MT. MALINDANG'S NORTH PEAK:
Where Mystery, History, and Nature Meet
By: Edsel E. Jeon
INTRODUCTION:
I had heard about Mt. Malindang ever since I was a child, as it stood as the closest major mountain range from our hometown, Dipolog, the capital city of the province of Zamboanga del Norte. It's basically the “big mountain next door” that everyone knew but not everyone actually climbed it or saw it up close because, back then, getting there was practically an extremely challenging adventure on its own.
Thanks to the combined efforts of previous and current leaders, access to one of Mt. Malindang’s most popular routes—the Don Victoriano Chiongbian's North Peak Trail—has improved significantly over the years. What was once a challenging journey can now be completed in an average of 1 hour and 25 minutes by vehicle from Dipolog City.
How accessible is it?
Getting to the jump-off point is very easy and convenient. The road from Dipolog to Don Victoriano is wide and fully concrete, making the journey smooth and hassle-free. You can comfortably drive using a road bike or a mountain bike, especially if your legs are made for climbing hilly roads.
The best way to get there is by using a standard two-wheeled motorbike. No need for special vehicles or off-road skills—the accessibility of the area makes it friendly for almost anyone looking to start the adventure.
I originally chose Mt. Malindang as my first major hike in the Philippines, mainly because of its proximity to Dipolog City. The plan didn’t quite go as expected—the organizer had to cancel at the last minute.
So, Mt. Apo stepped in as the unexpected replacement.
The jump-off point for the North Peak is just about 52 kilometers from Dipolog, which makes it very accessible. Because of this, a day hike is usually the most preferred option for hikers coming from this side of the region.
However, there are currently no organizations in my hometown offering a day hike package to Mt. Malindang. Hence, I had no choice but to handle everything on my own.
, making it accessible even for independent hikers.Fortunately, securing the necessary permits to climb the North Peak is DIY-friendly
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT MT. MALINDANG
How to Secure a Permit for Mt. Malindang
(North Peak via Brgy. Lake Duminagat Trail)
Planning to hike Mt. Malindang’s North Peak? Great choice—but before you lace up your boots, choose your outfit... there’s one important climb you need to conquer first: the paperwork.
1. Start Early—Like, Really Early
First things first, contact For. Billy Jay R. Villaganes to check if your preferred hiking date is available.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until the last minute. It’s highly recommended to process your request at least 3 weeks in advance. There are usually a lot of applicants, and the required Army clearance can take time—especially if your group is big.
2. Prepare Your Requirements
Once your schedule is confirmed, start gathering your documents. You’ll need:
- A complete list of hikers
- Valid IDs (must include an address)
- Note: PRC IDs are not accepted since they don’t show an address
- Contact numbers
- Social media accounts (yes, they will check—so behave. lol! )
3. Write a Letter of Intent
You’ll also need to submit a Letter of Intent, which you can coordinate directly with For. Billy Jay. Keep it formal, clear, and complete. Attach #2 requirements with the letter. ( Online )
4. Send the documents via email.
5. Wait for Approval/Confirmation.
6. Pay the Required Fees
Here’s a breakdown of the costs (as of now):
- DENR Permit Fee: ₱280 (Adults) / ₱265 (Students)
- Guide Fee: ₱1,000 per 5 hikers
- Barangay Environmental Fee: ₱20
- LGU Fee: ₱200
- Porter Fee: No standard rate yet. ( According to beauty. Chariz! )
Some fees can be paid online—but not all.
- DENR application and fees can be processed online
- The LGU fee must be paid in person at the Municipal Office of Don Victoriano Chiongbian. If you’re coming from outside Dipolog, this step can be a bit of a challenge and may require extra time and planning. Hopefully, in the future, the LGU can implement an online payment option to make the process more convenient for everyone.
Consider it part of the adventure as there are many beautiful places to visit along the way. FYI, Don Victoriano is known as the Most Scenic Municipality in Misamis Occidental.
Need something convincing?
The Piduan " Curtain " Falls is located near the Municipal Office.
