“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
– Saint Augustine –
I know, I know — this post is long overdue, but honestly, I still find myself reminiscing about every single moment of this adventure, despite the delay. What was supposed to be a birthday hike to Mt. Apo and Mt. Kalatungan turned into a bit of a detour, but that didn’t stop me from experiencing the beauty of the South Philippines.
Originally, the plan was to trek Mt. Apo and Mt. Kalatungan, but unfortunately, both mountains were closed for safety and ecological restoration reasons. So, I had to quickly adjust my plans. Luckily, one gem of a destination was still open — and it turned out to be just what I needed.
Enter Mt. Melebingoy, formerly known as Parker Volcano and more famously known as Lake Holon — the Crown Jewel of the South Philippines. This stunning volcanic crater lake sits atop the mountains in T’boli, South Cotabato at 1,784 meters above sea level and is known for its breathtaking views and serene beauty. It was the perfect replacement for my original mountain goals!
But before all of this, I spent three unforgettable days at a music festival in Bukidnon. I’ll be sharing that experience in another post, but for now, let’s talk about how I made my way from there to the mountains.
After wrapping up the festival, I flew from Cagayan de Oro (CDO) to Davao and arrived in Davao that same evening. From there, it was another four-hour drive to South Cotabato — not exactly a short trip, but it was worth every minute.
The local organizer, Saka Ta Bai, made the entire adventure possible. It was a small group — just four of us, our driver, and a local guide — but that only added to the intimate and authentic feel of the experience. And the best part? It was all at an incredibly affordable, exclusive rate. Saka Ta Bai truly made this adventure happen, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
A Journey to the Mystical Lake Holon: A Hike Like No Other
The adventure began at an ungodly hour—2 AM. My pickup was set for just after 2, marking the start of an incredibly early journey. By 6 AM, we had arrived in T’boli, had a quick breakfast, and headed to the local wet market to buy supplies for our overnight stay in the heart of the forest. Afterward, we made our way to the jump-off point in Barangay Kule. Our local organizer suggested we take the Kule to Salacafe Trail, promising a diverse array of scenic views of T’boli, South Cotabato.
Trail and Time
After a bumpy, long ride from the town center, we parked the car at a local community. From there, we hopped on motorcycles for another bumpy ride, passing through endless banana plantations and local farms. Road construction made it even trickier, with the dry season making everything dusty and challenging. It was just me and Ate JoAnne on the motorcycle, and while it wasn’t easy, we had fun with the adventure.
We eventually arrived in the Kule community, where we met the local officials who gave us a warm welcome. After registering and a quick orientation, we were ready to begin. Since it was just the four of us—Ate JoAnne, Ate Maddy, her partner, and myself—there was no ethnic dance to greet us, which is typically part of the local tradition. But that was okay; we were ready to get moving!
We started our hike, and by 9 AM, the drizzle began. I started to wonder if we’d get a clear view from the summit. It was the start of summer, so even though it wasn’t particularly sunny, the humidity was off the charts.
We trekked through cornfields and met some local kids riding their horses, hauling harvested crops back home. The beginning of the hike wasn’t easy—immediately, we started climbing uphill. I was already breathless from lack of sleep, but there was no turning back now.
After nearly an hour of continuous uphill climbing, we finally reached a forested area dotted with banana plantations. It was a bit disheartening to see the deforested parts, replaced by rows of banana plants. Moss-covered trees had been cleared to make way for crops, and the contrast was hard to ignore.
Though the trail continued uphill without mercy, there were plenty of water sources along the way. As long as you don’t have a sensitive stomach, it wasn’t an issue. I did notice some water residues, but thirst got the best of me, and I drank anyway.
Along the trail, we came across descriptions of the 15 guardians of Lake Holon—spirits that, according to our local guide, protect the mountain’s mystical nature. The stories added an air of mystery to the already enchanting surroundings.
The next challenge came in the form of a non-stop assault to the summit, which took nearly an hour of intense uphill walking. Fortunately, the weather began to clear up, hinting that we might just get a fantastic view at the top.
As we approached the summit, the air grew cooler and fresher, and the dense forest began to give way to wider vistas. Our guide gave us the good news: we were close! It only took us about two hours to reach the top, where we took a break to snap photos, share stories, and, to our surprise, discovered that Ate JoAnne and I share the same birthday!
But the challenge wasn’t over yet. We had to descend to the crater, where we would set up camp for the night. A 30-minute downhill trek awaited us.
The Descent and the Serenity of the Lake
Eager to get to the lake, I rushed ahead with Kuya Guide, who was fast—way too fast for me! It felt like I was running to keep up. Finally, we reached the stunning Lake Holon, and a small boat was waiting to take us across to our campsite. The boat ride was peaceful, lasting about 15 minutes, and the lake’s crystal-clear waters were mesmerizing. The deeper we went, the darker the water looked, giving it an almost mystical appearance.
By the time we reached the other side, night had fallen. The atmosphere was serene—just the sounds of birds chirping as the evening grew darker. We swam across the lake, enjoyed some delicious banana cue, and had a hearty dinner. After a long day, I was exhausted and slept like a log for about 10 hours—exactly what I needed after the restless journey from Bukidnon.
When morning came, we bathed in the cool lake water and began our hike back to Barangay Salacafe. Along the way, we stopped to take photos, including a stop at the famous “Kissing Rock,” which, according to local lore, guarantees that you’ll meet your romantic partner once you kiss it. We reached our car in just two hours, and the descent was far easier, with motorcycles able to pass through the trail.
The Toil
So, was it difficult? Not really! It depends on your fitness level, of course. For the most part, it felt like a leisurely walk in the park, though the uphill climb definitely challenged my endurance. But honestly, it was a trail even kids could handle. There are no major technical terrains; the only real challenge is the uphill trek, but it’s nothing too overwhelming.
Lake Holon is a place I’d happily return to. It was, without a doubt, one of the best gifts I gave myself. And now that the lake has reopened, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking for a summer hike. This should definitely be on your bucket list!
A Few Personal Insights
If you’re looking for a peaceful, more intimate experience in this mystical place, I highly recommend hiking during the weekdays. The weekends can get crowded, and it might be harder to find the tranquility that makes this mountain so special.
Remember, it’s a two-day hike, so make sure to plan ahead and prepare accordingly. And, of course, always follow the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles to help preserve the beauty of this stunning landscape.
I hope this blog has been helpful. So, here’s to more #ChillAdventures—Just One More Step closer to your next great adventure!
Follow me on all of my social media accounts mga ka-Ahon!
Chill Adventures with Joms 
One thought on “Chillin’ into the Heart of the South: A Birthday Chill Adventure to Lake Holon – #Holonized”