Indochina

Wow! I can't believe it's over. All those months of reading and planning, and the 7 days just really went on... really fast! No one really noticed. Or maybe it's because we are all too busy with our activities, only sleeping when traveling. It was a really tiring week, but I wouldn't trade it for anything! (okay, maybe I'll trade it if I had a similar future trip with a special someone! Hehe)

Summary of our Itinerary:
August 20:
1830 - meet up at NAIA 3
Because of the floods and the heavy rains for the last couple of days, some of us weren't able to come. Though at least they were able to rebook their flights the next day, though one wasn't able to. And so, we were 15 at the time.
Delayed for about 4 hours (which was nothing compared to those waiting the whole day and whose flight was in the morning)

Cost: 550 Terminal Fee + 1620 International Tax

August 21:
We were picked up by our rented van from the airport, who also provided us a free English-speaking tour guide. They have been waiting for us since 3 AM, and weren't really able to sleep.
Cost: 216 USD + 20 USD tip for driver and guide, good for 15 people

We weren't able to catch the sunrise at Black Virgin Mountain, and arrived there at around 9 AM. We spend about 2-3 hours there, then went to Cu Chi Tunnels where we spent another 2 hours.

Cost:
Entrance fee to Black Virgin Mountain - 12,000 VND
Shuttle to the cable cars (option to walk is possible) - 4000 VND
Cable Car + Toroggan Slide - 150000 VND
Cu Chi tunnel Entrance fee - 90000 VND

Our last stop for our rented van was to check-in at our hotel in Saigon in District 1, Mai Guesthouse.
since we were late in starting, we arrived at the hotel around 4 or 5 pm. Just enough time for us to get our money exchange, have some street foods, walk around for a bit, see the night market in Ben That Market, and have a bit of night life behind our hotel.

August 22:
We woke up early to do the walking tour. We walked to the Reunification Palace, could have visited the War Museum (but didn't), visited the Notre Dame Cathedral, and Post Office, saw the Opera House and ended the morning with lunch in Saigon Central, where we spent the rest of the afternoon shopping.
Unfortunately, no more energy left for clubbing. Especially since some of went to different places and got lost hehe

Cost (Accommodations): 177.02 USD for 4 twin rooms (good for 16 people though we were 17 all in all)

August 23:
We just rented another mini-bus to take us to Mac Boi border, because it's a bit of a hassle to walk to the bus station with all our belongings, and not everyone is very punctual...
Cost: 140 USD, good for 17 people with our luggages (We booked the previous day through Kim's Cafe near Sinh Tourist in a street near our hotel.)

When we got to the border, it was a bit of a hassle because there were several groups in front of us, cutting in our line. It was very distressing!! We spend an hour in the Vietnam border for this, the Cambodian border was more organized and friendly though we had to spend 1 USD each person for each border (without receipt so we don't really know what this part is for)
Cost: 2 USD/person

Our driver who was supposed to pick us up in Phnom Penh was nowhere to be seen, so we had to buy a sim card to call our guide, who would call our driver (who also cannot speak English).
Cost: 170 USD/bus for the transfer from border to Phnom Penh

Since we were really late, our restaurant where we are supposed to eat (at Friends Restaurant, which is number 8 or something in Trip Advisor) was already closed. Ralph (who came from Phuket) paid for our food, and we passed him and our food before going to the Killing Fields.
Cost: 50 USD/bus for the Phnom Penh city tour
Killing Fields entrance - 3 USD/person

We asked to be dropped off in Sisowath Quay, where we ate dinner at Happy Herb Pizza, took some night pictures by the Royal Palace (I think it was the Royal Palace), walked some more, and arrived in the Night Market by 10 PM, where we met up with our driver to go to Siem Reap
Cost: 230 USD/bus for transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

August 24:
Unfortunately, the wheels of our bus broke down. It was a good thing my friend remarked upon it with the driver, or else he wouldn't stop! And something might have happened. I was just dead asleep, I woke up several times but didn't bother to check. Anyway, because of this delay, we arrived in Siem Reap at around 530 AM.
We weren't able to set up properly for sunrise. Again. Huhu
Costs:
Angkor entrance fee: 20 USD
Tour Guide: 35 USD for the group
Angkor transportation: 75 USD for the group
Upgrade to 35-seat bus: 80 USD for the group

We had lunch at Green Star Restaurant, though I found the owner a bit um, unfriendly. I'm not sure if it's just a language barrier or what. Anyway, dinner was better at Joe to Go Restaurant.

