Four hidden hiking sites in Sarangani Province

Maybe it's time to take a break from the popular Mount Pulag and venture into unheard of trekking sites.

The Philippines boasts many breathtaking sites worth climbing mountains and crossing rivers for. Sarangani-based Team Bundol Mountaineers made it one of their missions to scout for these sites in their part of the country.

So far, they've found four.

Atnayan Waterfalls
 

First on their list is the Atnayan Waterfalls.

If you have the endurance for a two-hour drive and a four-hour trek, then you may want to visit Atnayan Waterfalls in New Canaan, Brgy. Pag-asa in Alabel, Sarangani.

Team Bundol visited Atnayan falls during their first EcoTrek in 2011.

It was a two-hour truck ride from Poblacion, Alabel to the drop-off point locally known as Star Apple. They hiked for about three and a half to four hours while occasionally crossing a meandering river (about 23 times) before reaching the falls.

Trekkers will also enjoy three lower but “equally breathtaking” cascades along the way, Team Bundol President Ariel Lalisan said in a blog post. 

Basyawan Waterfalls



Also in New Canaan is the Basyawan Waterfalls, a site probably fit for the truly adventurous.

“Mas mahirap siya kasi wala pang trail. Kami ang gumawa ng trail (papunta doon),” Lalisan said in a phone interview with GMA News Online on Friday.

Basyawan is a bit farther than Atnayan, about two hours away from Sitio New Canaan. Trekkers will also pass by three or four cascades before reaching the main falls.

Siniel Falls


The path to Siniel Falls in the town of Kamanga in Maasim, Sarangani is shorter compared to that of Atnayan and Basyawan. It only takes a 15-minute drive from the highway to the jump-off site, and a 30-minute trek from there.

However, hikers will have to jump across large rocks and climb steep terrain. Lalisan strongly suggests taking a basic mountaineering course before attempting to trek to Siniel Falls.

What makes it special are the large marble stones smoothened over time by the flowing water.

Lake Mofong, literally the "heart lake"


Located at the top of the mountain, Lake Mofong can be reached through a two and a half hour trek or a motorcycle trail ride.

Climb a higher mountain nearby, and you might see why the lake was named after the B'laan word for heart. “'Pag tiningnan mo siya galing sa taas, hugis puso talaga siya,” Lalisan said.

Sites probably in danger?

Unfortunately, Atnayan and Basyawan Waterfalls, and Lake Mofong may be in danger due to active kaingin, or slash-and-burn agriculture, done in surrounding areas.

Team Bundol sent a manifesto to local public officials in 2012 to declare Atnayan and Basyawan Falls as protected areas, since kaingin is still actively done in the mountains.

They also want to encourage reforestation and sustainable farming to preserve the environment around these waterfalls. 

A mining site is also located near the Siniel Falls, which threatens its existence, Lalisan said.

However, hikers could help by planting trees around the area. With the help of Team Bundol, plant nurseries were established in Dacera Integrated School near Lake Mofong, and in New Canaan Integrated School.

Since these areas are rarely visited, interested hikers can ask for assistance from Sarangani's local tourism office or from Team Bundol. — JDS, GMA News