Mt. Palhi (Babaeng Bukid) in Libjo, Dinagat Islands (730+) – Pinoy Mountaineer

mt. Babaeng Bukid
Libijo, Dinagat Islands
Primary jumper: Sitio Maytubig, Brgy. Bayanihan, Libjo
LLA: 10.20263410 N, 125.63748827, 730 MASL (+730)
Number of days/hours required to reach the summit: 1 day/3-5 hours
Specifications: Minor; Difficulty 5/9, Off-Road Level 1-4
Features: Ultramafic and bonsai forests, unique biodiversity, beautiful scenery
Article history: Created on August 21, 2024
Author: Gideon Lasko

background
Located in the town of Libjo on Dinagat Island, parley hill – Also known as Baba Bukit – Offers a fascinating array of flora and fauna as well as the scenery of Dinaghat; even though its altitude is “only” 730 MASL, the hike starts from sea level and feels like a big mountain with dense forests and steep ascents , the top of the mountain is majestic. Unlike Monte Redondo, which was devastated by mining, Monte Pali has become one of the island province’s relatively intact mountain ranges, although the threat of future mining is always present. In addition, Pali includes a real sea-to-peak hike: it can be done in half a day at a sporting pace, or it can be an overnight hike to more easily immerse yourself in the forest of such an unusual island.

The hike starts from the village of Maytubig, which is located at the mouth of the river into the sea. Hikers immediately ascend through ultramafic rocks and reach a dense forest with relatively stunted trees. Nepenthes and other unusual flora and fauna are found throughout the trail. Past rattan and other tricky obstacles, the final climb features the same bonsai forest as Redondo and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and islands—including Khomonhong, Siargao, and the southern tip of Leyte; if not Mine, the summit will provide a vantage point from which to view the Dinagat Islands as pristine fjords, as the earliest pre-colonial navigators from Butuan and elsewhere certainly would have seen them. Nonetheless, even today, the majesty of Mount Pali makes it one of the best hikes not only in Caraga but in the entire Philippines.

journey

(Note: Hikers can add “Day 0” and choose to stay in Sitio Maytubig for an early start, rather than starting from San Jose or other areas and waking up very early)

first day
0300 Depart San Jose to Brgy. Lamela
0400 ETA Lamela; take pump boat to Sitio Maytubig
Chapter 0450 Registration and Protection Guide
0500 Start hiking from Sitio Maytubig
Chapter 0530 Reaching the first viewpoint
0645 Arrival at Campo Uno; rest stop
0700 Continue trekking
0900 Estimated arrival at summit
0930 Start of descent
Chapter 1230 Return to Sitio Maytubig; Lunch
Chapter 1330 Go back
Return to San Jose, Dinagata Islands at 16:00 (to catch up with the last trip to Surigao City)

Practicality: MT. Babaeng Bukid

transportation	San Jose to Brgy. Llamera (bag; ~ 1 hour); boogie. Llamera to Sitio Maytubig (pump boat; 30-45 minutes); both package and pump boat need to be chartered (expected package from San Jose is 700-1000, pump boat can be negotiated); you can also choose to go all the way to Campodo on the other side of the river by land Campo Dos, shorter boat ride but poor road quality
Register	Logbook of Sitio Maytubig
guide	available
Contact number	Crisy Bacara – Village Secretary/Hiking Coordinator (09659855396)
Campsites and waypoints	Campo Uno is available for camping
water source	without any
Cell phone signal	Conditions were sporadic throughout the trail but severe at the summit
river crossing	without any
rope segment	Very short rope section near the top of the mountain
Limatic	without any
Lipa	+
rattan	++
Hiking notes	The trails can be very slippery when wet; avoid the late-year rainy season (December to February), although sunny days are available year-round.
bypass	There are many possibilities for excursions around the Dinagat Islands, including a short hike up Mount Redondo. Palhi Beach is a short boat ride from Sitio Maytubig
alternative route	unknown
Day trip	Yes
Jumping facilities	(+) Sari Sari Shop (+) Toilet/shower area (+) Paluto – You may be able to request lunch depending on the day’s catch!
estimated budget	1500-2000 (group of three, ex-San Jose, mainly due to transportation costs)