Ascending to New Heights: My Thrilling First Major Climb in Mt. Aminduen

When I first started hiking, I never imagined that I would one day be carrying a 50-liter backpack weighing 12 kilograms on major climbs. The physical challenge was far beyond anything I had envisioned when I first set out on my hiking journey.

In 2018, my group of hiking friends and I joined Laag Bisaya for a major climb to the highest peak in Eastern Visayas. Eastern Visayas is a region located in the central part of the Philippines, comprising three main islands - Samar, Leyte, and Biliran - as well as several smaller islands. The region is renowned for its picturesque beaches, natural landscapes, and historical sites, such as the San Juanico Bridge that connects Samar and Leyte. Additionally, the region boasts a rich cultural heritage, with several indigenous groups, including the Waray people, residing in the area. Agriculture, fishing, and tourism are the primary drivers of the region's economy.

The mountain we climbed was Mt. Aminduen, which is commonly referred to as Alto Peak due to its highest peak. Standing at an elevation of 1,332 meters above sea level, it is situated in Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines.

Journey information

Funny Story

As the boat was about to depart, Reymund, whom we affectionately call "Idol," decided to join us at the last minute, causing us to ask the boat operators to wait for him. Fortunately, they agreed to hold off for a minute.

However, the story did not end there, as the boat was already fully booked, and Reymund, who was a chance passenger, had no bed to sleep on for the overnight trip to Ormoc. He had to position himself somewhere where he could lie down on the floor for five hours.

We arrived at Ormoc port at 5 AM and picked up some items that we had forgotten to bring, as well as purchasing packed lunch and dinner ingredients. The jeepney that would take us to the jump-off point arrived, and we departed for Brgy. Cabintan.

We reached Brgy. Cabintan Multi-Purpose Hall at 7 AM, where we registered our names and made some final preparations.

Just before starting our adventure, we posed for a group picture.

We began our trek to the first destination of our journey, Lake Janagdan, at approximately 8 AM.

Lake Janagdan

After hiking almost 2 kilometers on a cemented road, we veered onto a trail leading to Lake Janagdan.

Situated at the peak of Mount Janagdan, a dormant volcano within the Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park in Ormoc City, Philippines, Lake Janagdan is a well-known spot among hikers and mountaineers due to its picturesque views and verdant surroundings. The crater lake, formed by volcanic activity around 500 to 600 years ago, spans approximately 9 hectares and has a maximum depth of around 60 meters. With its crystal-clear blue waters rich in minerals, Lake Janagdan supports a diverse array of aquatic life.

Upon arrival, we spotted a kayak at the lake's edge. Our guide granted us permission to use it, and two of my friends paddled to the lake's center to retrieve some clean water. We also savored our lunch at the lakeside.

Photo credits to Francis Paul

After lunch, we stayed at Lake Janagdan for a few minutes before we noticed a dark cloud looming in the background. Anticipating the rain, we decided to move on and start our descent.

As expected, the rain started pouring lightly, and it was just enough to make us slightly wet on the way down.

Campsite

At the campsite, we quickly pitched our tents and hung up all our wet clothes to dry.

Photo credits to @mariasalve of DoodleScribbles
Alto Peak: A Jungle Parkour Adventure

We also prepared our dinner and had socials in the early evening, so we could get an early night's rest for our early call time to climb the peak the next day.

And on the next day..

According to our guide, we had to start preparing for the ascent to the peak as early as 5 AM. The guide suggested that we ascend in two groups due to the narrow trail and the peak's inability to handle large groups of people. Therefore, the first group of nine of us hiked to the peak. Although the trek to the peak was supposed to take around 2-3 hours, we surprisingly finished it in less than two hours.

Alto Peak

Standing at 1,332 meters above sea level, the peak is the highest point of Mt. Aminduen. I love the trail because it is not monotonous.

There are parts of the trail that are covered in trees, and some parts you have to go under them. Additionally, there is a section of the trail where you can see a wide view of the surrounding place below.

What I was excited about was the rope part. At first, it was scary, but eventually, I got the hang of it. We arrived at the peak and were greeted by a white bond paper view. We waited for some time, but the thick clouds wouldn't disappear. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed our experience up there.

Going down, some of our companions decided to run, and I tried running for a few meters too, but the obstacles such as trees blocking the trail and the rope part made it difficult to keep up with the others. Instead, I decided to take my time and carefully navigate through the obstacles, enjoying the scenic views around me. As I made my way down the trail, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be in nature and surrounded by such beauty.

We arrived at the campsite first, and while waiting for the second batch to come down, we started packing our tents so that we could relax while the others were still on the trail.

Terminal impressions

As I reflect on our experience in Lake Janagdan and climbing Alto Peak, I can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the natural beauty that surrounds us. The journey to the summit was challenging, with steep inclines, rocky terrain, and unpredictable weather, but the rewards were more than worth it.

As we pack up our gear and prepare to head back to civilization, I carry with me a renewed appreciation for the power and beauty of the natural world, and a sense of gratitude for the privilege of experiencing it in such a profound way. Lake Janagdan and Alto Peak have left an indelible mark on my soul, and I will carry the memories of this first big adventure with me for the rest of my life.