Mount Guiting-guiting Natural Park

This mountain is one of a kind has scenic views of the sea and the clouds. Many rare species of plants and animals can be found here. Definitely not for beginners in hiking.

Breathtaking landscape. Great for hiking activities.

Good ambiance. Relaxing view

Definitely one of the most difficult if not the hardest summit to climb in the Philippines. The difficulty lies perhaps on its unforgiving terrain where you have to have a good sense of timing for your climb. A minute delay on your schedule could easily mean failure to summit. This is not to mention the treacherous weather on the peak. Wind velocity and visibility could suddenly change, making it really dangerous. If you plan to hike to the summit, but not really a hiker, just reaching Mayo's Peak and enjoying the majestic view of saw-toothed ridge is already a giveaway. Mayo's Peak should really be the "peak of decision." If you're not a hiker, you should really decide here, whether to proceed or not, on the summit. Currently, hikers have two options for trail: from Magdiwang and San Fernando side. There's an on-going effort to develop new trails from Cajidiocan side, but this is more difficult and may only be for training.

For any hike in the Guitung Guitung Natural Park you need to contact the Protected Area Office (PAO), which is part of the DENR Sibuyan Substation. This is located East of Magdiwang. 5km Circumferential (Regional Hwy 480), signpost, 1.9km concrete access road. The peak hike to Guitung Guitung needs 3-days for return or traverse. We just wanted to get an impression of the forest on a low level 1-day tour. PAO provides a park information flyer. We hiked along Ga-Ong river: 5-6h walk + 2h rest, starting at 0800h. Make sure you get an English speaking guide so you can learn about the nature you pass. Carry food for yourself and the guide. Our guide Toto was great. Fresh water you can drink in abundance just from the crystal clear river. Forest trails start 100m near the office building. At the beginning the trail is quite easy, but later on it’s a hard walk over stones within the Ga-Ong riverbed. Due to trail forks and rivercrossings without guide there is high risk you miss the proper trail in both directions and in many low level areas of the forest there is no smartphone signal to call for help.