Hello Hive!
First, let me just put it out that I do not intend to stir some inexistent issue with today’s title. I just find it curious that despite going by many names, this specific mountain that I am writing about always fall short in being named as one of the top 10 highest peaks in the Philippines.
Mt. Wiji is located at the southern part of Kalatungan Mountain Range. The mountain is named after the Japanese climber who first reached its summit, but locals also refer to it as Mt. Lumpanag or Mt. Makaupao. At the height of 2819.78 meters above sea level, one would think it’s on the list of the country’s highest mountains. But it is not. Despite towering over Mt. Ragang (rank 8 at 2,815 masl), Mt. Maagnaw (rank 9 at 2742 masl), and Mt. Timbac (rank 10 at 2,717 masl), Mt. Wiji is not considered as a standalone mountain due to its very close proximity to Mt. Kalatungan (rank 5 at 2,860 masl).
Of course there have been debates concerning its status, but as pointed out by Pinoy Mountaineer, because of the fact that "it is never climbed as an end in itself, Wiji cannot be accorded the status of a distinct mountain." Mt. Kitanglad (rank 4 at 2899 masl) and Mt. Dulang-Dulang (rank 2 at 2983 masl), which belongs to the same mountain range, can be climbed separately. This does not apply to Mt. Wiji. It is always an extension of Mt. Kalatungan.
However, ranks are often just ranks. There is more to this uncrowned peak than meets the eyes. And that’s what I will show you through this post.
The steep assault to Mt. Wiji
From a number of plot twists to finally reaching Mt. Kalatungan, our three-day Bukidnon climb culminated with a traverse hike to Mt. Wiji.
The group woke up to a chilly morning and by the time we sipped our coffees, we were wearing layers of clothes and jackets to counter the very cold temperature. We were supposed to start the ascent at 8 AM based on our initial itinerary, but Kuya Babu and the guides suggested that we start early for us to witness the sunrise and, hopefully, the sea of clouds. So there, in the darkness of the dawn, we started our trek.
Mt. Wiji is only less than a kilometer away (0.805 km to be exact) from Bamboo Camp. But as what we’ve learned from years of climbing mountains, we didn’t underestimate that short distance. After exiting the mossy forest, we were faced with a steep assault. We had to haul ourselves up, holding on to fallen trees or thick roots along the trail.
It was 5 AM when streaks of light started painting the sky with shades of pinks and purples. Personally, this was my favorite part of the climb. The break of dawn was so poetic that day that it inspired me to write a prose. I didn’t mind my aching muscles and joints. Or my heavy backpack. I didn’t even mind when my knees and chin almost touch with every step. I could break my neck from staring up.
As we hiked further, the sky turned from hazy burgundy to rose then to rich yellow. If there’s one thing I could hope, it was a better camera. My mid-range phone cannot give enough justice to its beauty. But the perfect image remained captured in my memory.
By the time we reached the peak, we were face to face with the sun.
Our ‘golden’ experience at the top
Sunrise at Mt. Wiji was one of the most beautiful I have seen in this lifetime. Just as what I always say when people ask why I love sunrises, “not every gold glitters” (a reference to a poem written by J. R. R. Tolkien for LOTR). Everything the light touched turned golden — the grass, our skins, our hairs. Everything became priceless.
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We were all immersed in that spectacular scene. The honey-tinted mountains. The panoramic view of Bukidnon’s highlands. There was nothing but a sense of pure, unadulterated happiness that filled our hearts.
We also took turns taking pictures with the snags at the summit. There was one particular dead tree that caught our eyes. It’s amazing how it stood its ground after all these years.
At 7 AM, we finally bid Mt. Wiji goodbye. What goes up must come down, so they say. We prepared ourselves for another long hike. This time, it’s on a descending trail.
The long way home — too near, yet too far
The distance from the summit back to Brgy. Mendis is approximately 7.7 kilometers. My friends and I have hiked longer distance before but this descent from Mt. Wiji was one of the most grueling hikes we’ve ever experienced.
We passed by what they call Dead Nail’s Trail. In the Tagalog, “dead nails” means “patay na kuko.” This is self-explanatory and we hoped none of us would be saying a eulogy for our dead toenails.
After hiking further, we reached another section that is considered as Danger Zone because of the risky drop on both sides of the ridge. Although there were signages scattered along the trail, the thick and tall vegetation made it hard for us to see the path.
At first, the descending terrain was a good change. But soon, the long rigorous downhill trek took its toll. Our muscles were sore from sustained contractions to stabilize our steps. Our joints started to make a sound. And yes, our nails could be dying beneath our socks.
By the time we reached Lisihun Creek, my knees and feet were wobbly and in pain. Rolling hills were rare, and so were flat surfaces. Some of us even a wished for a quick ascending hike.
Thanks to John’s vita cubes, we survived our growing hunger. Some of us started taking photos of the surroundings to distract themselves from the monotonous downhill hike. I tried snapping macro shots myself but I'm no expert. Hehe
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After 3.971 kilometers of walking on torturous trail, we finally arrived at Sitio Mahayahay. It was quarter to 11 AM and the heat was scorching. I cannot say how long we’ve been dragging ourselves to take another step. Most of us were already on autopilot mode — walking for the sake of walking.
We walked two more kilometers going to Brgy. Mendis. When we finally reached the Manobo community and the covered court area of Brgy. Mendis, we let go to gravity. It was all done. At last!
The hike ended with our guides handing us certificates of recognition. This climb was such a rewarding feat. 🤍
Maria is a hopeless romantic who travels in pages and places. She is an INFP who loves sunrises and moonlight nights and reading books in between. On weekdays, she works for a self-publishing company as a copywriter. On weekends, she lives for life as a poet or hiker. She hopes to share her love for words and the world with you here on HIVE.
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