Philippines Guide

Summary:

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Seasonality

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 11.123717, 122.107814

summary

Lots of variety, bouldering, sports, trad and keen friendly locals. Lots of development potential.

The Philippines is divided into 1000s of islands in a tropical climate and has much to explore for the intrepid traveller and climber. As per much of South East Asia the Philippines has an abundance of karst limestone but it also has a mix of rock types with some cool bouldering up in the mountains and DWS down by the sea.

access issues

See each area as it is common to have to pay a small fee at each area for the maintenance of tracks, facilities and cleaning!

approach

See each area, some easy, some can be more involved and part of the experience.

where to stay

Can be done cheaply or expensively.

ethic

Sports, mixed, trad and bouldering all appear.

Summary:

All Trad climbing

Lat / Long: 11.211957, 119.392674

Summary:

Lat / Long: 11.228667, 119.384592

summary

DWS above pritine water

description

While the pristine white beaches of Palawan have attracted divers and luxurious travelers for many years, it was also identified by James Pearson and Caroline Ciavaldini as a new deep water soloing destination, given the numerous limestone karst cliffs on the Bacuit Archipelago

access issues

There is a local tax permit of PhP 200 per head that has to be paid by every tourist if they are staying for more than a week. There is also a minimal Tour Guide Conservation Fee required for boat trips. Both can be paid at the Tourism Office along the beach. Just ask the boat men or resorts along the beach where the office is located.

Boat rental on the average costs PhP 4000 per day, while Kayak prices are from PhP 700 to 1000 per day.

approach

Getting There

Manila to El Nido

You can fly straight to El Nido via a chartered flight through Island Transvoyager Inc. ITI’s 50-seater ATR aircraft offers daily flights from Manila to El Nido. Travel time is approximately 55 minutes and a tickets costs about USD 350.

Flight reservations on ITI may be made through El Nido Resorts. From El Nido airport, guests will take an hour and 30 minutes van ride to Taytay Town Port. A 50-minute boat transfer to Apulit Island from Taytay Town Port follows. Guests are provided with light snacks along the trip.

Via Puerto Prinsesa

The cheaper, although longer option, is to book a Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa and do land trip to El Nido. From the Puerto Prinsesa International Airport, take a taxi to the bus station for around PhP 100 – it’s only 30 minutes away. From the bus station, you can either take a bus for PhP 150-250 (no A/C or A/C) or rent a shuttle van (good for 8-10 persons) for PhP 4000. The bus takes 7-8 hours due to multiple stops, while a shuttle may take 6 hours non-stop.

where to stay

There are stores and groceries around the church (there is only one church on El Nido town) that provides almost all basic necessities to load up on food, water and personal hygiene requirements. The store right across the church also carries medicines and first aid supplies.

For places to stay in, there are many options ranging from pension houses and backpackers’ inns to pricier resorts along the beach side. Prices range from PhP 400 to PhP 3000 per night.

ethic

DWS in a world heritage area, please take care of the place its stunning and not trashed like Thailand!

history

While the pristine white beaches of Palawan have attracted divers and luxurious travelers for many years, it was also identified by James Pearson and Caroline Ciavaldini as a new deep water soloing destination, given the numerous limestone karst cliffs on the Bacuit Archipelago.

During their exploration in 2014, at least seven areas and 30 DWS lines were established, with potential for a whole lot more. Routes range from 6a to 7c difficulty with heights of 8 up to 25 meters. For routes located over shallow water, trad climbing is also doable.

If pressed for time, a single-day DWS trip can be easily arranged by renting a pump boat for a day. But for the complete El Nido experience, an highly-recommended alternative is to go 3 days and 2 nights straight with Mother Nature. Camp on any of Bacuit’s white sand beaches at night and do island/cliff-hopping during the day, bringing only basic provision and climbing gear.

Summary:

Sport climbing, Trad climbing and other styles

Lat / Long: 14.576251, 121.064527

description

Urban Jungle with a few gyms and one notable crag.

