minimalistrek

The Call of the Mountains: My Trek to North Peak

You know those moments when the daily routine feels like a never-ending loop and you just wanna break free? Well, that's exactly what brought me to the breathtaking Mount Malindang in Misamis Occidental.

I'm about to take you on a journey to North Peak, a peak that demanded every ounce of my determination and rewarded me with unforgettable memories.

North Peak, standing tall at a dizzying height of 2,404 meters (or 7,887 feet for my imperial unit friends), was the ultimate adventure destination in Misamis Occidental.

Its lush forests and mysterious misty peaks called out to me, whispering promises of an exhilarating climb.

I mean, I wasn't exactly sure what I was signing up for. My main goal at the time was to escape the monotony of working from home. Little did I know, Mount Malindang was about to become the highlight of 2023!

Working from home had me craving adventure, fresh air, and new faces.

While searching for nearby hiking spots, Mount Malindang popped up, and I was instantly hooked. Imagine, finding videos of North Peak that made it look like the ultimate challenge, and I was so ready to take it on!

I connected with a YouTuber who had already conquered North Peak, and we instantly connected. He and his church friends were planning a trip, and they invited me along.

Talk about perfect timing!

Getting Ready for the Adventure

Now, getting the paperwork for this adventure wasn't a walk in the park. There were some access issues and even rumors of leftist groups in the area (yikes!). But fortunately, after some waiting, we got our permit!

On the big day, we all met at a bus terminal in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur. The jump-off point? A thrilling motorcycle ride on habal-habals for over an hour.

The views made the long journey totally worth it, though. Finally, at around 2 p.m., we reached Barangay Lake Duminagat, ready to conquer, despite the gloomy and drizzly weather.

Life at Basecamp and Unwanted Guests

We set up our basecamp near a peaceful lake, made our tents our temporary home, and had an early dinner.

Speaking of camp, let's talk about the leeches, or limatik as they're called there. They were literally everywhere, so zip those tents tight! Mount Malindang is famous (or infamous) for these tiny vampires.

Climbing North Peak: An Adventure Unfolds

The following morning, we were ready for action. We met our guide at the Brgy Lake Duminagat covered court and started our trek around 9 a.m.

The first hour was all about enjoying the incredible views. But then, the second hour hit us hard with a nearly vertical climb—no kidding!

What makes North Peak unique is its pristine, untouched nature. The lush, mossy trees and the not-so-well-defined trails with fallen trees in the way make it an adventure like no other.

Summit Surprises and Forgotten Gear

When we finally reached the summit, the mountain showed us its moodier side. Instead of sunshine, we got clouds, wind, and chills. And here's the kicker: I realized I forgot to pack a windbreaker!

I was literally shivering and could see my breath as the icy gusts blew.

In my mind, I was like, "Uh-oh, am I about to experience hypothermia?" I pictured myself turning blue and struggling to speak from the cold.

But thankfully, one of my hiking buddies lent me their extra jacket.

That moment of relief when you slip into something warm—priceless!

Lesson learned: always double-check your packing list for these essentials, unless you want to risk turning into an ice cube.

As we tried to cook lunch before the weather worsened, I found the humor in the situation.

Here we were, at the top of this incredible mountain, battling the elements and my forgetfulness—definitely a memorable moment.

The Descent: An Adventure Continues

Now, you might think that the hardest part was over, but the descent had its own set of thrills. We encountered a super narrow trail with a steep drop-off on one side, and it was a careful dance to avoid any slips.

And guess what? One of our friends almost took a tumble, but luckily caught themselves before any real harm. Close calls, am I right?

That's when you realize just how careful you gotta be out there.

And that wasn't the only near-mishap. We had someone get whacked in the face by a low-hanging branch, ouch! Luckily, no serious damage, just a lesson to always watch your surroundings.

The Cogon Grass Leech Encounter

Now, here's a story to make you squirm. As we walked through tall cogon grass, one of our crew decided to wash off his muddy shoes in a stream.

But, nature had a surprise in store—leeches!

Those little guys were everywhere, attaching themselves to his shoes and feet. I made a quick exit, but they even found their way into my shoes, and I got bitten! I ended up barefoot on those rocky paths.

We finally made it back around late afternoon and spent way too much time picking off leeches.

Conquered but Unforgettable

Despite the challenges, conquering North Peak was incredible. Mount Malindang's biodiversity, the views of Lake Duminagat, and the feeling of overcoming such a tough climb is something I'll cherish.

If you're seeking an adventure off the beaten path, Mount Malindang should be on your list. Just be prepared, get all the permits, and embrace the wild beauty.

It's an experience that'll stay with you through the blisters, leech bites, and sweat. An adventure worth pursuing!

Proposed 2-Day Itinerary