..........................................................................................................................................................
A Mountaineering Guide For Beginners
Check out these tips for novice mountain climbers,
along with favorite Philippine mountain climbing destinations
By Philip
Handang
Philip Handang, mountaineer and photo
hobbyist, shares some insights for novice mountain climbers in the Philippines.
Need a
break from the pressures of urban life?
Have
you been staring at photos of outstanding sunsets, breathtaking landscapes,
mountain views, and a person standing on a summit and thinking, "That's
gorgeous!"
Why be
contented with just looking at the pictures and viewing mountains from afar
when you can actually climb it and experience everything first hand.
Mountain
climbing is a lifestyle sport involving hiking and trekking through rugged
terrain, camping, climbing over rocks, fallen trees and logs, passing by thick
vegetation, crossing rivers, and exploring the great outdoors while having fun
in the process.
This
feat requires a great deal of patience, physical endurance, motivation, and
presence of mind. Climbing mountains is truly rewarding: not only does it
cultivate environmental awareness, it also develops a person's character by
facing and conquering one's fears and ultimately conquering oneself, leaving the
mountain climber with a great feeling of achievement.
In the
Philippines, a person who climbs mountains as a hobby is generally called a
mountaineer.
For
anyone who wants to take up mountaineering as a hobby, there are several
mountaineering clubs in the Philippines that offer a Basic Mountaineering
Course (BMC).
Some
clubs offer a single day course, and others like the UP Mountaineers and Ayala
Mountaineering Club incorporate the training into their application process
that usually takes about 3 to 4 months to complete.
It is
strongly encouraged for every aspiring climber to undergo the BMC.
The
BMC teaches the proper physical training and essential outdoor skills needed by
a mountain climber, the proper climbing etiquette, and the "Leave No
Trace" principles that are all very important to help minimize the impact
on the environment.
Another
advantage in learning BMC for the novice climber is the opportunity to
collaborate with seasoned/professional climbers and receive priceless tips
based on their years of climbing experience.
If you
just want to try it out, you can tag along with your mountaineering friends and
climb minor mountains near Metro Manila, or you can join other mountain
climbing tours organized by experienced mountaineers and club organizations.
Factors
to Consider When Choosing Your Destination
Gideon
Lasco, the author of Pinoymountaineer.com, devised a "relative"
difficulty rating system that can be used to compare one mountain in the
Philippines to another. The system is divided into three parts:
1. Classification (Minor or Major)
2. Difficulty Scale (1/9 being very easy; 9/9 technical)
3. Trail Class (1 -5 which describes the type of trail to
expect).
This
can be quite overwhelming for newbie climbers, so for the purpose of this
article, we can just use the "Minor - Major" classification in
choosing mountains to climb.
Generally,
a Minor Climb is any climb that can be accomplished within a single day without
extraordinary physical effort, taking five hours or less from the jump-off
point (location at the foot of the mountain where the hike begins) before
reaching the summit.
A
Major Climb normally requires two or more days to accomplish, with the climber
exerting a great deal of physical effort, and normally takes six hours or more
to reach the summit.
One of
the factors when choosing what mountain to climb is the view that you are
afforded.
Even
on minor climbs, the views as you climb along the trail and from the summit can
be outstanding.
With
more experience, a mountaineer tends to climb more difficult mountains where
the challenges are greater and the views are even more breathtaking.
One
rule of thumb is the harder it is to scale the mountain, the more serene and
wonderful the views at the top are. Therefore, more physical preparation is
needed to accomplish the major climbs.
Local
people and culture, potable water sources (usually rivers and streams), river
crossings, mossy forests, 360-degree views of surrounding and nearby mountains
are some of the other features to look for and consider when planning what
mountain to climb.
Tips
in Preparing for a Mountaineering Trip
Personal
Health
As
with any sport, before engaging in mountain climbing proper training and
physical preparation is needed.
For
beginners, an easy and inexpensive way to get in shape is to go jogging 3 to 4
times a week before your scheduled outdoor climb.