Cost (hotel): USD 150 for 4 Angkor Palace rooms

August 25:
Pick up by the bus going to Aranyaprathet-Poivet border.
Cost: 150 USD for 18 people

Immigrations was fast enough, we spend 30-40 minutes because there was a lot of us. Anyway, we spend about an hour waiting for the 2 vans that we rented anyway.
Cost for 2 vans: 5200 THB for 2 vans (transfer from Aranyaprathet to Born Free Hostel, Banglamphu)
Unfortunately, because of the long wait that we had, we arrived in Bangkok at around 5 PM. Of course. Check in and fixed ourselves. Finalize our itinerary with Wasana.

There were those who wants to go to MBK so we took a taxi to go there. Some had a bit of a night life in Khao San Road.

August 26:
Pick up from the hotel by our private van to go to Kanchanaburi, supposedly by sunrise. Unfortunately, we got there around 630 PM. (Our driver stopped for breakfast, toinks!)
Cost: 4500 THB for one van
Sunrise over River Kwai Bridge - free
Elephant and Bamboo rafting - 250 THB (only!)/pax
Erawan Falls - 200 THB/pax

We had too much fun at the falls, and missed climbing so I guess we got a little carried away. We arrived in Bangkok by around 5 pm, too. We just went to Khao San Road, had some street food for dinner (or shopping depending on who you ask), and had some drinks (it was our last night after all).

August 27:
There were two general groups:
Pick up from the hotel by a private van to take them to Pattaya, for the bungy jumping. Then enjoy the rest of the day at Nong Nooch Garden, then drop them off at the airport by around 7 to 8 pm.
Cost:
Van - 3500 THB for one van
Bungy Jumping - 2100 THB (including video)
Nong Nooch Garden - round off 300 THB (discount care of hotels2thailand.com)

For the rest of us who didn't go to Pattaya, we spend the day shopping in Pratunam. I love it! :)
Airport transfer from KSR to Pratunam: 1200 THB/van

We had dinner at the food court (where we last ate, affordable compared to the food court above with food ranging to as low as 35 THB!) We checked in at the airport around 8:30 PM and found each other eventually.

And before you know it, it's
August 28:
0400 - arrived in DMIA, Clark, Pampanga

Back to reality...
I will try to write more details later on and put also pictures.

I just want to summarize our budget :)

Description	USD/Pax	USD/Group	Subtotal
HCM Airport - Blk Virgin - Cu Chi Tunnel - Mai Guesthouse + 20 USD tip	15.73	236.00
Black Virgin Mountain and Cu Chi Tunnel - Entrance + shuttle + cable car + slide	12.19	182.86
Sub Total (Day 1)			27.92
Mai Guesthouse - Std Twin	10.41	177.02
Ho Chi Minh to Mac Bai Border	8.24	140.00
Immigrations - 1 USD/border/person	2.00	34.00
Mac Bai Border to Phnom Penh	10.00	170.00
Sub Total (Day 3)			30.65
Phnom Penh Half-Day Tour	2.78	50.00
EK Memorial Killing Fields Entrance Fee	3.00	54.00
Cellphone	0.39	7.00
Green Star to Share	0.94	17.00
Angkor Wat	20.00	360.00
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap	12.78	230.00
Angkor Tour with sunrise-sunset	4.17	75.00
with tour guide (for 1 day)	1.94	35.00
SP to border; private	8.33	150.00
Angkor Spirit Palace	8.33	150.00
Upgrade to 35-seater bus	4.44	80.00
Western Union	1.17	21.00
Sub Total (Day 4-5)			68.28
Van Rental from border to BKK (converted to USD)	9.32	167.74
Sub Total (Day 5)			9.32
Van Rental from BKK to Kanchanaburi	321.43	4500
Elephant and Bamboo Rafting	250.00
Erawan Falls and Pha trat cave	200.00
Sub Total (Day 6) - THB			771.43
Van Rental from BKK to Pattaya to Airport	500.00	3500
Bungy jumping	2,100.00
Nong Nooch Garden	300.00
Sub Total (Day 7) - THB			2,900.00
Born Free Hostel (aircon)	400.00
Born Free Hostel (fan)	360.00
Airport transfer from BKK	109.09	1,200.00
Total (USD)	136.17	-

