17/01/2023
MT. GUITING-GUITING
Sibuyan Island, Romblon
Major Jump-off: Brgy. Tampayan, Madgiwang, Sibuyan
LLA: 12°24’50″N, 122°34’4″E, 2058 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 3 days / 10-13 hours
Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 9/9, Trail Class 5 with rock climbing/scramblingLATEST UPDATES
An update was forwarded to us by the Mt. Guiting-Guiting National Park in March 12, 2013. Please check it out here: Mountain News: New policies and updates from Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
BACKGROUND
One of the most difficult climbs in the Philippines is a hike to Mt. Guiting-Guiting, in Sibuyan Island, Romblon. In the difficulty scale used by PinoyMountaineer.com, it stands with Mt. Halcon and Mt. Mantalingajan as the upper limit. This is because of the steep, jagged ridge called “Knife Edge” which one has the cross in order to reach the summit, not to mention the ensuing rock formations with colorful names such as “Kiss the Wall”. On top of this precarious trail, the weather is so volatile that mountaineers would use absolute cut-off times (i.e. 1300H) to reach the summit, otherwise they would have to turn back. By implication, only mountaineers with enough stamina are advised to attempt the G2 climb. The possibility of failure is always there: if the local guides perceive a dangerous weather change forthcoming, the assault is aborted. Patience and perseverence – virtues of a true mountaineer – are put to the test in Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
Mt. Guiting-Guiting – fondly called G2 by enthusiasts – was discovered as a mountaineering hotspot during the early 1980’s – an exciting period for Philippine mountaineering, when the novel sport has just begun unravelling new and exciting destinations. In May 1982, a combined team of the Philippine Mountaineering Society (PMS) of Bacolod City and UP Mountaineers did the first exploration of the mountain, reaching the then-unnamed Mayo’s Peak but failing to reach the summit. A few weeks later, some of them returned to make the first ascent to G2’s summit. They were Mon Ruiz, Kim Valino, Bubot Tan Torre (UP Mountaineers) and Edwin Gatia of the PMS.
Even without the accomplishment of getting to the summit, however, a visit to G2 is rewarding enough. To begin with, Sibuyan island is a jewel of the seas. 187 nautical miles from Manila, the 445-sq.km island has beaches, waterfalls, and one of the cleanest rivers in the Philippines. Mt. Guiting-Guiting is the culmination of this sanctuary, possessing what has been called the most diverse forest in the world, being the habitat of up to 54 endemic plant varieties. Moreover, Mt. Guiting-Guiting is home to fascinating endemic flora and fauna. These include four species of rodents and a kind of bat discovered only in the mid-1990s and found nowhere else in the world. On the trek, hikers can attest to this natural richness with the presence of beautiful flowers, such as the one shown on the photo.
Meanwhile, the locals of Sibuyan have lots of folk beliefs about the mountain. It is said that there is a hidden village of spirit beings that dwell in the mountain; they can take the form of humans and even pilot ships that they take into the mountain via an invisible connection to the sea. To support this, they speak of a “Tinagong Dagat” (Hidden Sea) in the mountain. Other locals warn would-be hikers to ask permission before picking fruits or taking treasures. A large diamond was said to have been discovered in a waterfall, only to turn into dust when it was taken out of the island. Unusual flora are believed to be manifestations of the “engkanto” — if you pick them, you risk their wrath. On the other hand, good virtues are also attributed to the ‘engkantos’. When a Japanese ship tried to land in Sibuyan Island, it is said that clouds enveloped the entire island, hiding them from the foreign invaders. Sometimes, however, the spirit people can fall in love with mountaineers. These cultural beliefs, although in their twilight, add flavor to the G2 experience.
But more than the natural and cultural dimensions, it is the technical nature of the climb that attracts mountaineers.
THE TRAILClick on the map to enlarge and view the trail of G2’s summit assault.
The climb proper takes three days. Day 1 is the hike up to Mayo’s Peak (1550 MASL). Three streams, all very clean, will be crossed before reaching Camp 1, and three camps will be passed (marked as Camp 1-3) before reaching Mayo’s Peak. The trails are in very good condition and is surrounded by woodlands throughout. Since Day 1 may be delayed by transportation problems, it may be deferred to the next day after arrival at Sibuyan Island. Or, the itinerary may be modified and Camp 3 can be the campsite on the first night, leaving the last leg of Day 1 to early Day 2. Just before Mayo’s Peak.
Normally, Day 2 is the 4-5 hr. assault to the summit, and back. It is perhaps one of the most intense day in any itinerary in this website. A swift descent from Mayo’s Peak will lead to the “Knife Edge” – here the entire trail is rocky and exposed to the sun and winds; there are ravines on both sides: the view is both breathtaking and scary! Beyond this ridge are even more precarious rock formations: each is like a puzzle that must be solved, and climbers will try what body position and movements will best suit each hurdle. Some of the rocks you will step on are just a few inches wide; but with the sharp edges of the rocks make for nice hand supports. If you still have time you can take pictures of the delightful flora that grow on the rocks (including the endemic pitcher plant), as well as the stunted trees that coil on the rocks. After 3-4 hours, the Peak of Deception, an imposing sight, will be reached. They say this peak was also called “Peak of Decision” because from here you will have to decide whether to proceed or not, considering the time and one’s energy.
From the Peak of Deception, it’s only 30-45 minutes away from the summit itself. The trails are still rocky and unforgiving. As a finalé, a wall called “Hillary Pass” must be negotiated: there is a 90-degree part here which is said to be impassable when slippery. After accomplishing this finale hurdle, the summit is only a hundred meters away and the trail, called “Walk of Fame”, is easy, a stark departure from the rest of the trail. At the summit, when it is clear, you can see the neighboring peaks of the Guiting-Guiting range, as well as the seas surrounding Sibuyan Island. Again, there is a variety of unique flora in the summit.
The ascent to G2 is just half of the adventure; the descent, it is said, is equally challenging. By 1300H climbers must turn back and head for Mayo’s Peak where one can celebrate and see the sunset (on the left side relative to the jump-off). You or your guides can refill water at Bulod’s Spring; and spend the rest of the night having ‘socials’.
The third and final day is the descent back to Magdiwang. This may be done in a relaxed fashion: take time to appreciate the fauna and flora of the G2 forests. Large brown ants, birds, scorpions, and other fauna litter the trail. A refreshing dip in one of the clear streams after Camp 1 is a very rewarding treat after the arduous trek. After logging out at the DENR station, you can proceed to the beaches at Magdiwang (i.e. Bagumbayan). As you leave Sibuyan Island by ferry, the towering presence of Guiting-Guiting — and its saw-toothed peaks — will remind you of the unforgettable adventure that is G2!
-Pinoy mountaineer
