MT. GUITING GUITING:
THE ULTIMATE UNFILTERED GUIDE
By: Edsel E. Jeon
This is your ultimate guide to everything you need to know about traversing Mt. Guiting Guiting. In this guide, you'll discover essential information about the destination, including permit requirements, registration process, budget and expenses, transportation options, accommodations, trail and terrain conditions, difficulty level, itinerary, packing tips, safety reminders, and other important details to help you plan a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Table of Contents (Click with feelings to open.)
- INTRODUCTION & CLIMBER'S PROFILE
- MOUNTAIN PROFILE
- NEW RULES AS OF AUGUST 2026
- THE TALE OF TWO TRAILS
- CHOOSING YOUR ORGANIZER
- GETTING THERE
- BUDGET ESTIMATE
- PRE-SUMMIT ACTIVITIES
- JOURNEY TO THE SUMMIT: THE ASCENT
- JOURNEY BACK TO CIVILIZATION: THE DESCENT
- OVERALL IMPRESSION AND SCORE CARD
- ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, VIDEOS AND RELATED TOPICS
INTRODUCTION
The Sibuyanon word guiting-guiting translates to "jagged" in English—a fitting description for something that resembles the sharp teeth of a saw. It is easy to see how Mt. Guiting-Guiting earns both its name and its fearsome reputation as the country's "Most Difficult" summit.
But is climbing Mt. Guiting-Guiting really that difficult?
After my recent ascent and descent, I decided to put together my own personal scorecard and share my experience. My goal is to give fellow hikers—especially those with a similar fitness level and background—a more realistic and measurable idea of what to expect when climbing Mt. Guiting-Guiting for the first time.
Everything you’ll read here was based on my personal experience last August 4,5, and 6,2026, so your opinion, experience, difficulty rating may vary.
To put the scores into perspective, here’s a little background on my mountaineering experience and the trails I’ve tackled over the years.
Important Note About My Difficulty Ratings During
My Mt. Guiting Guiting Experience
Two significant factors influenced the scores I assigned to each section—and ultimately to the overall hike. First, I availed myself of the services of a personal porter, who carried the majority of my essential items. Second, I am accustomed to long-distance endurance activities, particularly those involving sustained ascents. These factors undoubtedly made the trek feel more manageable for me than it might for someone without the same level of preparation or support.
During the first two days, I personally carried a separate bag weighing approximately 7 kilograms. The weight gradually decreased after Day 2 as much of the food and water I had packed were consumed.
However, the heavy rain added an unexpected factor. Some of the contents of my bag, particularly the clothes I had worn during the previous days, became wet and consequently heavier. By Day 3, I had to ask my personal porter to carry the extra bag for me.
This is important to mention because my difficulty ratings should not be interpreted as if I carried all of my gear throughout the entire activity. Having a porter significantly reduced the physical load I had to carry, particularly during the later stages of the hike.
Therefore, when comparing my difficulty scores with your own expected experience, take into consideration your backpack weight, the amount of food and water you will carry, weather conditions, and whether or not you intend to hire a porter. These factors can make a noticeable difference in how physically demanding the same trail feels.
MOUNTAIN PROFILE
Fact: DENR Sibuyan discourages the use of “G2” as an alternative name for Mt. Guiting Guiting because the abbreviation is not part of the local Sibuyanon vocabulary.
NEW RULES AS OF AUGUST 2026
For more information or clarification, you may send a Facebook message directly to the official Mt. Guiting-Guiting Facebook page: (20+) Facebook
THE TALE OF TWO TRAILS
Jump to #2 under Additional Photos, Videos and Related Topics for more information about the trails.
One important thing to remember is that Mt. Guiting-Guiting has two major starting trails: Tampayan and Olango.
If you plan to start from Tampayan, whether for a backtrail or traverse, you need to coordinate with an organizer or guide based in Magdiwang.
I'd like to call the Tampayan Trail the LONGER, SCENIC TRAIL TO THE SUMMIT. Around 90% of the iconic scenery associated with Mt. Guiting-Guiting can be seen along this route, particularly the spectacular stretch between Mayo's Peak and the Peak of Deception.
If you're looking for the trail that delivers the classic Mt. Guiting-Guiting experience—dramatic ridges, exposed sections, impressive rock formations, and breathtaking mountain views—the Tampayan Trail is the scenic route to take.
Starting from Olango also requires you to coordinate with an organizer based in Olango.
The Olango Trail, on the other hand, in my own opinion—even though I have not personally started an ascent from this side—fits the description of the SHORTER AND MORE CHALLENGING TRAIL TO THE SUMMIT.
It is known to be predominantly assault, with approximately 8 kilometers from the Olango River crossing to the summit.
THE TALE OF TWO TRAILS
Jump to #2 under Additional Photos, Videos and Related Topics for more information about the trails.
One important thing to remember is that Mt. Guiting-Guiting has two major starting trails: Tampayan and Olango.
If you plan to start from Tampayan, whether for a backtrail or traverse, you need to coordinate with an organizer or guide based in Magdiwang.
I'd like to call the Tampayan Trail the LONGER, SCENIC TRAIL TO THE SUMMIT. Around 90% of the iconic scenery associated with Mt. Guiting-Guiting can be seen along this route, particularly the spectacular stretch between Mayo's Peak and the Peak of Deception.
If you're looking for the trail that delivers the classic Mt. Guiting-Guiting experience—dramatic ridges, exposed sections, impressive rock formations, and breathtaking mountain views—the Tampayan Trail is the scenic route to take.
Starting from Olango also requires you to coordinate with an organizer based in Olango.
The Olango Trail, on the other hand, in my own opinion—even though I have not personally started an ascent from this side—fits the description of the SHORTER AND MORE CHALLENGING TRAIL TO THE SUMMIT.
It is known to be predominantly assault, with approximately 8 kilometers from the Olango River crossing to the summit.
MY TAKE ON THE TWO TRAVERSES
For a Tampayan-to-Olango traverse, I would rate the different sections as follows:
- Tampayan to Mayo's Peak: Moderate
- Mayo's Peak to Summit: Challenging to Difficult
- Summit to Camp 3 via Olango Trail: Challenging to Almost Very Difficult
- Camp 3 to Finish Area: Moderate
For the Olango-to-Tampayan traverse, my estimated difficulty would be:
- Olango to Camp 3: Challenging to Difficult
- Camp 3 to Summit: Difficult to Very Difficult
- Summit to Mayo's Peak: Difficult to Very Difficult ( Involves descending from 90 degree wall to Mayo's Peak )
- Mayo's Peak to DENR Area: Moderate
These are, of course, my own estimates, particularly for the Olango-to-Tampayan direction, which I have not personally experienced yet. Weather conditions, trail conditions, backpack weight, physical conditioning, and individual experience can significantly change how each section feels.
But if I were to simplify the two routes:
TAMPAYAN = LONGER + MORE SCENIC
OLANGO = SHORTER + MORE ASSAULT/CHALLENGING
It is possible to make a special or personal request to bring a preferred guide as well as porter to a different starting point, but this may come with an additional fee.
If you have a specific guide or porter in mind, it is best to discuss this with your organizer or guide before finalizing your arrangements so you can confirm whether the request can be accommodated and what additional costs may apply.
The general rule is that, regardless of where your jump-off point is located, the ratio is one guide and one porter for every three trekkers. The main porter is tasked with carrying all the essential supplies needed for the entire trek. A personal porter, although optional, is also available to carry your personal belongings.
CHOOSING YOUR ORGANIZER
After deciding which trail you want to take, the next step is to contact an organizer and check their available schedule.
You do not necessarily have to join a large group. A solo climb can also be arranged, provided you are willing to pay the required fees. Personally, I prefer joining a smaller group because it makes it easier for everyone to monitor and manage the team throughout the activity.
For this climb, I chose Kuya Bermar, the man widely regarded as a pioneer in everything related to Mt. Guiting-Guiting. Almost every mountaineer who has dreamed of climbing what is often considered one of the hardest mountains to climb in the Philippines has probably heard of him.
Hence, the nickname:
“The Legend.”
Video of Kuya Bermar with Kara David ( Florence was also featured... )
'Pangarap Kong Guiting-Guiting,’ dokumentaryo ni Kara David | I-Witness
It is also important to note that Kuya Bermar can serve as both an organizer and a guide. For this particular climb, however, he took on the role of organizer, handling the arrangements and making the entire process relatively easy and hassle-free for us.
To contact Kuya Bermar:
FB Page: (20+) Facebook
For our guides and porters, he assigned none other than his own son, Florence, to lead the team, together with two equally strong and capable porters, Dino and Toto.
At first, I thought Florence was a girl.
Then I found out that Florence is actually Kuya Bermar's son.
And this was not just an ordinary young guide.
Believe it or not, Florence completed his first Mt. Guiting-Guiting summit at just 9 years old. However, there is now a minimum age requirement for trekkers planning to climb Mt. Guiting Guiting.
