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Benguet - Hiking Mt. Timbak (Timbac/Singakalsa), the 3rd Highest Mountain in Luzon


I managed to wake up early on my 2nd day in Baguio despite being tired from my Mt. Cabuyao day hike the previous day. Feeling refreshed and excited, I'll be traveling today for 2.5 hours to the town of Atok via the Halsema Hi-way to climb Mt. Timbak, the 3rd highest mountain in Luzon.


From the Dangwa terminal at city proper, I bought a ticket and rode the bus bound for Sagada. I told the bus collector to drop me at KM 55 in Atok, the easier and shorter jump-off point for Mt. Timbak. Since it's my first time here, I tried not to sleep to be able to see the great views and enchanting landscapes along the hi-way.


After about 2 hours, the bus made a stopover at the Morning Star bus station. I had a quick breakfast and bought some trail food for the hike. Please note that KM 55 is just a few minutes away from here.


I reached KM 55 at around 11:00 AM. It was still cold, but I'm already feeling the heat of the mid-day sun. Mt. Timbak (Timbak/Singakalsa) towers at 2,717 MASL; considered as the 9th highest mountain in the Philippines and the 3rd highest in Luzon, next to Mts. Pulag and Tabayoc.


I started the 6 kilometer hike on a paved road with almost constant ascend. I was in constant communication with my guide as to where I should go. He just told me to take the road on the left when I meet a fork. So I did.


I'm taking it slow as I wanted to enjoy the stunning view around me. The mountain is covered with vegetable patches up to the very top.


I enjoyed seeing the different terraces of crops all over. Definitely an awesome sight to behold!


There are people and houses around, so getting lost is not a problem. Just follow the paved road and you'll get there. Hehehe! Oh, did I mention that the locals here are extremely nice and accommodating? Ask around if you feel like getting lost.


Carrying a heavy backpack and climbing an inclined concrete road was indeed a challenge. I was panting and gasping for air. It was a grueling hike. Hahaha! But it's okay, I am awarded with picturesque mountain peaks and a cool climate. I would just rest for a while, then continue climbing.




I endured the 1 hour hike to the Mongoto Elementary School where my guide Vince met me. He took my bag and we continued for another 1 hour hike to the house at the junction leading to the summit and to the caves of the Timbak mummies.




We were welcomed by the very hospitable couple residing at the house. I rested; while Vince cooks our lunch.


After having our lunch, we took photos outside. The view is truly breath-taking. From here, you could see a sweeping view of the town of Kabayan and Mt. Pulag. I couldn't help myself to be in admiration at how beautiful the sight is. My happiness is immeasurable! Woohoo!






When climbing Mt. Timbac / Timbak and visiting the mummies, I highly suggest that you get a guide that is familiar and has ample information about this place. Contact Vince Gapuz at 0919-8524410 or add him in Facebook if you wish to visit Mt. Timbak.


On my next post I will show you the main reason I climbed Mt. Timbak - to see the fire mummies of Kabayan, Benguet.


HOW TO GET THERE
From Manila, take a Victory Liner bus bound for Baguio City. Terminals can be found in Pasay, Cubao or Sampaloc. Fare is about 455 pesos and travel time is around 6 hours.

Option 1 (via KM 55 in Atok Benguet) : From Dangwa terminal at the city proper, take a regular bus bound for Sagada, Bontoc or Abatan. Buy a ticket and tell them that you'll be alighting at KM 55 in Atok Benguet which is the jump-off point to the Timbak trail. Fare is 80 pesos and travel time is about 2.5 hours. From here, you can meet-up with the guide and start the hike.

Option 2 (via Kabayan, Benguet) : From the Slaughterhouse bus terminal along Magsaysay Avenue, take a regular bus bound for Kabayan which departs at 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM daily. Travel time is 5 hours and fare is around 130 pesos. From the town center, you can meet-up with the guide and start the hike.



This is part of my "Benguet Twin Hike Adventure" that happened last March 17-18, 2012.
Map By: Wikipedia


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23 comments :

  1. Wow this makes me wanna climb a mountain!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ganda jan.
    Sarap balik balikan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oo nga eh... i wanna try the other route naman next time... thanks Ella! :)

      Delete
    2. Better to try Timbak + Pulag Sir! :)
      Anyways ang galing mo po.
      Keep it up. Cheers.

      Delete
  3. Ang saya saya naman kakainggit lang. I also want to go to Benguet.

    ReplyDelete
  4. ang taray may post na sya.. ako nung january pa nakapunta until now wala pa rin..hahah! grabe lang yung hike kasi kalsada kita mong puro paakyat kaya nakakapagod!hahaha

    san yung malaking bato?parang di ko nakita yun dun?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. grabe nga, mahirap umakyat sa kalsada na puro paakyat... hehehe! dun lang yan malapit sa bahay na tinuluyan ko... sabi nga ni Vince, wala daw kayu pic dyan sa malaking bato... hehehe! :)

      Delete
  5. Congrats! sarap dyan lalo na yung wild berries!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sayang di ko na try yung wild berries na yan.. wala akong nakita along the way eh... hehehe! thanks Ding! :)

      Delete
  6. ganda talaga sa Mt. Timbac kasi mataas na rin.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh yes! at madali lang akyatin... pwede ang sasakyan... hehehe! thanks Dom! :)

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  7. Panalo ka talaga sexy blogger!!!
    Job well done!

    ReplyDelete
  8. awesomeness nga.. priceless ang view.. woot... gusto ko rin makita yang mga mummies jan.. :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i hope someday, makapasyal ka dyan... thanks Ardee... :)

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  9. bigla ako na-inspire umakyat dito ah :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Doing 321 this weekend. I hope I have ample time to explore each. Nice article!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Pwede ba mag dala ng SUV till Mongoto Elementary School?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes u can bring an suv just make sure that ur suv is a four wheel drive coz the rd going up is really steep and narrow.

      Delete

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