Summary:

Sport climbing, Trad climbing and other styles

Lat / Long: 14.729248, 121.189120

summary

Climbing and bouldering

description

Rodriguez (formerly Montalban) is located in the foothills of the SierraMadre mountain range beside the Wawa River. Limestone climbing and bouldering can be found.

access issues

Aling Normas is a food stall where every visiting climber eats. Register here, ask for the logbook and write down your name and destination and messages for friends who will be late to arrive. Settle the PhP 300 fee per group of 10 or less. Additional PhP 20 per head applies for the succeeding number of climbers. This goes to the local government for maintenance and security of the area. P20 for parking if you have a private vehicle but remeber the attendants name that you paid so you dont pay twice. Once you cross the bridge make a donation to the locals on the trail head in the village, PhP 15-20. (This donation comes and goes and isn't official)

approach

Approach vis Commonwealth Avenue. From Commonwealth Ave, turn R to the road going to Batasang Pambansa, following the curving road until you see Payatas Avenue to your R, marked by bottleneck traffic and market vendors on the sidewalk. Go through Payatas, down the mountain and R once you come across a junction. Follow this tricycle infested highway to the end and turn LFollow this road till you hit Wawa. You have reached once the road turns into a walkway with parking on the L.

Or public transport options.

Take Cuboa-Montalban jeepney /FX to the end of its route (P25)
From Philcoa, take the jeepney marked Philcoa-San Rafael via San Mateo all the way to its end. (P12)
You can take any jeepney heading to Fairview and go down at Litex. Take the jeep to San Jose Market (P6) Take one more jeepney to San Rafael (P3)

All routes lead to San Rafael where you take one last ride to the dead end road of Wawa

Be ready for river crossing and watch for slippery trails in the wet.

where to stay

Meals are usually taken at Aling Normas where the typical morning fare includes lugaw (Filipino congee) with hard boiled egg and a plethora of other local dishes. Ask for sinigang, adobo, chicken curry, kaldereta, tinolang manok and fried chicken.

You can take sari sari store snacks with you to the crags but what most do is eat a full breakfast and just finish the day with a late lunch dinner. Take lots of water.

You can also spend the night at Aling Normas now furnished with two toilets, three showers, and 2-3 sleeping quarters. Sleeping over will be a good option if you have far to go after the post climb chit chat, San Miguel, Redhorse, and all night Karaoke.

ethic

Trad, sport climbing and bouldering.

history

The history of Montalban spans 30 years with some access issues with the crags situated on private land. As of 2009 Rodriguez has been opened to climbers, bikers and vacationers through the payment of minimal fees.

Montalban Wawa was the first developed sport climbing area in the country, with routes going as far back as the 1980s through the efforts of climbers from the University of St Tomas and the University of the Philippines. From a few traditional routes it has grown into more than 20 crags with over 100 routes.

Wawa offers a variety of styles steep, crack, sport, boulder and trad. Sadly not all are well maintained and some of the areas have long been forgotten and have sunk back into obscurity. Today's most popular climbing areas is limited to just a few: Uling Wall with the most number of routes, Slayer Wall with the most number of hard single pitch long routes, Boogie Wall which is the most quiet and off the beaten track, and Banzai Wall currently getting new attention because of the development of 2-pitch routes.

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 15.343967, 121.772144

description

Climbing areas on the island of Luzon.

Summary:

Lat / Long: 14.001050, 121.868353

summary

An abandoned quarry with a variety of routes, pockets, cracks and overhangs

description

An abandoned quarry witha variety of routes. Great in the summer months between November and January. Routes are 10 - 40m long.

Tips from the Locals

Pastor Noel Suministrado is the caretaker of this climbing area. Please get in touch with him and register before hitting the crag.

Address: Ilang-ilang St., Capistrano Subd. Lucena City 4301 Email: nova21ch@yahoo.com http://www.facebook.com/noelsuministrado

access issues

Permits / Fees / Registration

Before starting any climbing activity at the site, it is mandatory that climbers register with Kagawad Billy Vila first (at the house situated at the entrance of the climbing area). A PhP20.00 fee is collected to keep the surroundings and climbing areas clean.

approach

Getting There

From Manila, estimated travel time can be between 3-5 hours.

By private vehicle

Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) all the way to the end, past Calamba and Batino exits, into the SLEX link to STAR Tollway. Since it is a link, you will pass two toll booths (one to exit SLEX, the next to enter STAR Tollway). Watch out for the Sto. Tomas Exit and turn left, which should lead you to Maharlika Highway, which is major road that connects Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Quezon province. You will pass through the following Quezon towns: Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, Lucena City, and Pagbilao before reaching Atimonan.