He eventually spent four years working as a porter, gaining experience on the mountain before transitioning into guiding fellow trekkers. Like his parents, he is also an excellent cook and is frequently requested by trekkers from both within and outside Sibuyan Island to serve as their guide.
.jpg)
Florence proudly poses for a selfie with Psychotria bermarii, an endemic flower named after his father, Kuya Bermar. The species is found only in the higher elevations near the summit of
Mt. Guiting-Guiting.A few of the many groups of climbers whom Florence has guided safely to and from the summit of Mt. Guiting Guiting. The photos were kindly provided by Florence.
For privacy and respect, the faces of the climbers and their group names have been blurred.
.jpg)
FB: (20+) FacebookWith the team assembled and the arrangements taken care of, we were ready to climb and experience the wonders of Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
GETTING THERE
Being isolated from other major areas in the country, getting to and from Sibuyan Island is already a 9/9 Difficulty Level challenge for anyone planning to go there—but that’s all part of the adventure.
Fortunately; there are several ways to get to Sibuyan Island, Romblon. Regardless of your origin, the trip can either be a combination of Land and Sea Travel or Air, Land and Sea travel.
This article will focus on the options for hikers coming especially fromDipolog City in Mindanao and Visayas.
For Luzon hikers, you can use this information as guide:
The most important thing to consider when planning your itinerary is the FERRY SCHEDULE from Roxas City, Capiz to Sibuyan Island ( for those flying to Roxas City or coming from parts of Mindanao and Visayas by bus. )
There is only 1 Shipping Company that travels in between the islands, STARLITE. Take note that the schedule in their website is NOT ALWAYS updated. Make sure to chat with their human staff ( NOT AI ) via their FB Account: (20+) Facebook
As of this writing, the available schedules are as follow:
Roxas City, Capiz to Sibuyan Island = EVERY T/Th/Sat/Sun at 1PM.
It is very important that you should be in Roxas City early in the morning especially if you plan to purchase ticket over the counter.
Sibuyan Island to Roxas City, Capiz = EVERY M/W/F/Sun at 5AM.
TIP: Book your ticket early ONLINE via chelseatravel
* You still need to present the voucher at the ticket booth and exchange it for an actual ticket. ( Not so convenient after all… lol! At least your accommodation is secured. )
Before booking, I noticed that purchasing a ticket through the website came with an additional Gateway Fee of ₱168.00 per ticket. The system also didn't allow round-trip bookings in a single transaction, so each route had to be purchased separately— meaning the Gateway Fee would have been charged twice. Since I wanted to avoid the extra cost, I decided not to continue with the website booking... BUT still purchased the tickets online.Tip: To skip the additional Gateway Fee, message the Starlite Ferries Facebook Page and ask to chat with a customer service representative (not the AI). Let them know that you'd like to purchase a ticket directly. They will guide you through the process, ask for the necessary passenger details, and arrange the payment online. A copy of your ticket(s) will be sent via email in less than 5 minutes after you send them a copy of your payment. MAKE SURE TO PRINT A COPY BEFORE BOARDING.
The chances of ferries to and from Sibuyan getting cancelled are pretty high, especially when a storm is brewing or the waves are rough enough to make docking a challenge.
In this case, your only option is to take a Starlite ferry from Roxas to Romblon, which leaves daily at 1:00 PM. You’ll then need to spend one night in Romblon before taking a StarHorse ferry from Romblon to Sibuyan at 2:00 AM.
* The Starlite Ferry sailing from Roxas City to Romblon is actually the same vessel that also serves Sibuyan Island. However, when there are weather disturbances, the ferry usually skips its stop in Sibuyan Island. So, if the weather decides to be difficult, passengers may find themselves sailing straight to Romblon instead.
For more information about StarHorse Ferry, visit Starhorse Shipping Lines, Inc.
Yes, you read that right—another ferry, another schedule, and another opportunity for your carefully laid-out plans to go sideways.
I wasn’t kidding when I said earlier the logistics were 9/9.
The Travel Options:
For a Tampayan-to-Olango traverse, I would rate the different sections as follows:
- Tampayan to Mayo's Peak: Moderate
- Mayo's Peak to Summit: Challenging to Difficult
- Summit to Camp 3 via Olango Trail: Challenging to Almost Very Difficult
- Camp 3 to Finish Area: Moderate
For the Olango-to-Tampayan traverse, my estimated difficulty would be:
- Olango to Camp 3: Challenging to Difficult
- Camp 3 to Summit: Difficult to Very Difficult
- Summit to Mayo's Peak: Difficult to Very Difficult ( Involves descending from 90 degree wall to Mayo's Peak )
- Mayo's Peak to DENR Area: Moderate
These are, of course, my own estimates, particularly for the Olango-to-Tampayan direction, which I have not personally experienced yet. Weather conditions, trail conditions, backpack weight, physical conditioning, and individual experience can significantly change how each section feels.
But if I were to simplify the two routes:
TAMPAYAN = LONGER + MORE SCENIC
OLANGO = SHORTER + MORE ASSAULT/CHALLENGING
It is possible to make a special or personal request to bring a preferred guide as well as porter to a different starting point, but this may come with an additional fee.
If you have a specific guide or porter in mind, it is best to discuss this with your organizer or guide before finalizing your arrangements so you can confirm whether the request can be accommodated and what additional costs may apply.
The general rule is that, regardless of where your jump-off point is located, the ratio is one guide and one porter for every three trekkers. The main porter is tasked with carrying all the essential supplies needed for the entire trek. A personal porter, although optional, is also available to carry your personal belongings.
CHOOSING YOUR ORGANIZER
After deciding which trail you want to take, the next step is to contact an organizer and check their available schedule.
You do not necessarily have to join a large group. A solo climb can also be arranged, provided you are willing to pay the required fees. Personally, I prefer joining a smaller group because it makes it easier for everyone to monitor and manage the team throughout the activity.
For this climb, I chose Kuya Bermar, the man widely regarded as a pioneer in everything related to Mt. Guiting-Guiting. Almost every mountaineer who has dreamed of climbing what is often considered one of the hardest mountains to climb in the Philippines has probably heard of him.
Hence, the nickname:
“The Legend.”
Video of Kuya Bermar with Kara David ( Florence was also featured... )
'Pangarap Kong Guiting-Guiting,’ dokumentaryo ni Kara David | I-Witness
It is also important to note that Kuya Bermar can serve as both an organizer and a guide. For this particular climb, however, he took on the role of organizer, handling the arrangements and making the entire process relatively easy and hassle-free for us.
To contact Kuya Bermar:
FB Page: (20+) Facebook
For our guides and porters, he assigned none other than his own son, Florence, to lead the team, together with two equally strong and capable porters, Dino and Toto.
At first, I thought Florence was a girl.
Then I found out that Florence is actually Kuya Bermar's son.
And this was not just an ordinary young guide.
Believe it or not, Florence completed his first Mt. Guiting-Guiting summit at just 9 years old. However, there is now a minimum age requirement for trekkers planning to climb Mt. Guiting Guiting.
He eventually spent four years working as a porter, gaining experience on the mountain before transitioning into guiding fellow trekkers. Like his parents, he is also an excellent cook and is frequently requested by trekkers from both within and outside Sibuyan Island to serve as their guide.
.jpg)
Florence proudly poses for a selfie with Psychotria bermarii, an endemic flower named after his father, Kuya Bermar. The species is found only in the higher elevations near the summit of
A few of the many groups of climbers whom Florence has guided safely to and from the summit of Mt. Guiting Guiting. The photos were kindly provided by Florence.
For privacy and respect, the faces of the climbers and their group names have been blurred.
.jpg)
With the team assembled and the arrangements taken care of, we were ready to climb and experience the wonders of Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
GETTING THERE
Tip: To skip the additional Gateway Fee, message the Starlite Ferries Facebook Page and ask to chat with a customer service representative (not the AI). Let them know that you'd like to purchase a ticket directly. They will guide you through the process, ask for the necessary passenger details, and arrange the payment online. A copy of your ticket(s) will be sent via email in less than 5 minutes after you send them a copy of your payment. MAKE SURE TO PRINT A COPY BEFORE BOARDING.
The chances of ferries to and from Sibuyan getting cancelled are pretty high, especially when a storm is brewing or the waves are rough enough to make docking a challenge.
In this case, your only option is to take a Starlite ferry from Roxas to Romblon, which leaves daily at 1:00 PM. You’ll then need to spend one night in Romblon before taking a StarHorse ferry from Romblon to Sibuyan at 2:00 AM.
* The Starlite Ferry sailing from Roxas City to Romblon is actually the same vessel that also serves Sibuyan Island. However, when there are weather disturbances, the ferry usually skips its stop in Sibuyan Island. So, if the weather decides to be difficult, passengers may find themselves sailing straight to Romblon instead.
For more information about StarHorse Ferry, visit Starhorse Shipping Lines, Inc.
Yes, you read that right—another ferry, another schedule, and another opportunity for your carefully laid-out plans to go sideways.
