Mt. Talinis' Nacolon Peak
via Bidjao, Dauin Trail:
My 1st in Visayas
By: Edsel E. Jeon
INTRODUCTION:
I had heard about Mt. Talinis many times before, especially back when I frequently visited Dumaguete for long-distance cycling. Those rides were usually my way of chasing new environments—partly for training, and partly for the occasional “this-will-look-good-on-my-feed” selfie moment.
However, hiking or climbing mountains never really made it into my list of favorite activities, even during what I’d call my peak “sporty era.” I was more of a wheels-or-shoes-on-road kind of person than someone happily trekking uphill.
That changed unexpectedly when outdoor adventures somehow climbed their way to the top of my list of favorite activities this year. So, I eventually made it a goal to finally explore the wonders of Mt. Talinis.
Just like the other hiking activities the previous month, I randomly sent a message to hiking groups on Facebook. The 1st one who replied was Angat SabDom.
FB: Facebook
Fee: P1,700
Inclusions: Transportation, Guide Fee, Passage Fee, Environmental Fee
Exclusions: Everything else not mentioned above.
Optional: Full Sublimation Shirt, Certificate
Is DIY an option?
Yes and no. You can DIY parts of the process by arranging your own logistics, but the actual climb cannot be done independently—you’ll still need local coordination and a guide.
You can either go to the Orientation Area at Purok 6, Magsaysay, Dauin, or coordinate directly with the Barangay Captain, who also happens to own the resort where I stayed the night before the hike to Mt. Talinis’ Nacolon Peak.
Make sure to arrange the following:
Environmental Fee P20.00
Guide Fee (₱2,000 per guide)
Guide ratio:
1 guide per 5 hikers (day hike)
1 guide per 7 hikers (camping/traverse)
After that, just set your preferred date.
Important: This applies only to the Bidjao, Dauin Trail. If you plan to traverse via the Apolong Trail in Valencia to reach the Kaipohan Sulfur Vents and other areas, additional fees and separate policies will apply since it is managed differently.
GETTING THERE
The trip actually began a day before the event. I traveled from Dipolog to Dapitan, then crossed over to Dumaguete via FastCat.
I booked a round-trip Business Class ticket for ₱1,720.00, which felt like a solid deal considering the alternatives. For those looking to save a bit more, non-aircon accommodation and Economy Aircon options were also available.
My chosen schedule was June 6, 2026, at 2:00 AM. By around 6:15 AM, the ship had docked at Dumaguete Port, and just like that, Mt. Talinis officially welcomed my arrival.
To book FastCat Tickets: Book Now - FastCat | Fastcat In-house Ticketing and Booking System
Getting around Dumaguete turned out to be easiest by motorcycle. Rentals were everywhere, I randomly searched Facebook and that's how I found Brilliantes Motor Rental.
Send them a message: (14) Brilliantes Motor Rental | Facebook
I rented a Honda Click 125 unit for two days at ₱1,000. A full tank cost me around ₱350, which was enough to get me around without stressing about fuel every few hours.
Before anything else, I made a quick stop to visit my aunt, who had just celebrated her 89th birthday. While I was there, my cousin snapped a photo of me on the motorbike—with my very obvious oversized bag.
And no, I didn’t actually use that bag for the day hike. I had brought another hiking bag… and packed it inside the bigger one. Because clearly, my ability to pack light was still under construction.
My sister, who’s a legit hiker, immediately pointed out a rookie mistake—aside from the bag’s questionable size. She reminded me of a basic mountaineering rule: never attach anything outside your bag, especially sleeping gear. Apparently, “Everything Inside” is not just a suggestion— it's the Golden Rule.
I had originally planned to surprise a very good friend—my forever reliable, always-ready-to-be-my-porter-driver-all-around friend, Raymond. Unfortunately, he was off in Benguet joining a trail run event. So much for surprise. I guess the mountains had other plans for both of us.
Eight years changed Dumaguete more than I expected. The spot where a friend’s restaurant once stood had been replaced by something completely new.
I only found out the next day that they hadn’t closed at all. They had just moved to a better, livelier spot.
Before heading to Dauin, I made it a point to stop by my go-to carb-loading spot in the Dumaguete area: Pasta King. It had always been my pre-race ritual.
But it was closed. I returned to the place after the climb...still closed.
Plan B kicked in quickly. I headed to another trusted stop for portable carbs—Manang Gloria’s. Her famous torta (or salvaro, depending on where you’re from) had long been a staple for athletes and anyone needing quick, reliable energy.
It even brought back memories of my triathlon days, when I used to run or bike all the way from Dumaguete just to grab some of her bread.