Basically, excluding the Kanchanaburi and Pattaya tours, our budget is around 140 USD :)

Davao Side Trips

After climbing Mt. Apo, it was a loooong line to the shower. So due to random picking up of names, I was part of the first half. We showered first, ate dinner afterwards. We ate in Jenny's Fried Chicken since we learned that it was dirt cheap and because of the picture we had on our way to Mt. Apo. Then we walked around for a while, inquired on the videoke. The rest of the group already showered by this time, and we again had dinner on Bulca Chong, where they served spicy bulalo. Yum! Then we went back to the videoke for one hour of singing despite our raspy voices from the coldness of Mt. Apo.

The next day, we woke up late at around 8 am. We had breakfast in Tapsi's, looked at a few souveneirs in a nearby shop. Due to the time constraint, JM and Sha weren't able to join our city tour. We rented a jeep to go around the city for about PhP 2000 to be able to tour Eden Nature Park, Philippine Eagle, Crocodile Farm, and the Zip Line, ending with a dinner in Jack's Ridge, supposedly. Good enough since there were 10-11 of us... If it pushed through! Unfortunately, since we were late in starting, and our driver got lost, we weren't able to go to Eden Nature Park and Crocodile Farm. Though we did bought some pomelo and durian along the way. Cesar needed to be at the airport because his flight was at 8 or 9 pm.

The day afterwards, we pushed through with the Davao River Tubing, which costs PhP 500/head for an unforgettable experience and bonding! We woke up around 5 am, to get a jeep or bus going to the town (tagalang matipid ang grupo namin! Haha); It was so early, because some of us had flights at lunch and at 2 pm. LJ woke up earlier because his flight was around 6 am. We ate at a local carinderia (cheap thrills!) while we wait for the river tubes to be prepared. Then, the adventure begins! It was a blast getting washed up over and over again haha It was definitely better than river rafting that's for sure! Though people also get more accidents in river tubing hehe We missed those people who didn't share this experience with us.

Once the river tubing ended, coach took a taxi straight to the airport though he was still wet hehe He made it to his flight on time! Hehe For those leaving at 2 pm, Leo, Marlon, and Victor, they were able to try Lyndon's Ribs for an eat-and-run lunch and headed straight to the airport. They barely made it (only able to check in because they used web-check in, but the check-in counter was already closed hehe).

I was the one next on line to go the airport, with my flight at around 9 pm. We did some souveneir shopping nearby, and tried to take a nap. But found it futile, so Rose and I just went in search of Lachi's, the famous dessert place in the area. We got lost because apparently, it was moved! I almost gave up, but eventually the tricycle driver we rode on the way back knew where it was, so yey, we made it! There was no time for dinner however, and by this time, both our cash funds are low and we need to withdraw! Hehe Their cheesecake also costs less than PhP 100, and I wanted to bring home some to my family, just like what I did in Bacolod. However, I realized that I'll be bringing home Dates and Walnuts Cake from my friend who was in Dumaguete at the time, too, so I just took 2 slices of cake. (I wanted more, but I'm getting fat! Haha) Anyway, I also made it to the airport on time.