I wasn’t kidding when I said earlier the logistics were 9/9.
The Travel Options:
BUDGET ESTIMATE
* Ferry Porter fees, personal porter, tips and treats, extra accommodations, transportation between terminals, and other miscellaneous expenses were not included in the estimate above.
PRE-SUMMIT ACTIVITIES
Aside from the mountain’s brief cameo, a pod of dolphins also excitedly joined the welcome committee, making the trip to Sibuyan even more memorable.
Ironically, a typhoon named “Dolphin” was also about to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) that same week. Talk about perfect timing.
After 26 hours of land and sea travel, I finally made it to Sibuyan Island at around 7:00 PM. I informed Kuya Bermar of my arrival and headed straight to Alerta Rooftop Lodge, where I stayed until August 3.
Alerta Rooftop Lodge is conveniently located right beside Magdiwang Elementary School and just a few meters away from the town church, public market, and several government offices and other establishments. After spending 26 hours getting to Sibuyan, being within walking distance of almost everything was definitely a welcome bonus.
I went out around 8:30 PM to buy some bottled water and happened to run into the owner of the establishment, who was outside with another person, Mr. Jun, who worked with the PAMO department of DENR Sibuyan.
I ended up spending about an hour chatting with them about my itinerary and the other things I had planned to do on Sibuyan aside from climbing Mt. Guiting-Guiting. Fortunately, our conversation turned out to be quite productive—they were able to help me find someone I could hire a motorbike ( P600/24 hours ) from for my Sibuyan Island exploration.
You can reserve directly by contacting the management via FB (20+) Facebook or mobile number +639088165017
My next stop was the second floor of the public market, where I could get a panoramic view of Mt. Guiting-Guiting. It was a cloudy morning, and while I would have loved to wait for the clouds to clear, I had other things planned for the day. So, I decided to take what I could get and move on.
A few feet away from the entrance of Alerta Rooftop Lodging House, the motorcycle arranged the previous night was already waiting for me.
I loaded everything I needed for the day and headed straight to the nearest gasoline station. ₱350 worth of fuel was enough to tour the entire island without needing to refuel, which was pretty convenient considering the number of places I planned to visit.
The itinerary for the day was simple and straightforward: meet Kuya Bermar and visit four waterfalls scattered around Sibuyan Island.
I sent Kuya Bermar a message, and he instructed me to meet him along Magdiwang Bridge. When we met, I gave him two bottles of Spanish sardines, something our city is particularly known for producing. In exchange, he gave me a souvenir sticker.
I told him about my plans to explore some of the beautiful places around the island and encouraged him to try the sardines for breakfast with his family.
After our brief conversation, we went our separate ways—each heading toward our own destination, but with the plan to meet again for our little waterfall adventure.
Cataja FallsFun fact: I actually drove past the entrance—so far past it that I had to turn around and drive back for more than 4 kilometers.
Fortunately, the person I happened to ask for directions was not just any local. She was actually one of the people responsible for orienting hikers scheduled to climb Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
So, shout-out to Ms. Claire of DENR Sibuyan Island, who not only helped me find the entrance to Lambingan Falls but also happens to share the love for climbing the crowning glory of Sibuyan.
Located in Barangay Panangclan, San Fernando, this waterfall is slightly different from the first two. Unlike Cataja Falls and Lambingan Falls, it has an entrance fee of ₱30 for non-locals.
The hike from the jump-off area is relatively short, making it an easy and accessible stop for anyone exploring the waterfalls around Sibuyan Island.
Fun fact: If you come here alone and don't pay attention to your surroundings—especially what's happening behind you—you might be in for a somewhat chilling but completely harmless surprise. IYKYK.
But honestly, I have to admit—I let out a short but surprisingly high-pitched scream.
Tabi apo!
As mentioned, there are still plenty of waterfalls around Sibuyan Island waiting to be explored. However, many of them require considerably more time, effort, and preparation—something I didn't want to take on just days before my climb to Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
So, I decided to save them for another adventure.
Here are some of the waterfalls I will definitely explore on my next visit, pohon: Kweba Falls, Panas Falls, Iso Falls, and Pinamitinan Falls.
Looks like I already have a few reasons to come back to Sibuyan.
Did you know? Kweba Falls is more than a 2-hour hike from the main road. However, hikers taking the Tampayan–Olango Trail can take a shortcut that cuts the journey by around 30 minutes before exiting the forest.
Here are some photos of Kweba Falls, taken by Maria Tobias and shared through this Facebook account: (20+) Kweba Falls ❤️ España, San Fernando,... - Sibuyan Island, Romblon PH | Facebook
I headed back to Alerta Rooftop Lodge and arrived at around 7:00 PM, just as Kuya Bernardo, the other hiker from Luzon, arrived from Roxas City.
We had a brief chat before he decided to call it a night since he wanted to get some sleep early.
Unfortunately, neither of us got much quality sleep that night. A power outage hit the area and lasted until around 6:30 AM the following morning.
AUGUST 3,2026
DAY 0, Morning
Well, technically, it was already Day 3 for me since I had arrived in Sibuyan two days earlier.
Kuya Bernardo went out for a morning stroll and asked if he could rent the motorcycle I had used the previous day since he also had plans around the island.
At around 7:30 AM, Kuya Bermar arrived at Alerta Rooftop Lodge, and shortly after, Kuya Bernardo returned as well.
The entire morning was dedicated to completing the requirements for our upcoming Mt. Guiting-Guiting climb.
Completing the Requirements
Our first stop was a private doctor to secure our Medical Certificates. We paid ₱300 each, and a basic medical assessment was conducted before the certificates were issued. The doctor was particularly thorough when asking questions related to our cardiovascular and respiratory health, which I appreciated considering the physical demands of the climb ahead.
Next, we went to the police station, where we presented our government-issued identification cards and registered our names.
From there, we proceeded to the Tourism Office for another round of registration.
To complete the process, we headed to DENR Sibuyan Island, where we submitted the documents we had processed earlier and attended the required orientation.
And guess who facilitated the orientation?
None other than the accommodating local I had met the previous day—Ms. Claire.
After completing all the requirements and finally securing our climbing permit, we were officially cleared for Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
Kuya Bernardo went for a swim afterward, while I returned to Alerta Rooftop Lodge to check out. I decided to spend the night at Kuya Bermar's Homestay instead, which would put me closer to the starting point and save me from having to rush around on the first day of the climb.
After checking out, I needed another motorcycle since the one I had previously used was now with Kuya Bernardo.
I asked around and was told to visit "SB Quarre," where motorcycles were available for rent.
Unfortunately, when I arrived, all the units were already being rented out.
Fortunately, one of the local leaders of Magdiwang, Konsee Jessie Nonoy Quarre, happened to be there. He saw how determined I was to find a motorcycle because I still wanted to visit Dagubdob Falls in España.
He generously offered me his own motorcycle for free.
I declined and told him that I would rather rent it.
He refused my offer and simply told me that I could use it and return it with at least ₱100 worth of gasoline.
Of course, I returned the motorcycle with a full tank—along with plenty of thanks.
You’ll be surprised by how warm and welcoming the locals of Sibuyan are when it comes to making their guests feel at home. Their genuine hospitality makes you feel less like a visitor and more like an old friend who simply happened to drop by.
That evening, we headed to Kuya Bermar's residence for dinner and our pre-climb briefing.
It was also when he introduced us to our guide, Florence.
With the permits secured, transportation sorted out, dinner finished, and our guide finally introduced, there was only one thing left to do:
Get some sleep.
Tomorrow, I would finally meet the mountain I had been looking forward to climbing—Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
JOURNEY TO THE SUMMIT: THE ASCENT
Raw videos of each trail section are available under “Additional Photos, Videos and Related Topics” in the Table of Contents.
DAY 1, AUGUST 4
DENR to MAYO'S PEAKTotal Distance: Approx 7.5-8KM
The plan to start the hike at 6:30-7AM did not push through since it rained hard early in the morning. We waited for a while and was eventually able to start around 8:45AM.
Specific Areas:
From DENR to crossing Ga-ong RiverDistance: Approx 2.13KMTerrain: generally flat, sandy, muddy, clay, grass, open field, river crossingDifficulty: 1 ( can become 1.5 when the river flow becomes stronger than usual. )
Crossing Ga-Ong River
From Ga-Ong River to Camp 1 Distance: Approx 1.60KMTerrain: Hilly, roots, clay, muddy, forestDifficulty Level: 2: ( It's like climbing to Linabo School via La Suerte Trail )
From Camp 1 to Camp 2Distance: Approx 1.35KMTerrain: Hilly, roots, rocks, clay, muddy, forestDifficulty Level: 4 ( It's like climbing to Linabo Peak via Lower Owawon Trail. )
From Left: Florence the guide, Toto the mighty personal porter, and Mrs. Jeon. Chariz!
Lunch at Camp 2 grounds.
