Mt. Maagnaw is located in Lantapan Bukidnon and it’s about 2,742 meters above sea level. It’s under the protection of Kitanglad Range Natural Park and along with the famous Mt. Dulang-Dulang and Mt. Kitanglad. Mt. Maagnaw is the 8th highest mountain in the Philippines, yet is was outshone by the nearby giant mountains – Mt. Dulang-Dulang and Mt. Kitanglad. I haven’t tried climbing yet both giant mountains – K2D as they named it. But after conquering the summit, I can say that you must not underestimate Mt. Maagnaw, its still the 8th highest mountain in the Philippines after all.
Our Journey Begins
I joined my colleague together with a group of mountaineers from Cebu City and an organized climb from Kaplag Adventour. Since it’s one of the top highest mountain in the Philippines, I did some minor climb, leg work and other preparations. Kaplag Adventour provides the meals, despite of me wanted to try a self-contained hiking – maybe next time. I packed light, brought only the essentials like my Naturehike Ultralight tent, sleeping bag, water, trail food.
Travel time from Davao City to Bukidon is about 5-6 hours. We travel at night so we reach Lantapan early in the morning. Upon arrival in Lantapan, we were warmly welcomed by the Talandig people, the indigenous community. They performed a short orientation, about the mountains, the rules and a brief ritual – offering something to them and the mountain. That moment humbled us, a powerful reminder that we weren’t merely climbing a mountain, but ascending into a living story: one that began long before our time and will continue unfolding long after we are gone.
After the briefing, we headed to the jump off in Brgy. Kibangay and started to trek. The trail isn’t for beginners. It’s not very difficult either. But it’s a little challenging specially trekking at night. Around 8PM we are still on the trail. We reached the camp site around 9PM. It was a long hours of trekking, around 6-7 hours. When we got to the campsite, a lot of tent pitched already so we looked for an unoccupied spots. Dinner was being prepared while we take a rest from a long hours of trekking.
The Summit of Mt. Maagnaw
We woke up early to catch the sunrise. The summit offers panoramic views of the Kitanglad Mountain Range and nearby peaks like Mt. Dulang-Dulang. It was truly breath taking. The long hours before we got to summit is nothing compare to what you’ll see. A scenic view suitable for mind clarity and relaxation. It is worth the effort and I felt proud of myself that I surpassed the challenges along the way. We had coffee and breakfast then went off to descend the mountain.
How to Get to Mt. Maagnaw, Lantapan Bukidnon
Option 1: Organized Event
Join an organized climb or joiners climb. There are lots of all in packages from roundtrip van transfers, food inclusions, including the fees and permits. I’m lucky to have a lot of friends who has travel and tours business specially mountaineering activities.
Option 2: DIY or SOLO Backpacking
From Davao City, ride a bus bound for Cagayan de Oro. Upon arrival, head to Agora Bus Terminal and transfer to a bus bound for Malaybalay City. The entire trip typically takes around 3 to 4 hours.
From Malaybalay, you can catch a jeepney or van heading to Lantapan—about 30 minutes away.
Once in Lantapan, hire a local guide or arrange transport to the jump-off point near the trail in Brgy. Kibangay. Many guides are from the indigenous communities and can be contacted ahead of time through local tourism offices or trekking groups.
Practical Hiking Tips:
- Hire a local tribal guide as they know the mountain more, they know the trail better and of course to respect the community and culture.
- The trailhead is a remote area, expect a rough road
- Prepare your permits in advance, as Maagnaw is part of the Ancestral Domain of the Talandig and other Lumad groups, climbing will require permits. However in our case, the organizers secure the fees and permits for us. One of the advantage joining an organized climb.
My Mt. Maagnaw Self Reflection
From the foot of the mountain, looking up at the Mt. Maagnaw reminds me to be humble, as we humans are so tiny compare these mountains. And to never underestimate mountains, they may have the same trails but each mountains are sacred specially the Kitanglad Range. And from the summit, looking over down, I thank God from above that I have this courage, endurance and strength to conquer Mt. Maagnaw and had a chance to witness his wonderful creations.
