The Majestic Mount Malindig
Buenavista, Marinduque, Philippines
1157 Metres Above Sea-Level
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| The Peak of Mount Malindig can be seen here as the background |
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| view from Torrijos; the peak is covered with clouds |
Mt. Malindig
Buenavista, Marinduque
Jump-off point: Brgy. Sihi, Buenavista
LLA: 13.2413°N; 122.0136°E; 1157 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4.5-5.5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 1-2
BACKGROUND
Mountains are deeply steeped into the culture of Filipinos. Pampaguenos have Mt. Arayat; Tagalogs have Mts. Banahaw and Makiling. For the residents of Marinduque, they have Mt. Malindig. In fact, Marinduque itself have been derived from "Marindik" or "Malindik". Anthropologists may trace this cultural link to the volcanic origins of the island. Indeed, Malindig is being proposed as an inactive stratovolcano. The therapeutic, sulfuric springs of Malbog is one sign of this historical - if not prehistorical - volcanism. As for the name itself, Malindig, it is linguistically descriptive of the gentle slopes that characterize the mountain, as well the island's high areas.
Armed groups were still active until the past decade, when the military seems to have kept them in check. This paved the way for Malindig's discovery as a mountaineering destination. Its unique location, at the heart of Southern Tagalog, creates a panorama that encompasses Mindoro, Verde Island, and Southern Luzon all the way to Bicol and Burias Island. The Tres Reyes islands are particularly enchating. Elephant Island, reportedly being developed another "Boracay", may also be seen SW from the military radio outpost, 900 MASL. This outpost is also the staging ground to the summit assault. From this point on, you will be hiking across the forests of Malindig. Lush and mossy, they are not different from the forests in Mt. Makiling.
Mountaineering groups also do what is called a "Marinduque Traverse", involving the other mountains in the area. Notable sites to visit include the Bathala cave in Sta. Cruz, as well as several waterfalls i.e Kawa-kawa falls which is near the jumpoff to Malindig.
Going to Marinduque is usually commenced by a bus ride to Lucena. From there, you can board a ferry to either Sta. Cruz or Mogpog towns. Within the island, tricycles, jeeps, and vans ply inter-town routes, but be advised that places are faraway from each other, and transpo costs are quite significant.
SPECIAL CONCERNS
Trails are generally easy to moderate, but Mt. Malindig can become really muddy during the rainy season, so prepare accordingly. In particular, the one-hour summit assault may not be advisable if weather is severe. Also, be advised that the military may enforce some policy changes, so ask first before planning the trip. An update on 3/25/08 says that a permit from Camp Aguinaldo must be secured in order to go past the military outpost.
The tree cover is minimal. Adjust accordingly; if you want to avoid the sun, an overnight trip may be suitable. You cannot stay at the outpost, but there is a campsite nearby, called Digelo point by some.
From the military outpost to the summit, long-sleeved shirts are advised due to the "poisonous" plants which irritate the skin. If you brush with these plants, apply alcohol or vinegar to the affected skin part. These plants proliferate during the rainy season. The grass and shrubs grow fast as well, so if you're not climbing on the summer months, trails may be hard to follow.
TRIVIA
It is said that on a very clear day, Mt. Mayon can be seen from Malindig. This claim has yet to be verified.
The old name of Malindig, used during the American period, is Mt. Marlanga. Until now it is debatable whether this volcano should be classified as "extinct", "dormant", "inactive", or "potential active".
October 22, 2011
On a cold morning, at exactly 4:30:00AM, I was rushing while carrying a heavy pack towards DepEd Hall across Santa Cruz Town Plaza to huddle with my Trek Buddies for this 2-day Adventure. I found them already at the place while waiting for the first trip to the Town of Boac, Marinduque; some 30minutes later, the others arrived and joined the group. As soon as the jeepney arrived, all ten (10) of us boarded the vehicle. It was a swift and cold journey to the Towns of Mogpog and Boac, Marinduque. I enjoyed chewing the fat with my Trek Buddies and subsequently took a nap to reserve energy.
Upon arriving in Boac Poblacion, Joseph and Girlie joined us aboard the 'semi-hired" jeepney and travelled straight to Barangay Sihi, Buenavista, Marinduque. Extensive stretch of the province’s national roads is under construction; by the time of completion, it would be a better travel for motorists.
At around 9 in the morning, we were already in Barangay Sihi searching for the Barangay Hall. The Barangay Hall of Sihi is located some 200 meters away from the national road. We were greeted by the Locals and some Brgy. Kagawads, we lingered inside the Barangay Hall while waiting for the Brgy. Captain, by the time he arrived, greetings and getting straight to our agenda was speedy; he called one of the soldiers assigned in the mountains to advice that a group of 12 is going to climb. Once things are cleared out and all set, we begun our journey to the highest peak of Marinduque.
On a cold morning, at exactly 4:30:00AM, I was rushing while carrying a heavy pack towards DepEd Hall across Santa Cruz Town Plaza to huddle with my Trek Buddies for this 2-day Adventure. I found them already at the place while waiting for the first trip to the Town of Boac, Marinduque; some 30minutes later, the others arrived and joined the group. As soon as the jeepney arrived, all ten (10) of us boarded the vehicle. It was a swift and cold journey to the Towns of Mogpog and Boac, Marinduque. I enjoyed chewing the fat with my Trek Buddies and subsequently took a nap to reserve energy.
Upon arriving in Boac Poblacion, Joseph and Girlie joined us aboard the 'semi-hired" jeepney and travelled straight to Barangay Sihi, Buenavista, Marinduque. Extensive stretch of the province’s national roads is under construction; by the time of completion, it would be a better travel for motorists.
At around 9 in the morning, we were already in Barangay Sihi searching for the Barangay Hall. The Barangay Hall of Sihi is located some 200 meters away from the national road. We were greeted by the Locals and some Brgy. Kagawads, we lingered inside the Barangay Hall while waiting for the Brgy. Captain, by the time he arrived, greetings and getting straight to our agenda was speedy; he called one of the soldiers assigned in the mountains to advice that a group of 12 is going to climb. Once things are cleared out and all set, we begun our journey to the highest peak of Marinduque.