My garden shovel doing its role. No! I wasn’t gardening or looking for gold—I was constructing a toilet... LOL! The requirement is to dig a hole at least 6 inches deep. For cleaning up, you can use either water or toilet paper, but NO wet wipes.
From Camp 2 to Camp 3Distance: Approx 2.10KMTerrain: Steeper, roots, rocks, clay, muddy, forestDifficulty Level: 5 ( It's like climbing to Linabo Peak via Lower Owawon Trail, to Linabo School then back to Linabo Peak via the concrete stairs. )
Occasional scrambling.
I spotted a baby red snake along the pathway and made sure it safely moved out of the way so none of my companions would accidentally step on it.
And of course, the infamous alimatik of Mt. Guiting-Guiting made an appearance.I encountered this one somewhere along the trail leading to Camp 3. There are reportedly two types of alimatiks found on Mt. Guiting-Guiting, and this particular one is the more common variety.
It is important to note that the weather can change dramatically once you reach Camp 3. This is also the section of the mountain where clouds typically begin to gather, especially when viewed from a distance.
Pitcher plants also start to appear along the trail leading to Camp 3. However, they are considerably more abundant along the Olango Trail, where hikers can spot them in greater numbers and types.
From Camp 3 to Bulod's SpringDistance: Approx 250MTerrain: Steeper, roots, rocksDifficulty Level: 2/9
Named after one of the pioneering local guides, the late Noe “Bulod” Rada, who discovered the spring in 1982 during the first attempt to explore Mt. Guiting-Guiting. The expedition was undertaken by a team of mountaineers from the Philippine Mountaineering Society and the University of the Philippines.
Ideally, water should be sourced from a separate spring located on the left side of the trail. The main spring also serves as part of the pathway used by trekkers heading toward Mayo's Peak.This is also around the area where you will start seeing the orange crabs of Mt. Guiting-Guiting, which can be spotted along the trail and even in areas beyond the peak.
From Bulod's Spring to Mayo's PeakDistance: Approx 700MTerrain: Steeper, roots, rocks, clay, muddy, open fieldDifficulty Level: 4/9 ( It's like climbing to Linabo Peak via La Suerte Trail )
The final pure assault to Mayo's Peak, our camp site.
The Century-Year Old Tree. You will pass by this landmark before reaching Mayo's Peak.Climbing or sitting on the tree is NO LONGER allowed.
A few more steps to...
Temperature around 20C. Tolerable.
What to expect:
1. Watch out for scorpions that may enter your tent.
2. Watch out for the other type of alimatik—the one infamous for finding its way into body orifices.
3. Mayo's Peak is popular for its view deck. On a clear day, you will be able to enjoy these views of Mt. Guiting Guiting. Aside from the trademark “sawtooth” features of Mt. Guiting Guiting, two other spectacular sights can be witnessed from the view deck of Mayo’s Peak via the Tampayan Trail on a clear day.
Photo by Florence T. First is what Jungkook and I like to call “The Black Panther” of Mt. Guiting Guiting. According to Florence Tansiongco, who captured this photo, this elusive shadow appears between 4:00 and 5:30 PM. You need to be at the exact right place and time to catch a glimpse of this mysterious silhouette.
Photo by Florence T.
The second spectacle requires a little more attention: a clear sky, sharp eyesight, and, ideally, a camera capable of capturing subjects from a considerable distance.This photo, captured by Di Nz, shows exactly that. From the summit, Mt. Guiting Guiting not only offers breathtaking views of its iconic range and Sibuyan Island—it also provides a glimpse of other remarkable wonders of the Philippines.
Can you identify the main subject in this photo?
Photo by Di NzPhoto by @Di Nz
To view more beautiful photos and videos of Mt. Guiting Guiting and Sibuyan Island wonders, visit Di Nz’s FB: (20+) Facebook
Day 1 Score Card
DAY 2 ( 2 PARTS ) AUGUST 5,2026
MAYO'S PEAK TO SUMMIT Total Distance: Approx 4-4.5KM 
Our plan to start the trek at around 5:30 AM did not materialize because the winds were too strong and the trail was completely covered in fog.
This photo was taken by Di Nz from the view deck of Mayo's Peak at 5:55 AM. On a clear day, the Knife's Edge would have been visible from this exact spot.
Finally, around 7:50AM, we were able to start our trek to the summit.
Mayo's Peak to Eagle's RockDistance: Approx 350MTerrain: Technical, roots, rocks, scramblingDifficulty: 5/9I didn't take a photo of Eagle's Rock. Older photos taken by climbers show people standing on top of the rock, but today, doing so is strictly prohibited.
The restriction is in place both to preserve the integrity of the rock formation and, more importantly, to protect the safety of climbers.
Eagle's Rock to Camel's Back Distance: Approx 850MTerrain: Technical, roots, rocks, scramblingDifficulty: 6/9The approximately 1.2-kilometer stretch from the view deck of Mayo's Peak to Camel's Back forms what is popularly known as the KNIFE'S EDGE.
UNFILTERED FACTS ABOUT THE KNIFE'S EDGE
1. It is NOT as scary as it looks online.
Photos and videos—especially those taken using 360-degree cameras—can make the Knife's Edge appear much more intimidating than it actually is.
2. It is also NOT necessarily as scary as some people describe it.
Of course, experiences and opinions differ from one climber to another, but based on my own experience, the actual trail was less intimidating than what I had expected from reading other people's accounts.
3. Is it DANGEROUS? Absolutely.
However, throughout the entire stretch, I would estimate that only around 10% of the trail is genuinely critical, where a fall to either side could potentially be fatal. That does not mean the remaining 90% is safe. A fall can still result in serious injuries, so caution is necessary throughout the entire section.
4. It is NOT as narrow as it appears online.
Yes, the trail is narrow enough that you cannot comfortably walk side by side with another person. However, you do not need to place one foot directly in front of the other as if you were walking on a tightrope. There is generally enough space to move normally while maintaining proper footing.
5. Weather conditions can significantly change the experience.
Strong winds and heavy rain may make the Knife's Edge considerably more challenging to navigate. When conditions become difficult, hikers can use available rocks and branches for additional support—but these should never be assumed to be completely secure.
In short, the Knife's Edge deserves respect, but it does not necessarily deserve the exaggerated reputation it has gained online. Your experience will depend heavily on weather conditions, your comfort with exposure, and how carefully you " catwalk " the trail. Chariz!
Before we left Mayo's Peak.
My windbreaker was no match for the Habagat winds that decided to join us along the Knife's Edge. Lol!
Camel's Back to crossing " Kiss The Wall " areaDistance: Approx 540MTerrain: Highly technical, more rocks, scrambling, rock climbingDifficulty: 7/9 This is the part of the trail where you need to listen carefully to your guide, as he will start to occasionally demonstrate the proper techniques for making your way across specific rocky sections leading to the peak and during the traverse.
Upper-body strength becomes particularly important during this phase, especially when you need to pull yourself up, stabilize your body, or use rocks as handholds.
If you are like me—someone who has limited upper-body strength for scrambling, carrying a light pack, and, of course, striking the occasional selfie pose—properly conserving that limited strength, especially in the arms, becomes crucial at this point.
For context, I have a long titanium plate with 10 screws in my left clavicle. Carrying even a relatively light bag for an entire day can sometimes cause one of the screws to rub against the bag strap, resulting in slight swelling at the tip of my shoulder, along with some pain and temporary weakness. So, on this part of the trek, every bit of upper-body strength counts.
The stretch from Camel's Back to the “Kiss the Wall” segment involves maneuvering over rocks of different shapes, sizes, and surfaces. It is less about simply walking and more about carefully choosing where to place your hands and feet while maintaining balance throughout the section.
After roughly 500-plus meters of scrambling, stepping, and clinging to rocks of all shapes and sizes, you will eventually reach a section where you need to carefully make your way along the corner edge of a massive rock.
This is where the “Kiss the Wall” segment comes in.
To get across, you literally need to stretch one leg toward the opposite side while keeping yourself extremely close to the corner edge of the rock. Close enough that it feels like you're almost literally kissing the wall.
Despite how dramatic the description may sound, the Kiss the Wall segment is actually very short—just fewer than 10 steps along the trail going toward the summit from the Tampayan jump-off area. I am not saying you should take this segment lightly, because a fall—depending on the circumstances—could very well earn you either a pair of horns on your forehead or a halo above it. Charot!
To give you an idea of just how technical this portion can be in reality...
A few meters from the edge of " Kiss The Wall "I came to realize that weather conditions can play a significant role in determining just how difficult certain sections of Mt. Guiting Guiting can become. The same stretch of trail can feel completely different depending on whether the rocks are dry and grippy or wet, slippery, etc.
After crossing " Kiss The Wall " to Peak of DeceptionDistance: Approx 1KMTerrain: Highly technical, open area, more rocks, fixed rope, scrambling, rock climbingDifficulty: 7/9
As its name suggests, the Peak of Deception looks like the highest point of Mt. Guiting Guiting when viewed from the Knife’s Edge area. But once you finally reach this landmark, you will quickly realize that it was nothing more than a very convincing decoy. Waiting just beyond it is the TRUE SUMMIT of Mt. Guiting Guiting.
