MT. DAGULDOL: DIY Day Hike Guide, Budget + Itinerary

The hike would start from the Barangay registration area with a gradually ascending path that stretches to about a hundred meters to a concrete highway. From there, the trailhead should only be about thirty steps away. The trail would start with a short walk on flats and would quickly shift to a steep ascent along boulders. The ascent will take about 15-20 minutes of the hike before reaching the first resting station. Following the first resting station are walks along flat surface in between short steep ascents. This will go on for another 10-15 minutes until you reach a stream. Following the stream is a house and a bamboo bench where you can catch your breath.

The hike will continue along moderate slopes of soft earth and rocks. There will still be long steep ascents but you will be rewarded with a scenic view once you reach a clearing. The first part of the hike up to the 2nd resting station is covered in trees. Only when you near the 3rd resting station will you be able to see the lush greens of the valley. Twenty minutes from the 2nd station, you will reach Sitio Catmon. Here you can have a longer break to indulge in snacks and some halo-halo. This is also the part where we first felt the wind. It was so refreshing and calming as opposed to the warm air along the trail that constricts the lungs, making it hard to breathe.

Past the resting station in Sitio Catmon, it will be uncommon to encounter houses. Most of them are empty but there are some with locals resting after a day’s work in their farms. During harvest season, you will see tons of coconut peelings piled in some parts along the trail. You’ll be lucky to encounter locals in the work who will hand you some coconut meat to snack on. Halfway before covering half of the entire hike is the first descent. It will be steep and a bit treacherous especially during rains. Once you reach the very bottom of the descent, a steep path going up follows and will lead you to another set of houses. You will be tempted to rest here but I suggest that you continue the hike for another 10 minutes, you will reach this mountain’s famous bulalohan.

The bulalohan is the halfway mark of the hike. It will be packed with hikers but not during off peak times. If you reach it hours before lunch, you can reserve a bowl or two which you can indulge in after coming back from the summit. If you have rested enough, brave yourself for what awaits are the most difficult parts of the hike. Covering a short distance from the bulalohan are towering coconut trees. But the most astonishing sight of all are the boulders, gigantic ones, scattered all over like they were some kind of meteors thrown to earth from skies. This part may be the most difficult but also the most entertaining. Can’t help but be in awe. It’s such a beauty and the kind you would like to behold in a time when the hike is at its trickiest.

There will be no room for breathers past the halfway mark of the hike. It will be steep ascents all the way to the summit with the final assault to the summit being the steepest. You can stop to rest but no amount of rest could ever relax your knees from shaking. All there is to do is to go on before exhaustion finally takes its toll. To make it more bearable for us, our guide decided to take the easier route, taking the trail going to the campsite first instead of the one directly to the summit. He actually didn’t tell us about it until we have rested well and have snacked on another glass of halo-halo. Only when he asked us to continue that I realized the torture was far from over.

We went to continue the hike to the summit. Our guide directed us to a steep and slippery trail leading down. It went on for about 100 meters then we were led to another of Mt. Daguldol’s peaks. Another short descent followed. And when it was over, the steepest ascent of the hike finally showed up. I was short of breath and exhausted. Felt like my energy had depleted rather quickly even after just having a snack. But I persevered. Quitting wasn’t an option since we had already come too far. The assault to the summit was steep and never-ending. It was one of the longest ascents of this mountain’s trail. Once it’s over, a short walk on a flat surface follows. After that is the humongous piece of rock protruding from the mountain like a hunchback. Climbing it would allow you to witness the most scenic views Mt. Daguldol has to offer. It’s similar to Mt. Manalmon. Only the latter is easier.

Going down from the summit is a steep and long trail. The same is used to assault the summit but if you want an easier route, you better use it in reverse. Past the steep descent is the same trail we used in hiking up. Going down should be quick and easy as you will just trace your way back using the same trail until the bulalohan. The ascent to the summit took us almost two hours but reaching the bulalohan after coming down from the summit only took barely an hour. I was dead tired and could barely move a limb but the bulalo soothe my misery away. I spent about an hour singing to Moonstar 88’s Torete and Session Road’s Cool Off on a karaoke while both my friends dozed it off. When all of us got enough rest, we started descending to the trailhead. This hike took us 8 hours to finish but with plenty of stops for breathers and snacks.

In Cubao/Buendia Bus Stations, ride an Alps bus to San Juan (3Hrs ; P230/way). From the bus terminal in San Juan, walk to the jeepney terminal to Brgy. Hugom. Ride the jeepney to Brgy. Hugom (45Min ; P30/way). In Brgy. Hugom, ride a trike going to the registration site (20Min ; P50/way/person).

Alternatively from San Juan, ride a trike all the way to the registration site (P400/way).

• The total hike to and from the summit of Mt. Daguldol takes eight hours in moderate pace and with plenty of breathers. Some can finish this within five but I suggest you take it slow especially the newbies.
• Start the hike early to finish early and avoid the sun. I tried the scale Mt. Daguldol last summer but the heat got me all nauseated that I decided not go on anymore.
• The trail is rugged but there are loose soils which could easily cause slips. Wear proper hiking footwear to avoid injuries and to have better grip especially if you will be hiking during seasons with dominant rains.
• Wear comfy clothes that will allow you to move freely.
• Bring plenty of drinking water and trail snacks. The hike is so taxing that you will need to replenish your energy often.
• Mt. Daguldol will make a perfect overnight hike since it has a spacious campsite.
• Hiking in Mt. Daguldol doesn’t require reservation. Walk-ins are most welcome.
• There’s a waterfall that will make a perfect side trip after the hike. Sadly, this is only good during the rainy months from July to November. It’s totally dry during summer.
• Avoid staying late since public transportation back to San Juan is limited and may no longer be available past 4PM. Tricycles are way expensive.
• If you have the time and money, you can check some of the resorts near Mt. Daguldol for a relaxing dip.

Mt. Daguldol may have not been easy on me but I certainly had the best of time trying to overcome myself and my weakness. I hope you give this mountain a try. It surely won’t disappoint. Until next time. Ciao!