Mt. Talinis: To the Route Less Traversed, Okoy 5 Trail

the gang

The challenging trails rolling up and down with vertical drops (some in almost, if not all at 90 degrees, angle), rappelling without harness just the strong twigs and roots of the wild, and the unpredictable weather. Twice the experience yet here we are again, climbing the magical 2-summit mountain range of Mt. Talinis. After those grueling 7/9 trail difficulty, you’ll be hiking again? Crazy!? That’s the voice inside of me.

I don’t know what my wandering feet seek but they can’t resist the challenge, a new one though. For some, it could be exciting as first-timers and maybe a unique experience for the others. But here’s our story.

The campsite (Mt. Talinis is just behind that towering mountain next to Mt. Nakolon)

Full of Magic that is, and seems it has always been since our very first ascent. Difficult climb? It’s for real and it’s always leaving us an experience we couldn’t have imagined. (Follow those stories here: Adventure is… Leaving Your Comfort Zone for Mt. Talinis (Apolong-Bediao Trail) and Second Chance at Mt. Talinis: The Panhilakan-Apolong Trail)

Disclaimer: All thoughts expressed in this blog are on my own. Every adventurer may differ in perspectives on their travel experiences.

viewing Lake Nailig from Nakolon summit

A Bit About Mt. Talinis

Locally known as Cuernos de Negros (Horns of Negros), Mt. Talinis, is Negros Island’s complex volcano which is the second-highest mountain next to Mt. Kanlaon. The mountain is towering at 1864 masl with lots of scrambling up and sliding down with its steep inclines coupled with regular downpours. It is a mountain range having two summits: Mt. Nakolon (1,903 masl) via Lake Nailig and Mt. Talinis (1,700 masl) summit via Lake Yagumyum. There are 2 crater lakes here (Nailig Lake – the campsite and Mabilog Lake – smaller lake visible if you’re at Nakolon summit).

Blanketed with its thick and thriving jungle, no wonder its appeal to tourists other than the mountaineers is irresistible. Though considered dormant, it’s still a volcano hence its active fumaroles or open sulfuric vents around.

The Climb

“What are we getting into?” Climbing Mt. Talinis has never been an easy feat. It’s our third (for the tribe) ascent but each of which gives us different, unique experiences. This time we took the Panhilakan-Okoy 5 Trail.

signing up the waiver first

It’s only nearly 3 am when the ship docked at Dumaguete Port we then went to the market for breakfast and the last buy of necessary things then off we went.

Yes, this is the weather welcoming us towards our jump-off. We prayed for thanksgiving, safety and guidance throughout the event had short orientation and started the hike to the campsite around 8 am. Several stops made along the way not minding the slippery, muddy trail of Panhilakan Nasuji due to the heavy downpours. Lunch was done at a river where you may also refill for drinking water.

Jumpoff

After almost 2 hours of continuous trek, we can finally rest our filthy, tired feet and rain-soaked body at the campsite (Lake Nailig). Pitched our tents, prepared dinner, a bit of socials, and then retired to our billion-dollar accommodation. We even got the bonus of fireflies carrying somewhat high-caliber tracers going through our tent. I can even see them from the inside. Hopefully, other campers have seen them too. It’s just 2 am, by the way.

pitching tents with the strong wind and foggy mid-afternoon

Woke up with these views:

Everyone’s up, some went up to Nakolon summit while some preferred to stay, prepared breakfast and decamp. We did some photo-ops with nature, of course, before going towards our exit point.

It’s already 10 am and we better go ahead before we get hit by nightfall along the trail. More than 3 hours of hike until we reached the guardhouse; passing by part of the Apolong Trail, Kaipohan Sulfur Vents, rivers, Rancho and the Twin Falls.

Kaipohan Sulfur Vents

Twin Falls

 

The Okoy 5 Trail

While some prepared and ate lunch, others went to the Twin Falls. Some of us even had dips on its flowing water to freshen up before our final steps traversing the Okoy 5 Trail. The guardhouse is actually the turning point to two exits – the right side towards the Apolong and the left side the Okoy 5.