* Mabel's Spring is located around 800M from Kiss The Wall area.
The summit kept teasing us with brief glimpses, appearing through the clouds for barely two or three seconds at a time before disappearing again. Since it was already around noon, I suggested that we have lunch there while waiting for another clearing, hoping we would finally get a good view of Mt. Guiting Guiting and Sibuyan Island from the Peak of Deception.
I’m glad we decided to stay and wait because, eventually, the clouds gave us exactly what we were hoping for. We were treated to spectacular views of the mountain and Sibuyan Island—making our lunchtime stop at the Peak of Deception well worth the wait.
It all started with a " Sea of Clouds... " 
" required daw talaga ganito ang posing pag Sea of Clouds... chariz!"
Followed by a clear view of the true summit and the pathway leading toward the 90-Degree Section...
The trademark " Guiting Guiting " peaks also made a quick appearance.
Photo by Di Nz.
And of course, a surprise visit by Mr. Jeon... charot! 
Ok! Back to reality...
Peak of Deception to Summit via 90 Deg WallDistance: Approx 750MTerrain: Highly technical, more rocks, scrambling, rock climbingDifficulty: 7.5-8/9
The trail leading to the summit begins with flowers, including one particularly special find—the elusive endemic plant Psychotria bermarii, named after Kuya Bermar.
Then, almost instantly, the trail transforms into a highly technical challenge.
This section was relatively challenging to difficult, but I would still give it a score of 7.5–8, mainly because of the 90-Degree Wall. The wall itself was not particularly difficult to climb, nor was it very long. The challenge came from the limited spots where we could properly place our hands and feet for support, made even more challenging by the strong Habagat winds and rain we experienced.During our climb, the strong winds and thick fog made things a little more challenging. It was difficult to get a good visual grasp of the wall while the guide was demonstrating the proper way to climb it. Fortunately, the guide always returned to the bottom after demonstrating and allowed only one climber at a time to pass through this section.
And should you place your foot in the wrong spot, don't panic—you might become organic. Chariz lang!
Seriously, though, the guide was right there all along at the bottom, carefully watching my every move.
If your foot lands somewhere it shouldn’t, the guide will immediately call your attention, physically assist by moving your foot to the correct position, and then instruct you to continue.
So, what I’m trying to say is that the chances of actually falling from this section are relatively low, provided that the proper safety measures are in place and you follow the guide’s instructions. The wall may look intimidating, but with a competent guide, proper technique, proper preparation, and a little bit of trust in your footing, it can be much more manageable than it initially appears.
Right after climbing the 90-Degree Wall, the trail becomes relatively flat, more like a 2/9. Just a few meters from the peak, you will find the entrance to the Secret Garden. Unfortunately, the area is no longer accessible to climbers, as entry is currently prohibited to give the plants enough time to thrive, bloom, and recover without being disturbed.
Then a few more steps after...
* The rubberized pair of gloves I bought from Mr. DIY ( top ) for less than ₱50 actually proved to be far superior to the more expensive pair I purchased from a camping and hiking shop on Shopee for P200+. Sometimes, the cheapest gear turns out to be the one that gets the job done best.
JOURNEY BACK TO CIVILIZATION: THE DESCENT
My mobile phones ran out of battery just minutes after we reached the summit. My Garmin watch also ran out of power about 1.22 km ( 1800+ MASL ) from the summit, probably at or near España Peak. Because of this, I wasn’t able to track the approximate distance or record our progress through specific sections of the descent.
From this point onward, I’ll be presenting the time it took me to travel from Point A to Point B instead. While the distances won’t be exact, the time intervals should still give you a fairly good idea of how long each section of the descent took.
DAY 2,PART 2,AUGUST 5,2026
MT. GUITING GUITING SUMMIT TO CAMP 3
DISTANCE: APPROX 3-3.5KM
For context, I once fell off a rocky cliff in 2014—not while hiking, as I wasn’t really into the activity back then, but during a cycling event. Fortunately, I have no recollection of what actually happened, other than waking up after surgery and then undergoing another surgery a month later to repair the same bone.The incident never really stopped me from staying physically active. However, knowing that it happened while I was riding downhill from a mountain top made me much more cautious whenever I am doing anything downhill—whether running, cycling, or now, hiking and trekking.
Perhaps not remembering the actual fall was a blessing in disguise. I don't know what happened, and honestly, I think I’m better off not knowing. But the lesson remained: downhill sections deserve just as much respect as the climbs.
Summit to Camp 3 ( Olango Trail ) Distance: Approx 3-3.5KMTerrain: Highly technical, more rocks, scrambling, rock climbingDifficulty: 7.5-8/9
This is also around the area where you will start seeing the orange crabs of Mt. Guiting-Guiting, which can be spotted along the trail and even in areas beyond the peak.
Aside from the trademark “sawtooth” features of Mt. Guiting Guiting, two other spectacular sights can be witnessed from the view deck of Mayo’s Peak via the Tampayan Trail on a clear day.
First is what Jungkook and I like to call “The Black Panther” of Mt. Guiting Guiting. According to Florence Tansiongco, who captured this photo, this elusive shadow appears between 4:00 and 5:30 PM. You need to be at the exact right place and time to catch a glimpse of this mysterious silhouette.
This photo, captured by Di Nz, shows exactly that. From the summit, Mt. Guiting Guiting not only offers breathtaking views of its iconic range and Sibuyan Island—it also provides a glimpse of other remarkable wonders of the Philippines.
Can you identify the main subject in this photo?
I didn't take a photo of Eagle's Rock. Older photos taken by climbers show people standing on top of the rock, but today, doing so is strictly prohibited.
The restriction is in place both to preserve the integrity of the rock formation and, more importantly, to protect the safety of climbers.
The approximately 1.2-kilometer stretch from the view deck of Mayo's Peak to Camel's Back forms what is popularly known as the KNIFE'S EDGE.
UNFILTERED FACTS ABOUT THE KNIFE'S EDGE
1. It is NOT as scary as it looks online.
Photos and videos—especially those taken using 360-degree cameras—can make the Knife's Edge appear much more intimidating than it actually is.
2. It is also NOT necessarily as scary as some people describe it.
Of course, experiences and opinions differ from one climber to another, but based on my own experience, the actual trail was less intimidating than what I had expected from reading other people's accounts.
3. Is it DANGEROUS? Absolutely.
However, throughout the entire stretch, I would estimate that only around 10% of the trail is genuinely critical, where a fall to either side could potentially be fatal. That does not mean the remaining 90% is safe. A fall can still result in serious injuries, so caution is necessary throughout the entire section.
4. It is NOT as narrow as it appears online.
Yes, the trail is narrow enough that you cannot comfortably walk side by side with another person. However, you do not need to place one foot directly in front of the other as if you were walking on a tightrope. There is generally enough space to move normally while maintaining proper footing.
5. Weather conditions can significantly change the experience.
Strong winds and heavy rain may make the Knife's Edge considerably more challenging to navigate. When conditions become difficult, hikers can use available rocks and branches for additional support—but these should never be assumed to be completely secure.
In short, the Knife's Edge deserves respect, but it does not necessarily deserve the exaggerated reputation it has gained online. Your experience will depend heavily on weather conditions, your comfort with exposure, and how carefully you " catwalk " the trail. Chariz!
This is the part of the trail where you need to listen carefully to your guide, as he will start to occasionally demonstrate the proper techniques for making your way across specific rocky sections leading to the peak and during the traverse.
Upper-body strength becomes particularly important during this phase, especially when you need to pull yourself up, stabilize your body, or use rocks as handholds.
If you are like me—someone who has limited upper-body strength for scrambling, carrying a light pack, and, of course, striking the occasional selfie pose—properly conserving that limited strength, especially in the arms, becomes crucial at this point.
For context, I have a long titanium plate with 10 screws in my left clavicle. Carrying even a relatively light bag for an entire day can sometimes cause one of the screws to rub against the bag strap, resulting in slight swelling at the tip of my shoulder, along with some pain and temporary weakness. So, on this part of the trek, every bit of upper-body strength counts.
The stretch from Camel's Back to the “Kiss the Wall” segment involves maneuvering over rocks of different shapes, sizes, and surfaces. It is less about simply walking and more about carefully choosing where to place your hands and feet while maintaining balance throughout the section.
After roughly 500-plus meters of scrambling, stepping, and clinging to rocks of all shapes and sizes, you will eventually reach a section where you need to carefully make your way along the corner edge of a massive rock.
This is where the “Kiss the Wall” segment comes in.
To get across, you literally need to stretch one leg toward the opposite side while keeping yourself extremely close to the corner edge of the rock. Close enough that it feels like you're almost literally kissing the wall.
To give you an idea of just how technical this portion can be in reality...
I came to realize that weather conditions can play a significant role in determining just how difficult certain sections of Mt. Guiting Guiting can become. The same stretch of trail can feel completely different depending on whether the rocks are dry and grippy or wet, slippery, etc.
