The mountain dictates it allows, it hinders, it humbles.
It can be kind, it can be cruel.
It can prolong the agony or it can make each step light and easy.
The mountain is alive and no matter how low or high – it should be respected.
This is what Mt. Victoria… taught me.
Conquering Mt. Victoria
Mount Victoria, the second highest mountain in Palawan and one of the “Last Frontiers of Philippine Mountaineering” is located at Narra, Palawan – a municipality south of Puerto Princesa City endowed with rivers, lagoons and astonishing waterfalls, vast plains and awe-inspiring mountains. It is 1,726 MaSL mountain with 5 camps sites, 15 river crossings and has difficulty level of 7/9 according to the Pinoy Mountaineer himself. It is a part of Mount Beaufort Ultramafics Geological Region and the home to the carnivorous pitcher plant (Nepehenthes attenboroughii). The trail head is located at Sitio Mariwara, Brgy. Princess Urduja and can be reached via 2 hours and 30minutes south of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
Our 3-day originally planned reverse hike to the peak of Mt. Victoria began with an easy trek at the sparsely vegetated plain of Mariwara towards the Buhawi River. Just minutes after crossing a small brook, we were welcomed by the reason of why the river was named Buhawi. The waters are in turmoil, it whirls against slippery rocks dotting the trail.
Our orientation, coupled by steady hands of our guide and fellow hikers, several cascades of unnamed water falls, slippery rocks above raging waters, a sleepy Palawan pit viper and small wiggly leeches, made our 4-hour river crossing heart pounding, astonishing yet safe.
The team is aiming for the high camp, the last of the five established camp in Mt. Victoria 2 hours away from summit. But crossing the river just after days of rain get the most of our strengths. We pushed ourselves up and decided to spend our evening in Camp Seminar where a spin of the gushing wind brought by the developing storm filled our night. Morning came and we ascended the water source-less, draining “Sorry Pare” trail. We threaded through one of Palawan’s best and thrilling terrestrial experience, past unique insects, colorful wild flowers, imposing greeneries and indescribable trail. We reached camp “Playground”, took a quick break and regrouped. We then hike up “high camp” and reached it mid-afternoon and just when we were setting up our tents and hammocks, rain came pouring mercilessly and the temperature dropped down to almost 6 degrees – the elevation, coupled with the drenching rain and the team’s grueling first two days made that yet another stormy night unforgettable, cold and calming.
By eight in the morning of our third day, with the storm still looming over the mountains, the team headed to the summit silently. Two hours of assault through slippery rocks, beautiful begonias, vibrant orchids, unusually large pitcher plants and friendly looking mushrooms brought us to the gusty, foggy, mysteriously humbling peak of Mt. Victoria.
What to wear and what to bring?
| Shelter, Food, and Hydration | Clothes, safety and security, and other stuff |
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Notes and reminders
- Please Leave No Trace
- There is a network signal in “high camp”
- Pack properly
- Rattan and leeches (limatik) dot the trails
- Safety first at all times
- Water source is available at high camp
- If you are interested, you can contact Mrs. Adelfa Bolocon at Meeting Spot in Puerto Princesa (they’re on Facebook)
