Last Sunday, September 7, Day Hike Therapist (DHT) kicked off its first intermediate hike of the season with a fresh, exciting route covering a total of 18 kilometers and an elevation gain of 711 meters. This was also the very first time we introduced the trail to our community of eager hikers.

We named it Naga 3-2-1 because the route highlights the three highest peaks in the city of Naga, namely: Mt. Naupa, Cabuan Peak, and Mt. Uling—also known as Marmol Peak. Twenty-three adventurous joiners signed up for this trek, and to keep things safe and manageable, we split them into two groups to ensure everyone was well accounted for and supported along the way.

Our meet-up point was the Caltex Station in Tungkop, Minglanilla. From there, we hopped on a habal-habal motorcycle for a short, thrilling ride to Cogon Chapel—the official jump-off point to Mt. Naupa. We had a quick briefing before we head on to start the hike.

After a steady climb, we took a quick break near the campsite. A big shoutout to the friendly group from Sugbo Summit Seekers, who happened to be camping there for their Naupa Long Trail event. Thank you for sharing your treats and breakfast with our DHT guides!

The next highlight was Cabuan Peak, which is personally my favorite spot among the three. The view of the rolling greenery instantly reminded me of the iconic Windows XP wallpaper. Paired with the vast blue sky, it was simply breathtaking. Running up and down this hill, feeling the fresh air and the earth beneath our feet, was pure bliss.

Along the way, we trekked through what looked like a man-made forest lined with towering mahogany trees. The forest was picturesque—almost like a scene from a nature documentary—and a perfect spot for some photo ops and souvenirs.

Our final destination was supposed to be Marmol Peak. Unfortunately, due to access restrictions (since the peak used to be an old privately owned quarry), we weren’t able to reach the summit. Instead, we settled for a nearby hill that offered a stunning rock formation with Marmol Peak’s silhouette in the background. The view was equally breathtaking and gave us a great chance to rest, lie down, and reflect on the day’s adventure.

Overall, the trail was refreshingly beautiful, but it was no walk in the park. The combination of open trails and the sunny weather made the climb a bit tougher, but every drop of sweat and effort was rewarded by the incredible views at each stop. It was the perfect blend of challenge and beauty—an experience that will definitely keep us coming back for more.

But aside from the views, it was the laughter shared along the trail, the stories, jokes, and life realizations that connected us all despite the short amount of time we spent together. Indeed, it’s true—strangers are just friends we haven’t met yet. I feel blessed to have met so many good people here at DHT.

Let the Photos do the Story telling

Get to Know Day Hike Therapist (DHT)

Established in 2021, Day Hike Therapist is a community-driven group of volunteers and professionals united by a shared love for hiking, adventure, and supporting local causes. More than just a hiking group, DHT is about building connections, giving back, and inspiring positive change.

If you’re interested in joining our future activities or want to know how to support our mission, follow our page and send us a message.

Together, let’s help change lives one day hike at a time.

_{Ma. Morena} is a nature enthusiast, an optimist and outgoing person who loves turning her adventure and thoughts into writing.

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All photos taken by DHT, James S. Some images may have been shared to our social media accounts prior posting to the blog.