Mount Aminduen (Alto Peak)

1,332m (4,370 ft)

The trail is about 14.6 km (9 mi) out and back. It takes an average of 4-6 hours to complete. However, most tourists opt for a two to three-day itinerary, taking the trail via Lake Janagdan and spending more time up the mountain for a more in-depth experience.

This trek is generally considered a moderately challenging trail, mainly because the trail is overgrown and the last stretch to summit the peak is very steep and requires a bit of climbing using a rope. Along the trail, the terrain consists of thick vegetation with a wide variety of flora and fauna, including wild strawberries. It can also be rocky and slippery as well, so caution is necessary. 

The trek can start from the tourist office on a tar road, which turns into a dirt road, but this part can be driven using a scooter or motorcycle as well. 

The dirt road becomes increasingly overgrown until it gets to a point where you have to get off the scooter and begin your walk. From there, it takes about two hours to reach what might have once been the base camp of Alto Peak, now just a flat area used as a campsite.

Usually, hikers spend the night here and start the proper trek the next morning. The terrain on this section consists of dense jungle, characteristic of major climbs in the region. The trail will take you under big fallen trees and rocks, and through thorny bush. It can be very slow going at times. 

Towards the summit, the ground gets very steep and you’ll have to use a rope to climb to the top. The incline here is between 60 and 90 degrees and is slippery. 

When you set foot on the summit of Mt Aminduen, you’ll find a beautifully framed view of the landscape below peaking through the branches of the surrounding vegetation. 

Some trekkers choose to spend another night at basecamp after descending, but there is enough time to descend and go back to the starting point on the same day as ascending if desired.

Alto Peak falls within a tropical rainforest climate, so it is muggy, hot and humid for most of the year. 

The average low temperature ranges from 16 ˚C to 18 ˚C (61 ˚F-64 ˚F) and the average high temperature ranges from 22 ˚C to 25 ˚C (72 ˚F-77 ˚F). The slightly cooler months are usually December to March, which also tends to be the least cloudy period of the year as well, sometimes extending to the end of April.

It’s rainy and overcast for much of the year, but there is a lower chance of rain in March, April and May.

Since this area does fall within a tropical climate, it can be very humid and often the peak is covered in thick fog. It is recommended to start the ascent of the summit section early in the morning from the campsite before clouds come in and block the view.

All weather factors considered, the best month of the year to climb Alto Peak, for clear skies, cooler temperatures and a lower chance of rain, is in March.

You’ll need a good pair of hiking boots, and long sleeves and pants if you want to avoid getting too scratched up. Gloves will be helpful for the rope climbing section but they are not a necessity. 

You’ll also need to take your camping equipment and a first aid kit to treat any scrapes.

There are no special facilities for this trail.

A guide is a must for this trail as it is very overgrown and attempting to do this climb alone could result in getting very lost. The final climb up to the summit can also be a bit perilous. 

Local guides can be found online and are also easily found at the base of the peak, the starting point of the trek. 

Alto Peak can be found in Eastern Visayas, Ormoc, Philippines. It is a 45-minute drive from Ormoc City (the capital city of the Ormoc province) and takes about 5.5-6 hours to get there from Cebu City. 

To get there from Cebu City you can catch the ferry shuttle bound for Ormoc City. From there you’ll need to hire some form of transportation and head towards Brgy/Barangay Cabintan, Ormoc City, which is the base of the peak. This is also where you will find local guides.

To get to the trailhead from Ormoc port, you can also walk from the port to Ormoc City terminal, and catch a jeepney or cab going towards Lake Danao. Just let the driver know that you want to be dropped off at the Alto Peak stop.

To get back you can take a jeepney, or multi-cab, or ride a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi).

The trail can be very slippery coming down so it is important to exercise caution. Also, beware of thorny plants and plants that make you itch. Take a first aid kit with you.