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Mt. Dulang-dulang
Major jump-off: Sitio Bol-ogan, Brgy. Songco, Lantapan
LLA: 8.09798°N 124.9605°E 2938 MASL
Hours to summit / Days required: 10 hours / 2 days
Specs: Minor Climb, Difficulty 6/9, Trail class 2-4

The highest point within the Mt. Kitanglad Range with an elevation of 2,938 meters above sea level, Mt. Dulang-dulang is the country’s second-highest mountain, next only to Mt. Pulag which has an elevation of 2,922 masl. A major jump-off to reach the peak is from Sitio Bol-ogan, Barangay Songco of Lantapan.

The Kitanglad Range is a very significant landmark in the cultural history of the indigenous peoples of Bukidnon. Mt. Dulangdulang is considered a sacred place. Being an ancestral domain, permission to enter must be secured from the tribal leaders of the Talaandig tribe of Lantapan in deference to the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) mandated under the IPRA Law. Before a climb is made to Mt. Dulangdulang, a ritual is done to obtain the blessings to enter the sacred place.

The jungle will reach a point that virtually everything is covered with moss and clouds. Trees are like bonsai, with spiraling, convoluted branches and 'beards' of lichen and white moss that give an 'ancient' feel to the forest. The temperature goes down even in daytime, and when you emerge from this jungle to the clearing at the peak, you can behold the whole of the Kitanglad range and even catch a glimpse of majestic Mt. Apo.

The long trek to Mt. Dulang-dulang’s summit offers a mountain climber the gift of beautiful landscapes, the cool atmosphere of the dense forests, and the challenge of difficult trails. Its pristine, natural beauty is nothing but perfect. The intricate branches of old trees covered with moss and lichens render the forest with a mystical feel that would endear anyone who has a heart for nature and beauty. Its genuine virgin forests are home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna. There are orchids, berries, pitcher plants, lichens, and a host of other wild flowers. A number of mammal species also thrive in the dense forests, including squirrels, monkeys, bats, flying lemurs and wild boars among others. The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) along with other bird species such as the serpent eagle and sparrow hawk takes its home within the Mt. Kitanglad Range.

At the peak, a breathtaking panoramic view is revealed where one can see the entire Kitanglad range. A particular plain at the peak also gives one a look at the distant Mt. Apo.

Usually, Manila-based climbers go with Mindanao-based groups when climbing Mt. Dulang-Dulang; it is logistically difficult to go independent without local knowledge or contacts. Climbers fly to CDO, then take the bus to Malaybalay, Bukidnon. From there, jeepneys are arranged to go to Lantapan. The last leg of the drive is comprised of rough roads which become very slippery when wet. You will then spend the night at the jump-off. Add two days to the climb proper, and the whole trip becomes a total of 3 days. Although very difficult, experienced climbers attempt the "Mt. Dulang-Dulang - Mt. Kitanglad Traverse", which takes you deeper into the heart of the Kitanglad mountain range to reach the second highest peak in the range, Mt. Kitanglad (4th highest in the Philippines). It is considered by some one of the top 5 most challenging climbs in the country.

The pristine and mystical environment of Mt. Dulang-Dulang makes it worthy to stand among Mt. Apo and Mt. Pulag as one of the three highest mouintains in the Philippines.

ITINERARY

Day 1
05:00 From Davao Ecolang terminal, take bus to Malaybalay
10:20 ETA Malaybalay market, buy needed things.1245 Take jeep to Lantapan
12:45 Take jeep to Lantapan
13:30 ETA Lantapan. Courtesy call with Datu
18:00 Prepare for next day’s climb, dinner
19:00 Attend ritual sacrifice by the Talaandig Babaylan
21:00 Lights out

Day 2
08:00 Start trek
12:00 Lunch at Alanib river (water source)
16:00 ETA Manny’s Garden
16:45 ETA Campsite near summit . Setup tents
17:00 Visit the summit (just 5 minutes away)

Day 3
04:30 Wake up go to the summit to watch sunrise. Spot Mt. Apo
06:30 Breakfast
08:00 Break camp
11:00 Start descent
13:30 Back at water source
15:30 Back at jump-off point; take jeepney back to Malaybalay
17:30 Take jeep or bus back to Davao City