Another
way to prepare your leg muscles is to do stair climbing, and as you stair climb
you can wear a backpack and loaded with heavy books or liters of plastic water
bottles to also target your shoulder, back, leg muscles and knees.
This
way you can get accustomed to carrying a heavy backpack as well.
The
harder the climb, the more physical preparation is needed.
This
is important to minimize hiking related injuries and if you are physically
prepared, you would fully enjoy the breath-taking views and not the other way
around... which is you running out of or gasping for breath.
Clothing
While
hiking, wear quick dry clothes and stay away from cotton fabrics and denim
pants since you will be sweating profusely during the climb.
Wet
clothes against your body can cause hypothermia especially during the portions
of the trail where there are strong winds.
For
your headgear, wear a cap or a wide-brimmed bush hat for protection against the
heat of the sun.
For
cold nights at camp and for sleeping, you may use a jacket, bonnet, dry pair of
socks, or anything that would keep you warm through the night.
Every
climber should also prepare for a rainy day even on summer months.
It is
good practice to always have a waterproof jacket, rain poncho, or a raincoat.
Use zip locked plastic bags to waterproof your dry clothes and gadgets (camera,
cell phone, etc).
Wearing
a pair of hiking shoes is also advisable since you will be walking along a
rocky and rugged terrain that normal shoes like rubber shoes or sneakers
weren't designed for.
Hiking
shoes, with a pair of thick socks, also give you the advantage of overall
protection for your precious feet.
For
minor climbs, some mountaineers prefer wearing hiking sandals with straps. This
is also a cheaper alternative, but offers minimal protection and cushioning for
your feet compared to a hiking shoe or boot.
Gear
Tents
are not needed for day hikes. For climbs spanning from overnight to several
days, bringing a tent is essential for a good night's rest.
Decent
tents can be bought from local outdoor shops, and you don't have to buy a top
of the line foreign brand tent unless you are really serious about
mountaineering.
These
kinds of tents are extremely lightweight but are a bit expensive. If you don't
have the budget, you can just share a tent with one of your climbing buddies
for now.
Food
Food
plays an important part of your planning. It is the source of your strength,
fueling your body to continue the demanding task of mountain climbing.
For
meals, it is important that the meal is easy to cook and require little water.
Adobo, fried foods, rice, canned goods and instant noodles are a few good
examples.
Trail
food like chocolate bars, salted peanuts, raisins, and other sweets are also
good to boost your energy levels when the need arises.
For
day hikes, 1 to 2 liters of water per person would suffice, although you may
need to bring more if it is in your nature to consume a greater amount.
Do
take note however, that the more water you bring, the heavier your backpack
becomes.
On
some mountains there are also potable water sources where you can hydrate and
refill your water bottles, and when in doubt about the cleanliness of the water
source, it is important to boil your water before drinking.
Companions
and Climbing Buddies
Always
hire a guide or go with an experienced mountaineer every time you climb
mountains.
Climbing
alone increases the risks involved unless you are an experienced mountaineer
with survival skills.
Never
venture into the woods without properly informing other people.
Itinerary
Creating
an itinerary for your climb is also beneficial for success. This serves as your
guide on what time you should be in a particular place and what time you are
expected to be back at the jump-off.
Before
leaving on a trip, don't forget to send a copy of your itinerary to someone in
the city, either your family or friends, and include contact numbers in case of
emergency.
Precautions
Against Risks and
Dangers
To
avoid dehydration especially during the summer months, always drink water and
rehydrate every so often during water breaks at nearby water sources.
To
avoid hypothermia, wearing of proper warm clothes is also needed. Once you
reach the camp, change in your dry clothes and let your wet clothes hang to
dry.
Always
watch your step on and tread lightly in order to avoid sprained ankles and
knees.
Always
bring a basic first aid kit. You can buy this in department stores and medicine
drug stores. Don't forget to bring your personal medications if you have any.