The summit kept teasing us with brief glimpses, appearing through the clouds for barely two or three seconds at a time before disappearing again. Since it was already around noon, I suggested that we have lunch there while waiting for another clearing, hoping we would finally get a good view of Mt. Guiting Guiting and Sibuyan Island from the Peak of Deception.
I’m glad we decided to stay and wait because, eventually, the clouds gave us exactly what we were hoping for. We were treated to spectacular views of the mountain and Sibuyan Island—making our lunchtime stop at the Peak of Deception well worth the wait.
It all started with a " Sea of Clouds... " 
" required daw talaga ganito ang posing pag Sea of Clouds... chariz!"
Followed by a clear view of the true summit and the pathway leading toward the 90-Degree Section...
During our climb, the strong winds and thick fog made things a little more challenging. It was difficult to get a good visual grasp of the wall while the guide was demonstrating the proper way to climb it. Fortunately, the guide always returned to the bottom after demonstrating and allowed only one climber at a time to pass through this section.
And should you place your foot in the wrong spot, don't panic—you might become organic. Chariz lang!
Seriously, though, the guide was right there all along at the bottom, carefully watching my every move.
If your foot lands somewhere it shouldn’t, the guide will immediately call your attention, physically assist by moving your foot to the correct position, and then instruct you to continue.
So, what I’m trying to say is that the chances of actually falling from this section are relatively low, provided that the proper safety measures are in place and you follow the guide’s instructions. The wall may look intimidating, but with a competent guide, proper technique, proper preparation, and a little bit of trust in your footing, it can be much more manageable than it initially appears.
Right after climbing the 90-Degree Wall, the trail becomes relatively flat, more like a 2/9. Just a few meters from the peak, you will find the entrance to the Secret Garden. Unfortunately, the area is no longer accessible to climbers, as entry is currently prohibited to give the plants enough time to thrive, bloom, and recover without being disturbed.
Then a few more steps after...
JOURNEY BACK TO CIVILIZATION: THE DESCENT
My mobile phones ran out of battery just minutes after we reached the summit. My Garmin watch also ran out of power about 1.22 km ( 1800+ MASL ) from the summit, probably at or near España Peak. Because of this, I wasn’t able to track the approximate distance or record our progress through specific sections of the descent.
From this point onward, I’ll be presenting the time it took me to travel from Point A to Point B instead. While the distances won’t be exact, the time intervals should still give you a fairly good idea of how long each section of the descent took.
DAY 2,PART 2,AUGUST 5,2026
MT. GUITING GUITING SUMMIT TO CAMP 3
DISTANCE: APPROX 3-3.5KM
The incident never really stopped me from staying physically active. However, knowing that it happened while I was riding downhill from a mountain top made me much more cautious whenever I am doing anything downhill—whether running, cycling, or now, hiking and trekking.
Perhaps not remembering the actual fall was a blessing in disguise. I don't know what happened, and honestly, I think I’m better off not knowing. But the lesson remained: downhill sections deserve just as much respect as the climbs.
The Hardest Segment
This was the hardest segment for me. Almost 90% of the area between the Summit and Camp 3 of the Olango Trail was completely exposed and highly technical. The trail required plenty of scrambling, with the occasional need to jump from one rock to another. The views on either side didn’t exactly help either. At times, all I could see were steep rocky slopes, while in other sections, the fog completely enveloped the area, making it difficult to tell what was waiting just a few meters ahead.
Adding to the challenge was the Habagat, with winds now coming from almost every direction. During the ascent, the wind was mostly pushing us from behind. On this section, however, it seemed to have decided to attack from all sides.
I took my time navigating this segment, and this was probably the longest 3-KM Zone 1–2 activity I had ever experienced. Every few meters seemed to demand another scramble, another careful step, or another moment of figuring out where to place my feet.
All in all, it took me at least four hours to complete this segment. In the end, what mattered most was that I made it through safely. I couldn’t help but imagine all the things that could potentially go wrong as I carefully made my way down rocks of different sizes and across constantly changing terrain. Sometimes, the best strategy was simply to slow down, focus on the next step, and let the mountain dictate the pace.
The Olango Trail is known for being almost purely assault after crossing the Olango River. And just when you think reaching Camp 3 means you can finally relax, surprise! You will still need to climb another 100–150 meters just to reach the toilet area. LOL!
DAY 3,AUGUST 6CAMP 3 TO FINISH AREA
DISTANCE: Approx 4-4.5KM
Our plan to start the descent at 5 PM did not push through because the rain was coming down hard, and our guide felt that the river would still be too difficult to cross. So, we waited it out at Camp 3 and finally started our way back to town at 9:24 AM.First of all, it is important to note that on Day 3, I decided to complete the activity without carrying my hiking bag.
By this point, most of the items that contributed significantly to its weight—particularly the protein bars, electrolyte powders, and drinks I had packed since Day 1—had already been consumed. The remaining supplies were light enough to fit inside my jacket.
The two sets of clothes I had worn during the previous days were another story. After getting drenched by the rain, they had absorbed quite a bit of water and were noticeably heavier than usual.
Where did my bag go?
To conserve the strength in my arms for the more physically demanding sections ahead, I asked my personal porter to carry the bag for me.
The original load I asked him to carry was less than 15 kilograms. Even so, I still offered to pay the additional amount based on the applicable excess-load rate.
And honestly, this is where I truly appreciated the role of porters.
Porters are the real heroes. They don't just carry the weight for you—they can also assist as guides and help you maneuver through challenging sections of the trail.
Having someone capable of doing both jobs effectively can make a significant difference, especially during a long and physically demanding climb.
Camp 3 ( Olango Trail ) to Camp 2Time: 9:24AM-10:16AMDistance: Approx 800M-1KMTerrain: Technical, rocky, scrambling, rootsDifficulty: 5/9This was a relatively moderately easy section of the Olango Trail, and it took us less than an hour to reach Camp 2. I was back in the game and once again pacing alongside the guide, as the trail was no longer as wide and open as it had been the previous day.
It was still technical and required plenty of stepping, scrambling, and finding your way over rocks and roots, but it was definitely not as intimidating as the trail I encountered the day before.
Fortunately, one of my phones decided to cooperate by conserving around 17% of its battery, even after shutting down the previous day.
It was also raining hard. Good thing I had brought my Mr. DIY disposable raincoat.
I actually had a thicker raincoat with me, but I let my porter use it because, for some reason, I preferred the idea of simply getting showered by the rain while hiking.
By the way, I was still wearing the same clothes from the night before on Day 3—my Heat-tech leggings and sleeves, plus my extra jacket that I used for sleeping. If we had been forced to spend another night on the mountain, I probably would have had no choice but to sleep naked with nothing but my emergency blanket.
This was the hardest segment for me. Almost 90% of the area between the Summit and Camp 3 of the Olango Trail was completely exposed and highly technical. The trail required plenty of scrambling, with the occasional need to jump from one rock to another. The views on either side didn’t exactly help either. At times, all I could see were steep rocky slopes, while in other sections, the fog completely enveloped the area, making it difficult to tell what was waiting just a few meters ahead.
Adding to the challenge was the Habagat, with winds now coming from almost every direction. During the ascent, the wind was mostly pushing us from behind. On this section, however, it seemed to have decided to attack from all sides.
I took my time navigating this segment, and this was probably the longest 3-KM Zone 1–2 activity I had ever experienced. Every few meters seemed to demand another scramble, another careful step, or another moment of figuring out where to place my feet.
All in all, it took me at least four hours to complete this segment. In the end, what mattered most was that I made it through safely. I couldn’t help but imagine all the things that could potentially go wrong as I carefully made my way down rocks of different sizes and across constantly changing terrain. Sometimes, the best strategy was simply to slow down, focus on the next step, and let the mountain dictate the pace.
DAY 3,AUGUST 6
CAMP 3 TO FINISH AREA
DISTANCE: Approx 4-4.5KM
First of all, it is important to note that on Day 3, I decided to complete the activity without carrying my hiking bag.
By this point, most of the items that contributed significantly to its weight—particularly the protein bars, electrolyte powders, and drinks I had packed since Day 1—had already been consumed. The remaining supplies were light enough to fit inside my jacket.
The two sets of clothes I had worn during the previous days were another story. After getting drenched by the rain, they had absorbed quite a bit of water and were noticeably heavier than usual.
Where did my bag go?
To conserve the strength in my arms for the more physically demanding sections ahead, I asked my personal porter to carry the bag for me.
The original load I asked him to carry was less than 15 kilograms. Even so, I still offered to pay the additional amount based on the applicable excess-load rate.
And honestly, this is where I truly appreciated the role of porters.
Porters are the real heroes. They don't just carry the weight for you—they can also assist as guides and help you maneuver through challenging sections of the trail.
Having someone capable of doing both jobs effectively can make a significant difference, especially during a long and physically demanding climb.