7. Print all the documents emailed to you by the DENR and submit to Don Victoriano Chiongbian Municipal Office
- Photocopies of the DENR Permit and Army Clearance
- Final list of participants
- Valid IDs
- Addresses
- Contact numbers
- Social media accounts
8. Once you get the Municipal Permit, submit a copy of the same documents listed above to the Chief of PNP, Don Victoriano. ( less than 100m from the Municipal Hall )
This step is required for background checking. Mt. Malindang isn’t just protected—it’s taken seriously.
Here’s where it gets interesting.
The Chief of Police of Don Victoriano, PCPT. Al-Rhafat I. Sapie, will personally call participants for a short phone interview. The group representative who submits the documents will also be interviewed.
9. Wait for the background check. Don’t worry—it’s not a job interview. Just answer honestly and clearly.
I also spent more than 30 minutes on the phone with the Chief. During our conversation, he personally shared the reasons behind his decision to conduct individual checks on participants. For him, it was all about ensuring the safety of the hikers and maintaining the good image of Don Victoriano as a whole—something he clearly takes seriously.
What really stood out was how proactive Chief Sapie was in promoting the tourism of Don Victoriano. And honestly, he had every reason to be—because the place has so much to offer. He also shared valuable insights about the climb to the North Peak, which made our activity more structured, enjoyable, and above all, safe. You could tell he wasn’t just merely “approving” our request—he was actively making sure it would be a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
10. Bring all the documents issued and present it to the Barangay Captain of Barangay Lake Duminagat or to the staff assigned at the jump off area on the day of your schedule.
OTHER UNIQUE FEATURES OF MT. MALINDANG
Yes, despite just being roughly 7KM ( via concrete road ) away from the North Peak jump-off area—and technically not requiring entry into the Mt. Malindang forest—a valid permit from the DENR and clearance from the Army are still required.
An LGU permit is not needed for this part of the visit. However, visitors are required to register their names at the Battalion Command Post located at the base of the lake upon arrival. A guide is also not required, as the road leading to the area is already nearly completed, with only around 800 meters left to be concreted.
It is also important to note that vehicles cannot go all the way to the lake itself. There is a designated parking area located roughly more than a kilometer away from the base, and visitors will need to walk the remaining distance to reach Lake Duminagat.
The weather in Lake Duminagat and Mt. Malindang can change rapidly—shifting from sunny conditions to thick fog, and often to rain within a short span of time.
Above all, one of the most important things to remember is that Lake Duminagat is considered a sacred place by the Subanen people. For those who want to better understand its history—particularly how the lake was discovered by Subanen ancestors—you may visit Hon. Elias Macalib-og Alayaay Sr., the Barangay Captain of Lake Duminagat, who resides right at the base of the lake, just in front of the registration area during your trip.
Visitors are expected to follow all rules and respect the cultural and environmental significance of the area at all times.
Translation:
- No foolish, disruptive, or disrespectful behavior in the lake.
- Bikinis are not allowed.
- No eating, drinking, or smoking around the lake (Linaw) area.
- No hiking or wandering around the lake area.
- Do not use the bamboo raft without assistance from authorized staff.
- No flying of drones without permission.
- No spitting or urinating in the water.
If you’re wondering what happens to visitors who disobey the rules and regulations—especially those concerning Mt. Malindang and Lake Duminagat—it’s best to understand the deeper context behind them first. These are not just ordinary natural sites; for the locals, Lake Duminagat is more than a place of nature—it is a sacred wonder, believed to be guarded and respected by entities from another realm.
Rather than relying on hearsay or assumptions, it is best to hear the stories and answers directly from Kapitan Elias himself. He is the best person to explain not just the rules, but the meaning and beliefs behind them, which gives the place a whole different level of depth and respect.
Barangay Lake Duminagat, where the jump-off point for the North Peak Trail is located, has a cool climate. Temperatures can drop to around 22°C even during the daytime, with even lower temperatures commonly experienced at night and during the rainy season.
In relation to the rainy season, hikers should expect the trail to become significantly more challenging as sections can become slippery, muddy, and more difficult to navigate.