Popular
Mountain Climbing Destinations
Minor
Climbs
Mount
Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas
Around
2 - 3 hours bus ride from Metro Manila, this mountain is ideal for beginners
who just want to have a relatively easy and refreshing hike.
It
takes an average of 2 hours going up to the "Rockies," the highlight
of the whole climb where one can see the breathtaking views of Taal Lake, Taal
Volcano, and nearby towns of Batangas and Tagaytay highlands.
On a
clear day one can also see Mount Makiling's silhouette looming in the horizon.
This mountain can be day hiked or camped overnight.
If you
want a little more challenge you can also do a traverse hike (going up a
mountain using a route, passing by the summit, and going back down on a
different route) from the so called "Grotto" side of the mountain,
passing by the summit, and continuing to the "Rockies" before going
back down.
Mount
Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas
This
is another mountain that is easily accessible from Metro Manila and ideal for
beginners with only a 3-hour bus ride passing by Tagaytay City, Cavite.
The
mountain's jagged tooth-like peaks are quite a sight to behold. It's a 3- to
4-hour hike along open windy trails, with nice views and mountain landscapes.
This can also be day hiked or camped overnight.
Mount
Pulag via the Ambangeg Trail in Kabayan, Benguet
Mount
Pulag is the highest mountain in Luzon and the third highest in the
Philippines.
It is
6-hour bus ride from Metro Manila to Baguio City and another 3-hour bus ride
going to the Visitor's Center in Ambangeg.
The
breath-taking views are accessible to tourists and beginner mountaineers alike
via the Ambangeg Trail.
It
takes an average of 5 hours to hike going up the campsite where one could spend
the night.
This
is also the coldest mountain in the Philippines, where sometimes temperatures
go down to -5 degrees Celsius during the evening and dawn.
Wearing
of proper clothing is strongly advised. Views of the mountain's so called
"Mossy Forests," "Grasslands," and the "Sea of
Clouds" awaiting at the summit during sunrise are a few of the highlights.
Major
Climbs
Mount
Makiling Traverse Day Hike from Batangas to Los Banos, Laguna
Climbing
Mount Makiling is one of the favorite training climbs of mountaineers because
of the tough challenges that await every climber.
It is
a 3-hour bus ride from Metro Manila to Sto. Tomas, Batangas, the starting point
of the climb.
The
trail in this mountain is heavily vegetated, where one should go over or crawl
under fallen logs and navigate through dense vegetation composed of thorny
rattan plants.
Blood
leeches (locally known as limatik) abound in this mountain but only during the
rainy season.
Experienced
mountaineers can accomplish the whole traverse in 7 hours or less compressing
it in just a day.
Mount
Tapulao in Iba, Zambales
Mountaineers
fondly call this mountain "The Long and Endless Road," referring to
the seemingly endless hike with an average of 12 to 14 hours going up to the
summit alone (not including the descent), and "Poor Man's Pulag,"
since it resembles the environs of Mt. Pulag on higher elevations.
After
a grueling hike through the rocky reddish soil, hikers are treated to
refreshing cool breezes and breathtaking views upon reaching the pine tree
forest.
This
mountain is accessible via a 5-hour bus ride from Metro Manila to Iba,
Zambales.
Mount
Apo, Davao Del Sur
Mount
Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines, and is the grandfather of
Philippine mountains.
In
Davao City, one can see this magnificent mountain towering over the horizon.
Climbing Mount Apo is every Filipino mountaineer's dream.
With
its so-called "Mossy Forests," "The Boulders," the extinct
crater, the "Lake Venado" (which is the highest lake in the country)
and the summit itself, this mountain's breathtaking landscapes are truly a
sight to behold.
Mountaineering
Etiquette
Follow
the mountaineer's creed:
"Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but foot
prints, kill nothing but time."
As a
mountaineer, it is our job to be stewards of Mother Nature. Here are a few
important things to remember when climbing mountains:
Do not
throw your trash anywhere, instead place it in your trash bag and bring it down
the mountain and dispose of it accordingly.
