The best thing about the island of Cebu is that it has everything. It has a bustling metropolis, remarkable cultural and historical sites, rich natural resources, and untouched natural wonders, and all these are definitely within easy reach.

Two of these natural wonders are the beautiful, awesome waterfalls of Kabang Falls and the lofty, imposing Mt. Kan-Irag. Individually, they can be reached in an hour from the city. Technically speaking, these wonders are actually within Cebu City! These two wonders are in close proximity so much so that hikers can reach Mt. Kan-Irag from Kabang Falls in just a few hours. No wonder that the adventure collection of trekking along Kabang River, climbing Kabang Falls, hiking through the meadows of Busay, and camping at the top of Mt. Kan-Irag’s Pedro Calungsod Peak is a favorite among Cebuano mountaineers.

So, last September 16, 2012, Sweetie and I decided to treat her colleagues and friends to a climb to Mt. Kan-Irag starting at Kabang Falls. I was a bit apprehensive at first because no matter how many times I’ve done the traverse, I haven’t memorized the trail (actually, there are many trails to the mountain, but I have a poor sense of direction). However, seeing genuine excitement, I decided to risk getting lost while taking EWIT’s trail.

From Sunny Hills, Talamban, we headed to Sitio Baugo, our jump-off point in Baranggay Budlaan where we started the trek.

It’s a good thing that Baranggay Budlaan’s LGU recognized the need to protect their natural treasure. Along with the APO, the LGU encourages trekkers and mountaineers to preserve this magnificent natural wonder by keeping it clean and free of vandalism and garbage.

After a short prayer for safety, security, and blessings, we headed off into the light forest that leads to the base of Budlaan River System.

Within just a few minutes of the trek, we can see the splendor of Cebu’s verdant mountains, tucked in secrecy by Mother Nature herself.

After 45 minutes of leisurely trekking, we finally arrived at this beautiful pool that is fed by the river. This is the official starting point of the first segment of the adventure: river trekking at Budlaan River System.

After letting the group drink in the beauty of the place, the agony began. To get to Baranggay Budlaan’s best kept treasure, we needed to walk upstream. Doing so involves scrambling over slippery boulders, some of which are the size of small houses.

In some sections of the river, you can reach the edge where walking on slightly muddy ground can be a respite after all that hard scrambling.

Sweetie and I were leading the team, so we went ahead to scout for possible routes through the river.

After huffing and puffing along, the team climbed a huge boulder situated at the edge of a small waterfall. When you get to this area, you’d be glad and assured to know that Kabang Falls is just around the corner.

The green pool is really enticing; it’s almost impossible to resist jumping into it during a hot summer day.

The nice thing about having an adventuring partner—and sweetheart—is that you begin to fully recognize and accept each other’s significance in achieving your dreams.

After awhile, we heard the unmistakable mighty sound of millions of gallons of cascading water. Kabang Falls shyly reveals herself.

The main waterfall is actually way above the river. To get to it, trekkers need to climb that immense, cliff-like boulder at the right.

Unless you want to get your feet wet, the entrance to this boulder is through this cavelike cavity at the side of the river . . . (no, Sweetie and I weren’t doing something malicious in there)

. . . then you need to climb over a couple of huge, slippery boulders that are crawling with fire ants.

Trekkers emerge at the right side of the magnificent Kabang Falls.

The glory of Kabang Falls. Nothing beats the beauty of nature. Kabang Falls is a classic example of a horsetail waterfall, a waterfall wherein the cascading water still makes contact with the bedrock.

It was a bit past noon when we reached the Kabang Falls pool. That only meant one thing: it was lunchtime! Time to take out all that delicious packed meal we cooked or bought from carenderias.

Refreshing dip at Kabang Falls! The water here is refreshingly cool. Consider a dip in the cool water as a reward for completing the very first part of the trek.

Adrenaline Romance sweethearts in front of one of Cebu’s best kept secrets. This image also gives you an idea of how massive this waterfall is.

