Kitanglad - Dulang-dulang Traverse (K2D)

There must be a hundred blogs written about Kitanglad-Dulangdulang traverse already. And I will be using that as a lame excuse not to write another one.

I have to admit, I really don't know how to write a story anymore. While remnants of pain from the knee injury I got there still linger to remind me that it was not an easy climb, I do not know how to put into detail everything that happened during that climb. After all, it has almost been a month. So if you're here to know about our itinerary, how much time we've spent on the trails, yadda yadda... I am sorry but I will fail you at that.

But if you're interested how our K2D climb went, hop in. I can best summarize it into 3 words: Difficult. Exhausting. Rewarding.


Yes, very rewarding.

I'm pretty sure every blog written about it says the same.

Jan and I at the base of Mount Kitanglad

Mount Kitanglad (2,899 mASL, 4th highest mountain) and the curse of the steel stairs
Before this climb, I did some research, read blogs, and watched videos about hiking Mount Kitanglad. I thought it would be easy since trails are already well-established. But the truth is, I'd rather take on a 30-foot vertical drop rappel than take the stairs. While the steel stairs are built to assist a hiker in ascending very steep trails, I find it the most wearying. I let out a curse inside my mind whenever I see one. Kasi sa totoo lang, mas nakakapagod yung hagdan. Maybe that's just me.

The trail in Mount Kitanglad is relatively easy but can still be quite challenging since it's an all-assault trail. And not having a proper training prior to this climb has taken a toll on my quads. My legs almost gave up on me when I started having cramps.

Thank God for fallen trees that served as our resting couches

But thankfully, we made it to the summit. And even though the weather made sure we don't see anything from above (clearing has really been elusive during our entire climb), we were still rewarded with hot chocolate drinks (to beat energy gap. haha) and cozy bunk beds for the rest of the night. It's actually my first time to sleep on a mountain top comfortably.

The Traverse
The real challenge comes in between Mount Kitangland and Mount Dulang-dulang. Steep trails, vertical drops that require rappelling, kiss-the-walls, dense jungles, and short vertical rock climb welcomed us.

Me and Jan on our way down

Add to that, a torrential downpour just made the hike even more difficult. Nevertheless, the mossy trails had me fascinated all the time.

View of Mount Kitanglad from Mount Dulang-dulang. That's where we came from.

The only time we had a clearing.

The enchanting forest of Mount Dulang-dulang (2,938 mASL, 2nd highest mountain)
You know you're already in Mount Dulang-dulang when you start gasping for air. Despite the dense forest and thick mosses, air is really thin. We also failed to take photos of the iconic spots on our way to the summit because it rained almost on the entire traverse. And I'm quite disappointed about that.

It was almost night when we reached the summit. We immediately pitched our tents, went inside, and just waited for dinner. We never got to enjoy having socials since it was freezing even though we were already wrapped in layers.

At the summit of Mount Dulang-dulang. Photo by: Anjo Dorado (our guide)

A cold and misty morning greeted us the following day. The sun was a bit shy, there was no clearing, and no view to have our breaths be taken away.

But the campsite revealed the most enchanting forest I've ever been to. It was surreal. It's like Middle Earth's Mirkwood Forest just came to life, except this is even better. Even Gandalf would be left speechless.

The enchanting mossy forest of Mount Dulang-dulang. Photo taken by Paulo Infante

The descent from Mount Dulang-dulang is easy, albeit longer. The trails are just rolling and you will get to enjoy moss-carpeted trails and the rich flora around (I've spotted some critters, quite a few unique flowers, and pretty wild orchids).

I would say this has got to be one of the most exciting climbs I ever had (rated 8/9 trail difficulty). And the most strenuous and painful one at that. I ended up with an injured knee and a dead toenail. Needless to say, I won't be doing any major traverse really really soon. But I don't think that would stop me from conquering more mountains. I have learned new life hacks, gained experience, and made a few more friends during this climb. And I think that's what makes hiking beautiful. :)

Andy, An, Anjo, Me, Jan, Miriam, and Paulo (All of them, except Anjo and obviously me and Jan, are from Manila)