Hiking advisory 01/2012: Review of status of mountains
PinoyMountaineer.com periodically issues “Hiking advisories” as a form of warning to fellow climbers as regards conditions in various mountains. However, they are a matter of personal opinion and must be read in that light.
Many people are starting to plan their climbs this summer, and I’ve deemed it fit to have a review of which mountains are still closed, and we are open.
Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Halcon: Still closed
It will be a disappointment to many, but the two major mountains that have been closed for several years now are still closed to the public, and there are no signs of reopening soon. This is despite the fact that their supposed reopening dates have already passed (2011 for Halcon and 2010, extended to 2012, for Banahaw)
Mt. Mayon and Taal Volcano: Open
So far, there’s no significant volcanic activity in either of these mountains, and so they are technically open to the public.
Mt. Bulusan: Still closed
We have not received news to the contrary, so Bulusan remains in our list as an officially/technically “closed” mountain.
Mt. Apo, Lumot-Sumagaya, Balatucan, Kalatungan: Open
There have been reports of closure in some/all parts of these Mindanao mountains, but as of January 2012, we have not been hearing of any impediment for climbing these mountains, though the statement “climb at your own risk” can still apply for some of the Bukidnon mountains.
Mt. Maagnaw: Closed
For security reasons, some of our local sources are classifying Maagnaw as a closed mountain and we are following suit.
Mt. Hamiguitan: Closed
As a potential World Heritage Site, this mountain is being closely protected by the local government during this so-called “evaluation phase”, and it remains such at the moment.
Mt. Ragang: Closed
Of course, Mt. Ragang has always been closed, though in a recent essay I expressed hope that it will become open in the future.
DISCLAIMER: Statuses might change anytime, and there no guarantee that mountains reported open would remain open. It is best to double check with local authorities and/or local guides to ascertain the status of the mountain you are planning to climb.
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3 Comments on "Hiking advisory 01/2012: Review of status of mountains"
ask lang po….. may updates po ba kayo about Mt. Natib sa Orani, bataan, open na po ba xa sa public?
Hopefully they could open Mt. Banahaw soon. I got a glimpse of this mountain during our Mt. Cristobal climb, and I must say people will understand and protect nature if they could enjoy and be one with it. (Well of course not all people have that "connection" with mountains)
Some of those mountains are "closed" to the public… but "open" if you approach the right persons and paid the right amount. just saying.
BPS