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.