Topo Guide for Antipolo Boulders

the climbing face in Apo Island is more of a Boulder, it is separated from the main island, it has two routes,one route is a warm-up route it is a moderate one and the other route is name Ritch Bolt which we could describe as a difficult one. Still you have to set up a rig. Suggestion: wear a crag pants, or anything to protect your legs, rock surface is sharp. Bored of Rockclimbing? here you could also go cliff diving, scuba diving, snorkeling, camping, and you can also check out the light tower of apo island, there you can enjoy the sights of the whole island, see the sunrise and sunset, you can climb the tower, and it would only fit 5 to 6 persons.

Directions: From Manila, ride a boat going to Dumaguete (usually WG&A Super Ferry and Negros Navigation)or you can go by plane(Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines)when you reached Dumaguete, there is a group there that could guide you with some basic rock climbing equipment(Cuernos de Negros Mountaineersn Club, Inc.)contact: cacard(Manila Based)(02)3638338 and Jufer(0920)5698503. From Dumaguete you will ride a Jeep to Malatapay, Zamboanguita(fare: P 15.00). From there, you will ride a pump boat directly going to Apo Island(fare: P 1000.00- this fare is to and from-group of ten(10)), it would be best if you have a group of 10 to avail a cheap fare. Not only rock climbng is offered in Apo Island, you could also go Diving, Snorkeling, and Beacheneering. prices mentioned here are subject to change, depending on how you or the host deal with the different service providers.

By Dennis Diaz

Ceuse, Mallorca, Rocklands, Hampi... and the list goes on... Each share stakes on the ever beaten track of “must stops” on a climbing adventure around the world. Although popular as they are now, these places once had their share of obscurity, remaining anonymous to the majority of outsiders. Throughout the years they have endured and garnered acclaim and still now, even as of this writing, enthrall and lure by way of magnificent stories and chronicles that now grow to legendary proportions and are passed on, every so often, endlessly in different tongues.

Image right: The author on La Filthy Gringas (f7c+)

Doors open quite readily to climbers these days. They come out darting all over the world in search of the ultimate climbing adventure. The immensity and magnitude of climbing areas and routes is simply overwhelming. Routes of varying nature are served on a silver platter ready for the picking. All that is needed is a quick scan through the World Wide Web - type in your desired destination and there it is - a mapping out of everything you need for the trip, magic! This magical portal of the internet, however, is not all powerful. It fails gradually as a greater enchantment works to cover the outer rims of the blurry, well hidden realms of the climbing world. It’s as if there is an invisible cloak covering these places and refuses them to be known. A journey into such places requires tedious searching or maybe a secret passport that would likely open gates to a new land.

This is exactly what Philippine climbing is like. Not much of it is known and only a few share the knowledge of the veiled entrances to its cliffs. There is no 400 route guidebook, no complete accounts on the net, no “how’s”, no “what’s”, no “when’s”. A peek into the conditions…? – No hot showers, no overpriced food networks, no TV, but yes, there is exceptional climbing. It is a cradled child - pure and full of promise.

by Dennis Diaz

Bouldering around Sagada and Bontoc is still vastly unexplored. These boulders are just some of those left unclimbed. The highest concentration of boulders lie 12 km. from Dantay junction going to Baguio. Drifters also line the course of the river and each hold their own allure, some standing tall and proud and some overhanging over sandy landings. These, however, are only those which are easily accessed. More boulders, I believe, lie within the meandering branches of the river that goes in further into the mountains. It's only a matter of searching.

Besides the bouldering, Sagada, a small town in the middle of the mountains provides the perfect setting for resting the weary. The cool mountain temps and laid back atmosphere in town is something to look forward to after days on end of climbing. A long trip to the mountains is a definite must but even just a weekender will surely be worth it. Check out "Sagada" on the web for more on this quaint little town.

Extended rest days from climbing can be in "Banawe" and "Batad", only three hours away from Sagada. A "Lonely Planet" guide book will help out more.

How to get there?