By public transport

You can take JAC Liner or Lucena Liner from either Buendia or Cubao Station. When you get down at the last stop at Lucena Grand Terminal, ask for any bus (usually AB Liner) going through Atimonan. Look out for two landmarks, the stone marker for Km165 and the Paradang Rizal arch, for your stop.

where to stay

Arrangements for your daily meals can be made with Kagawad Billy for a fairly minimal monetary expense.

A climbers’ hut, which can house up to 15 persons, has been put up through the donations of visiting climbers. There are no set fees for using the kubo just yet, but donations are most welcome for maintenance! For freshening up, there are two toilets and a bath adjacent to the house of Kagawad Billy.

Climbers can also opt to bring tents and camping related paraphernalia, as a camp site is located about several meters from the climbing area. Just be sure to pitch tents away from the towering coconut trees or else risk getting hit by falling coconuts.

ethic

Mixture of sport and trad climbing here.

Tips from the Locals

Pastor Noel Suministrado is the caretaker of this climbing area. Please get in touch with him and register before hitting the crag.

Address: Ilang-ilang St., Capistrano Subd. Lucena City 4301 Email: nova21ch@yahoo.com http://www.facebook.com/noelsuministrado

Summary:

Lat / Long: 13.231266, 123.879257

summary

Mataas Crag in Bacacay, Albay, is the only developed crag by the beach that's open to the public in the Philippines. It has six areas scattered nearby with routes of varied height and difficulty.

description

Collection of 6 crags in Brgy. Mataas, Bacacay, Albay right near the beach. Ongoing development with more routes underway. Contact Ph BF or @phboltingfund on Instagram to support.

access issues

Accessed via plane from Manila to Bicol International Airport or a 12 hour bus ride from Cubao to SM Legazpi. Short van ride to Pili Port and finally a 45 minute boat ride to Mataas.

approach

Easy approach to all 6 crags with the multi pitch wall being the closest and visible from the resort. About a 3 minute walk. Furthest would be Hidden Wall, about a 10 minute walk.

where to stay

Resorts offer tent pitching and nice airconditioned rooms. Kindly contact @albay_climbing_community on Instagram or Facebook.

ethic

Contact @albay_climbing_community on Instagram or Facebook for guides.

summary

A number of bouldering areas North of Manila in cool climate. Detailed descriptions below are copied from climphilippines.com

description

Most of the bouldering areas are located on river beds so it might be best to go around late October to May. If you want optimal conditions, December to February is the coolest and driest months of the year with the temperatures dipping to 8 degrees Celsius. The type of rock ranges from smooth river limestone to coarse conglomerate. Expect a lot of pocket pulling and crimping with some occasional friction dependent slopers.

Only several of the more popular problems have names and grades. The climbers have stopped naming and grading other problems they have cleaned and established years ago. But don’t worry there are problems for everybody from V-easy to V-hard and projects open for you to try.

approach

By private vehicle Take Northern Luzon Express Way all the way to the last toll and transfer to the SCTEX highway. The SCTEX connects to another highway called the TPLEX which in 2016 goes all the way to La Union. Follow the signs along the highway to get to Baguio City. Estimated driving time is 4 to 6 hours.

By public transport You can take the Victory Liner Bus from either Pasay or Cubao Station. Buses leave on an hourly basis ranging from 445 PHP to 715 PHP per way. Please refer to the following for more details http://www.victoryliner.com/terminals. Estimated travel time is 6 to 8 hours.

where to stay

Baguio City is a tourist friendly city, which is why there are many places that offer food from small eateries and fast food joints to the more expensive restaurants. Worth mentioning is Chef’s Home near the Baguio Town House and The Mansion on your way to Mines View which primarily serves Malaysian fare prepared by a chef who worked for a famous hotel outside the Philippines.

Just a few minutes away from Chef’s Home across the Wright Park is the Ketchup Food Community, a small and relaxing place hosting several restaurants offering different cuisines from Filipino, Malaysian-Indonesian and Thai to the usual American.

A favorite of many is the Good Taste restaurant that serves a Filipino-Chinese menu. This place is perfect for groups on a budget. Food is for sharing and affordable.

When it comes to accommodation, there are transient houses, inns and hotels to choose from. You can always research online and make a reservation in any place you prefer. The visiting climbers on a budget usually book a stay in Callalily as transients sharing a room as well as the local Y.M.C.A.

