rent, providing an option for an overnight stay.

SIRAO PEAK

Sirao Peak, on the other hand, is another summit situated just above Mt. Kang-Irag camping grounds. Although, before its closure to the public, it served as an extension trail offering a higher vantage point for panoramic views of Cebu City. Unfortunately, it has since been privately closed.

FEES

Motorcycle to Jump-Off Point (Baugo Chapel) = 75 PHP

Campsite Dayhike Fee = 20 PHP

Campsite Overnight Fee = 75 PHP

DAYHIKE THERAPISTS

If you're eager to experience Mt. Kang-Irag but feeling hesitant due to lack of knowledge, consider joining the local hiking group in Cebu called "Dayhike Therapists." They regularly organize hikes on this trail. What sets this group apart is their commitment to "Hike for a Cause" activities, and the best part is that the donations required are quite affordable. Imagine not only enjoying a hike but also contributing to your community!

For additional details and upcoming "Hikes for a Cause", you can visit their Facebook page.

Mt. Kang-Irag has been embedded in the heart of the Cebu Mountaineering Community, becoming an integral part of every Cebuano hiker's history. I hope we can collectively work to preserve this precious gift of nature, sustaining its beauty for as long as possible. In doing so, we ensure that the future generations of hikers and mountaineering enthusiasts can continue to behold the captivating beauty of this experience.

DAYHIKE THERAPISTS