Do not
vandalize or write words on trees and rock formations.
Be
considerate of other visitors and mountaineers. Minimize noise, like shouting,
playing of loud music, etc.
Be
respectful to the locals and their customs and traditions. Greet other people
when you meet them in the trails or in towns.
Leave
what you find. If you see something that is beautiful, please, by all means
just leave it there and don't bring it home with you.
Follow
the "Leave no Trace" principles, outlined on this link in detail.
Online
Resources
The
Pinoy Mountaineer website is a comprehensive blog about hiking in the
Philippines created by Gideon Lasco. This site contains detailed itineraries,
tips, and other special concerns in climbing. Majority of mountaineers check
this website for information and updates on the mountains that they plan to
climb.
The
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational, nonprofit
organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of
the outdoors by all people, worldwide. Based in Boulder, CO in the United
States, the organization aims to achieve its goals through education, research,
volunteerism and partnerships. Visit their website for more information.
Mountain
Climbing Tours
Travel
Factor - although primarily offers beach and travel tours, this company also
offers climbing tours to Mt. Pulag, Mt. Pinatubo, and other well known minor
mountains.
Trailadventours
- a brainchild of the website Pinoymountaineer. This outfit offers tours on
different mountains from Mt. Pinatubo, to Mt. Apo, and other outdoor
destinations.
Other
mountaineering groups also organize "open climbs" or "friendship
climbs" that a newbie hiker can join. You can try also try searching
Facebook events on the scheduled climbs of different groups like Voyager
Adventure Club and Green Mountain Tribe.
Mountaineering
Gear
Shops
Here
are a few outdoor sport shops located within Metro Manila:
Adventure
Shack
Bombproof/
High Adventure
Boomika
Bratpack
Camp-O
Equipment and Accessories in Makati City
Camp
Sandugo
Columbia
Sportswear in various SM mall locations
Conquer
Outdoor Shop
Estor
Pang-Outdoor
Expedition
Plus in Makati City
First
Ascent
Habagat
Khumbu
The
North Face - various SM and Ayala mall locations
Mike's
Outdoor Shop
Montara
Recreational
Outdoor Exchange (R.O.X.)in Taguig City
Sandugo
Outdoor Shop
Storeshop
Timog
Outdoors in Las Piñas City
Trek
Tropical
Adventure Outdoor Shop
White
Mountains
*Backpacks
can also be purchased at any Chris Sports and Toby's Sports outlets located in
SM and Ayala malls.
travelbook.ph is the fastest growing online travel e-commerce
company (online travel agent or OTA) in the Philippines. We launched our
service in March 2013, and we have been successful in increasing our numbers
ever since.
More
than just being an online travel e-commerce company, travelbook.ph aims to
promote Philippine tourism by encouraging everyone to visit numerous beautiful
destinations in the country. We believe that traveling must be included in
everyone's lifestyles for the following benefits:
- To
gain new experiences
- To
share priceless moments with friends or loved ones
- To
strengthen family bonds
- To
educate people about the destinations in the Philippines
Travelbook.ph
would like to provide valuable travel experiences to all people in the
Philippines. Travelbook.ph also aims to be the best online travel agent in the
country with a growing number of transactions and topnotch customer/partner
hotel satisfaction.
 |
| Group climb with the Voyager Adventure Club at Mount Apo in Davao del Sur. |
|
| Sunrise view with the fabled “Sea of Clouds” backdrop at Mount Pulag in Benguet. |
 |
| tent is a mountain climber's home in the woods, protecting against heavy rains, winds, and annoying insects. |
|
| Always climb with an experienced mountaineer on your team. Shown here is the area by Lake Vanado with mossy trees (trees that grow only at high elevations) at Mount Apo in Davao del Sur. |
|
The long and endless trek at Mount Tapulao in Iba Zambales, with its rocky reddish soil.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment