Oriental Mindoro is a land that is enowed with great natural wealth. It is a great destination for its natural zoos, the mountains and forests that are home to a variety of exotic fauna like wild cattle, wild hog, and white and brown monkeys.  Oriental Mindoro also has Mount Halcon, one of the highest mountains in the Philippines, and it creates a natural boundary between the province and Occidental Mindoro.

What makes Mount Halcon a thrilling adventure?

Running from north to south, stunningly rising 2,586 meters above sea level, Mount Halcon experiences frequent rains and occasional flash floods. Because of this hazard, it is generally considered by mountaineers to be the most difficult mountain to climb in the Philippines.

Mount Halcon is the highest peak in the province. It is an attraction because it gives a breathtakingly view of the entire Mindoro Island and its contiguous area. On the slopes of the mountain, one can find numerous rivers and waterfalls. With its varied terrain ranging from rainforest to mossy forest, from bonsai forest to highland forest, the mountain is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Who are the inhabitants of the mountain?

The slopes of Mt. Halcon are home to eight groups of indigenous people who maintain their traditional culture and way of life. They are collectively known as the Mangyans. Living as they do on the slopes of the mountain, the Mangyans have many traditional stories about it. Their name for Mount Halcon is “Lagpas Ulap” (over the clouds). They call the summit “Sheldang” and believe that climbing to the peak actually entails scaling seven mountains. The Mangyans not only have colorful tales to share about the mountain but also they have intimate knowledge of the environment which makes them good climbing guides.

Hiking up to Mount Halcon's Peak

You've never really been to Mindoro if you haven’t seen and conquered the Halcon Peak. Climbing the highest peak in Mindoro is a great adventure for many mountaineers. Reaching the peak and appreciate the beautiful view of the place is the highlight of the climb. The very breathtaking view of the sea compliments the magnificent mountain.

Oriental Mindoro is really a hard place to find, like a treasure tucked somewhere far away. But the experience of going here will leave a mark on your life. It is really one of the most memorable journeys that you will have, a reminder that hiking, traveling, and learning about the country can go hand in hand.

To get to Mt. Halcon, start by getting to Calapan from Batangas Pier. From the Calapan pier, there are jeepneys to the Baco Municipal Hall, where it is necessary to stop in order to get a permit to climb the mountain. From the municipal hall, go to Lantuyan, where one of the two commonly used trails up the mountain begins. Another trail may be found in Mayapi, a barrio near Lantuyan. It is also possible to approach the mountain from Puerto Galera.

Special Precautions:

• The mountain has been rated as Level III in difficulty; meaning it should only be climbed by experienced mountaineers.
• Because of its height, the mountain has its own unique climate. It rains on its slopes nearly every day, and rains are especially strong during the wet months. Heavy rains can cause dangerous flash floods. Therefore it is best to attempt a climb during the summer months, March until May, when rains are less frequent.
• All those who intend to climb the mountain are required to secure an official permit at the Baco Municipal Hall. This requirement was instituted after the death of a novice mountain climber in 1994. The Mangyan guides all comply with this requirement, refusing to join a party that cannot display an official permit.
• Leeches, locally known as limatik, are plentiful on the slopes of Mt. Halcon. They attach themselves to the skin of a hiker and suck blood. Although not a serious health hazard, they can be very irritating. Betel nut juice, tobacco, alcohol, and insect repellent are some of the substances that have been used by locals and climbers to prevent leeches from latching on.
• Finding water on Mt. Halcon is not a problem, but one must have a means of purifying it.

 

Closest Accommodations found in Puerto Galera

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