Mount Matutum

Tags: Asia, Hiking, Latest, Mountains, Philippines, Ultras

Mount Matutum (2286m) is an ultra prominent volcano in Mindanao. It's an active volcano so we were a bit worried about spending the night on the summit.

Summit log:

12-Jan-2013: Mt Matutum 2286 m (prominence 1950 m)

Participants:

Lyngve Skrede - Norway
Emily Homillano - Philippines
Kim - Philippines (local guide)

Getting there:

There are frequent buses from General Santos to Tupi (40 pesos), where you have to apply for a permit. From Tupi it's possible to get a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to Barangay Koblon and Sitio Glandang where the trailhead is.

Red tape:

A permit is needed to hike this mountain. You need to apply at the Tourism Office in Tupi, which is located next to the Municipal Hall. The application process will take 1-2 working days. The permit cost 150 pesos for Philippine citizens and 250 pesos for foreigners. It's also mandatory to take a local guide (500 pesos) and the reservation of a guide will be taken care of when you apply for a permit.

Route description:

It's only 7 km from Sitio Glandang to the summit, but the gain of elevation is 1300m on a difficult trail so don't underestimate the number of hours it will take. Matutum can be done in one long day, but most people do it in two days spending the night on the very summit.

My GPS-track at EveryTrail (also possible to download)

Notes from the trip:

Emily has written a trip-report on her website. Thus I don't waste any further time to write my own personal account :-)

Photo Album