Bakun | Mt. Lobo and Tekip Falls

My buddy and I decided to spend the remaining days of year 2014 at the mountain.  We have joined a group of mountaineers to set foot in Bakun Benguet for Mountain Trio – Mt. Lobo, Mt. Tenglawan and Mt. Kabunian in three-consecutive days.

Prior to the climb, I had sprained my right foot which I did not mind since I can still walk straight.  Though, there were times that I feel a tingling strike on it, I didn’t think that it is a big deal for the coming climb in Bakun.

We departed Manila on the evening of December 26^th and arrived in Bakun, Benguet the next day.  After setting up our tent, prep to our climb, we had a short orientation that was conducted by the tourism of Bakun.

It was already pass lunch when we started trekking going to the first mountain set for the trio challenge – Mt. Lobo.

Prep to Climb Mt. Lobo!

I admit that I am really overwhelmed to the hours of travel we had. I felt a bit dizzy to do anything aside from arriving at the campsite. But so, I have to gear myself to set foot at the summit of Mt. Lobo that same day.

If you happen to be in southern tagalog mountains, you will find Mt. Lobo to be like one of them.  One that I like to this trail is, it is not bald and it is covered of trees.

My buddy and I, our guide including our organizer, Jepoi, was at the end of the group. As we pace very slow, we have reached the summit after almost 4hours.  The last leg of the trail has railings which will lead you to the summit.

Sadly, we weren’t able to get a view from the peak as the fog started to cover the place.  We hurried going down and I suddenly felt an unbearable pain in my right foot.  I told to myself, “I knew it.”  My buddy had felt that I am having a hard time already and had asked me. I told her my situation and told her that I will do my best to go down on my own.

Summit of Mt. Lobo

Due to it, there were several times that I have to stop as the pain never goes away.  I felt groggier until I realized that I was bitten by a leech on my neck behind my ears! That was my first.

Pass 8 o’clock in the evening at the trail

As expected, I have reached the campsite at 9 in the evening.  My goodness!  I directly head to my tent and comforted my right foot to ease the pain.

I am still thankful to God that I was not harmed and I can still stand on my own two feet.

My neck covered with blood due to the bite of Limatik (Leech)

Blood Clot

Due to what happened, I have to opt not to continue with the two mountains set for the next two days.

The next day, my buddy and I went around the place and took the opportunity to rest.  That afternoon, one of the guides we have went back to the campsite as there were 2 more hikers who have decided not to continue to Mt. Tenglawan. They said that it was really challenging!

So instead of doing nothing, our guide offered to accompany us to the near falls – Tekip Falls.

The trail going there is smooth and relaxed.  You will reach it by less than an hour or so.

Due that it wasn’t a rainy month; the water at the falls wasn’t grand.  You can walk as close as possible to the falls without getting wet.

 

 

It didn’t end quite well as we were not able to do the Bakun Trio as we are expected to do so; rather, I was able to realize something that I may have not thought if I didn’t give myself a time to rest and enjoy what Bakun has, aside from the mountains.

But I swear, I’ll be back for Mt. Tenglawan and Mt. Kabunian. Soon. 🙂

Congratulations to all the participants who were able to finish the Bakun Trio! Salute.

Note:

At the time of our climb, many are questioning the tourism of Bakun for overcharging the hikers/mountaineers.  Some of us have brought their own tent as we knew that they are charging the hikers for camping fee (for usage of the municipal hall, bathroom etcetera).  We were surprised to know that even for those who have opt to camp outside the hall will be charged with the same amount of those who will use the municipal for overnight staying. They are charging P50.00/person per night. Aside from that, they have also overtime fee if you happen to exceed to the number of hours set for the average pace of a hiker.  There are also confusion at the real rate of fees for the guide and the number of climbers they can hold for a certain hike.

The Mountaineering Society had made an announcement to boycott Bakun as for them to know that they need to reconstruct their guidelines and policies for the hikers and as well as make a reasonable considerations as to their pricing.

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Photo Credits: Jepoi Mansibang and to some participants of the Bakun Trio Event. Thank you! 🙂

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