For those who want a more private and comfortable stay and a little more cash to spend, some climbers stay at Le Monet or The Manor in Camp John Hay or Azalea Residences in Leonard Wood Road. For visitors of any walk of life, there will always be food and accommodation for your satisfaction.

history

Rock climbing in the mountain city of Baguio and surrounding areas started in the late 90's, with visiting climbers from Manila sampling the boulders of the Bued River alongside the famous Kennon Road. Initial development began in late 2003 when climbers from then local gym, Northwall, started climbing the boulders of Lamtang River. Since then, with efforts from the locals and help from visiting climbers, several rock trips and countless nights around bonfires led to discovery and development of other areas.

summary

Bouldering on smooth feature by the river

description

Since most of the boulders stay close to the river, it is quite apparent that majority of the problems would present smooth features. Occasionally you can chance upon problems with crimps and slopers. On the upper sections of the banks the boulders become more grainy. Such is “Jamaican Coffee” and “Manalmoner.” The character of the boulders changes abruptly. Unlike some other bouldering areas where there is a strong constant feel on every boulder, Manalmon presents a varying array of rock each with a different texture.

access issues

As of the moment there is a standing guide fee of PhP 500.00 for a group of 10 or less or PhP 50.00 per head. Unless you are familiar with the local guides, you will be obliged to abide by the fees as set by the DOT (Department of Tourism). If you happen to be with the more familiar face of Philippine local climbing who frequent and developed the area, you might be able to dodge the fees altogether. You can try to reason, however, that you’ll be staying by the river and not the summit of “Mt. Manalmon.” See if that would be reason enough for you not to pay the fee as the guides were really institutionalized to be there for hikes to the summit and tours in the caves, and not for bouldering guides.

approach

By private vehicle

Take the northbound EDSA highway and then veer right to enter NLEX (North Luzon Express Way). Exit at Sta. Rita (exit 32A/32B) and then keep going straight along AH25 until San Miguel, Bulacan (about 40 km). There is a right turn at Barangay Camias marked by the Total Gas Station on the left side of the road and a local tricycle terminal on the right.

The road will then wind up to Barangay Sibul (9+ km). Take a left turn for the Sibul Springs Resort, which by looks seems old and abandoned, and at the end of the down sloping road, turn right and head up to Sitio Madlum (3 km). The dirt road branches off several times but keep going straight until the huge enough marker announcing the way to Madlum Caves. The rocky down sloping road will take you to a small parking area close to the river. From here it’s a 30-40 minute hike to the farthest bouldering area.

By public transport

A number of bus stations in Cubao, Quezon City or Pasay City have trips going to Cabanatuan. Take any of these buses and go down Barangay Camias, San Miguel, Bulacan. Make sure you tell the driver you’re going down Barangay Camias lest it speeds past towards Cabanatuan as not too many commuters go down this locale. From there take a tricycle from the nearby terminal and ferry off to Sitio Madlum. To go back, make sure to contract the tricycle to fetch you on the desired date and time.

The approach

From the parking lot the best route to take would be to cross the river on foot. After wading through the water come up to the opposite bank and then register with the Madlum guides. There is a log book where you need to sign in your names. Hike up the concrete steps to take you to the hidden opening of the Madlum Cave. The short direct cavern will open up to a bigger area and the first bouldering area.

To get to the next bouldering area requires another 30-40 minutes of hiking. Cross the river at the far bend of the first area and then just follow the obvious trail running along side the river.

where to stay

Food & Shelter

Camping is the main way to go if you’re planning a bouldering trip to Manalmon. If you run out of food, however, there are mini “Sari-Sari” stores in Sitio Madlum that sell beer, softdrinks, bread, etc. You can also chance “Halo-Halo”, a local fruit-milk concoction over ice shavings, too during summer.

If you happen to have a car, coming and going to the area will not be problem and so you can also probably stay at nearby motels along the main highway.

ethic

Bouldering

history

Bouldering in Manalmon is always an unwinding experience. Go there to camp, enjoy nature’s rewards, spend seemingly endless, useless quality banter with friends, and of course...hours of bouldering.

Bouldering in Manalmon started in the later months of 2001 or perhaps the early months of 2002. Prior to becoming a bouldering area, Manalmon has already gained repute for the pristine simplicity of its landscape. A clear river runs along the banks of the campsite and a canopy of giant bamboo trees lines the trail that leads up to the summit that is equally appealing, attracting hikers to meander its trails.