After that excellent lunch and invigorating dip, the team was ready for the second part of the adventure: a treacherous uphill climb at the side of the waterfall and a trek into the jungle.

The team entered light woods that line along the side of the upper part of Budlaan River.

Check out that steep embankment at Jody’s left side. A misstep to the left can send a person careening over the edge.

Didn’t I tell you that I have a poor sense of direction? Yes, you guessed it right. We got lost. We got stuck in an orchard garden which seemed to be a dead end. Half an hour later, we found the trail and discovered why we didn’t see it in the first place: the head of the trail was completely overgrown with grass. This is a valuable lesson: never underestimate mountains because, like people, they continuously change.

To get down to the upper part of Budlaan River from the mountain slope, we have to slide down a—well, a mountain slope.

Be careful! That loose dry soil can be quite slippery. This is where a trekking pole and trekking shoes with heel brakes come in handy; they allow you to control your descent.

We exited the slope and entered the upper river where we rested a bit.

A short while later and after making sure everyone is okay, we proceeded to the mountain opposite of the river. Yes, it was another tough climb.

Well, no matter how tough the climb is, if adventure is in your heart, you will always manage a genuine, happy smile even when your heart is about to burst.

The opposite mountain features an even thicker jungle.

The last main hurdle of the river is this dried-up waterfall. See the moss? That means water still flows down it, probably during rainy season.

And yes, it involved climbing it to get to the water source.

A short while later, we arrived at the water source. Trekkers can fill their water bottles and take a much-needed rest here. If you wish to camp, you need to get as much water here as possible because this is the last water source along the way.

There’s the water source. Don’t worry, the water is extremely clean. It comes from a “tubod,” which means it is pure groundwater. Mind your manners and take a cup or “tabo” to scoop up water and pour it into your water bottle. Do not dip your water bottle here; it might contaminate the water source itself.

What a spectacular view! We came all the way down there.

After resting for a bit, it’s time to climb again. See how happy we are? Climbing with your adventurous sweetheart is really fun!

An hour later, we were out of the jungle and entered the Sirao-Busay highlands. The grassy valley filled with strangely shaped trees, green meadows, and immense flower plantations makes you think that you died and went to heaven.

The Sirao-Busay highland valley is dotted with these weird Lord of the Rings trees. We wouldn’t be surprised if J.R. Tolkien got his inspiration here. This is where Gollum led Frodo and Sam to Mordor.

Have you ever wondered where the flowers you buy in Carbon, Sto. Niño Church, Colon, etc., came from? Well, they came from here. The cool weather and the fertile mountain soil makes the valley ideal for cultivating flowers.

A perfect line of trees and a mountaineer make the perfect adventure scene. Believe it or not, those trees are “naturally” planted, meaning, it was Mother Nature herself who planted them in a straight line!

Climbing up to the trail that leads to the summit of Mt. Kan-Irag

Enduring dozens of climbs in one trek can take its toll. Some of our members felt the telltale signs of leg cramps, so we decided to stop on a clearing to rest and to let their bodies replenish their store of ions.

An encompassing view of Lapu-lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu City opened up in front of us. How magnificent! Can you identify the structures there?

As we approached what EWIT calls the Guava Trail (due to the fact that it runs along a guava grove), we battled razor-sharp cogon grass. Scratches from cogon grass blades are very itchy. It’s important to wear leggings and arm protectors here.

This is the Guava Trail which leads to the forest at the base of the Mt. Kan-Irag’s peak itself. This area also serves as an alternative campsite to the one at the peak.

Within minutes, the team entered the jungle, the start of the assault to the mountain’s summit.

Emerging from the forest, the team battled the last hurdle, an immense field of five-foot tall, razor-sharp, itchy cogon grass growing on big chunks of loose, volcanic rock. The shape of the field and the presence of volcanic rocks strongly imply that Mt. Kan-Irag may be a dormant or extinct volcano.

