If you're looking for an outdoor adventure that will leave you in awe of Mother Nature's power and beauty, Mount Malindang is definitely worth a visit. Located in the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines, this complex volcano is famous for its two calderas, stunning rock walls, cinder cones, and dome volcano plugs. In this beginner's guide to Mount Malindang, we'll explore everything you need to know before embarking on your journey to this majestic peak.
Getting to Mount Malindang
To get to Mount Malindang, you need to travel to Misamis Occidental, a province in the Northern Mindanao region of the Philippines. The easiest way to reach Misamis Occidental is by taking a flight to Ozamiz City Airport, which is serviced by several airlines including Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.
From Ozamiz City Airport, you can take a bus or hire a private car to take you to the jump-off point for Mount Malindang. It's important to note that the jump-off point is located in the town of Sapang Dalaga, which is about 50 kilometers away from Ozamiz City. The ride to the jump-off point takes about two to three hours, depending on the traffic.
Exploring Mount Malindang
Mount Malindang is one of the most beautiful and challenging mountains to climb in the Philippines. With its two calderas, amphitheater structures, volcanic rocks, and pyroclastic deposits, it's a geological wonder that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
One of the best ways to explore Mount Malindang is by hiking. There are several trails that lead to the summit of the mountain, each with its own level of difficulty. The most popular trail is the Santa Cruz Trail, which takes about nine hours to complete. The trail is relatively easy at the start but gets more challenging as you approach the summit. It's recommended that you hire a guide for this trail, as it can be quite tricky to navigate, especially during the rainy season.
Aside from hiking, Mount Malindang is also a great place for camping, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. The mountain range is home to several canyons and ravines that are perfect for camping. You can also see a diverse range of wildlife in the area, including the indigenous Subanon tribe, the Greater Mindanao shrew (Crocidura grandis), Tarsier (Carlito syrichta), Flying lemur (Cynocephalus volans), Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), Philippine deer (Cervus mariannus), Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus subsp. philippinensis), Philippine warty pig (Sus philippensis), Rough-armed tree frog (Kurixalus appendiculatus), Marbled water monitor (Varanus marmoratus), Philippine hawk-eagle (Nisaetus philippensis), Rufous hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax), Philippine hanging parakeet/colasisi (Loriculus philippensis), and Philippine pygmy woodpecker (Dendrocopos maculatus).
The Best Time to Visit Mount Malindang
The best time to visit Mount Malindang is between January and May, which is the dry season in the Philippines. During this time, the weather is much cooler and the skies are clearer, making it easier to climb the mountain and take in the breathtaking views from the summit.
It's important to note that Mount Malindang is a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), which means that visitors need to secure a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) before they can enter the area. It's also recommended that you bring all the necessary camping and hiking gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, water filter, and trekking poles.
Mount Malindang is a natural wonder that offers a plethora of outdoor activities for adventure seekers. With its stunning rock walls, two sulfurous hot springs, and a crater lake, it's a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there's something for everyone on this majestic mountain. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime at Mount Malindang.
