Mount Malindang

2,183 m (7,162 ft)

The most typical route taken by trekkers up the North Peak of Mount Malindang is a three day, two night trail that goes via Lake Duminagat.

The terrain in Mount Malindang Range National Park consists of lush, rugged jungle. The trail up to North Peak is moderately challenging, with steep and slippery, muddy sections, mossy trees, river crossings and dense forest. 

The way to the start of the trek begins on a long winding dirt road, which is usually traversed using motorcycles or scooters. 

Once the real trekking begins you’ll find yourself surrounded by verdant jungle. The trail includes ferns, leeches, rocks and large mossy tree trunks laying in the trail. You’ll also cross a river or two. The rivers have a strong current, so take care, especially if it has rained recently before your hike. There are places where the incline is quite steep and slippery, so you may have to pull yourself up using branches or surrounding vegetation.  

You’ll stop at two established camps on the way as well as be rewarded with the beautiful Lake Duminagat.

At the summit you can usually (unless it’s cloudy) enjoy a view of Panguil Bay and the Piapayungan Mountain Range. You may even spy Mount Agad-Agad if it’s clear.

The weather in this area is typical of much of the rest of the Philippines – hot and oppressively humid year-round, with a distinct monsoon season. Temperatures average 26°C-29°C (79°F-84°F), with the minimum in a day being 22°C (72°F) and the maximum 35°C (95°F).

The monsoon season is between May and October and the rain steadily decreases over November and December.

The best time to attempt a climb within the park is from January to April, during the dry season. This period is also less cloudy, so you will have a better chance of a good view at the summit. December and January, particularly, have slightly cooler temperatures as well.

You’ll need leech socks and proper hiking boots for this trek, as well as camping gear for two nights on the trail. If you go with a tour agency they may provide the camping gear, so be sure to find out beforehand. Poles and gloves may be helpful for the slippery sections and places where you may have to climb over tree trunks or pull yourself up using branches.

There are two campsites along the way, both of which have water, and a restroom. The second camp has two wooden shelters and enough water for washing as well.

A guide is necessary for this trek. You’ll also need a permit, which may be easier to acquire through a tour operator. Porters are a matter of preference for this trek. If you can carry your own gear then a porter is not necessary. Do discuss with your guide though for they may be helpful to bring up some cooking equipment for your meals along the trail.

Mount Malindang can be found on the Philippine Island of Mindanao. To get there from Manila, it will take you a minimum of 2 hours by air and then at least a couple hours on the road after that.

It is a 1-hour flight from Cebu to Oroquieta City where you’ll need to secure your permit and then 1.5 hours by car to Concepcion which is the town closest to the starting point. You’ll need to get local transport for the second half of the journey, or book a tour that includes transport.

As this is a long trek through the jungle it is best to go in a group. Take a first aid kit equipped with treatment for leeches, scrapes and insect bites.