The Negros Oriental national highway felt like it was roasting under a 40°C sun that day. Before reaching the road to Lipayo, I stopped by The Soft Serve Cafe and Courts in Dauin, originally just to cool down with something like an avocado-banana shake—maybe a glass or two...
FB: (1) Facebook
Turns out, they also served pasta. The staff recommended their bestseller, Chicken Garlic Pesto, and I gave in. It was really good—flavor, portion, everything—except for the type of pasta used. I’ve always preferred the classic round and firm kind over flat or angel hair. Still a solid 8.5/10 and an easy 10/10 for the service—they followed my very specific fruit shake instructions without missing a beat.
After resting inside the restaurant—alone, with two split air conditioners doing their absolute best to pamper me—I finally decided it was time to head out again and check in to my accommodation.
Fortunately, the road to Purok 6 Magsaysay was lined with tall trees, offering shade and a cool breeze—a welcome break from the heat of the national highway.
The Accommodation: Part of the Adventure
The accommodation wasn’t just a place to sleep—it was actually part of the whole experience.
Since my " Sleeping in a tent debut " did not go as planned when I went to Mt. Apo because it rained so hard, I decided to check if there are places near Mt. Talinis that offer the same package:
- Rent a tent (so I wouldn’t have to carry mine.)
- Stay somewhere close to the jump-off point
- Somewhere relaxing
Thanks to Facebook (once again doing its thing), I came across DonsMagna—a mountain resort located about 1.5 km from the jump-off area.
FB Page: (13) DonsMagna | Facebook
Address: Purok 6, Magsaysay, Dauin (Turn Right to Lipayo crossing if coming from Dumaguete.)
I sent them a message, and their staff responded quickly and politely. They mentioned that physical rooms weren’t available yet, but they did offer tents for rent—which, honestly, was exactly what I needed.
Here’s the setup:
- Entrance Fee: ₱50
- Tent Rental: ₱300
- Bring Your Own Tent: ₱250
One important note: they only provide the tent. Everything else you might need inside—sleeping mat, blanket, emotional support—you have to bring yourself.
They also offered pillows for rent at ₱50.
At that point, I told myself, “Okay… this could work.” At least I didn’t have to carry, set up, and wrestle with a tent after a long day.
And just like that, I had finally reached my camping debut.
Well… partially.
Because technically, I didn’t set up the tent myself. When I arrived, the tent was already fully set up—clean, neat, and standing proudly like it had been waiting for me all day.
Of course, I still felt the need to inspect it… you know, just to make sure everything was “properly done.” Not that I would have known what to fix if something was wrong. lol!
Around 5 PM, I had to head back into town to buy fish and pork to complete what I now call the “mock camping experience.”
Additional P100 for the cooking props and table set.
Just as I was getting things organized, my neighbor surprised me with a cup of anchovies and another plate of extra food. In true barter-system fashion, I exchanged them for ripe mangoes and torta.
By around 7 PM, I decided it was time to take a shower. The water, however, had other plans—it was extremely cold. The kind of cold that makes you belt out a Mariah Carey song halfway through rinsing. I lasted almost an hour just trying to finish what should’ve been a quick refresh.
The next day, I discovered something important: there was actually one hot shower in the resort. It was located beside the pool, out in the open, and somehow connected to a geothermal water source.
No wonder people were constantly crowding that area—it was basically the VIP section of bathing. Meanwhile, I had unknowingly chosen the " Frozen " shower experience.
8:30PM... "tent-time. "
I woke up at around 2:00 AM.
The group’s original meeting place was at Robinson’s Place Dumaguete, from where they still had to travel about 35 kilometers to the orientation area. Thankfully, the organizer told me to just meet them directly at the orientation site at 4:00 AM, which was less than 200 meters from the resort.
I arrived early at around 3:45 AM, where Rolly and Indai—our guides (and yes, Indai was a man, just to avoid confusion)—were already waiting. We started chatting about hiking, as expected. But when 4:00 AM came and no one else had arrived yet, the conversation naturally drifted.
We went from trail stories to life experiences, then somehow ended up talking about how rich Mindanao is in natural resources...
Eventually, the van carrying the rest of the hikers arrived—minus two who had already made it ahead of the group. From there, we all rode together to the jump-off point, which was about 1.5 kilometers away from the so-called “orientation area.”
And yes… there wasn’t really an orientation. lol!
Unless you count signing a waiver as a full briefing—which, to be fair, is probably the most important part.
At the jump-off point, we gathered for a quick prayer.
Then at exactly 5:07 AM, the hike officially began.
The Proposed Route:
Bidjao, Dauin Jump Off
Lake Yagumyum
Halawig Ridge ( a landmark that represents manhood. )
Lake Nailig
Nacolon Peak
The actual hike:
Photos and videos taken during the hike.