This was a relatively moderately easy section of the Olango Trail, and it took us less than an hour to reach Camp 2. I was back in the game and once again pacing alongside the guide, as the trail was no longer as wide and open as it had been the previous day.
It was still technical and required plenty of stepping, scrambling, and finding your way over rocks and roots, but it was definitely not as intimidating as the trail I encountered the day before.
Fortunately, one of my phones decided to cooperate by conserving around 17% of its battery, even after shutting down the previous day.
It was also raining hard. Good thing I had brought my Mr. DIY disposable raincoat.
I actually had a thicker raincoat with me, but I let my porter use it because, for some reason, I preferred the idea of simply getting showered by the rain while hiking.
By the way, I was still wearing the same clothes from the night before on Day 3—my Heat-tech leggings and sleeves, plus my extra jacket that I used for sleeping. If we had been forced to spend another night on the mountain, I probably would have had no choice but to sleep naked with nothing but my emergency blanket.
The many varieties of pitcher plants start appearing from this section and continue all the way toward the Olango Trail view deck.
The photo below shows a pitcher plant that is endemic to Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
Toto, my personal porter, told us that the plant in the photo is the female variety, while the male variety can reportedly be found along the section between Camp 2 and Camp 1.
Camp 2 ( Olango Trail ) to Camp 1 via View DeckTime: 10:25AM-12:30PMDistance: Approx 1.800KM-2KMTerrain: Technical, rocky, scrambling, roots, AND SLIPPERYDifficulty: 5/9The journey toward the finish line eventually turned into a mini live “talk show”, with Toto suddenly becoming our storyteller.
He shared stories from his life, from being an experienced freediver who hunts "danggit" for dinner to, believe it or not, having encounters with what he claimed were mermaids.
To add even more entertainment, life in Sibuyan Island—especially at night—from what I observed, is apparently spent online.
Many use Starlink with pisowifi in place, so internet speed and connectivity were never really a problem. Because of this, they ( Toto, Dino and Florence ) were surprisingly familiar with the scripts of those many AI-generated short movies that keep appearing on Facebook—especially the ones that always seem to start with:
“Siya ay anak pala ng CEO…” " Hahahaha! "
Their stories made the remaining stretch of the hike feel much less demanding. Instead of feeling like we were simply trying to reach the finish line, it became more like a casual walk with friends while listening to one entertaining story after another.
And just like that… the other varieties of pitcher plants started appearing along the trail.
Photos by Florence T. And just when you thought Toto had forgotten about the male variety of the endemic pitcher plant… lo and behold… there it was... wrapped tightly on a branch.
Lol! Tabi apo!Florence also sent me another variety of " male " pitcher plant.
Hahahahahahahaha! Purya buyag!As we continued toward the view deck, I had to stop when I spotted something purple—because, of course, anything purple is automatically connected to BTS and the “Borahae” / “I Purple You” theme. 💜
So, allow me to introduce you to the Borahae Mushroom of Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
Next stop, the Olango Trail View Deck. From here, the finish area and the Olango River can be viewed. Some of the undiscovered and unnamed waterfalls in the Mt. Guiting-Guiting Range were also visible. We spent a few minutes here simply appreciating the beauty of Sibuyan Island.
The contested land that was supposed to be mined can also be viewed from this area. Seeing that “non-green” area, although small, standing out in the middle of all those forest trees, was unsettling and somehow made the whole scenery look less appealing.
Then we headed toward Camp 1, where we could already hear the sound of the roaring Olango River.
But my attention shifted to something else—the slippers worn by the guides and porters.
All of them were wearing the same brand and style of slippers.
It is not unusual to see guides and porters wearing slippers even on highly technical trails. I've seen the same thing in Sta. Cruz of Mt. Apo, although they normally wear different brands and styles.
When I asked them about it, they told me that they had been using the same brand since they started climbing Mt. Guiting-Guiting. They also said they feel more comfortable and confident wearing slippers than hiking shoes.
Many people understandably react when they see photos or videos of guides and porters wearing slippers while trekking highly technical terrain. But it is important to remember that the slippers—or the brand of slippers—are not what make them more capable of navigating these trails than someone wearing proper hiking footwear.
These amazing people were not made overnight.
They have spent countless hours with the mountain, developing a level of familiarity that comes only through experience. Their bodies have developed the muscle memory to instinctively know where to place their feet, which surfaces to trust, and which sections require extra caution.
On top of that, they have developed exceptional core and leg strength, allowing them to maintain balance and move efficiently across challenging terrain.
Yes. I've seen some of them nearly slip a couple more than once, but because of their exceptional core strength, experience, balance, and body control, they were able to immediately counteract the movement and prevent themselves from completely slipping.
The same principle can be observed among experienced trekkers who choose to hike barefoot, even in extremely challenging terrains and environments and, in some cases, during winter or under below zero conditions.
Photo taken in South Korea. Some people are simply born to be hardcore.So, as a small tribute to their famous slippers, I told them that we should stop by the market on our way home so I could buy a pair—or two.
Not that I'm planning to wear them on my next trail.
At least, not until I somehow gain the same level of experience as these guys.
By the way, the brand of their slippers is Dragon Titan. I bought a pair. The sizing is small. Add 2 inches to your actual size. P100/pair at Magdiwang Public Market.
Camp 1 ( Olango Trail ) to Crossing Olango RiverTime: 12:45-2:05PMDistance: Approx 1.2KMTerrain: Technical, rocky, roots, river crossing AND SLIPPERYDifficulty: 4/9
Crossing the Olango River can become extremely challenging—or even impossible—when the water level rises, the current becomes stronger, and the river surge becomes too powerful.
As a matter of fact, one of my companions from Luzon experienced this back in 2024. If I remember correctly, the water was so high and the current so strong that they had to use ropes and hold on to branches above the river to safely make the crossing, as shown in the photo.
Thankfully, we were able to cross the river safely during our climb.
And, of course, we couldn't resist taking the opportunity to soak ourselves in the fresh, cool, and clean waters of the Olango River. After everything we had gone through on the trail, that refreshing dip was definitely worth it.
Olango River to Finish AreaTime: 2:25-2:58PMDistance: Approx 1KMTerrain: Clay, mud, THE MOST SLIPPERY PartDifficulty: 2/9
This section can be as easy as 1/9, although the slippery portions of the trail make it slightly more challenging.
The many varieties of pitcher plants start appearing from this section and continue all the way toward the Olango Trail view deck.
The photo below shows a pitcher plant that is endemic to Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
Toto, my personal porter, told us that the plant in the photo is the female variety, while the male variety can reportedly be found along the section between Camp 2 and Camp 1.
The journey toward the finish line eventually turned into a mini live “talk show”, with Toto suddenly becoming our storyteller.
He shared stories from his life, from being an experienced freediver who hunts "danggit" for dinner to, believe it or not, having encounters with what he claimed were mermaids.
To add even more entertainment, life in Sibuyan Island—especially at night—from what I observed, is apparently spent online.
Many use Starlink with pisowifi in place, so internet speed and connectivity were never really a problem. Because of this, they ( Toto, Dino and Florence ) were surprisingly familiar with the scripts of those many AI-generated short movies that keep appearing on Facebook—especially the ones that always seem to start with:
“Siya ay anak pala ng CEO…” " Hahahaha! "
Their stories made the remaining stretch of the hike feel much less demanding. Instead of feeling like we were simply trying to reach the finish line, it became more like a casual walk with friends while listening to one entertaining story after another.
And just like that… the other varieties of pitcher plants started appearing along the trail.
And just when you thought Toto had forgotten about the male variety of the endemic pitcher plant… lo and behold… there it was... wrapped tightly on a branch.
Florence also sent me another variety of " male " pitcher plant.
As we continued toward the view deck, I had to stop when I spotted something purple—because, of course, anything purple is automatically connected to BTS and the “Borahae” / “I Purple You” theme. 💜
So, allow me to introduce you to the Borahae Mushroom of Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
Next stop, the Olango Trail View Deck. From here, the finish area and the Olango River can be viewed. Some of the undiscovered and unnamed waterfalls in the Mt. Guiting-Guiting Range were also visible. We spent a few minutes here simply appreciating the beauty of Sibuyan Island.
The contested land that was supposed to be mined can also be viewed from this area. Seeing that “non-green” area, although small, standing out in the middle of all those forest trees, was unsettling and somehow made the whole scenery look less appealing.
Then we headed toward Camp 1, where we could already hear the sound of the roaring Olango River.
But my attention shifted to something else—the slippers worn by the guides and porters.
All of them were wearing the same brand and style of slippers.
It is not unusual to see guides and porters wearing slippers even on highly technical trails. I've seen the same thing in Sta. Cruz of Mt. Apo, although they normally wear different brands and styles.
When I asked them about it, they told me that they had been using the same brand since they started climbing Mt. Guiting-Guiting. They also said they feel more comfortable and confident wearing slippers than hiking shoes.
