Mount Halcon (Mount Sialdang)

2,616 m (8583 ft)

It takes about 4 days to complete this trek comfortably; 2 days for the ascent and 2 for the descent. Alternatively, the descent can be squeezed into 1 very long day.

This is a difficult trek and should only be attempted by those who have trekking experience.  

Day 1:

The hike starts on a suspension bridge and makes its way through Lantuyan Mangyan Village. The village consists of local houses dotted around on the green hillside. The dirt trail goes uphill here for about an hour before entering the thick jungle.

The trail gets very steep in places where hikers are required to climb up slippery, muddy banks. At one point in the trek hikers will need to climb up a large makeshift wooden ladder. The terrain is particularly difficult after rain. The trail continues to have a steep incline as you progress through the jungle. 

There are multiple rivers, small waterfalls and streams along the way which hikers will need to cross.

Around lunchtime on day one, you should come to an open, flatter area, where the trees thin out a bit.  Two hours past this point you should exit the jungle and get your first glimpse of Mount Halcon and your surroundings. 

From here the trail turns downward and descends into a forest with everything covered in moss. The first campsite, Alpaya campsite, follows soon after this. It is an open flat area where you can pitch your tent. The second option is to continue trekking for another hour to Dulangan River and camp on the banks. 

Day 2:

On day 2 you’ll cross Dulangan River. When it rains this river can become too dangerous to cross. Be aware of this and check the weather forecast before planning your trek. 

From the river, you’ll start making your way to the summit. This stretch of the trek involves more steep, slippery and muddy climbing and scrambling. Between these sections, there are flatter bits as well as a few streams to cross. 

You should reach the second campsite, Karuwayan campsite, in the latter part of day 2. This campsite is the last place to get fresh drinking water before you return. From here it takes about 2-3 hours to get to the summit.

The ridge just before the summit is known as ‘Knife’s Edge’ and is particularly steep. You’ll reach the ridge after about an hour of trekking from Karuwayan campsite. Here the jungle thins out and you’ll be walking through short grass and low shrubbery.

From the summit, there is a truly spectacular view of the surrounding mountains on a clear day. On days when the clouds roll in, there is also an amazing ‘sea of clouds’ view. 

Day 3 & 4

The descent follows the same route back. It is steep, slippery and hard on the knees. it is important to be aware of your footing, as a misstep could mean a tumble.

The weather in this region is hot and humid for most of the year with an average temperature of around 33°C (91°F). 

The best time to visit the area is in the dry season between January and April when the temperatures are slightly cooler.

The rainy season is between late May and December.

Note that Mount Halcon is only open for climbing from February to the end of May to protect its forests. If you do decide to hike in the latter half of that period, beware of flash floods, which make the rivers along the trail too dangerous to cross.

Camping gear and decent hiking boots are essential for this trek. Hiking poles and gloves would be very helpful as there is a lot of uneven terrain, and climbing that involves grabbing onto branches to help pull yourself up steep sections. Leech socks are a must to avoid limatiks (blood leeches that inhabit many forests in the Philippines).

There are no special facilities on the trail, but there are two campsites and several streams along the way which provide potable drinking water. 

The last place where you can fill up your water bottle before the summit is at Karuwayan campsite, which you will get to in the second half of your day 2.

Guides are required by regulation for this trek and are absolutely necessary. You’ll also need to register for a permit and provide several documents to the authorities, including a mountaineering certificate, if you want to receive the permit to climb. Porters are recommended.

Mount Halcon is located on the Island of Mindoro, Southwest of Luzon Island in the Philippines. Mindoro Island is a one-hour flight or a 9-10 hour journey by road and sea from Manila.

You can reach the Island by flying via Manila and then on to San Jose Airport on Mindoro, or you can travel from Manila to Batangas City, which is on the Southwestern coast of Luzon, and from there catch a ferry across to Mindoro Island. The ferry usually takes about 2 hours from Batangas. The latter option will land you in a more convenient place for travelling to the mountain once on Mindoro Island.

Once on the Island, you can make your way to Baco (the closest town) by jeepney, tricycle, or hired vehicle.

Do not attempt the hike alone. There have been reports of fatalities due to people getting lost and being exposed to the elements with no help.
Expect to encounter blood leeches on your trek, and beware of altitude sickness.