Okay let’s get started. This would be the very first blog I would be making so please bare with me if it gets a little messy.
It was nearing end of 2016 and new year’s gonna start to unfold(HELLO 2017!) . To start the year unforgettable my classmates from college and I made plans to go climb the majestic Lake Holon. Now I’m full of excitement because this is gonna be my first trek.
There are two trails to reach the lake. One would be the beginner’s trail(Salacafe trail) and of course the one we chose was the Hunter’s Trail (Kule trail) because we wanna go and see the top view of the lake.
We then get a Habal-habal ride going to Sitio Kule. In here porters will be arranged if you want one and the guidelines will be explained thoroughly. Before we started our trek they offered us prayers(in T’boli) for our safe journey. We started our journey towards the lake at around 10:30 AM
We started our trek full of energy, took pictures everywhere and feeling enthusiastic with the beauty of nature but as the trail goes on we hardly speak to each other as each of us is now catching our breaths. Made a few stops at each level and set our minds stronger in order to reach our goal.
One of the stops were the Cold and Hot springs deep within the forest.
Honestly, it was a difficult trail. .As we go higher and higher I am hardly catching my breath. Everyone was exhausted and hungry but there is no turning back, we keep telling ourselves that we are getting nearer and nearer, we only just have to go forward. And then……
“The answer to every adversity lies in courageously moving forward with faith.”
― Edmond Mbiaka
I really shouted when we finally got to the View deck. All the exhaustion from 2 and in a half hours of trekking towards the top was all relieved. Finally we can now see the beauty and majestic view of the lake. We then had our lunch to ease the hunger. What’s strange is at first the lake were covered in clouds because of slight rain and we can barely see the lake but as we finished our meal. BOOM!! The skies were cleared. Our guide then told us that the lake will always show up to those with a good heart. (Woaw!! we kinda felt overwhelmed)
We took our time in the view deck to take some photos and appreciate it’s astonishing beauty. To our amusment, as we decided to proceed to the lake that would take for an hour trek, the clouds started to fall back again covering the whole lake (We were really lucky ).
We started to descend and thought going down would be just a piece of cake but we were wrong. The way was steep and narrow and slippery because of slight rains, I was thankful I did bought a stick. ( I highly recommend you to buy).
To the last station you have to cross the lake via Kayak boat to reach the campsite. The water was so calm and pure. At last we can rest.
Feeling relieved and thankful because finally we arrived at the campsite safe and sound.I felt like my soul was lifted while I watched the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains around the lake, a perfect place to unwind and escape the fast phased life at the city.
Panoramic view of the Lake from the campsite
We prepared our things in our tents, then roam around took some pictures(of course) and enjoyed the dazzling beauty of the site. Went to the lake and had a foot spa with the fish in the lake.
As the night falls we prepared our dinner, tried to relax and embrace the chilled night as the temperature drops. Unfortunately, at that time stars were hardly to be seen because rain started to pour down, so we stayed in our tents and tried to rest. After few hours the rain stopped and we asked if we could start a bonfire. (CAMPING FEELS)
Played around the campsite. Trying to harness my photography skills. LOL
The next morning, I woke up very early at around 4 am enjoying the peacefulness of the place while sipping their very own brewed coffee, waiting for the sunlight to come up.
Now we prepare our things and walked back to Brgy Salacafe via beginner’s trail. You think going back is way more easier? Yes, it is but right after you pass the very exhausting steep stairs going up. Your breath and your legs will be tested again in here.
When you reach this point everything will be easy. It will just be a very long walk going back
My heart was delighted for I was able to reach this wonderful place. A tiring yet fulfilling experience to remember. This is indeed a breathtaking journey literally and metaphorically, a very best way to start the year. For the last time before we leave, I look back and tried to ponder the memories I had in this place :)
Lake Holon (January4-5, 2017)
Remember to contact the Tboli Tourism office before going there since you require a reservation beforehand.
TBOLI TOURISM OFFICE CONTACTS:
Website: http://www.facebook.com/LAKEHOLON.
Contact Number: 0997 609 1773
Davao (Ecoland Terminal) to Gensan – travel time 3 hrs (Php240.00)
Gensan to Marbel bus ride – 1 hour (Php75.00)
Marbel to Tboli van transfer – 1 hour (Php60.00)
Then ask the driver to take you to T’boli Tourism office for registration and necessary fees. Tourism cut off time is up to 1 pm, beyond that there will be no trek.
Transportations from tourism office to Salacafe – Php300/motor for 2pax (1hr travel)
Transportation from tourism to Kule – Php450/motor for 2pax (1 hr and 30 min)
Entrance fee – Php 100/pax/day
Environmental fee – Php50/pax
Guide fee for Salacafe (level 3 difficulty) – Php 300 for 10pax for 1-10 beginner’s trail (3-4 hrs)
Guide fee for Kule Mid trail (Level 6 difficulty) – Php 600 for 10pax
Kayaking – Php50/pax head to campsite area
ATV adventure – Php 500/hr/pax
Water Sports Lake tour – Php450/pax/day
Water Sports Kayaking – Php150/head/tour
Porter – Php 20/kilo/one way
NOTE: PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
Lake Holon : A Breathtaking Adventure Okay let's get started. This would be the very first blog I would be making so please bare with me if it gets a little messy.
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