Mount Lumot – The Unpredictable Mountain of the South

We climbed Mt. Lumot last October 4- 6, 2013 with much fun despite of some injuries and hypothermia cases. The plan was supposed to be a traverse to Mt. Sumagaya but due to bad weather and extreme cold, we are not able to push through.

The beauty of Sumagaya-Lumot Range

Pictorial before the ascent

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Known as the crash site of Cebu Pacific Flight 387 in 1998, Mt. Lumot, termed as "Mountain of Souls" by the local Higaonon people, is an emerging hiking destination in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. It is a high point of, not a distinct mountain from, Mt. Sumagaya. The tragic plane crash is still fresh in the mountain as remnants such as clothes and accessories can still be seen in the trail; the impact site is also preserved. Also, a shrine has been erected in memory of Flight 387; this shrine is located at the major jump-off. Every year, a tribute climb is organized, the last one being held on Feb 1-3, 2008. -PinoyMountaineer.com
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Mt. Lumot - Sumagaya Range

The Shrine

During our arrival at Claveria, Misamis Oriental, rain started to pour. Roads going to Mat-I – (the jump-off point ) became more likely unaccessible. At this very moment I can say that this mountain is unhospitable – thinking about some obstacles along the way to the Shrine.

We took our lunch at the Shrine (the major jump-off of Mount Lumot). After lunch all of us took some pictures, introduce ourselves to each and everyone and have a short prayer for everyone’s safety upon ascending the “mountain of souls” as the Higaonon people calls Mount Lumot.

Upon entering the the mossy forest of Mt. Lumot

Everyone decided to spend our night at Camp Haribon instead of Camp Neil Perez as what have been planned. We all agree as we already started a very late trek at almost 4:00 PM.

We reach Camp Haribon at exactly 7:00 PM, a long, cold and wet trek. Everyone started to find their own campsite to spend the very cold night on. Some didn't took their dinner due to exhaustion and unavailability to cook. Most of us took a sleep after fetching our tents.

Camp Haribon

In the morning, Mr. Manny Cabido, the climb organizer and the president of IITM decided to have a backtrail option and aborted the planned traverse due to heavy rain and extreme cold. Those who are able and eager to reach Mt. Lumot peak and the crash site of the Cebu Pacific Flight 387 which is exactly 3 hours from Camp Haribon has also an option to push through.

A trail full of Limatik - with Jo Ann Fulgar

Plane's engine still present in the area after 15 years

The group who are able to reach the crash site

Luckily I am one of the eager one to push through the summit and I really want to see the crash site. I am also curios of what’s in there and what it looks like. After a streanous 3 hours of hike, we reach the crash site and saw the remains of the plane, it is still fresh after 15 years had passed.

Though everyone didn't experience and saw the site, we are all still thankful that everyone came back safe.

Images Courtesy of IITM, KAYA Mountaineers and PAPA Mountaineers. And also a huge thanks to KAPLAG Mountaineers.

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ITINERARY: 

Mt. Lumot Traverse Mt. Sumagaya

Day 1

4:00 am - ETD to CDO
6:00 am - ETD to Claveria
7:00 am - ETA at Claveria (Breakfast, Pack Lunch, Last minute marketing, Coordinate with LGU)
8:00 am - ETD to Shrine @ Lunotan
8:30am - ETA at Shrine
9:00 am - ETD to Mt. Lumot (Lunch on Trail)
4:00 pm - ETA at Camp Neil Perez (Pitch Tent/Hammock, Prepare dinner, Explore)
6:00 pm - Dinner
7:00 pm - Socials
10:00 pm - Lights Out

Day 2

5:00 am - WakeUp Call (Prepare Breakfast, Pack Lunch, Load Water, Break Camp)
6:00 am - Breakfast
7:00 am - ETD to Cebu Pacific Crash Site
10:00 am - ETA at Crash Site
12:00 noon - Lunch at Stream going to Mt. Sumagaya
4:00 pm - ETA at Mt. Sumagaya (pitch tent, picture2x, prepare dinner)
6:00 pm - Dinner
7:00 pm - Socials and Induction of Officers
10:00 pm - Lights Out

Day 3

5:00 am - WakeUp Call (Prepare Breakfast, Pack Lunch, Load Water, Break Camp, Picture2x)
6:00 am - Breakfast
7:00 am - ETD to Mat-i (Lunch on Trail)
2:00 pm - ETA at Mati-i
3:00 pm - ETD to Claveria
3:30pm - ETA at Claveria
4:00 pm - ETD to CDO
5:00 pm - ETA at CDO