Mt. Malindang 14th Freedom Climb Images

Mt. Malindang Freedom Climb is a yearly activity held in different parts of Mount Malindang Range Natural Park. The trek started at Brgy. Guinggona, Ozamiz City. We departed Ozamiz City proper at around 10:00 AM and arrived at the jump-off of Brgy. Guinggona around 11:00 AM. We had our lunch at the jump-off. We started our ascent at 11:30 AM.

The route

The red line shows the ascent trail to the campsite. The trail is an easy open field consisting of vegetable plantation and cogon grassland.

Enjoying the breath-taking view

Start of ascent

A very rewarding view at the trail.

We can also see the entire Lanao del Norte on the background. Flanking the Panguil Bay is Mt. Torong Torong. We are also able to see Mt. Inayawan at far south east.

ICI Mountaineers - KAYA

Mt. Piapayungan Range on the background as seen in Mt. Malindang

Luckily, I am able to capture Mt. Ragang on Piapayungan Mountain Range, the seventh highest peak of the Philippines. It is also dubbed as the seventh summit of the Philippines.

A very hot and open trail

Panguil Bay as seen from Mt. Malindang

Trees at the campsite

Campsite's foggy background

Preparing for dinner

Cold wind blows began at 3:00 PM

We arrived at the campsite at around 2:30 PM after a tiring 3 hours ascent. We take a short nap and started to cook for dinner at around 4:00 PM.

Climb buddies

Early dinner at around 5:30 PM

The whole route

Mount Malindang - The Precious Gift to Misamis Occidental

It lies tranquilly in the province of Misamis Occidental, Mount Malindang is a National Park and a home of a unique flora and fauna of Misamis Occidental and the neighboring provinces of Zamboanga Peninsula. It has an elevation of 7,887 feet making it as the highest peak of the entire Zamboanga Peninsula.

The beautiful Mt. Malindang

Mt. Malindang as viewed from Ozamiz

The range as viewed from Tubod, Lanao del Norte

Mount Malindang Range is a prominent feature throughout the entire province and even to the neighboring provinces of Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and even as far as the highlands of Bukidnon. It is also included at the top 30 highest mountains in the Philippines. The mountain range is separated by various deep ravines and gorges making its landscape very rugged and the thickly forested ridges and slopes covered with striking picture.

Mt. Malindang as viewed from Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte

The area features a crater lake, rainforest, pine and mossy forests, several river systems, streams and numerous creeks. Mount Malindang is a real gift as it provides potable water for domestic, agricultural and other uses to more than 1 million populaces of Misamis Occidental and the eastern parts of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.

Satellite view of Misamis Occidental with Mt. Malindang in greener shade

One of the most visited areas within the mountain range is the said ancient crater lake of Lake Duminagat and the beautiful scenery of Brgy. Hoyohoy, which is part of Tangub City. It is now became a tourist attraction and named Hoyohoy Highland Park which houses the best outdoor activities in the province. Hoyohoy’s zip-line is considered the deepest, highest and longest zip-line in Asia.

Mt. Malindang and the surrounding landscapes 

The mountain range is a haven to an abundant and distinctive biodiversity that is yet waiting to be explored. Some of the area that surrounds the mountain range is unexplored, it is a home to some of the endangered species in the Philippines, and it includes the famous:

-Asian Palm Civet Cat (locally known as Milo)
-Water Monitor Lizard (locally known as Halu)
-Philippines Eagle
-Flying Lemur (locally known as Kagwang)
-Wild Boar (locally known as Baboy Sulop)

Rumors still exist about the sightings of a giant species of monkeys deep in the jungle. Philippine Eagles is also a visible feature roaming in the low areas of Brgy. Guimad and Brgy. Hoyohoy. 

The mountain as seen from the barge

Mountaineers over the protected zone of Mt. Malindang

Sunrise over Brgy. Hoyohoy  with Mt. Torong Torong far right

Guimad - one of the ridges of the mountain range

A chapel at the foothills of Mt. Malindang

Hoyohoy zip-line platforms

Sunset over Mt. Malindang Range as viewed from Iligan City

Mt. Malindang Range as viewed from one of the peaks of Bukidnon

There are several mountaineering and trekking activities held in the area and the most renowned is the annual Freedom Climb conducted every June to July. Mountaineers all over the country gather and exploit the verdant beauty the mountain can offer, strictly through their eyes only.

Mount Malindang Range is one of the exquisite gifts of the Misamisnon and the Philippines as a country. It is comparable to a glittering jewel; it must be preserved and cared for in its original grandeur.

Ozamiz City is the preeminent entry point and can be reached by flights from various cities of the Philippines, mainly via Manila and Cebu or by bus from Pagadian City and Cagayan de Oro via Iligan City. Also ferries from Cebu have a regular trip, usually 3-6 trips a week.

Lake Duminagat - The Hidden Treasure of Mount Malindang

Lake Duminagat is believed to be an ancient crater of an extinct volcano Mount Malindang. It is located between Barangay Lake Duminagat and Barangay Gandawan, which is part of the municipality of Don Victoriano province of Misamis Occidental. It is one of the favored destination to some local tourist especially mountain climbing enthusiast from Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Occidental and as far as Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. Lake Duminagat is not so known until the early 2000’s when hiking clubs from Oroquieta and Ozamiz promoted the magnificent atmosphere the lake can afford to offer.

Lake Duminagat cuddled by the mountain mist.

Countless hiking aficionado are attracted by its natural wonders and pristine beauty brought by the fresh and cozy environment. It is situated at an elevation of 4,068 feet to 5,118 feet above sea level. Lake Duminagat characterizes the flora and fauna of the Zamboanga biogeographic region. 

The beautiful view of Lake Duminagat

The area that surrounds Lake Duminagat is inhabited by the Subanon people. They believed that the area is a dwelling place of the souls of their ancestors. The Subanon people are rumored to have extra ordinary healing power through their rituals and amulets. They don’t also allow fishing activities in the lake. There are also some tales that the lake is guarded by a fairy that cleans up falling dead leaves from the surrounding trees of mountain tops. 

Dwellings of the friendly Subanon people

Lake Duminagat is a small lake, with an area of 8.04 hectares, maximum depth of 20.95 m, water volume of 933,000 cu m, mean depth of 11.6 m, shoreline length of 1,060 m, and shoreline expansion of 1.054.  The lake maintained a vast diversity of indigenous shoreline fauna and flora.

Hikers clasp the beauty of Lake Duminagat

Lake Duminagat is favorable to mountain climbers as it is near to one of the highest peak of Mt. Malindang, the North Peak. Most of the hikers that visit the lake don’t miss the opportunity on climbing the highest peak of the Zamboanga peninsula. Though the peak doesn't offer a full 360 degree view of Mount Malindang Range but still you’ll enjoy the unique and unspoiled magnificence of the virgin forest.

Every Holy Week, noticeable amount of climbers and devotees visit Lake Duminagat for it is believed that the water from the lake can wash away their sins. This tradition was popular even before the pre-Hispanic times.