A JOINER CLIMB: MT. KITANGLAD ADVENTURE

Climbing Mt. Kitanglad (2,899m), the 4th highest mountain in the Philippines, was one of the most challenging yet rewarding solo adventures I’ve taken. As a solo joiner, I didn’t know what to expect—Would I get along with the group? Would I be able to keep up with the pace? But as the climb unfolded, I realized that hiking solo with a group of strangers can turn into an unforgettable journey of camaraderie, endurance, and self-discovery. I found a Mt. Kitanglad climb event through an online mountaineering group and decided to join. Since I didn’t have a team, I was a bit nervous, but the organizers assured me that solo joiners were welcome. The group was a mix of seasoned climbers and first-timers, and surprisingly, it didn’t take long for conversations to start flowing. The jump-off point was at Sitio Intavas, Barangay La Fortuna, Impasugong, Bukidnon. Before the climb, we attended a traditional Talaandig ritual led by the indigenous community. They consider Mt. Kitanglad sacred, so the “pamuhat” (ritual offering) was performed to ask permission from the spirits before we ascended. The trek started early in the morning, and right away, the trail was steep. Mt. Kitanglad is famous for its relentless ascent—no long, easy stretches, just an almost constant uphill battle. Since I was a solo joiner, I kept adjusting my pace based on the group’s rhythm. I made small talk with fellow climbers, which helped take my mind off the exhaustion. One of the most memorable parts was passing through the mossy forest—lush, misty, and almost magical. The cold air and towering trees made me feel like I had entered a different world. But the challenge wasn’t over. The final push to the summit involved vertical steel ladders attached to the mountainside, making my heart race. One wrong step and it would be a steep drop down—but I just focused, took deep breaths, and climbed carefully. After almost 4 hours of trekking, we finally reached the summit, where the Mt. Kitanglad radar station stood. The feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming. We were above the clouds, with panoramic views of Bukidnon’s vast mountain ranges, including Mt. Dulang-Dulang and Mt. Kalatungan in the distance. Climbing Mt. Kitanglad as a solo joiner was an unforgettable experience. I came for the adventure, but I left with newfound friends and a deeper appreciation for Mindanao’s mountains. If you’re hesitant about hiking solo, don’t be—sometimes, the best journeys begin when you step out of your comfort zone.