Another well-known feature of the Don Victoriano trail is the presence of leeches, especially during wetter months. As such, the chances of finding one attached to your clothing or body are considerably higher compared to many other hiking destinations in the region.
Leeches in Mt. Malindang are surprisingly tiny.
In fact, they can be so small that you may not immediately notice them until you start feeling a slight discomfort or happen to spot one attached to your skin during a quick inspection.
Fortunately, they are generally more annoying than dangerous, although finding one feasting on your leg can still be an unpleasant surprise for first-time visitors.
Here's a sample of a leech thoroughly enjoying its stay on a hiker's leg.
The North Peak is estimated to stand at around 2,183 meters above sea level (MASL).
Take note, however, that the NET ELEVATION GAIN when you reach the peak is around 606M.
Why?
This is because the Multi-Purpose Gym of Barangay Lake Duminagat is already situated at around 1,400 MASL, meaning hikers begin the ascent at a relatively high elevation.
Despite the relatively modest elevation gain, the North Peak Trail remains physically demanding. The route features several steep and sustained ascents, making it vertically challenging and difficult to complete at a much faster pace, even for experienced hikers.
GETTING THERE
Important:
From Dipolog City, travel 21KM to Piñan intersection and turn RIGHT to Mutia.
Continue straight for 2KM and you will reach Barangay Lake Duminagat Multiu-Purpose Gym. the base camp and jump-off area of the Don Victoriano Trail to the North Peak of Mt. Malindang.
Barangay Alvenda in Mutia, Zamboanga del Norte sits near the boundary leading toward Barangay Mansawan in Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Occidental.
Just before exiting Barangay Alvenda, you will find Cecilia’s Plate on the right side of the road. They serve delicious meals and it’s a highly recommended stop for hikers or travelers to have a proper meal or take-out, especially since there are currently no eateries available near the jump-off area.
To be very straightforward, there are currently no available hostels, pension houses, or homestays within a 5KM radius of the jump-off area.
There might be locals who will offer a place to stay, but you will need to ask around personally since there is no reliable network coverage in the area—so expect a bit of old-school “word of mouth” coordination.
For hikers coming from outside Dipolog and nearby areas, the main option is to camp inside the Barangay Lake Duminagat Multi-Purpose Gym which serves as the designated accommodation area.
Take note, however, that camping at the jump-off ( the gym ) area the night before your scheduled climb is only allowed if you have secured a 2-day permit for the activity.
If you applied for a day hike permit, you are generally expected to proceed directly to the jump-off area on the day of your climb.
Technically, the North Peak Don Victoriano Trail is designed primarily as a day hike activity since overnight camping is not permitted within Mt. Malindang itself. And by WITHIN, I mean inside the protected forest and hiking areas.
Fortunately, hikers from far regions with a 2-day permit are allowed to camp at the designated jump-off area before their scheduled climb, providing at least a chance to experience other natural wonders of Don Victorianio—without violating the regulations that help protect the Mt. Malindang's fragile ecosystem.
Camping is only permitted for the Main Peak or Mt. Malindang Peak Trail, as completing the route typically requires three to four days.
It is important to note that the Main Peak is only open for climbing once every quarter, equivalent to just four climbing windows per year. Unlike the North Peak and South Peak trails, only a limited number of hikers are allowed to summit during each scheduled climb.
For 2026, all available slots have already been reserved. Those interested in climbing the Main Peak may inquire about 2027 schedules as early as now or coordinate with established organizers to make the application and permit process much easier.
As permit regulations may change from time to time, it is always best to confirm the latest guidelines with the appropriate authorities before finalizing your itinerary.
BUT wait... if you have access to a private vehicle, there is a more comfortable alternative. A place called Adonai “Viewkid” Ecofarm and Foodhouse sits on the left side of the road, less than 1KM from the Mt. Malindang National Park Range Arch. It is easy to spot and serves as a convenient stop before or after the climb.
FB: (20+) Adonai Viewkid Eco Farm | Facebook
They serve meals and also offer basic accommodation options, including tents and a room for rent.
