On Higher Altitude: Ascending the highest mountain in Panay
With an elevation of 2,117 meters (6,946 feet) above sea level, Mt. Madjaas in Culasi, Antique, is recognized as the highest peak in Panay Island. But besides being the highest mountain on the island, what attracts every mountaineer to Madjaas is its enchanting beauty. No word can better describe it than ‘majestic.’
I climbed Mt. Madjaas last May on Mother’s Day, an apt day to honor the mother of mountains in Panay.
Day 1: To the campsite
The climb started at Brgy. Flores after meeting our local guides and some final preparation. We started at midday on one of the hottest summer seasons. The hike began with an adrenaline-pumping assault. After a quick lunch break, we proceeded to conquer the scorching heat in the open at Tinangisan Trail. But then after that, it’s all forest.
After a tiring run from the open trail, birds chirping and echoing started to calm us. Then, as we moved further, we started hearing the sound of tricking water, indicating we were near the campsite. But before reaching our last stop for the day, we had to endure another steep descent.
Most of us reached Bantang campsite at around 5 PM or almost six hours from the jump-off point. The campsite provided an ample water source for cooking, drinking, and washing our stuff. After setting up our tents, we headed to the river for a refreshing dip that was healing. As it started to get dark, some fireflies started to show up. We also had a clear view of the night sky; it was magical. And it’s only the first day.
Day 2: To the summit
We started our summit bid at around 4 in the morning. The earth is still covered in darkness. With only our headlamps as our light source, we just focused on the trail. It was mainly steep, with lots of climbing. As the sun rose, we started seeing the enchanting beauty around us. Because much of Mt. Madjaas remains unspoiled, its forest is mostly first-generation trees covered with moss.
Another attraction of Mt. Madjaas is its bonsai forest, surrounded by gnarly-looking dwarf trees. These trees are abundant in the area due to its high altitude. Altogether, they create a surreal landscape. Pitcher plants are also abundant here.
After indulging in the beauty of the forest and marveling at the crown shyness phenomenon, where tree crowns create a canopy with gaps between them, we continued our journey to the summit. For the last section, we had to pass by the knife-edge ridge of Mt. Madjaas and another forest to the summit.
We missed a summit clearance. But reaching the top is already a feat of its own. After a good rest, we started our descent back to the campsite, just in time before sundown.
On our last day, despite the body pains, we kept our spirits high and continued our journey home. After all, a good lunch was waiting for us.
***
A clear summit is not always promised in Madjaas. Some people say you have to declare your admiration to her beauty and she will show up. Though elusive, it surely is worth climbing. Perhaps, she just wanted us to climb her again. So maybe on our next try, we will finally have that clearing.
Special thanks to Aklan Trekkers for organizing this climb.
Karen Bermejo
With an elevation of 2,117 meters (6,946 feet) above sea level, Mt. Madjaas in Culasi, Antique, is recognized as the highest peak in Panay Island. But besides being the highest mountain on the island, what attracts every mountaineer to Madjaas is its enchanting beauty. No word can better describe it than ‘majestic.’
I climbed Mt. Madjaas last May on Mother’s Day, an apt day to honor the mother of mountains in Panay.
Day 1: To the campsite
The climb started at Brgy. Flores after meeting our local guides and some final preparation. We started at midday on one of the hottest summer seasons. The hike began with an adrenaline-pumping assault. After a quick lunch break, we proceeded to conquer the scorching heat in the open at Tinangisan Trail. But then after that, it’s all forest.
After a tiring run from the open trail, birds chirping and echoing started to calm us. Then, as we moved further, we started hearing the sound of tricking water, indicating we were near the campsite. But before reaching our last stop for the day, we had to endure another steep descent.
Most of us reached Bantang campsite at around 5 PM or almost six hours from the jump-off point. The campsite provided an ample water source for cooking, drinking, and washing our stuff. After setting up our tents, we headed to the river for a refreshing dip that was healing. As it started to get dark, some fireflies started to show up. We also had a clear view of the night sky; it was magical. And it’s only the first day.
Day 2: To the summit
We started our summit bid at around 4 in the morning. The earth is still covered in darkness. With only our headlamps as our light source, we just focused on the trail. It was mainly steep, with lots of climbing. As the sun rose, we started seeing the enchanting beauty around us. Because much of Mt. Madjaas remains unspoiled, its forest is mostly first-generation trees covered with moss.
Another attraction of Mt. Madjaas is its bonsai forest, surrounded by gnarly-looking dwarf trees. These trees are abundant in the area due to its high altitude. Altogether, they create a surreal landscape. Pitcher plants are also abundant here.
After indulging in the beauty of the forest and marveling at the crown shyness phenomenon, where tree crowns create a canopy with gaps between them, we continued our journey to the summit. For the last section, we had to pass by the knife-edge ridge of Mt. Madjaas and another forest to the summit.
We missed a summit clearance. But reaching the top is already a feat of its own. After a good rest, we started our descent back to the campsite, just in time before sundown.
On our last day, despite the body pains, we kept our spirits high and continued our journey home. After all, a good lunch was waiting for us.
***
A clear summit is not always promised in Madjaas. Some people say you have to declare your admiration to her beauty and she will show up. Though elusive, it surely is worth climbing. Perhaps, she just wanted us to climb her again. So maybe on our next try, we will finally have that clearing.
Special thanks to Aklan Trekkers for organizing this climb.
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