The Ultimate Chill Adventure KD2LM Traverse: How I Survived the Toughest Hike in Mindanao

Mountains are not stadiums
where I satisfy my ambition to achieve,
they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion.

ANATOLI BOUKREEV

“Why do I climb mountains?”

This question has echoed in my mind ever since I first set foot on a trail back in 2016. What started as a simple invitation from friends soon turned into a life-changing passion. But truth be told, I’ve never truly found the perfect answer—until now.

There’s one thing mountains consistently give me: PEACE.

That unexplainable calm above the clouds, surrounded by silence and nature’s grandeur—that’s what keeps pulling me back.

And on this journey, I finally ticked off a dream from my bucket list: hiking Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Dulang-Dulang, and Mt. Maagnaw—the 4th, 2nd, and 8th highest peaks in the Philippines. Together, they form the unforgettable KD2LM Traverse in Bukidnon, Mindanao.

So if you’re planning to conquer the Kitanglad Mountain Range or looking for a detailed guide to the KD2LM Traverse, this blog is for you.

What You Need to Know: The Three T’s of KD2LM (Trail, Toil, Time)

Before you tighten your laces, remember these three essential elements for a successful #ChillAdventure: Trail, Toil, and Time.

🥾 TRAIL: What You’re Up Against

According to PinoyMountaineer, the KD2LM Traverse is classified as Trail Class 2-4 with rope segments.

But if you ask me? I’d call it “The Land of Endless Stairs.”
Yes—STAIRS. Long, painful, never-ending stairs that will test your mental and physical limits. I was honestly overwhelmed by the stairs. HAHA

Mt. Kitanglad Trail

The climb to Mt. Kitanglad’s summit was punishing. The trail is steep, slippery when wet, and full of vertical assaults. I remember collapsing into sleep at the summit cabin—not from exhaustion alone, but from a throbbing pain in my knees thanks to those relentless stairs.

From Kitanglad to Dulang-Dulang

This stretch? A beast of its own. Rope segments galore, some as steep as 80 to 90 degrees, and slick with mud and flowing water. It rained the whole day and night before, making it more challenging and honestly terrifying. Every step required focus, balance, and prayer.

Dulang-Dulang to Langkayugan Ridge

Relatively manageable, with some sticky mud and open trails flanked by towering cogon grass. But don’t let your guard down—the final assault to Langkayugan Campsite is a killer. Pure vertical hike, 1 to 2 hours of climbing depending on your pace. I’m pretty sure I lost 5 kilos there, no joke. But the view? Worth every drop of sweat.

You’ll see both Mt. Kitanglad and Dulang-Dulang in one sweeping view—absolutely breathtaking.

Langkayugan to Mt. Maagnaw

Finally, a break! The path to Mt. Maagnaw summit is a ridge walk—easy and peaceful. But coming down? Prepare your toes for agony. Slippery, steep, and sun-exposed—bring that umbrella, trust me HAHA.

And if you’re lucky like I was, you might catch a glimpse of Mt. Apo and Mt. Matutum from a distance. Nature’s way of saying “you did good.”

💪 TOIL: How Hard Is the KD2LM Traverse?

Rated 8/9 by PinoyMountaineer—but if you’re a beginner, it’ll feel like a solid 9/9. Between the endless stairs, slippery trails, rope segments, and sheer elevation gain, it’s a full-body workout and mental bootcamp.

But with the right preparation—stamina and grip strength—you’ll survive. I prepped with jump rope routines and lots of squats, and thankfully, I finished injury-free.

Expect:

• Unpredictable weather
• Long rope climbs with 90-degree assaults
• Muddy slopes with a few rope segments (others just tree roots!)
• Nonstop stairs

But most of all—expect magic. Nature will push you to your limit and then reward you with sights that photos can’t capture.

Pace yourself. Don’t race. Hike mindfully. Rest when needed.
Enjoy every moment.

⏳ TIME: The Pace of the Journey

Our group of 8 did a semi-DIY hike, free from the rigid schedules of commercial organizers. It gave us the freedom to go slow, soak in the views, and laugh along the way.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Day 1: Impasug-ong Jump-Off to Mt. Kitanglad Summit

• 20-minute van ride to the foot of the mountain
• 7-hour climb under cold rain
• Night spent in a cabin—chilly but full of laughter

Day 2: Mt. Kitanglad to Mt. Dulang-Dulang

• Another 7-hour trek
• Rope segments, mossy forests, and 80 to 90-degree assaults
• Camped at a freezing but beautiful campsite

Day 3: D2 to Langkayugan Ridge and Mt. Maagnaw Summit

• Foggy but rewarding
• 6-hour trek to Langkayugan Peak
• Side trip to Mt. Maagnaw summit (3 hours round trip)

Day 4: Downhill Maagnaw Descent

• But finally—we made it!
• 4-hour descent
• Slippery, muddy, and leg-killing

Final Thoughts: A Hike That Changed Me

This adventure didn’t just test my body—it healed my mind. For four days, I left behind my worries and just focused on one thing: the next careful step. In doing so, I found clarity, gratitude, and a renewed love for nature.

We need to preserve this.

If we can bring nature back into our cities—even just a bit—it would be a better world. I dream of green cities, where birds sing and trees dance with the wind. Maybe that sounds like fantasy. But maybe… it starts with people like us.

So, remember the Three T’s when planning your KD2LM hike: TRAIL, TOIL, and TIME.

And if ever you ask yourself why you climb mountains, maybe—just maybe—you’ll find your own answer out there, above the clouds.

See you ka-Ahon on my next blog!