How Mt. Kalugong May Help Ease Your Stress

by: Maria Jeona Collado

Stressed? Feel the need to wake up those stiff muscles? Want to breathe fresh air while embracing the world? You don’t need to visit the highest mountains in the Philippines to do these. I’m from Baguio City, which is in fact in the mountain region of the Philippines. Well, when you are born from the mountains, hiking is not really a thing for you. However, when you feel the need to get rid of stress, going up to the mountains is the best cure. So my friends and I visited a mysteriously amazing mountain in La Trinidad, Benguet called Mt. Kalugong and here’s what we found out!

First of all, if you are from the lowlands or outside the Philippines, you probably wonder what KALUGONG means. “Kalugong” is the Ilocano term for “a hat.” The most exciting part of this hike is reaching the rocky mountain. Once you get closer, you can see the hat-shaped rock formation, which is the peak. This is where they based the name “Mt. Kalugong.” It is easy to climb through the rocks; just be extra careful and wear proper shoes. You don’t want to go home with scratches.

Anyway, before going there, buy your snacks or meals.

We went there at 7am without eating breakfast. 

They have a coffee shop there, but we were worried that it is close. 

So we just bought Jollibee breakfast meals and coffee.

To get there, take a “Tomay” jeepney. If you come from Baguio, you can take the jeepney either at the city hall or Baguio Center mall. When you ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance, he will ask you two choices: taking the difficult trail or the short cut. Well, shortcut is the best choice. Though it is the shortcut, going up is still challenging because of the steep road—not easy for amateur hikers. Just follow the road since there are no signboards. But, you don’t need to ask anybody since there is only one road that can lead you to the peak. Adventure is more fun.

As you go along, you will come across a tower. There is nothing special about this, but it can be helpful on your search for the peak.

Actually, the roads are newly constructed and some parts are still under construction, making things easier for the visitors. It is also a great place to go jogging or walking if you live near. The air is refreshing; you‘ll surely enjoy your healthy routine here. If I lived here, I would go jogging every day.

At the end of the newly constructed road is the entrance to Mt. Kalugong. It will welcome you with this signboard—finally, there is a signboard!

                

If you are lucky, there will be a friendly cat welcoming you to the place. He became our first guide before we found the staff. By the way, there will be a 50 pesos entrance fee for their environmental protection.

From the moment you enter the place, the smell of fresh air, the breeze of the wind, and the leaves falling off like autumn leaves will embrace you warmly. As you go along, you will see another signboard that says, “you are now in a stress-free zone.” If your goal is to escape from stress, then, once you step onto this zone, never talk about the people or things that ruin your days. When we were there, talking about our future, ambitions, goals, and childhood memories were the best conversations we have ever had.

If chatting is not enough to voice out your worries, there are swings around that can help you release those sad hormones. Nobody can go wrong from being a child again.

Here is another thing you have to keep in mind: be sensitive to the feelings of Mother Nature. The owner wants to keep the rocky mountain clean, so you are not allowed to eat at the rock mountain at all. But don’t worry; they have prepared tables for your picnic. The entrance fee includes the use of picnic tables. We ate our breakfast first to have a more comfortable climb to the rocks.  Well, there were still irresponsible visitors who left their plastic bags at the mountain. This is something we don’t need to be reminded off all the time.

                                          

Meanwhile,  there are Nipa Huts based upon the traditional houses of the different places of Cordillera. If you plan to stay here overnight, you can sleep in those small houses. I suggest you go there in groups since their overnight stay is quite costly. But there are also cute houses for singles and couples.

              

Now here is the best part of it: climbing through rocks. Standing at the rocks and seeing the whole valley of La Trinidad is like owning the world. It is quite nerve-wracking standing there, but it can be eased quickly; just don’t look down!

 

   

The whole hike is perfect! You will not get extreme muscle pain as long as you enjoy every step of the way. The mountain is not that high, you won’t see beds of clouds, but if you only wish to unwind and be at peace, then Mt. Kalugong is one good friend. Just like a hat protecting you from the unfriendly sun.

In photos are my lovely friends, Regina and Lori 

 Photos powered by Retrica