On our way to Kabayan, Benguet for our Paskookum Outreach Program this Christmas Season, we decided to climb Mt. Timbak with our participants. It will be our second time to climb Luzon's 3rd highest peak.
While its elevation may seem to be daunting at 2717 MASL, Mt. Timbak is relatively an easy hike. But should you wish to add more challenge, you start the hike at the Halsema Highway just after the Highest Elevation of the Philippine National Highway System in Atok, Benguet (now the 2nd highest).
While its elevation may seem to be daunting at 2717 MASL, Mt. Timbak is relatively an easy hike. But should you wish to add more challenge, you start the hike at the Halsema Highway just after the Highest Elevation of the Philippine National Highway System in Atok, Benguet (now the 2nd highest).
The monster jeeps easily negotiated the steep inclines from Halsema Highway, and to our surprise, we continued towards the main jump off point where vehicles are still able to reach.
As we had two small kids with us, we went on a leisurely pace, carefully threading the vegetable gardens / terraces. The cold weather is a relief considering that there were literally no trees in the area.
Some of the unique features at the summit include the stations of the cross and the mini Calvary. A panoramic view of Mt. Pulag and its famous sea of clouds is also visible. We can even trace our way up to Ballay (where we were heading for our Outreach Program).
If you are looking for a brief hike with its own version of sea of clouds and views of the rest of the Cordillera, you will surely enjoy a hike up Mt. Timbak.
Traipsing Chronicles 048
012.017.017
Mt. Timbak / Singkalsa
Atok / Kabayan Benguet
Jump off point: KM. 55, Halsema Highway, Atok, Benguet
Minor Climb: 2/10 (from the Highway) / 1/10 from the dead end
Highlights: Stations of the Cross; Magnificent Sunsets; Vegetable Terraces; views of Mt. Pulag, Mt. Tabayoc, and the rest of the Cordillera
Notes:
Overnight camping is also allowed as long as you ask permission from the locals especially if the surrounding areas at the summit are planted with vegetables.
Some of the unique features at the summit include the stations of the cross and the mini Calvary. A panoramic view of Mt. Pulag and its famous sea of clouds is also visible. We can even trace our way up to Ballay (where we were heading for our Outreach Program).
If you are looking for a brief hike with its own version of sea of clouds and views of the rest of the Cordillera, you will surely enjoy a hike up Mt. Timbak.
Traipsing Chronicles 048
012.017.017
Mt. Timbak / Singkalsa
Atok / Kabayan Benguet
Jump off point: KM. 55, Halsema Highway, Atok, Benguet
Minor Climb: 2/10 (from the Highway) / 1/10 from the dead end
Highlights: Stations of the Cross; Magnificent Sunsets; Vegetable Terraces; views of Mt. Pulag, Mt. Tabayoc, and the rest of the Cordillera
Notes:
Overnight camping is also allowed as long as you ask permission from the locals especially if the surrounding areas at the summit are planted with vegetables.