Fees are as follows:
- Tent (overnight for 2): ₱200
- Bring your own tent: ₱100
- Room (overnight for 2): ₱500 - they only have one available cabin
I bought a tent last May after signing up to join a group from Davao City for a climb to Mount Malindang. As mentioned earlier, the activity did not materialize, leaving the tent without a purpose at that time.
I decided to finally use the tent this time for two major reasons:
First, it would allow me to stay close to the jump-off area and avoid waking up extremely early just to drive 52 kilometers before the hike. Adonai ViewKid is around 5-6KM away from Barangay Lake Duminagat.
Second, for content. Lol!
Actually, I rented the only cabin available and reserved a camping spot for my tent at the same time. The idea was simple: I wanted to at least try setting up the tent by myself and become familiar with the equipment that had been sitting unused since I bought it.
The plan was simple: at the very least, I wanted to practice setting up the tent by myself and become familiar with the equipment that had been sitting unused since I bought it.
And who knows? If I felt adventurous enough, I could spend the night in the tent and finally experience camping for real. If not, I still had the cabin as a backup accommodation in case I changed my mind halfway through the evening.
It was the perfect compromise: I could experiment with camping without fully committing to it, while still having the comfort of a proper roof waiting for me just a few steps away. After all, there is a huge difference between saying, "I own a tent," and actually knowing how to use one.
Here's the actual video of me trying my best to look like I knew what I was doing while setting up the tent.
Adonai ViewKid also offers a selection of homemade dishes.
Among my favorites were their hearty Chicken Lomi, their provincial-style fried chicken—prepared without artificial powder coatings yet still remarkably crispy and flavorful—and a comforting cup of native sikwate (hot chocolate), perfect for the cool mountain weather.
Other things worth noting about Adonai ViewKid:
- Strong Wi-Fi Connection – The property has reliable internet access through Starlink. However, since the facility primarily relies on solar power, guests may need to contribute an additional amount for generator fuel during extended periods of cloudy or rainy weather when the Starlink system needs to be powered by a genset.
- Paragliding Activities – For those looking for an extra dose of adventure, paragliding activities are also available in the area.
- Big parking Space – Visitors arriving by private vehicle will appreciate the availability of parking spaces within the property.
- Warm and Accommodating Service – Most importantly, the staff and management are always delighted to serve their guests, making visitors feel welcome throughout their stay.
I previously met with a Barangay councilor and one of the guides 2 days before our schedule and I specifically requested that we start the activity at 5AM for the assembly and orientation.
I woke up at around 2:00 AM, completed my usual routine, and was ready by 3:20 AM. Of course, before heading to the jump-off area, I had to take a photo with my for-content-purposes-only tent.
I arrived at the Multi-Purpose Gym at around 4:00 AM together with three other hikers. A white mini-van was already parked along the road, and two of its passengers introduced themselves as fellow participants. The rest of the hikers gradually arrived, and the group was finally complete at around 5:15 AM.
While everyone gathered around the small table serving free coffee...
I found myself occupied with a more pressing concern—locating one of the most essential components of the activity: the local guides. Not a single one was present... yet.
Eventually, I had to ask a local resident who was on his way to the farm to relay a message to at least one guide informing them that the hikers had already arrived. Since cellular signal in the area was not available, the guides primarily communicated through handheld radios.
Technically, we were only required to hire four local guides since only 18 of the original 23 registered participants confirmed their attendance. However, the group decided to engage six guides in total, with the additional guides assigned as sweepers to ensure that no hiker would be left unattended along the trail.
One by one, the guides started to arrive until all six were finally present by 5:50 AM.
But before we could begin the hike, I first had to meet with the representative from the Army Command Post to complete the pre-climb protocols.
This is a crucial part of the activity because they normally conduct a brief interview regarding the nature of the climb. They will ask whether the activity is purely for hiking or if there are additional objectives involved. The process is straightforward—you just need to be clear and honest with your answers.
Another important requirement is the confirmation of attendance based on the official list of registered participants. The authorities keep track of the number of hikers entering the trail and will later verify that the same number of hikers safely return to the jump-off area.
They also require information about the vehicles used by the group, including the number and type of vehicles present. This information is cross-checked once the activity is completed to ensure that everyone who entered the area has safely left.
