“Adventure is allowing the unexpected to happen to you.”
– RICHARD ALDINGTON –
A week before embarking on the Hexalogy hike, I had an exhilarating adventure in Mt. Ambalawag, a breathtaking peak nestled in Ifugao, which is part of the grand Cordillera Mountain Range—the highest mountain range in the Philippines.
Though that climb was unexpected, I felt a lingering craving for something more challenging. That restless energy pushed me to reach out to my favorite organizer, KingArthur Imana of Lakbay Gabay Adventures, and sign up for the Purgatory-Mangisi Hexalogy Traverse.
The Purgatory-Mangisi Traverse
This challenging trek spans six majestic peaks:
- Mt. Mangagew (1,705 MASL)
- Mt. Pack (2,310 MASL)
- Mt. Purgatory (2,210 MASL)
- Mt. Bakian (1,840 MASL)
- Mt. Tangbaw (2,200 MASL)
- Mt. Komkompol (2,325 MASL)
A Typhoon Looms Before the Climb
The night before the hike, I anxiously checked the weather forecast at work. A tropical storm had been raging across parts of the country. My gut told me that the hike might be canceled.
Luckily, the mountains of the Hexalogy were in the northern part of Luzon and were not under any storm signal warnings. Despite Metro Manila being under a Signal No. 1 alert on May 25, we stuck to our plan and left the city at 7 PM on Saturday, even as heavy rain poured down.
As if the storm wasn’t enough, the van ride became its own challenge. The air-conditioning at the back of the vehicle wasn’t working, making it feel like a sauna. I had no choice but to crack open the windows, letting in the cold rain. But hey, this is what adventure is all about—embracing the unexpected with a smile!
The Journey Begins
We arrived at the Bokod, Benguet Tourism Office at around 6 AM. After a quick orientation and final preparations, our adventure officially began at 7 AM.
The 3T’s of This Hike: Trail, Time, and Toil
Trail and Time
For hardcore hikers or trail runners, this trek might feel like a walk in the park. The initial stretch was paved, even allowing motorcycles to pass. However, as we progressed, the ascent gradually became more demanding.
I found myself gasping for air as we pushed upward. It was a steady climb, and we had to take frequent breaks to let our lungs recover. Thankfully, the weather was on our side—cool and overcast, with occasional drizzles that made the climb more bearable.
After over an hour of continuous ascent, we finally reached the first peak, Mt. Mangagew (1,705 MASL). The gloomy sky loomed overhead, but the thrill of conquering our first summit lifted our spirits.
Second Peak: Mt. Pack (2,310 MASL)
The descent from Mt. Mangagew was brief before another long ascent began. We took a shortcut through vegetable fields and steep slopes, eventually merging with a rough road leading to Mt. Pack (2,310 MASL).
As we climbed higher, the air turned crisper, the forest grew lusher, and a gentle rain began to fall.
I was part of the lead pack but chose to maintain some distance. The others were walking at an exhausting pace—I preferred to soak in the surroundings at my own rhythm. As we waited for the rest of the group at the summit, our guide shared eerie tales of Japanese and American soldiers who had once walked these trails during World War II. Though I believe in ghosts, I wasn’t about to let my imagination run wild.
Third Peak: Mt. Purgatory (2,210 MASL)
The hike to Mt. Purgatory was more relaxed, with a mostly flat but winding trail. The thick, mossy forest gave an almost mystical ambiance—I felt like I had stepped into a Disney movie. The eerie silence and the dim light filtering through the trees made it feel like dusk, even though it was only midday.
We reached Mt. Purgatory (2,210 MASL) around 11 AM, took a well-deserved lunch break, captured some memories, and prepared for the journey ahead.
Fourth Peak: Mt. Bakian (1,840 MASL)
The trail to Mt. Bakian (1,840 MASL) was mostly flat with gentle ascents and descents. Along the way, we passed an elementary school that had narrowly escaped destruction by wildfires. The peak itself was unassuming, with its signage simply placed along the trail.
Fifth Peak: Mt. Komkompol (2,325 MASL)
As the sun dipped lower, our guide urged us to quicken our pace. Stories of previous hikers losing their way in this area added an element of urgency. I felt my energy waning, and for the first time, I lagged behind. Walking alone in the thickening forest, my mind played tricks on me. Every creaking branch sounded like a whisper, every shadow seemed to move.
After what felt like an eternity, we reached Mt. Komkompol (2,325 MASL), the highest of all six peaks. From here, we could see the distant Mt. Pulag campsite. The fog rolled in and out, teasing us with fleeting glimpses of the magnificent landscape.
Sixth Peak: Mt. Tangbaw (2,200 MASL)
The final leg was relatively easy, and we reached Mt. Tangbaw (2,200 MASL) by 4 PM. Unlike the previous summits, this one was alive with local communities and playful children. Their laughter was pure and unfiltered by technology and social media—a refreshing sight. Their warm smiles and genuine hospitality were a stark contrast to the often indifferent city life.
The Descent: A Final Challenge
As we descended to our van’s pickup point, I was caught off guard by the sheer steepness of the road. It was a relentless downhill walk, with slopes reaching up to 70 degrees. My knees and toes screamed in protest, but I pushed through, knowing the end was near.
Just when exhaustion threatened to take over, the sight of our van in the distance reignited my spirit. The traverse had taken over 10 hours, and though physically drained, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
Toil: Was It Difficult?
Many sources rate this hike at 6/9 difficulty, but personally, I found it manageable. The biggest challenge was the sheer length of the trek, but the absence of technical sections made it less daunting.
For those planning to take on this adventure, just be prepared for a long walk. Think of it as a scenic workout session perfect for burning calories!
THINGS TO BRING
- Water 1-2L (there are communities you can buy mineral bottled water and multiple water sources)
- Trail food (Chocolates etc)
- Jacket (for the cold weather)
- Umbrella, poncho or raincoat
- Food for Lunch
- Energy Drink or Pocari
- Emergency Medical Kit
Would I Recommend This Hexalogy Hike?
Absolutely! Whether for a day hike or an overnight trek, the Purgatory-Mangisi Traverse offers stunning panoramic views that showcase the beauty of the Cordillera Mountains. I’ll definitely be back during the summer for a different perspective!
I hope this blog inspired you. Don’t forget to follow me on social media and stay tuned for more #ChillAdventures.
See you on my next climb, Ka-ahon!
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