The full effort though in the development of the area into one of today’s prime local bouldering destinations can’t be attributed to the single endeavor of the discovery. Dennis Diaz, together with Anthony Prieto, after returning from their journey in Koh Tao, Thailand, decided there needed to be a place Filipinos could call their very own stomping grounds. And so after sending news of the discovery and together with a huge group of eager Pinoy climbers, they hauled bags, camp gear and local prototype versions of crashpads and rushed off to Manalmon for a new climbing experience.

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 11.175250, 122.477476

summary

Limestone crags.

description

Variety of grades and 5 star hospitality from the locals.

access issues

Iloilo City is accessed by direct flights from Manila, Singapore and Hong Kong. All developed crags can be reached within roughly one hour from there.

where to stay

Lodging options in the city are common from cheap pension houses (P250 per night) to hotels (P500-4000) but unless you go for a day trip, it is recommended to camp at the crags (plan food and water!).

ethic

Please get in touch with local climbers. For example at the Adventure Central Gym, on the Esplanade in Iloilo.

history

People have been climbing here since the 1990's but it wasn't until the 2000's that the development of sport climbing really took off.

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 11.041855, 122.680713

summary

Limestone with a variety of grades

description

Dingle is a municipality located in the Iloilo province an hours flight south of Manila.

access issues

It is required to get a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as the area is part of the Natural Park. You can pass by the DENR office before hitting the road to Dingle.

approach

Take a taxi from the airport and tell the driver to take you to Tagbak Jeepney and Bus Terminal. Rise a jeepney going to Dingle, Iloilo (about P50) The driver should let you off around Dingle Plaza or a motorcycle terminal near the market. Hire a motorcycle driver to take you to the Barangay Caguyuman, and tell him to drop you off at the Tanod Outpost (P20)

where to stay

possible to stay in Dingle town or camp at the base of Nautod Wall or bivouac under Left Wall where the overhang reclines. There is also access to water for washing up with a faint spring just 5 mins down the trail. Stock up on provisions in town or for longer camps pay the local guide to shop and cook meals for you.

ethic

Some trad exists in the Philippines but mostly sport climbing.

history

Climbed on since to 1990s but the 2000s saw the development of sport climning!

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 10.791276, 122.231695

summary

Limestone in development - harder grades

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 10.790375, 122.275691

summary

Newest crag in the Iloilo region with lots of potential under development.

Summary:

Deep water soloing and Bouldering

Lat / Long: 11.599627, 123.351472

summary

Remote limestone islands, currently only some deep water solo and bouldering. In need of climbers to explore and develop.

approach

By boat from Carles Port (Bancal) or Estancia Port. Those can be reached by Bus from Iloilo (ca. 3.5h) or Roxas City (ca. 2h). Make sure you time it right since public boats are infrequent (once daily from each port).

where to stay

Gigantes Norte has a number of resorts and a few other options are scattered over the islands.

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 9.802214, 123.678103

summary

Limestone and lots

description

Provincial Island of Cebu

access issues

The Cebu Rockclimbing Community (CRCC) is a grassroots volunteer-run group dedicated to the sustainable maintenance and development of climbing in Cebu. They have published a book covering climbing in cebu "Cebu Rock Climbing Guidebook". For more information, including donation details, updated topos, visit https://ceburockclimbing.com/

approach

Plane bus or boat from Manila to Cebu City

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 10.308765, 123.734902

summary

Immaculate white limestone above a viilage in the hills,

description

In a nutshell, this crag should be the first X in your map if you want a sampling of what climbing in the Philippines can offer. One of the whitest sun-bleached limestone crags in Southeast Asia, it is in the Visayas, in one of the most festive islands of the country, Cebu.

Right in the middle of the small barangay of Cantabaco, an hour’s journey through the jungle and into the island’s heart, lies the country’s premiere climbing destination. The streaked limestone cliff stands over the small community of a few hundred.

Grades go from 6a to 8a+, with the majority in the 7 range. Pockets, tuffas, overhangs, crimps and slopers characterize the entire cliff. All routes are natural and bolted exquisitely for really good climbing. There are about 40 routes up on the cliff.

Bolting projects from 2008 to 2009 gave way to new 35m-long pitches. Seasonal developments continue to this day.