Lastly, they may request access to photos related to the activity or ask for your social media accounts where the hike will be documented. These measures are part of the monitoring and security procedures implemented within the Mt. Malindang area.
Once all the formalities were completed and the guides were accounted for, we were finally ready to begin our journey to North Peak at 6:05AM.
The activity officially began with a prayer. Afterward, I asked a representative from the local guides to conduct the orientation covering the rules, regulations, and important reminders for the hike.
Once the guide's briefing was completed, I also shared a few reminders of my own and discussed our plans and expectations for the activity with the group. Since many of the participants were meeting each other for the first time, it was also a good opportunity to make sure that everyone was on the same page before heading into the trail.
With the orientation completed, the attendance confirmed, and all pre-climb protocols checked, we were finally ready to begin our journey to North Peak.
THE PLAN
In my opinion, the North Peak Trail is still in its early stages of developing a system that is both convenient for visitors and efficient for the people managing the climb.
Yes, you can find plenty of photos online of hikers who have successfully reached the North Peak. However, finding reliable and detailed information about the trail itself is surprisingly difficult.
Information such as the actual terrain, exact distance, significant landmarks, permit requirements, guide coordination procedures, transportation options, and other essential planning details is either scattered across different sources or simply unavailable online.
Aside from its well-known mossy forest, most of the practical information needed to properly prepare for a hike to the North Peak of Mt. Malindang was virtually nonexistent.
One interesting observation is that the guides typically describe the hike in terms of time rather than distance. According to one of them, the fastest recorded ascent from the jump-off area to the North Peak took approximately three hours, while the entire out-and-back trail was completed in less than six hours.
Since we opted for the loop trail, we had to make our own projections regarding the expected hiking time and overall difficulty. Rather than relying solely on the guides' estimates, we based our calculations on the actual shape and terrain profile of the mountain.
Given the additional distance and elevation changes involved in the loop trail, we anticipated that the hike would require more time compared to the regular North Peak out-and-back itinerary. As with most mountain activities, the final duration would ultimately depend on the group's pace, weather conditions, and the number of stops made along the way for rest, photography, and documentation.
Since it was our first time hiking Mt. Malindang via the Don Victoriano Trail, I decided to adopt a more organized approach. I divided the participants into one Lead Pack and three Regular Groups to better manage pacing, safety, and overall trail logistics.
This setup allowed stronger and faster hikers to maintain their preferred pace while ensuring that everyone else could enjoy the hike comfortably without feeling pressured to keep up with the lead group.
The pacing guides shown below were based primarily on the guides' subjective estimates of the trail conditions and hiking times, as well as the approximate distance measurements from google.
The ultimate goal was for everyone to finish the hike safely and happy before 3PM, with 4PM being the latest.
THE ACTUAL HIKE
I joined the Lead Pack together with four other hikers, one Lead Guide, and one Sweeper Guide.
Before we started, I specifically requested the following:
- Maintain a pace of approximately 35–37 minutes per kilometer—or faster—on flatter and less technical sections of the trail.
- Observe mandatory 2–3 minute breaks every 45 minutes for hydration, snacks, stretching, and recovery, or earlier whenever a member of the group felt the need to rest.
- Use the most scenic route available and identify notable landmarks along the way so that I could properly document the trail and eventually create a more detailed map of the North Peak Loop Trail.
My goal was not simply to reach the summit as safely and quickly as possible. Since reliable information about the route was limited, I wanted to gather as much data as I could—from the difficulty level, landmarks and terrain features to pacing estimates and navigation points—that could help future hikers better understand what to expect from the trail.
THE ASCENT TO THE NORTH PEAK
The first part of the hike consisted of a combination of concrete roads, stream crossings, and muddy pathways. In terms of effort, I would estimate that the opening section was about 85% aerobic, allowing the group to maintain a comfortable but steady pace.
We were already at KM 1.55 when the Lead Guide suddenly instructed us to stop. According to him, we had reached an intersection, and he wanted us to wait for the rest of the hikers to arrive to ensure that nobody accidentally took the wrong trail.
