Barlig, Mt. Province: Mt. Amuyao

posted on Friday, March 6, 2020

Conquering Mt. Amuyao was a long overdue major hike for Ling and myself. There was no turning back when our group of four, along with couple Jeff and Jo, finally decided to schedule our opening salvo by the end of February 2020. Our first mountain of choice was Mt. Pulag’s Akiki-Ambangeg trail. But lo and behold, the mountain was closed a week before our scheduled climb due to the spread of forest fires. Since we didn’t want our three-week preparation to go to waste, our next mountain of choice was Mt. Amuyao in Barlig, Mt. Province.

This is technically our group’s first joiner climb. Ling messaged several organizers and the Unwinder Travelers was first to respond. The package price of P3,000 per pax covers the roundtrip van, guide fee, registration fee, bag tag souvenir and dinner-breakfast at the campsite. It was a hassle-free arrangement so we were all good to go.

Travel time going to Banaue was 9 to 10 hours via van. We had a late breakfast at one of the rice terraces’ view decks in the area. We then went to the Barlig Municipal Hall's tourism office to register. As we were 13 in the group, we were assigned three local guides. We were on our way after having light lunch in the jump-off.

The local guides were straightforward during our group’s briefing. No sugarcoating involved. Climbing Mt. Amuyao with 2702 MASL and 6 out of 9 level of difficulty is no piece of cake. It is literally 90% assault. We started ascent by 12 noon. The breathtaking view of rice terraces before our uphill trek was such a delightful warm-up. There are stairways carved along the trail, making the trek manageable but still very exhausting.

We arrived a second early at the summit before the 5-hour mark. I couldn't be more thankful for the cool weather throughout the climb. There are bunk beds available for hikers in the summit but we opted to set-up our own tent. After dinner and before dozing off for the night, our group witnessed a sea of clouds surprise. The nighttime skyline was as clear as day. If not for the icy cold temp, I can simply lie there and gaze at the starry night laid upon us.

Breakfast the following day was set at past 5 am. Though there weren’t any sea of clouds during sunrise, the clearing was indeed a blessing in itself. The view of the Cordillera mountain range was beyond fantastic. It took us almost 4 hours to descend the difficult trail. After conquering Mt. Amuyao early this 2020, I am sure up for more mountains this year. Bring it on!

See also our climb up Mt. Apo, Mt. Pulag via Ambaguio-Tawangan traverse, Mt. Napulauan, Kibungan Cross Country, Mt. Purgatory Traverse, Tarak Ridge, Mt. Ugo, Mt. Arayat, Mt. Balagbag, Mt. Pulag via Ambangeg Trail, Mt. Pulag via Akiki Trail, Mt. Pigingan and Mt. Timbak.