More information can be found at the Cebu RockClimbing Community website at: https://ceburockclimbing.com/

access issues

Introduce yourself to local climbers Raymund Daculan, Jeane Boy Yonson, or Gian Yagonia. They’ll be glad to show you around. There’s a logbook for climbers at Nang Mameng’s house on the way to the crag after you cross the river (there is a nice new metal bridge, don’t worry). Sign up.

approach

Outside the departure area of Mactan Airport, hire a taxi to take you directly to Citilink Terminal (PHP 250-300 or USD 4–5. Note that these are the white taxis, not the yellow airport taxis that charge you a higher rate of PHP 300++). Citilink Terminal is a small terminal for vans or “V-hires” that can take you to various points in Cebu. Ask for the one that goes to Lutopan and pay PHP 60 (USD 1.30). The ride that lasts a little more than an hour will take you through the end of the polluted city highway to a zigzagging mountain pass, into the heart of the island. Tell the driver to let you off at Cantabaco’s Kapilya (chapel) and mention you’re climbing in Cantabaco. You can’t go wrong. Only a few V-hires operate in the area and they know these parts well. If you can convince a Tax driver it costs about 700 - 1000P direct from the airport to Cantabaco.

where to stay

Breakfast at your local “carinderia” (equivalent to a house porch or frontage converted into a canteen by setting up a serving counter, portable tables and chairs) is probably the best and most convenient. Just walk down the main road, point to your preferred viand, and sit where there is space. If your preferred dish is not part of the daily fare, you can prearrange a menu by giving instructions the night before. Whichever way, meals range from PHP 40– 70.

If you prefer a simple cup of coffee and pastry, catch the delivery van of bread that passes early in the morning, or try the “puto” (local rice cake) sold down the highway heading to the crag.

Later in the day, other food options are available on the main road. Food stands are set up, serving grilled hotdog, pork barbecue, “isaw” (barbecued chicken intestines) and other barbecued chicken innards. These are all recommended and worth a try.

For accommodation, there are 2 options, The best being Aling Glenda guest house (ask for Aling Julie, or make contact with Cebu Climbing Community or Gretchen Yagonia on FB to book) is the climbers’ top pick. It has its own shower, dining area and refrigerator, a very nice porch to hang out on, and can accommodate a group as large as 10 to 12. Alternatively, there are 4–5 smaller rooms to the side of the house. Each room has an electric fan and is good for 3–4 persons, with a common outhouse/shower. 150P per night and they can cook at about 80P per meal, good food.

The other option is Spring Park Resort although reports are mixed, with some rooms good, some bad and very average food for 500P per night, but it does have a pool that if clean can be used. A good rest day activity if you say elsewhere,

Sometimes, even local residents take in visitors. This usually happens when there is a big number of climbers coming in for rock trips (late October to early November). Except for Spring Park, a night’s stay in any one of the places costs PHP 150. A night at Spring Park can cost up to PHP 1,000 depending on the room.

ethic

Traditional and sport climbing

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 10.310434, 123.681489

summary

Moderate sport climbing on feautured white limestone.

description

A new area found by the Cebu locals in 2012/13 with development started.

access issues

Thanks to Gretchen Yagonia and Willard Ellemino access has been granted to Poog by the land owner and Local LGU.

Please be pollite to all you see and take your rubbish with you to preserve access for the future.

Climbers are supposedly required to visit the Poog town hall to register and pay the entrance fee. This is still highly recommended, but officials must have realized that this is quite inconvenient for the climbers. Thus, they assigned a local there to record your presence and collect the fee. He patrols the area regularly, and he brings a record book with him.

approach

Poog Cliff is very accessible. Take a Toledo-bound bus at the Cebu City South Bus Terminal. Ask the conductor to drop you off at the Upper Poog-Toledo Highway crossing at the left side of the Uling-Toledo highway. Your landmark is a sari-sari store named Rosita’s Store. Disembark from the bus, and take a habal-habal to Upper Poog.

You can see the cliff as you approach a blind corner. Get off at the gray, concrete house by the road.

Alternatively, you can take a V-hire at the Citilink Terminal in Cebu City rather than the bus. Once you get to the Poog crossing, follow the directions above.
Ask permission from the property custodian before climbing the cliff. The custodian resides in that grey, two-story concrete house beside the trail that leads to Poog cliff.

where to stay

Camp at the crag or stay at one of the guest houses at nearby Cantabaco.

ethic

Traditional and sport climbing

history

The popularity of rock climbing in Cebu—and in the Philippines, as a whole—has been slowly but steadily picking up. That is no surprise at all as we are blessed living in a lush, beach-filled, tropical paradise with numerous limestone cliffs that have the potential of becoming world-class climbing areas. In fact, we have one of the best rock climbing areas in the Philippines, which is located in Cantabaco, Toledo. Now, we have a new one, which is just 15 minutes away from that classic crag.