Pictures to follow

Mt. Apo Climb

Majority of us arrived in Davao on November 7, 2012 on the first (and second) flight to Davao. There were 8 of us so we rented a van to go to downtown and check in at our dormitel in Green Windows along Mt. Apo street, near Davao Doctors Hospital. Since a lot of us were sleepless from the very early flight that we took, we basically had breakfast, slept while waiting for the others, shopped for supplies in the nearby Gaisano South mall, took a nap again, and had dinner in Barbecue Boss. (Yes, we could have done a Crocodile Farm tour or something but we didn’t… Maybe if we were a bit more organized!)

On our second day in Davao (Nov. 8), we woke up around 5 am, had breakfast in the dormitel at around 6 am, and was finally on our way to Digos around 7 am. We arrived in the Municipal Hall around 9 am, waited for our permits to be printed, and was finally at the Barangay Covered Courts at around 11:30 am. While Deo negotiated with the habal-habal, most of us went around the area, scouting for food! Hehe The habal-habal ride consists of two hikers/bike and a 30-to-45-minute dirt road to get to the jump off point. We had to walk amidst the beautiful plains for about 30 minutes before we reach another stop-over and had lunch.

At the Brgy Covered Courts

Backpackers United at the Drop-off Point of the Habal-Habals (Photo Credits: Victor Ayson)

via Kapatagan Trail (plains) with rows and rows of vegetable plants

Nice view (and cute puppies) while stopped-over for lunch (Photo Credits: JM Esmeralda)

Mt. Apo was, is really beautiful. From the plains, you could see views of hills, greens, organized crops together. Knowing it is possible my last climb, I tried to take everything in. I wanted to slow down, stop, and appreciate the little things: the plants lining our path, the cool fresh breeze, listening to the wind roaring and animal sounds in the forest. I appreciated every step that I have to endure, every ounce of strength that I mustered, every branch and tree that I hanged on to climb. Nope, I didn’t try to appreciate the muddy trails, especially where my shoe would go in. But I did feel for the sweat falling off my forehead and into my shirt, my pants, my shoes, and the trail. I didn’t even bother wiping them.

A Very Muddy Trail Indeed

Backpackers United at the Emergency Camp (which I forgot the official name)

Since we were late in starting our hike, we only reached the first camp, the E (for emergency) camp. The guides and porters discouraged us from continuing for another 2-3 hours of night trekking just to get to the Goody-Goody camp, which was the original plan. It was a good thing, too because the trail was technical, and second, there were another group of campers at the time.

On our third day (Nov. 9, 2012), it was a long hiking day. Since we were late, we woke up around 4 am, ate breakfast, break camp, and started hiking. And hiking. And hiking. In the forest, you would appreciate the technical routes of branches and trees, stones, leaves. I tried to appreciate the animals and birds, but I couldn’t find any... But I can listen to them sometimes. I appreciated the shades given by the canopies of the forest and the anti-slip hold given by the rocks.

Nearby water-source to our camp (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Parang sa Kanlaon trail lang, trees to go over... (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

... and trees to go under... (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Goody-Goody Camp (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

We reached the Goody-Goody camp around 8 am, where the other campers were eating breakfast and breaking camp. Deo was now pressuring us at this time to hurry our pace because there was another group of campers. So much for appreciating the plants and the trees and the route, right?

After the forest were the boulders. Since Mt. Apo is a volcano, there was a part full of many rocks that you have to climb. It was murderous because of the scorching sun. There was hardly any shade because the clouds were below us! Only the soothing wind was rewarding. I just had to stop for a while to appreciate its cool breeze. But then, the cold wind was also harder to breathe especially when one is carrying a heavy pack. I did feel my nostrils constrict because I have a cold, making it harder for me to breathe, especially once the air gets cooler. I can feel my heart beating fast because of the effort I had to endure.

