It was a friend who asked if I’ve ever been to Hindang Cave or Falls, and because that I haven’t — searched for previous posts regarding both — but I couldn’t find any!
Which saddens me.
Then frustrated me.
And made really want to go there.
How could anyone not write about something when random people have been raving about it for some time now? After planning it for 2-3 weeks — directions to Brgy Hindang was the problem. Once I got over that, I was in it — excited nerves and all.
We had a pick-up truck, which is an ideal vehicle should you be traveling on, on some rough roads which the road to Brgy. Hindang, is. Big space for your stuff and enough leg room should you ride on the back.
It took us an hour and a half to get to the Brgy. Gymnasium where Kagawad Aguilar met and greeted us. We signed our names on the logbook and we were officially off for a trek with 3 young men as our guides.
THE TRAIL:
We parked the car at the start point and had our guides in slippers and a large bolo which frightened me that I has to asked what it was for. He explained that it was for removing salag on the cave should they find any. I just nodded not knowing what a salag was. LOL! But I’ll get to that later. This is also a spot were you’ll get a cellular signals for all networks.. When you get to the trail, SMART network could only get one bar signal, and the rest — none! So better to send out messages that you’ll be out of coverage area for awhile while you’re here.
The trail started as easily as a flat trail with no other elements that gets in your way. Our guide took us at a fast pace on the early leg of the trail, where it was still easy to trek and manageable for the inexperienced and the unconditioned trekkers.
Then there’s slight elevation here, a couple of streams to cross there, and tall grasses everywhere! I suggest you wear tights, cargo pants, or long shorts — something light and easy for you to move around with. After 15mins. we were told to take a break as the the next leg would be quiet difficult to take — and we did. Not because we were told to but because we had to.
And it will get worst than it already was, since I was not programmed for trekking. You get to climb a steep portion — which is by the way, the start of the grueling part of the trail. About ~60-70 deg. angle, you get to feel your knees up your chest, toes flexed as much as it can be towards your shin, and hug Mother Earth for life, *giggles* the way I did when I didn’t trust my feet anymore.
We had three guides to take us, one upfront, another at midsection, and one at the rear — for a group, this set up is full proof on not getting lost, get accidents, or other hazards you might encounter. After the steepest portion of the climb, we had a few minutes break and went up a weaving uphill climb of what is now a constant ~30-40 deg. angle in elevation with but only foot holds, rocks, shrubs and trees for you to hold on to. Expect that either or both sides overlooking the sides of the mountain — DOWNHILL.
When hiking in groups it is best to let the slow-paced hikers take the trail with a guide uphill. This will set the pace for the rest of the group. That way, when they get exhausted and stops for a break they can still catch up and won’t be left behind. So yes, I was the one of the first uphill. I make it a mission not to follow a pack behind because I tend to tire easily and have the tendency to get lost. LOL!
Pace yourself. One of the dangers in hiking is dehydration, and exacerbation of pre-existing medical condition. I had to take the front uphill because I know that I will tire 2-3 times faster than anyone doing the same activity I did — so I did stop and rest periods knowing I’m not the last one on the trail. And remember: also control your breathing on this part of the trail because hyperventilation may get to you.
Two-thirds on the way up was a landing area from the steepest part of the trek. we took refuge for a few minutes. and I had to take off my now torn shoes ( I slipped while crossing a stream and it got the best of of my shoes) and put on my slippers.
I know, this isn’t the appropriate pair of slippers to bring! LOL! But I had the Hindang Falls visit in mind when I packed these. So I have to use this for the remaining 1/3 left of the trail, for spelunking, going downhill!, and for the Hindang Falls trail. I was doubtful! But I had no choice. So watch out for the survival of the dainty slippers on this adventure! LOL!
What’s remaining of the trail is a walk towards a secluded canopy of trees after through jutting rocks and lush vegetation. and before we knew it, we’ve finished our trail and we’re bound to do some spelunking. It took us hours to trek to the cave but it was all worth it. But I would visit the Hindang Cave anytime if not for the trail. It was one ambitious trek I took being inexperienced and unconditioned for it — for this is not for the faint-hearted.
TRAVEL NOTES:
+ Use your backpacks! The ones that is just enough for the things you need.
+ Wear apprpriate lothing — something you’re comfortable with.
+ Must brings: Water, Food, Sunblock & Insect Repellent, Flashlight, & Emergency Kit
+ Ask for a guide if you don’t know the trail.
+ Trek in good weather condition. The trail can be VERY slippery when it rains or had rained the days before.
+ Pace yourself . Do not go in hurry and be sorry, afterwards.
Direction and How To Get To Hindang Cave Trail:
1. Iligan City city proper to Kiwalan (Map: HERE, Time Travel: 30 – 45 mins)
*Jeepney (Fare: 14Php)
*Taxi (no metered taxi available, rate as agreed by passenger and driver)
*Private Car
2. Kiwalan to Hindang: (Travel Time: 1 – 1 1/2 hrs)
*Jeepney (Fare: 35 – 40Php)
*Habal-Habal (Fare: 50 – 60Php)
*Private Car
3. Brgy Hindang Proper to Start of Trail: (Travel Time: 5-7mins)
*Habal-Habal (Additional: 5Php)
*Private Car
How to Get Started on Hindang Trek: READ HERE
Trek Duration:
–Uphill: ~2-3hours
–Downhill: ~1-2hours
Fees:
–Trekking Fee: 5Php to be paid at the Brgy. Hindang Office beside the gymnasium
–Trek Guides: 300-400Php for 3 guides
You might like to read the rest of the HINDANG SERIES:
Part1: Adventure Planning Mode
Part2: Attractions & Directions To Brgy. Hindang
Part3: Ambitiously Trekking the Hindang Cave Trail
Part4: Spelunking at Hindang Cave
Part5: Hindang Falls
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“Two roads diverged in a wood and I
– I took the one less traveled by.” – Robert Frost
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Photo Credits to Travel Jams & Adventures In Life