Panimahawa Ridge is part of a string of mountain ranges that dot Impasug-ong, Bukidnon about 67km, north of Malaybalay City. It was recently opened to the public last 2017. It is now fast becoming a famous destination for hikers and adventurers alike in a wide age group.
The jump-off point is in Ant Farm, situated in Barangay Impalutao about 9km from Impasug-ong Elementary School. “Habal-habal” rides are available for transport.
It is a minor climb but to the uninitiated, the ascent can be very physically challenging and arduous as it gets very steep and the trail increasingly difficult. The first mistake I made was not physically training for the climb believing that the trek was a very minor and short one – advertisement photos and videos can be deceiving sometimes. The second mistake was not wearing the proper shoes. A sturdy pair of shoes is necessary as the trail is a bit tough.
The first travail was a sharp descent into the ravine which gets slippery if it’s raining. You can hold on to bamboo railings erected at some places for support. Journeying down from among the trees and lush vegetation we can hear the Dila river flowing somewhere as if beckoning us to move along and find it. A makeshift bamboo bridge was built to cross it. After a short distance, we now started the steep meandering ascent.
taking a dip at Dila river
Surprisingly we had to our delight an unexpected company in the presence of four dogs. These canines loyally escorted us from the jump off to the peak and going back protecting us from unseen threats like wild cows and whatnot hidden in the towering grasses on the wayside.
As the sun went down, we turned on our headlamps and hiked a rather flat and level surface providing us a breather from the steep slopes. We stopped by a lone simple house occupied by an already sleeping family to refill water coming from a cool and clear mountain stream. As we continued scaling the height, loose rocks and pebbles made every step precarious; thanks to our wooden canes which afforded us some support and balance.
The last leg of the climb was difficult giving you that “so near, yet so far” feeling. We arrived after dark on the ridge, the cool crisp mountain air welcoming us. When the tents were pitched, it began to drizzle softly. We wasted no time to share and eat our pre-cooked dinner inside one of the tents.
The night went by lazily as the crickets lulled us to sleep and the soft drops of the drizzle trickled on our tents. It was inopportune for our fur friends however as they had to stay outside our tents. Each of the dogs assigned themselves to each of the tents and stayed very close curled up to keep warm. The platform was a bit uncomfortable to sleep on though because of the small rocks which were strewn about. A sleeping pad would have been very useful. The temperature dropped down a bit about predawn otherwise it wasn’t cold up there.
The night was unceremonious but as I got out from the domed tent the next morning, I was greeted by rolling canyons softly bathed in hazy gold arrayed beautifully around us. The fog descending to form the sea of clouds we were so delighted to witness.
A river of clouds snaking out in the ravine
Mt. Kitanglad Range in the backdrop 
Our furry friends waiting for a ration
The canyons and hills were slowly revealing their grandeur and beauty as the sun shone strong and bright. I grew philosophical as I gazed on the almost treeless hills. I just wanted to soak it all in and forever etch it in my memory. How come a Bukidnon native only heard of this just very recently?
I was glad I had the chance to experience exploring it now that it is pristine and idyllic. Fingers crossed, I hope the ridges do not experience environmental damage with the influx of tourists. Let’s help protect it and maintain its natural breathtaking beauty.
Off to another adventure!!
Helpful Info:
Available at Ant Farm:
- charging station for cellphones
- comfort room
- walking stick for rent (P5.00)
- safe parking
- habal-habal rides
***habal-habal – a paid motorcycle transport
Available at the peak: comfort room (just ask the guide)
Available in the first descent from the peak:
- habal-habal rides to Ant Farm (P200.00) during peak season like sem-break vacation
- Sari-sari store (open only on weekends)
Quick Facts:
- Impasug-ong Elementary School – landmark going to Ant Farm
- If you are northbound (to Cagayan de Oro) it is on the right side
- Habal-habal rides are available in the waiting shed area
- Ant Farm – jump-off point
- Guide fee – P300.00/head
- Porter fee – P200.00
To bring: tent, headlamp, extra large cellophane (to cover backpacks in case it rains)/raincoat, extra shirt, slippers, water, food, coat, personal stuff
Best time to climb – for overnights: 3 pm, for non-overnights: 4 am
- It’s open anytime of the year
Contact: Local guide Tristan Rey Alas (0975-849-4282)/Ant Farm
amateur trekkers 