After 5 or 6 hours of river trekking, scrambling, hiking, climbing, and battling the elements of nature, we finally reached Pedro Calungsod peak, the rocky summit of Mt. Kan Irag. Here’s a trivia: do you know that the rock that Sweetie and I are sitting on is called a Lover’s Rock? That’s because female mountaineers never fail to say yes to their male partners’ proposals here.

A breathtaking view of Cebu City, Babag Range, Cebu’s central highlands, and the Busay-Sirao valley can be enjoyed at the peak.

Sweetie screamed, “I’m the Queen of the World!”

And everyone was so happy upon reaching the peak! The peak is also flat; that’s why it serves as a campsite for those who wish to have an overnight stay here. Campers may need to bring earth pads, however, because the ground is extremely rocky and, thus, uncomfortable to lie on.

Congratulations for a climb well done!

At 780 meters, Mt. Kan-Irag is not a particularly high mountain, but the long traverse towards the peak, the razor-sharp cogon grass that covers the entire mountainside, the dangerous volcanic boulders, the raging heat of the sun, and of course, the scenic wonders that mountaineers pass by make every step of the climb worthwhile!

Most photos courtesy of Ronald Ramiso and Prince Christian Toyugan. Thank you for letting us use your photos, sirs!

Suggested Itinerary for a Day Trek:

9:00 AM – Meet up at Sunny Hills, Talamban
9:30 AM – ETD for Baugo (habal2 ride)
10:00 PM – ETA Baugo, ETD for Kabang Falls
11:30 AM – ETA at Kabang Falls, Lunch, Swimming
1:00 PM – Continue Trek
2:30 PM – ETA water source, fill water bottles
3:00 PM – Continue trek through the Busay-Sirao Valley
4:00 PM – ETA at Pedro Calungsod Peak
5:00 PM – ETD Pedro Calungsod Peak
5:45 PM – ETA Ayala Heights Subdivision, ride habal-habal to JY Square
6:30 PM – ETA JY Square, Lahug

Tips:

1. Most Cebu mountaineers know this place because this is their “backyard.” For guideship services, contact Ruel Olaso (09215882345 or 09236651515), Peri Pervida (09284016666 or 09334036408), or Tiki Allado (0922547750). EWIT mountaineers know the many routes to Mt. Kan-Irag very well. Negotiate the fees with them.

2. A Mt. Kan-Irag climb coupled with river trekking is perfect for budget-conscious adventurers. You can actually climb the mountain with a budget of less than P200. The biggest chunk of expenses comes from the habal-habal fare. From Sunny Hills, Talamban to Sitio Baugo, the fare is P25. On the return trip, the habal-habal fare from Ayala Heights to JY Square is P50.

3. A good, strong rope is necessary to safely climb the mountain slope beside Kabang Falls. Your guide will set up the rope for you. The rope is not used to stop a fall but as a handrail; the slope is very slippery and offers very little handholds.

4. Wear waterproof shoes with an aggressive tread. You will need a lot of moisture protection and traction since you will be scrambling over slippery boulders, muddy trails, and lose soil.

5. Improve your balance, especially on the river trekking section of the adventure. A lot of the trail section involves you having the basic skills of a ballerina.

6. Bring salt tablets or beverages that are filled with ions (e.g. Gatorade, coconut water, etc) aside from water. The hot sun, multiple ascents, and sudden descents can make you sweat a lot. When you lose enough ions and salts through your sweat, cramps will occur.

7. Bring energy-rich trail food such as nuts, crackers, bread, and bananas. Don’t underestimate the mountain.

8. The plants in this area are thorny, razor-sharp, and wicked. Protect your arms and legs by wearing arm guards and leggings. A good pair of trekking pants will also help protect your legs.

9. Pack light. You will have to endure a lot of climbs. However, do bring the following:

* Jacket/Raincoat (in case of sudden rain)
* Sun protection (hat/cap/sunblock)

10. You can camp at the peak. On a clear night, the glittering lights of Cebu City compose a spectacular show. Be sure to bring warm clothes if you opt to spend the night there; the mountain can get really chilly.