I reminded him that we were only 28 minutes into the hike and that our agreed plan was to take a mandatory snack, hydration, and rest break every 45 minutes. In other words, our first scheduled stop was still about 17 minutes away. Despite this, he insisted that we wait because of the intersection.
About ten minutes later, four more hikers arrived. Interestingly, they asked the exact same question:
"Why did we stop?"
At that point, I had to emphasize the reason we divided the participants into separate groups in the first place. We had a Lead Pack and a Regular Group specifically so that each group could move according to its own pace and objectives.
I explained to the guide that unless he was the only person familiar with the intersection, there was no practical reason for the Lead Pack to wait. After all, four other local guides were assigned to assist the Regular Groups.
After a brief discussion, the Lead Guide finally agreed to continue—but not before asking everyone present:
"From here on, it will be mostly assault going to the North Peak. For those who want to back out, back out now because there's no turning back once we enter the forest. So, who wants to back out?"
This hike was organized as a purely invitational activity—friends and friends of friends. There was technically no official organizer or group leader, although I somehow ended up performing much of that role during the planning and execution of the climb.
So... I reminded the guide that none of us had ever been on this trail before. We did not have measurable data regarding the terrain, distance, pacing, or difficulty. Therefore, asking participants to decide whether to continue or back out at that specific point was somewhat premature. The only way we could truly assess the challenge was by experiencing the trail firsthand.
I also pointed out that the reason we hired two additional local guides was precisely to provide flexibility. If one or more hikers decided to discontinue later in the hike, the rest of the participants would not be forced to stop because of guide-to-hiker ratio limitations.
And so, we finally continued.
To our surprise, the five hikers in the Lead Pack reached the North Peak of Mt. Malindang in just 1 hour and 56 minutes, and that already included time spent taking photos and selfies along the way.
That placed us approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes ahead of our projected summit schedule.
The measured distance from the jump-off area to North Peak was approximately 3.60 kilometers.
Based on my personal assessment, I would rate the ascent at around 4 to 4.5 out of 9 in terms of difficulty.
I am still relatively new to hiking, but I have participated in endurance sports for many years. More than simply reaching the summit, my objective was to gather measurable information that could help describe what future hikers can realistically expect when climbing North Peak via the Don Victoriano Trail.
The group decided to have brunch at the summit, and I used the opportunity to discuss with our guides how guides in more established hiking destinations typically perform their roles and manage hiking groups. (Of course, I prepared lunch and snack packs for them too.)
I sensed a slight level of disagreement—and that was understandable. As mentioned earlier, the North Peak Trail is still evolving in terms of organization and standard operating procedures. Developing a system that works well for both hikers, guides and all other agencies take time.
Soon after, five additional hikers reached the summit.
Three participants from the Regular Group, having assessed that the climb was manageable, asked if they could join the Lead Pack for the descent. The guide agreed, and we began making our way down.
Interestingly, the descent route was approximately one kilometer longer than the ascent route. Despite being downhill, it proved significantly more difficult. 5-5.5/9 overall.
Around 90% of the trail during descent consisted of muddy and slippery pathways, with overgrown vegetation, fallen branches, and sections that required crawling under or climbing over obstacles. To make matters even more interesting, this part of the trail was also known for having a healthy population of leeches.
The descent took the Lead Pack approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete.
After 4 hours and 7 minutes, the Lead Pack hikers finally emerged from the forest and returned to the main road.
We continued walking for another eight minutes before safely arriving back at the jump-off area.
In total, we completed the North Peak / "7-Mountain" Loop Trail in 4 hours and 15 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 8.28 kilometers.
THE MAP
The route was originally supposed to be called the Mt. Malindang North Peak – DonVic Trail Loop.
The term "7-Mountain" Loop Trail only entered the conversation after we had already made it back to the main road. That's when the Lead Guide pointed toward seven specific sections of the mountain and casually informed us that we had supposedly "passed" all of them during the hike. 😅
Had he mentioned that little detail earlier, those seven key points would have definitely found their way into the trail map and documentation.