End of the covered forest, and gasp, start of the scorching heat (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

With the sulfur coming out of the volcano (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Such a mesmerizing view while going up the boulders (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Pang inspiration picture ito. Melted by the scorching heat pero going up pa din (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

The rocks seem to go on forever... (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Since I wanted a slow pace, despite the urgent pressure coming from Deo, I just volunteered to be the sweeper. That plus, I was just feeling really sad and down on this second day of climb. It’s like unconsciously, I don’t want to reach the summit… yet. I was so glad in taking my time, going through my own pace. I really don’t want to hurry along. But on an ordinary day, I would have like the challenge of going through those rocks, despite the heat. I don’t know what’s wrong with me… or do I? I was just so slow that people were offering me water and chocolate, and the porter offered to carry my bag. Since I was a bit dizzy at the time with dimness of vision, I relented and gave him my bag. Despite that, I still had easy fatigability and occasional dimness of vision, so I was just going through my own pace, letting them all go ahead of me, as long as one of the porters stayed with me. (I diagnosed myself with syncope!) Eventually, the climbers from the other group overtook me… and I reached their sweeper hehe We talked for a while, and I realize that talking with locals and new people seemed to lift my spirits. I don’t know why. It’s like… I’m just sad with the other group. Why is that? I don't know why, I'm happy with them... right? But that will be further reflected upon in my other blog.

Finally reached Boracay at the endless mountain of boulders (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

"Yes, we're going to scale that um 80-degree wall behind us in 30 minutes" (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

 Anyway, on a less personal note, after the boulders, there was the place they called “Boracay” because of the sand. There was a big rock where we could rest and shade ourselves from the sun. By the time I arrived, the rest of the Backpackers United started the trek going through the almost 90 degrees. The other group of campers rested and had their lunch there. The sweeper team, consisted of Leo, Victor, Marlon, and me stayed for a while. Leo and I wanted to even sleep because it was so hot, and it was 1-2 hours away from the camp site anyway. I just wanted to trek when there’s no more sun. But there was a problem of lack of water supply at this time, because of the heat of the sun and the boulders. I wasn’t hungry, more of thirsty only, and just really sleepy. (Well, could be because of this deep sadness that I’m feeling.)

Fight! Kaya pala with less than 30 minutes i-assault eh! (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

 Eventually, around 1 pm, we started our trek going up the almost-90-degree wall. It took us less than 30 minutes, and when we reached the end, Lake Venado was waiting for us. We walked around, had our pictures taken. The rest of the BU was also up at the summit, waving down at us. Anyway, it was another 30 minutes of up trek going to the campsite, where they were already having lunch.

Nag mumuni-muni hehe (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

The Lake Venado (is this the old Crater?) after the assault, but it's not a potable water source
(Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

I wasn’t really hungry; I was just thirsty, dirty, and sleepy. So I changed clothes and slept, barely ate lunch and just drank. I woke up when there was a little drizzle, a little time before we had to hike to try for a sunset summit. Not everyone was into it, but since I had a mission, I just HAD to do it. We had to wear our raincoats over jackets and thermal wears and shirts, because it was cold, reaching about 12 degrees, if I remember correctly.

Our campsite (still early in the afternoon, why do we have to hurry through the boulders anyway??)
(Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Resting on top of the near-by bleacher-like bench hehe (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

We hiked to the summit, hoping for a view of the sunset. It was just hope, but it was successful! We had a glimpse! People were screaming whenever we get a clearing! Hehe We also had to remove our raincoats and jackets for pictorial purposes hehe But soon, it became dark and we had to go down. And from that glimpse, I knew I had my answer. Sigh… Anyway, we had dinner inside the tent. Hardly anyone wanted to drink, so we barely had socials. (Besides, everyone knew each other anyway.)

Sunset picture at the summit (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

When one of us went out the tent to pee, he commented on the stars. Some of us who were still awake (Rose, JM, coach, and me) stargazed for a while until we were freezing! They were just SOOOO many of them, so many bright stars! It would have been nice to sit somewhere, stargaze in silence, and reflect on life for a while. It was so beautiful, I could have cried if I was alone. I saw two shooting stars. And I knew it was another sign. My last night in the mountain was just perfect.

