Ultimate Samal escapade - Puting Bato and Hagimit Falls

“How easy and simple it is to live enjoyably when the simple, plain blue of the sky, with its long wisps of white clouds, become a pleasant thing to behold, a thing of beauty that thrills me every time I care to look skyward. “

Open Trail to Guilon, Puting Bato

A group of outdoor enthusiast was gathered yesterday for a one day adventure at the island of Samal. Our itinerary was to climb Puting Bato then proceed to Hagimit falls as our last destination -a reward for a vigorous whole day activity.

Since I’ve been to Puting Bato last May of this year but then I proceeded to Canibad beach resort as my last destination, this time is at the Hagimit falls. The trek started at 8:30 in the morning at Guilon and we stopped at the water source near basketball court where we cook our food to serve as our packed lunch meal when we get to the top of Puting Bato. It was 10:00 am when we started to ascend the mountain and we’ve reached 12 noon at the peak were a house that collects 5 pesos was situated. We ate our lunch, talked, relax and savor the cool breeze of air and an overlooking view of Peñaplata and Davao City as well. It took us 2 hours to be on the peak since we decided to use a trail more farther from the peak.

Overlooking area

Past 1:00 pm and we traversed down to the other side of the mountain as we are heading our way to Tagbitinao area, a scorching heat of the sun, sharp edges of cogon leaves and a steep trail greeted us and it took 1 hour before we reach the road. We are back at the jump-off area of Guilon near “patay na Sapa” then we continued to hike down to the Guilon crossing were we take our rest and sip a cold iced tea to refresh and relax us at around 2:10 in the afternoon.

Shaded and cool breeze of air - Scenic view in front of us

After our rest , we proceeded to Hagimit falls and we arrived there at around 3:30 in the afternoon. From there, we cook some of our remaining foods like chicken, pork tocino and some rice.

One of many cascading Hagimit Falls

Cool waters flowing from the falls soothes us after the all days adventure, it is a very great way to end our Samal adventure here at the falls.

Dip into the cold water of Hagimit Falls

Hagimit falls is a very established area of Samal as part of their ecotourism, I wonder where the 5 pesos entrance fee goes… the place is getting wasted, there are garbage throwing area everywhere and is not a good site for every one to see.

5:00 pm and we departed from the falls then we take a ride to the Babak port area since it’s the most faster way to get at Davao City and we paid 30 pesos for the motorcycle driver. 9 pesos was the boat fare and for 10 minutes, we arrive at Sasa 11 and home sweet home…

There are so much to explore in the Island Garden City of Samal…Almost all of my escapades this summer are located from this island. ^_^

Summer time has ended but my appreciation to the verdant green, beauty of our island is constant and became my most perfect refreshment.

 

Puting Bato of IGACOS

Nearing Peak

My last mountain climb was on March 20-23, 2008 at Mount Dulang-Dulang, Bukidnon. I was itching to do a minor climb and I decided to hike the mountain of Samal which they called Puting Bato.

Overlooking area at the Peak

I was at the Sta. Ana wharf bus terminal at around 6:30 and arrived at Babak 7:30 in the morning. It was 8:15 when I arrive at Sitio Guilon, Babak where the jump-off area going to Puting bato is situated.

On my way to the mountain

 

Off I go hiking at around 8:30 after asking for the locals about the trail. I passed a house where they log your name and collect a fee of 5 pesos since I am passing by their area.

Near Peak house collecting 5 pesos

9am and I was already at the peak of Puting bato. Since it was a minor climb, it just took me 30 minutes to get at the top.

 

Overlooking at the top, Panabo city is very visible, Mati area and Davao City. It was a great short adventure just to satisfy passion for being on foot. =)

 

View from the top

As I planned, I just stayed for about 10 minutes at the top then proceeded to Canibad Beach resort which it took me for about 1 hour and 10 minutes on foot on a big road.

 

Before I get there, I passed by Sitio Tayapok, Tagbitinao area and stop on a sari sari store to have some snack – a cold softdrink and bread. I arrive at Taglono highway following the road going to Canibad.

On my way going to Canibad

It was 11am when arrived at Canibad… I can already see the bluish green, white colored shore from above… I’ll post my canibad beach resort experience soon.

For those who want to visit Puting bato and you need someone that will guide you, just leave a message and i’ll give you the contact number of the person that can help you.