Many people understandably react when they see photos or videos of guides and porters wearing slippers while trekking highly technical terrain. But it is important to remember that the slippers—or the brand of slippers—are not what make them more capable of navigating these trails than someone wearing proper hiking footwear.
These amazing people were not made overnight.
They have spent countless hours with the mountain, developing a level of familiarity that comes only through experience. Their bodies have developed the muscle memory to instinctively know where to place their feet, which surfaces to trust, and which sections require extra caution.
On top of that, they have developed exceptional core and leg strength, allowing them to maintain balance and move efficiently across challenging terrain.
Yes. I've seen some of them nearly slip a couple more than once, but because of their exceptional core strength, experience, balance, and body control, they were able to immediately counteract the movement and prevent themselves from completely slipping.
The same principle can be observed among experienced trekkers who choose to hike barefoot, even in extremely challenging terrains and environments and, in some cases, during winter or under below zero conditions.
So, as a small tribute to their famous slippers, I told them that we should stop by the market on our way home so I could buy a pair—or two.
Not that I'm planning to wear them on my next trail.
At least, not until I somehow gain the same level of experience as these guys.
By the way, the brand of their slippers is Dragon Titan. I bought a pair. The sizing is small. Add 2 inches to your actual size. P100/pair at Magdiwang Public Market.
Crossing the Olango River can become extremely challenging—or even impossible—when the water level rises, the current becomes stronger, and the river surge becomes too powerful.
As a matter of fact, one of my companions from Luzon experienced this back in 2024. If I remember correctly, the water was so high and the current so strong that they had to use ropes and hold on to branches above the river to safely make the crossing, as shown in the photo.
Thankfully, we were able to cross the river safely during our climb.
And, of course, we couldn't resist taking the opportunity to soak ourselves in the fresh, cool, and clean waters of the Olango River. After everything we had gone through on the trail, that refreshing dip was definitely worth it.
After Day 1, this was probably the only segment where my trekking poles became useful again.
After finally emerging from the forest, I waved goodbye and thanked Mt. Guiting-Guiting for allowing us safe passage.
Then, with only a little over 300 meters left to the finish area, I decided to run the remaining stretch—especially knowing that Kuya Bermar was waiting for us with fresh buko juice.
We eventually headed back to Magdiwang, where we had dinner together. The meal was lovingly prepared by Kuya Bermar's wonderful wife, Ate Saturnina.
After three days on the mountain, nothing beats having a warm meal, good company, and a refreshing drink.
OVERALL IMPRESSION AND SCORE CARD
After Day 1, this was probably the only segment where my trekking poles became useful again.
After finally emerging from the forest, I waved goodbye and thanked Mt. Guiting-Guiting for allowing us safe passage.
Then, with only a little over 300 meters left to the finish area, I decided to run the remaining stretch—especially knowing that Kuya Bermar was waiting for us with fresh buko juice.
We eventually headed back to Magdiwang, where we had dinner together. The meal was lovingly prepared by Kuya Bermar's wonderful wife, Ate Saturnina.
After three days on the mountain, nothing beats having a warm meal, good company, and a refreshing drink.
OVERALL IMPRESSION AND SCORE CARD
Just because I rated my experience 7–7.5/9 instead of 9/9 does not automatically mean that Mt. Guiting-Guiting is suitable for everyone.
I don't feel the need to emphasize this repeatedly, though, because one of the general requirements for the climb is a history of at least two major climbs. This already implies that anyone planning to climb Mt. Guiting-Guiting should have some basic and relatively recent experience in climbing mountains and dealing with challenging trail conditions.
Just because I rated my experience 7–7.5/9 instead of 9/9 does not automatically mean that Mt. Guiting-Guiting is suitable for everyone.
I don't feel the need to emphasize this repeatedly, though, because one of the general requirements for the climb is a history of at least two major climbs. This already implies that anyone planning to climb Mt. Guiting-Guiting should have some basic and relatively recent experience in climbing mountains and dealing with challenging trail conditions.
Specifically, there are several important factors behind this rating.
First, I hired a personal porter and only carried an additional bag for part of the climb. I am certain that my overall difficulty score would have been considerably different if I had carried a 20+ kilogram backpack throughout the entire traverse.
Second, weather conditions also played a major role in my assessment.
We experienced strong Habagat winds and rain, which certainly added another layer of difficulty to some sections. At the same time, however, the cooler and refreshing mountain environment made the overall experience more comfortable compared to doing the same climb under the intense heat of summer.
So, this 7–7.5/9 rating should not be interpreted as a universal difficulty rating for
Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
It is my personal assessment based on the specific conditions, preparation, fitness level, backpack weight, porter assistance, weather, and overall experience I had during the climb from August 4–6, 2026.
Someone carrying a much heavier pack, hiking during hotter weather, dealing with different trail conditions, or coming from a different fitness background may experience the exact same mountain very differently.
The mountain remains a 9/9 in terms of terrain features.
My 7–7.5/9 simply reflects how difficult it felt for me, under the circumstances in which I climbed it.
The logistics and fees—well, those are probably a legitimate 9/9 when it comes to climbing Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
But is it really worth it?
CAPITAL Y-E-S. YES!
Mt. Guiting-Guiting may be the crowning glory of Sibuyan Island, but the island itself has so much more to offer its visitors.
In fact, the Day 0 requirement alone is nowhere near enough time to discover all the other natural wonders surrounding the mountain. From waterfalls and rivers to forests, beaches, and other hidden gems, Sibuyan Island deserves much more than just a stopover before or after the climb.
As for Mt. Guiting-Guiting itself, it absolutely deserves a spot at the top of the list of must-climb peaks in the Philippines.
The logistics may be complicated. The fees may be substantial. The terrain may be difficult and challenging.
But the experience?
100% worth it.
See you pohon again, Mighty, Great, and Beautiful Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
Specifically, there are several important factors behind this rating.
First, I hired a personal porter and only carried an additional bag for part of the climb. I am certain that my overall difficulty score would have been considerably different if I had carried a 20+ kilogram backpack throughout the entire traverse.
Second, weather conditions also played a major role in my assessment.
We experienced strong Habagat winds and rain, which certainly added another layer of difficulty to some sections. At the same time, however, the cooler and refreshing mountain environment made the overall experience more comfortable compared to doing the same climb under the intense heat of summer.
So, this 7–7.5/9 rating should not be interpreted as a universal difficulty rating for
Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
It is my personal assessment based on the specific conditions, preparation, fitness level, backpack weight, porter assistance, weather, and overall experience I had during the climb from August 4–6, 2026.
Someone carrying a much heavier pack, hiking during hotter weather, dealing with different trail conditions, or coming from a different fitness background may experience the exact same mountain very differently.
The mountain remains a 9/9 in terms of terrain features.
My 7–7.5/9 simply reflects how difficult it felt for me, under the circumstances in which I climbed it.
The logistics and fees—well, those are probably a legitimate 9/9 when it comes to climbing Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
But is it really worth it?
CAPITAL Y-E-S. YES!
Mt. Guiting-Guiting may be the crowning glory of Sibuyan Island, but the island itself has so much more to offer its visitors.
In fact, the Day 0 requirement alone is nowhere near enough time to discover all the other natural wonders surrounding the mountain. From waterfalls and rivers to forests, beaches, and other hidden gems, Sibuyan Island deserves much more than just a stopover before or after the climb.
As for Mt. Guiting-Guiting itself, it absolutely deserves a spot at the top of the list of must-climb peaks in the Philippines.
The logistics may be complicated. The fees may be substantial. The terrain may be difficult and challenging.
But the experience?
100% worth it.
See you pohon again, Mighty, Great, and Beautiful Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, VIDEOS AND RELATED TOPICS
2. I Can’t Decide Whether to Do a BACKTRAIL or TRAVERSE, and Which Trail to Select as the Jump-Off
NOT MY PROBLEM. Chariz!
Seriously, I hope this helps you make up your mind.
BACKTRAILING OPTIONS
Important: For the Tampayan-Olango Traverse, the FINISH AREA is NOT the Olango River. You still need to cross the river and walk another 800M–1.5KM along a flat but VERY SLIPPERY trail to reach the area where pickup vehicles can park.
6. NOT REQUIRED... BUT HIGHLY ENCOURAGED....
About 90% of the essential gear for the climb was packed in the North Face bag—around 11 kg.
I intentionally kept the North Face bag at around 11 kg because I knew I’d be adding another 2.5L of Pocari and some food for the entire climb. The maximum personal porter allowance for the ₱4,000 fee is 15 kg, so every kilo had to be strategically planned.
I also had a separate BTS backpack for the travel portion.
And, of course, I had to bring out the heavy-duty trolley because there was absolutely NO WAY I was carrying all these bags myself.
Carrying everything on my back? That’s a skill I’m looking forward to mastering… maybe soon.
Porters were essential too—not just during the climb, but from the very start of the journey. Especially with the ferry crossings… four times each way!
I went to Culasi Port around 12 noon... I even asked the porter to take a photo of me pulling the trolly to the boat—as if I actually did it myself. lol!