Gian Carlo Jubela, Sheila Mei, Gretchen Yagonia, Willard Elemino, Jessie Singsong, together with a small team of local climbers and guides, re-discovered an abandoned crag in Poog almost a year ago. After testing the rock through trad climbing, we concluded that it was the perfect candidate for a new rock climbing destination in Cebu.

Through the generous donations of Ascanio Combria and Matthew Brooks, the bolting efforts of Enie Yonson and his team, and Gretchen and Willard’s talks with the Poog LGU, they were able to initially equip the white-rock Poog crag with more than 20 routes. Now, the beautiful Poog crag is open for everyone who wants to try out the adrenaline-pumping sport of rock climbing.

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 10.463714, 123.843145

Summary:

All Bouldering

Lat / Long: 9.140145, 123.512074

summary

Negros /ˈneɪɡrɒs/ is the fourth largest island of the Philippines, with a land area of 13,309.60 km2 (5,138.87 sq mi).

description

Negros is the second largest island in the Visayas and the fourth largest of the Philippines, with a total land area of 13,309.6 square kilometres (5,138.9 sq mi).[1] It is located between the islands of Panay and Guimaras to the west and Cebu to the east, with Siquijor located on the toe of the island and the islands of Bantayan to the north. Politically and linguistically, Negros is divided into two provinces: Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

history

Negros was originally called Buglas, an old Hiligaynon word thought to mean "cut off", as it is believed that the island was separated from a larger landmass by rising waters during the last ice age. Among its earliest inhabitants were the dark-skinned Ati people, one of several aboriginal Negrito ethnic groups dispersed throughout Southeast Asia that possesses a unique culture. The westernmost portions of the island soon fell under the nominal rule of the Confederation of Madja-as from the neighboring islands of Panay and Guimaras.

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Officially the City of Dumaguete or simply as Dumaguete City, is a 3rd class city in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines

description

Dumaguete is a city on Negros Island, in the southern Philippines. The lush, waterfront Rizal Boulevard is backed by bars and restaurants. The Silliman University Anthropology Museum displays prehistoric artifacts from local indigenous groups. Nearby is the 1900s wooden Silliman Hall. Opposite the leafy Quezon Park is the 19th-century St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral and its belfry, the Campanario de Dumaguete.

description

Valencia, officially the Municipality of Valencia, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 34,852 people. It is located 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) west of Dumaguete City.

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 7.573908, 124.447847

Summary:

Lat / Long: 7.716757, 125.031874

Lat / Long: 8.615062, 124.441434

Philippines Guide

Table of contents

1. Philippines 513 routes in Region

1.1. Palawan 2 routes in Area

1.1.1. El Nido 2 routes in Area

1.1.2. Apulit Island 0 routes in Region

1.2. Metro Manila 111 routes in Region

1.2.1. Wawa - Montalban 111 routes in Crag

1.3. Luzon 67 routes in Area

1.3.1. Atimonan - Quezon 15 routes in Crag

1.3.2. Mataas - Albay 52 routes in Area

1.3.3. Camarines Sur 0 routes in Area

1.3.4. Quirino 0 routes in Area

1.3.5. Baguio 0 routes in Area

1.3.6. Bulacan -Manalmon 0 routes in Crag

1.4. Panay 78 routes in Region

1.4.1. Dingle 25 routes in Crag

1.4.2. Igbaras 41 routes in Crag

1.4.3. Tubungan 10 routes in Crag

1.4.4. Islas de Gigantes 2 routes in Area

1.5. Cebu 162 routes in Region

1.5.1. Cantabaco 105 routes in Crag

1.5.2. Poog 34 routes in Crag

1.5.3. Tagba-o 22 routes in Area

1.5.4. Siquijor Island 1 route in Area

1.6. Negros 0 routes in Region

1.6.1. Dumaguete City 0 routes in Area

1.6.2. Valencia 0 routes in Unknown

1.7. Mindanao 93 routes in Region

1.7.1. Kiokong 73 routes in Area

1.7.2. Laguindingan 20 routes in Area