Sleepless Adventures: Reflecting on Hiking Memories

Hello, Hivers!

Today's post recounts another one of my throwback adventures with some friends in Cebu. It was actually a spontaneous trip to one of the most accessible mountain playgrounds in Cebu City, the mountains of Mt. Kan-irag, or as some call it, Sirao (named after the barangay it's located in).

Our journey began super early in the morning. At the time, I was working the night shift, so I usually ended my shift at 3 AM. We decided to meet up outside my workplace at 3:30 AM, where the motorcycle taxis were always waiting. Our meeting point was the familiar McDonald's in JY Square, which was also open 24 hours due to the nearby BPOs.

We hailed motorcycle taxis in pairs to reach the base of Sirao Peak. As we ascended through the barangay of Busay in Cebu City, the cold air enveloped us. Lacking jackets, I used my arm sleeves to keep warm.

Upon arriving at the jump-off point, we embarked on our hike to the peak, aiming to reach it before sunrise so we could capture the sun as it emerged on the horizon. Despite not having proper gear like headlamps, we used our phone flashlights to illuminate the trail. As we hiked, an unsettling feeling crept over us, as if someone were watching. Though I'd heard spooky stories from fellow hikers about this trail, and I also experienced it first when we were camping at Sirao Peak, and we were so loud in the middle of the night when someone or something knocked on our tents, I paid them no mind since I wasn't alone.

Having had no sleep prior to the hike, I began feeling exhausted. Luckily, we were nearing the peak.

We reached Sirao Peak at 5 AM, passing the time with random stories. At 5:20, the sky's colors began to change, and we eagerly awaited the vibrant orange and red hues of the sunrise.

We posed on a large rock facing the sun, basking in the beauty until 6 AM. As the sun's brilliance faded, we decided to descend to Budlaan Falls, my favorite part of hiking—going downhill.

On our way down, we passed tall cogon grass with sharp, blade-like leaves, which added a touch of color to the trail as they changed from green to almost withered brown.

En route, we passed the once-famous Lomboy Tree (Java Plum), also known as the Judas Tree to some, which had lost its charm due to its newfound popularity.

We used to camp here in the days when camping was not too mainstream in Cebu City. It's sad to see how it has changed over the past five years. Although now maintained by a caretaker, it's noisier and more accessible to non-hikers as well. I don't want to sound selfish, but it was better before than it is now.

Continuing our descent to Budlaan Falls, we took a brief stop at some trees on the trail for photos.

At the falls, I preferred going up rather than down. Some of my friends had to squeeze through to reach the other side.

There was also a thrilling part of the trail where you could kiss the wall beside the tallest waterfall. I couldn't capture it on camera while rappelling, but it added excitement. A fall on the side would result in a major injury or worse, given the large rocks below.

We rested at the base of the main waterfall, taking turns for photos.

Since the weather was favorable that day, we followed the river and explored spots worth checking. Our journey concluded at the heart-shaped basin, leading us to a small community in Brgy. Budlaan.

Hiking without sleep was common during my early days of hiking when we typically embarked on our adventures on Saturdays, even though I was working the night shift. Those moments were undeniably filled with youthful enthusiasm and the thrill of the unknown. However, as I've grown and gained more experience, I've come to appreciate the value of proper rest and preparation. While the memories of those sleepless hikes remain cherished, I now understand that a well-rested hiker is a safer and more capable one. So, until my next hiking adventure, I'll make sure to prioritize both the excitement of the trail and the importance of being well-prepared.

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