Mindanao Province is acknowledged throughout the country for having the most beautiful yet most challenging mountains to trek. The Mount Candalaga in Compostella Valley is one of those intriguing mountains. It is blessed with a virgin forest and stunning scenery that will bring joy to every tourist. The mountain possesses different impressive flora and fauna and a system of waterfalls that welcomes you at the start of your trail.
Home to the ethnic Mandayan and Mansaka tribes, Mount Candalaga has different stories based on the belief of the poeple dwelling in its forest. They are funny, interesting, and mysterious at the same time. Here are some of the famous myths that you will hear during your hike to the peak.
- One folktale is about the Maranging Falls, one of the numerous waterfalls decked in the mountain. It was said that there was once a horn of a ship known as “Donya Marangig,” heard by the residents near the falls where its passengers are believed to be white and enchanted beings. The sound means that the ship is going to sail away and the river’s waters have overflown and the rocks would move as if the ship was in motion in the waters, but the vessel cannot be seen.
- Another myth is about Tagbibinta Falls where women are not advised to go there alone. It is believed that if one girl takes a bath in the catchbasin alone, an enchanted prince would show up and invite her to be his wife and take her to his world.
The trek is hard – yet it is a thrilling experience. You must have good endurance and bravery to survive the difficult trekking trails. There is also a river and jungle trekking that awaits you before you embrace the peak. Mount Candalaga's reward to tourists are its breathtaking view and the pleasure that only nature can afford to give. It is one of most photographed places in the province, offering an undisturbed forest full of awe-inspiring system of waterfalls.
Trivia
Do you want to see the biggest flower in the world? Rafflesia, the world’s biggest flower, may be found in the deep forest of Candalaga. The particular rafflesia species is Rafflesia mira, the largest among the rafflesia species in the Philippines, with a diameter of 22-29 centimetres.
Special Concerns
Logistics. The person to contact is Jonald Buyoc of Maragusan Tourism Office. Inform him of your intention to climb beforehand. There is a municipal ordinance about trail guides: 1 guide for every 5 persons; P180/day. Porters are available with similar rates. The tourism office will provide the guides, who will be waiting for you at the jump-off. Prior to that, registration must be done at the tourism office itself. Registration fee is P110/person as of May 2008.
Transportation. From Manila, the major staging point is still Davao City. From there, take a bus/van from the SM City terminal to Tagum City. From Tagum, you can take a bus/jeep to Maragusan, costing P100. And from Maragusan to jump-off, you have to take the famous habal-habal (modified motorcycle that can carry several people!) for P25.
Safety. There are no reported deaths/injuries in the mountain. There are occasional reports of armed group presence, but the guides are familiar with them and they have not known to cause harm/offense to any mountain climber.