We woke up around 4 am, break camp, and went to the summit. There was a bit of a drizzle at this time, so I wasn’t in a hurry that there would be a clearing (and yes, I was again the sweeper by choice). Leo and I were the sweepers, but we didn’t go directly to the topmost area of the summit, where most of the BU where located. We went to the rock nearest the sunrise. Hence, when the sunrise appeared, Leo and I were in the pictures! Hehe That sunrise summit was so majestic I could have cried if I wasn’t shouting for happiness and excitement.  If I was alone. If I had my own thoughts only to ponder. But since there were a lot of us, and we were all excited and ecstatic, I just can’t cry! But it was a perfect sunrise! (That now, my eyes are getting misty reminiscing about that sunrise, writing about it.)

Yey, the sun made it through the clouds! :) Ecstatic and very good position for pictorials hehe
(Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Shh... Quiet... Mt Apo is talking to me here (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Backpackers United at the Sunrise of the Summit of My. Apo

At around 7 am, we eventually had to start going down. After all, there were the deadly boulders made murderous by the scorching sun. We don’t want to go through the deadly sun, right? (How I wish that we just traversed through the Kidapawan Trail. But my colleague said that Kidapawan was the easiest trail, so Kapatagal was still harder than Kidapawan.) We eventually stopped near the end of the boulders for breakfast.

Going down the steep wall, happy, hot, and covered in my white jacket. Time to take it off!
(Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Quick Picture in Boracay (Photo Credit: Leo Pineda)

Dahil kulang ng water, we used the berries on the trail as trail food and juice. Berry power! (Photo Credit: Victor Ayson)

Breakfast Amidst the Boulders. Ayun ako o... Nasa pinaka shadiest part ng picture na ito hehe (Photo Credit: Deo Calumba)

Back to the Kapatagan Trail (with Mt. Talomo, I think, behind) - Photo Credit: Victor Ayson

It was easier going downhill than uphill, obviously, as we were able to finish the route in one day. And by this time, I was more accepting about my fate, so I was also happier I think. (That’s how I fooled myself anyway.) We were listening to our own music portals and singing our hearts out while hiking! Hehe

We had lunch in the place where we had our lunch on the first day. Some played with the cute puppies there, while some played basketball, while yours truly sat, put my feet up, and tried to get some rest (failed because we just chatted)! Afterwards, it was another short walk to the jump-off point. It was another round of habal-habal to the barangay basketball court, and a jeepney ride back to Davao City.

Nope, this climb was not a blurry hazy memory or dream. It was a memorable climb.

Kapatagan Trail on a clear sunny day (The first day was rainy so it was cloudy) - Photo Credit: Victor Ayson

Negros Adventure: Part 1: Mt. Kanlaon Climb

Day 1: Preparation Day

Most of the Backpackers United (JM, Sha, Leo, Marlon, Victor, Nino, Ben, and me) had their flights from Tiger Airways, so we arrived in Bacolod and filled up a shuttle van to go to Lopue’s East mall for a fixed price of PhP 150. (It actually takes you up to Bacolod, still with a fixed price of PhP 150.)

L-R: Leo, Victor, Marlon, Sharlene, me, Ben, and Nino. (Photo credit to JM)

There, we met Deo, AJ, and Cesar. We did some last minute shopping and had dinner at Deo's aunt's house. Some were playing video games, some played basketball, while some like yours truly, slept. Most of us already know each other but we met our new climb mates from lloilo, Julius and Troy. After dinner, we met up with Nadz and Dwight, then proceeded to the Deo’s Uncle’s place to stay for the night. Trying to get some rest for the grueling hike ahead. An understatement. Really. I cannot sleep because of the possible insects regardless of the fact that I only had 2-4 hours of sleep for the past 3 days!

Day 2: Guintubdan Trail

The jeep was late in fetching us and we started our trek around 8, from the jump off point which was Guintubtan, about 800 meters above the city according to Julie's watch. We had breakfast of tuna pasta in the jump off point.