The sun starts to set and it’s still a long way to the exit. Unfortunately, nightfall came and we had a hard time seeing the trail towards the exit since some don’t have headlamps. It actually took us 3 hours to the final descent.

Okoy 5 Trail is no easy after all. Apparently, the route is really traversed less by climbers. You have to take it easy with its thorny, slippery way. Be very careful with the many obstacles along, every side of which are deep ravines and cliffs – one slip and you’re all the way to the depths of the mountain’s foot.

It’s already late night when everyone gathered safe and sound. Thank God! Now, we’re faced with another ordeal! It will be passed 10 pm ‘til we reached the city proper for the Ceres Bus’ last trip, and we were not certain if any ship is operating back to Cebu. Luckily, we got our last-minute tickets back.

the Smoky Mountain of sulfur gas

touchdown Cebu Port

6 am marked the end of this adventure as we finally set our feet back to Cebu. Congratulations everyone! Thank you for joining this event. Thank you sir Felix Boladula and the rest of your team. For guideship contact him at his facebook page or contact number at 09077720228.

Tribu AdOBo and Tribu ERU

with their tita 😉

 

with our guide Felix Boladula (09077720228) 

ITINERARY:

Day 0

6 pm – meetup at Cebu Port (Pier 1)

8pm – To Dumaguete

Day 1

2:00 am – ETA to Dumaguete Port

— breakfast and last buy (including lunch)—

5:30 – to jump off Panhilakan Nasuji

8:00 am – jump off

8:30 – start trek

11 am – lunch along the trail

1:00 pm – Lake Nailig campsite (leave things)

1:30-2:30 pm – to Nakolon Summit 1903 masl

3:30 pm – back to campsite pitch tent others prepare food for dinner

5-8:00 pm – dinner and socials

8:00 pm – lights off

Day 2

5:00-7 am – wake up call/prepare breakfast and lunch (packed), hot coffee/choco, break camp

10:00 am – start trek to Kaipohan Sulfur Vent

1:00 pm – Kaipohan sulfur

1:30-4:00 pm – Guard house/twin falls/lunch

4:00-7:00 pm – exit to Okoy 5 trail

7:00-10:00 pm – Washup and wait for others

10:30 pm – Dumaguete Port (secure tickets back to Cebu)

• Dinner –

Day 3

12 midnight – Cebu Bound

7:00 am  – Touchdown Cebu

ESTIMATED BUDGET:

1529 (excluding food and other personal expenses)

Breakdown:

Guide fee – 454 for a group of 22 (1000 per guide per day) (1 guide: 5 climbers)

Ferry ticket  – 405

Hired Jeepney (Dumaguete Port-Panhilakan then Valencia to Dumaguete City) – 273 (6000/22)

Dumaguete to Cebu Ferry Fare – 355 + 15 terminal fee – 370

Butane – 27 (80×8)/22

THINGS TO BRING:

ID

Water (at least 1 liter) + Empty bottle for refill

Trail Food

Energy Drink

Eating utensils

Food container for packed lunch (individual)

Camp gear (tent, head lamp/flash light, cookset, eating utensils, butane, etc.)

Extra clothes

Shoes/sandals with strong grip

Medications and Toiletries

Skin protection (jacket, umbrella, cap, sunblock, ointment, etc.)

Money

Important gadgets

Food Preparation and Groupings:

• Tent, cookset, foods (to be shared)
• Meals to prepare 3 (Day 1 dinner, Day 2 breakfast and lunch) – by group

PREPARATION:

Physical conditioning (exercise, run, jog, walk, etc.)

Hydration a week before the climb

Pre-climbs

REMINDERS:

• have enough rest before the event
• keep safe
• mind the LNT principles
• pray and enjoy
• be physically fit

Have you been to Mt. Talinis? What’s your story?

Vlog:

Adventure video by Bipolar Bear:

Map:

*Some photos credit to the rightful owners (friends)