Mt. Kiamo (Palalihan Peak)
Malaybalay, Bukidnon // updated: May 27th, 2024
About
Hiking in Mt. Kiamo is a great experience for people who want to see pitcher plants and experience a short but quite challenging hike. It is known to have a welcoming camp site that has sights of pine trees, grassland, and an overlooking view of the Tagoloan River.
Mt. Kiamo is located in Malaybalay, Bukidnon and stands tall at an elevation of 1823 masl (meters above sea level). It is reached via Sabangan camp site which is a 30-minute to an hour trek from Can-ayan, Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
Features
DIFFICULTY LEVEL – 5/9
ELEVATION – 1823 MASL
DURATION – 4-6 HOURS
TRAIL TYPE – BACK TRAIL
Preparation
To have a great hiking experience, it is important to have all the gears you need. Taking the possible weather into consideration, I’ve prepared a list of essential items that are needed to camp and hike at Mt. Kiamo. The following checklist is suited for an overnight camp with an organizer. Make sure to double-check yours.
Gear Checklist
- Tent
- Head Lamp
- Umbrella
- Trekking shoes and pants
- Sleeping bag
- Water bottle
- Jacket
- Extra Clothes (shirt, pants, socks, etc.)
- Sleeping pad
- Towel
- Trail food
- Powerbank and charging cable
- Emergency blanket (optional)
- Camping chair and table (optional)
- Hiking gloves (optional)
- Trekking pole (optional)
This gear checklist is available to download with the Apple Reminders list
Disclaimer: please do not rely solely on this list. Consider your preferences and add any necessary gears that might contribute to a safer and enjoyable experience. If you have suggestions, kindly send me a message through my socials.
Safety
Reaching Palalihan Peak of Mt. Kiamo typically takes about a total of six hours (backtrail), making it possible to complete in a day hike. Hiking often commences before sunrise (around 3 am) to avoid the heat of the sun during descent.
Remember to bring ample water (around 2 liters) for your hike. Many hikers underestimate the trail’s difficulty and length, leading to shortage of water. I have personally encountered this situation, as have others who have hiked here before.
Trail
The terrain of Mt. Kiamo starts out rocky, but becomes muddy near the peak. This is an assault trail with steep inclines in some parts, so wearing hiking shoes is a must.
Weather Considerations
Mt. Kiamo and Sabangan camp site are not known for having very cold temperatures, so there is no need to bring down or puffer jackets. However, it is advisable to bring a jacket that can keep you warm during the night and while hiking before dawn. It is expected for you to descent after sunrise so bring an umbrella handy.
Navigation
Though Mt. Kiamo is marked with bright orange ribbons to ensure that hikers stay on the right path, it is still required to have a hiking guide. These guides will not only provide valuable information about the trail and its challenges, but also enhance the overall hiking experience by sharing interesting facts about the mountain and its surroundings.
Highlights
The Sabangan trail in Mt. Kiamo is a popular hiking destination known for its pitcher plants. This was the main reason why I was excited to visit for the first time. However, the most impressive aspect that exceeded my expectations were the breathtaking views from the campsite and especially the Pine trees.
![A man riding a horse in Sabangan campsite](/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSCF4480.jpg")
Horseback Riding
One of the activities that campers can enjoy at Sabangan campsite is horse riding. For a fee, campers can ride horses and take pictures. However, availability may vary.
Sabangan Camp Site
This campsite is a spacious field with views of pine trees and a cliff. It is perfect to just relax and spend and entire day here. The ground is ideal for camping, filled with grass and level enough to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Pitcher Plants
Seeing these plants is one of the most sought-after aspects of hiking on Mt. Kiamo. If these plants start to appear on the trail, it means that you are nearing the peak.
Tagoloan River
Many campers enjoy this river, especially when it’s sunny. A section of the river, which can be seen from the campsite, is shallow enough for safe swimming. This is an ideal way to pass time while preparing for your hike the day before.
Frequent Asked Questions
Is comfort room available?
Yes, there are 2 comfort rooms available at Sabangan campsite – owned by a local who lives there and requires a small fee of Php 20.00.
Are there gears for rent at the campsite?
No, you should bring your own gears like tent, and sleeping pad.
Is water available?
There is available drinking water to buy at the Sabangan campsite, but there is no water source on the trail.
Is food available to buy?
There are sari-sari stores available at Sabangan campsite but not on the trail.
Is electricity available at the campsite?
No, there is no available electricity at Sabangan campsite.
Good To Know
“The Peak” is not the summit
The certain end of the trail where there’s a sign of Mt. Kiamo’s elevation is not its highest point. At the time of this writing, the trail to its summit is not yet established.
Things To Consider
Other Campers
Due to its convenient location, the campsite attracts campers who don’t usually plan to hike and just want to spend the night socializing. There is no regulation yet that restricts campers from making loud noises. So if you want to get a good night’s sleep, consider planning your overnight stay during the weekdays and/or bring good noise-cancelling headphones. You can also ask locals where you can pitch your tent strategically – it’s a big campsite!
Personal Thoughts
The Sabangan camp site for me is the best camp site I have been to, yet. This camp site exceeded my expectations and will remain one of my favorite spots to relax and enjoy nature. For the whole year of 2023, I have been to Mt. Kiamo 3 times. It has been the perfect place for practicing my drone skills.
My first hiking experience in Mt. Kiamo is a shocker, though it is not considered a major climb, it can be quite challenging for beginners. The trail here especially nearing the peak is quite steep. It took us about 3 hours to reach the peak from the camp site and we started at 2am.
I will certainly go back again if time and money permits 🙂