BU Challenges Mt. Kanlaon (L-R): Marlon, Sharlene, Cesar, me, Leo, Victor, Nino, AJ, Ben, Julius, Dwight, Troy, Nadz, Deo (Photo Credits to JM)

After an hour or so into the trail, we passed by the Ranchos Dos Waterfalls. Originally, we wanted to do a Wasay-Guintubdan Trail, but due to our numbers (according to Deo), we did the reverse. This was supposed to be where we're going to wash almost at the end of our trek. Since we were all pretty clean at this time, we just took photo ops.

We had lunch in a campsite where other campers were already settled. But there was no one about because they were assaulting at the time. We cook and ate lunch. It started the rain and drizzle, and people started water proofing themselves (aka putting on their rain coats, while I forgot to bring my own and instead put on a garbage bag under my dry fit shirt).

Stretching Time (okay, yeah, we stopped for stretching but it doesn't show on the pic) - Photo Credits: JM

Rocks aplenty. Rock climbing should be part of the training. - Photo Credits: JM

Ranchos Dos Waterfalls

Hurdling ourselves near the cooking area for some heat and shelter against the rain

What can I say about this trail? About today's trek? It was hard. A lot of fallen logs. A lot of logs to go under. Over. Trees to cross with cliffs on both side. The steepness of several slopes. Plus the rain. And the cold there after. Especially for me who failed to bring a raincoat. Haha But learning from Tapulao climb, I waterproof myself by the garbage bag method. Helpful against the cold. We had lunch of menudo in a campsite somewhere.

Water Source Aplenty
(Thus, you only need about 1 liter for hiking because you can continously refill it.)
Photo Credits to Nadz

And on the hike goes, more wind, rain, logs and mud. There was a point where I just want to stay for a while and sleep on the trail. But my climb-mates at the time were Cesar and Nino. I feel guilty for slowing us down and just offered to let them continue without me, while I sleep while waiting for the sweeper team. Nino continued on, but Cesar stayed with me. We talked and bonded for about 30 minutes, eating my trail food, eventually reaching sunset and the dark. It was also getting really cold, so I suggested we go ahead just to get warmed up. But when we shouted, apparently the sweeper team was already near, so we waited for them.

When you see this boundary, have hope. You only have less than an hour to the camp site.

Eventually, we reached our campsite after 30 min to 1 hr of night trekking. I was really cold at this time, I was so glad for some clean warm clothes. We had dinner of tinola, very appropriate for the very cold weather. We also had 2 to 3 rounds of alcohol for socials then slept... I slept very well, thank you very much! I should have savored that night of rest.

I was able to test the water proof socks and they work very well indeed :-) I was happy jumping on mud because I know that it won't seep through my feet hehe Though I may feel the cold and the squishy feeling when stepping on the mud, when I removed them at the end of the day, my feet were cool but dry! Cool!

Victor testing the water proof socks. It can hold water! (Taken in Casaroro Falls, Valencia, Dumaguete)

Day 3: The Assault, Crater, and the start of the Wasay Trail

We woke up around 5 to 6am, and we were hesitant to assault the summit because we didn't think there would be a clearing. We were right hehe but since we were there, we still did the assault. We passed by the kissing rock, where we were to kiss this rock for luck. I was doubtful of such a thing but they said that they all kissed it, so I also did Haha Then we put some rocks up in a sort of stone sculpture (or pile of rocks) after making a wish. The bigger the rock, the more likely it will come true hehe Really?

The Kissing Rock - Photo Credits: Dwight

The bigger the rock, the bigger probability of your wish coming true.

Backpackers United Conquers the Kanlaon Summit - Photo Credits: Dwight

It was so cold up there, that the temperature reading reached 13.4°C if I remember correctly. While we were talking, mists of water would condense in our eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. Afterwards, it’s like we took a bath, without really getting that wet.

After eating breakfast (luncheon meat), we fixed ourselves and head on out. It was a long day of trekking for us. 2 hours to get to the lunch stop near a lagoon, and another 6 hrs to the camp site via Wasay trail. We had pork adobo for lunch and sinigang na baboy for dinner.