As someone who enjoys collecting route data and identifying landmarks, it was both amusing and slightly frustrating to learn about the existence of these "seven mountains" only after the hike was already over. Still, it added another interesting layer to the story of the trail and gave us a better understanding of why some locals have started referring to the route as the "7-Mountain" Loop Trail.
The North Peak via Don Victoriano Trail is one of those hikes where my actual level of effort did not quite match what I had been led to expect.
To be specific, I found the climb easier than anticipated. That is not meant as a brag, nor is it an attempt to downplay the experience of others; it is simply my honest observation based on my own fitness level, pacing, and overall hiking experience.
As mentioned earlier, I rated the ascent to the peak at around 4 to 4.5 out of 9 in terms of difficulty. This is admittedly a conservative score, especially when compared to the guide's "Now is the time to back out" warning and some of the descriptions I had previously encountered online.
Again, I am not claiming to be an expert hiker. In fact, I only started hiking in April. My background is primarily in endurance sports—particularly long-distance running and triathlon—but we all know that mountain climbing requires a different set of physical and mental demands. Add to that the fact that I had been largely inactive in organized sports since the pandemic, and I still consider myself very much a beginner when it comes to hiking.
The reason I assign difficulty scores is based largely on the level of effort I personally had to exert during the climb. My hope is that hikers with a similar background and fitness level can use these observations as a rough reference when mentally preparing for the trail.
Of course, difficulty ratings will always be subjective. Factors such as weather conditions, trail conditions, pacing, backpack weight, hiking experience, and individual fitness levels can significantly affect how challenging a hike feels. What may feel manageable for one person could be considerably more difficult for another.
For me, however, the North Peak via Don Victoriano Trail was less about surviving a brutally difficult climb and more about enjoying a scenic and well-paced mountain adventure within the beautiful landscapes of Mt. Malindang.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Simplify and Modernize the Permit Process
Don Victoriano has so much to offer potential visitors. It is not called "The Most Scenic Municipality" for nothing.
However, because it lies within a protected mountain range where certain attractions require permits, the municipality may want to consider implementing a more streamlined online permit system. At present, some visitors may need to coordinate personally at the Municipal Hall and pay permit fees days before the activity, which can be challenging for tourists coming from distant locations.
Tourism translates to opportunities for local businesses and communities. One way to encourage more visitors is by making the permit process as convenient and accessible as possible.
2. Continue Developing the Local Guiding Program
The local guides are undoubtedly one of the most important components of the hiking experience.
Beyond leading hikers from Point A to Point B, guides can also serve as ambassadors of Don Victoriano and Mt. Malindang. Additional training on visitor engagement, trail interpretation, landmark identification, safety management, and tourism promotion could further enhance the overall hiking experience.
A memorable interaction with a guide often becomes one of the reasons why hikers return—and why they recommend a destination to others.
3. Explore Additional Route Options
If feasible, it may also be worth exploring the possibility of allowing hikers to choose between starting from the traditional trail or beginning from the exit route and completing the loop in reverse.
Providing route options would add variety to the hiking experience and offer a fresh challenge for those who have already completed the North Peak Trail before.
Overall Assessment
Overall, Don Victoriano possesses tremendous potential to become one of the premier hiking destinations in this part of Mindanao.
The natural attractions are already there. The cool climate is already there. The scenery is already there. The waterfalls, lakes, forests, farms, and mountain trails are already there.
What remains is the continued cooperation among the people, local government units, tourism stakeholders, guides, and agencies tasked with managing and protecting these resources.
If that cooperation continues, I believe Don Victoriano can establish itself as one of the country's most attractive mountain tourism destinations while preserving the very things that make it special.
So, if you are reading this and still undecided about whether to climb Mt. Malindang's North Peak, I hope this article has helped you make a more informed decision.
And if you ultimately decide not to climb North Peak just yet, I will still highly recommend visiting Don Victoriano. The municipality offers far more than a mountain summit and has plenty of experiences that can make any visit worthwhile, memorable, and rewarding.
Thank you, everyone.
See you on the trails and peaks, pohon.
Saranghae,
Edsel and Jungkook
