Hiking Route:
Rough road, concrete road, water falls, concrete stairs, forest trail, and bay walk -
rolled into one unforgettable experience.
By: Edsel E. Jeon
INTRODUCTION
When people think of hiking in Dipolog, destinations like Linabo Peak often come to mind. But what if the city itself—its streets, outskirts, hills, and mountain trails—could be combined into one long, scenic adventure?
This article features a 21-kilometer mixed-terrain hiking route that connects different parts of Dipolog, from areas within the city center to the quieter outskirts leading toward the mountains. Interestingly, while this is mainly a Dipolog route, technically, around 5 kilometers of the journey also pass through areas belonging to the Shrine City of Dapitan.
Take note: Photos in this article (as well as others) are partly edited for aesthetic purposes. The actual locations featured may or may not look exactly the same in real life. What’s important is… they exist. Chariz!
PUROK NANGKA: THE START OF THE TRAIL
The jump-off area for this adventure is at the border between Upper Turno and Gulayon. Purok Nangka, Barangay Lugdungan. If coming from Upper Turno, check the Yellow Line, if coming from Gulayon, check the Green Line.
BALINTAWAK AND ITS NOT-SO-HIDDEN WATER FALSE
From the highway, the first waterfall is around 500 meters away.
You’ll pass by residential houses until you reach the waterfalls. Be sure to ask for permission, as part of the area is private property—though the owner allows free access to the waterfalls.
The second waterfall, Busay Falls, is located less than 200 meters further. Be careful when scrambling or climbing over rocks in this area because there are many broken bottles around.
Random organic encounter. Chariz! Thank you technology.
Back to reality...
By the time you return to the highway, you should have already covered a total of around 5.5 kilometers.
Proceed to the 2nd Stop, Linabo School.
THE 2ND STOP... LOLA'S CANTEEN NEAR LINABO SCHOOL.
Continue hiking toward the parking area of Linabo Peak, then take the concrete stairs and stop once you reach this junction.
THE 3RD STOP. OWAON TRAIL.
Start by turning left toward Owaon and hike for approximately 2.5 kilometers. According to the GPS, Owaon Elementary School was around 11–12KM from this point of the route. I did not continue all the way since portions of the trail became unclear, although the base area was visible from above. It’s definitely something I plan to explore fully in the future—preferably when other hikers are around.
In my opinion, the Owaon Trail doesn’t offer many scenic views, and some sections are not yet well established. However, it’s a great option for a trail run.
Once you return near the Lola's Canteen, you should have completed approximately 11.5 kilometers of the route.
Go to the 4th Stop.
THE 4TH STOP. LINABO PEAK.
From there, proceed to Linabo Peak.
Then hike to the 5th Stop ( the exit. )
THE 5TH STOP. EXIT VIA LA SUERTE.
Exit Linabo Peak via La Suerte to complete
this section of the trail.
The final stretch is simple: hike toward the highway leading to Dicayas, continue to 7/11 Turno, and finally make your way to Food Hub at Dipolog Sunset Boulevard—where, after 21 kilometers of effort, you absolutely deserve a reward.
Mine?
A 1-liter refined-sugar-free whey isolate protein avocado-banana shake.
Thank you for reading this article.
Saranghae!