Backpackers United at the Lagoon - Photo Credits: Dwight

If yesterday was hard, today's trek was hell! This is why this trail is also known as "Killing Me Softly". There were parts I couldn't lift my legs anymore. Or bend low enough for the fallen logs. Or slide beneath the logs. I cannot even bend my legs to sit while crawling down a steep slope. Instead of the usual downhill after the summit, there were several uphills then downhill, then uphill again. The sloping seems to reach 90 degrees! Sometimes, there were no trees to hold on to, or if there were trees, they were very bushy. When there was a “flat” land, there were many thorny bush and trees. It would have helped if our guide or porter had a bolo to cut these off.

Example of logs to go under while going down a cliff

Sloping uphills

And many sloping downhills

Hardly a trail can be seen - Photo Credits: Nadz

We had lunch near a clearing with a lagoon so we had some photo ops while waiting for the food to cook. Then 6 more hrs of trekking... It seems to be a blur hehe It became better once we reached the Avatar forest, where the trees were just… amazing. The tree formations and the moss covering them were cool. Seems to be like we’re really in the movie Avatar.

Some you have to really hold on to (aka the need for rock climbing practice)

Logs that you slide underneath (Photo from Nadz camera)

More branches to hold on to

Avatar Forest. Ganda ng weird tree formations - Photo Credits: Nadz' camera (pero sino ba ang kumuha?)

A glimpse of sunset. This is the best clearing that we could get because the mountain was really full of trees and shrubs.

Anyway, eventually after 1-2 hrs of night trekking with less rain today, we reached the camp site which was near a stream, I think. Then dinner. Then socials... Which was way fun-ner than yesterday. Maybe because we were more alive? Or had better sleep the night before? Anyway, we were more rowdy this time around. The girls’ tent was far, so we forced ourselves and all of us slept in one big tent. All 15 of us in 1 tent. Can be fun, but very crowdy. Hence… wasn't able to sleep much.

15 people inside one tent = crowdy + fun + body warmth - Photo Credits: Dwight

Day 4

Yey! Last day of our climb. That was the main thought in my mind!

Regardless, there were still several uphill and downhill as we cross different mountain (ranges) to reach Wasay. Though the second day was still the hardest. There were more downhill than uphill this time. Thank God for small miracles! Hehe There was also the problem of limatik sucking our blood especially during the first and last day of the climb (there were such miniscule problems on the second day because of the exercise we were having) but we weren’t that concerned because it doesn’t hurt really, just itch. And we have some salt to ward them off hehe

There was a part where we reached a stony road, apparently the road where PNOC trucks can enter. We thought it was the finish line, but false hopes! But we were so relieved for a moment, that we lay down on the dirty road for a while as in an accident happened and our bodies were thrown all over the road haha

After that rest stop, we once again went inside the forest and continued our downhill trek. Eventually, we reached a clearing with some cows and were told that there is only about 1-2 hours left! Whew! The trail was now an easy one, and we were able to trail run. The first half of group was already waiting for us for about an hour.

So eventually, we finished and reached the finish line. End of story hehe It seemed like a hazy dream... Or nightmare!  Though I'm so proud of myself for climbing Mt Kanlaon! Though we didn't see the crater, it was a really awesome climb with really good friends!

We once again went to Deo’s Uncle’s place where we washed up and fixed our things. Then we had dinner in Bacolod along Manukan Avenue in Nena Rosa, where Shee was already waiting for us. Then we had a taste of the Maskarra Festival where we went to the tourism office to ask for directions, tried some masks on, and took our picture.

Some of our climb-mates were leaving very early the next day, so we stayed in some street bar and had a few beer to celebrate a successful climb. (There were festivities because of the Maskarra Festival so it was still very loud.)

It was a really long night. After drinking until about 2 am, we split. Nino and Ben were going to walk around until 5:30 am where they would be picked up to go to the airport. Marlon, AJ, Dwight and Nadz also would go home tomorrow, but would sleep at Deo’s Uncle’s place for the remaining of the night. Deo stayed with them. And the rest? Extended Negros adventure including yours truly, Victor, Leo, JM, Sharlene, Cesar and Shee (who only arrived after the climb haha)