Valderrama Trilogy | The most dangerous knife edge mountain I've ever climb that scared the hell out of me

Hi! My name is Mier, a computer engineer and digital nomad. In addition to typical travel, I’m actively conquering various summits in the Philippines. I’m also documenting my adventures for fellow mountaineers who enjoy hiking solo or as part of a group. If you have questions, feel free to message me on Facebook or Instagram.

“This is definitely not a minor climb!” That’s what I kept telling myself while climbing this mountains of valderrama. I can picture this climb like an adventure game with different obstacles each level. See highlights to know more about these nerve wracking adventure!

Camping Summary (2D1N):

Day 0:

1. Airplane from Cebu to Iloilo

2. Van from Airport to Inn - 100 PHP

3. Overnight at Flour De Liz Inn - 800 PHP

4. Dinner at nearby fast food - 296 PHP

5. Bought some trail food and water for the climb - 279 PHP

Day 1:

1. Breakfast at nearby fast food - 182 PHP

2. Climb - 2500 PHP (total package)

   1. Van to Valderrama, Antique (part of the package)

   2. Lunch at Terraza Cafe - 160 PHP

   3. Start Climb to Mount Igcoron

   4. Overnight Camp

      
      

Day 2:

1. Climb

   1. Climb to Mount Igduao and Mount Taripis

   2. Back to jump off

2. Victory Drink (soft drink) - 55 PHP

3. Back to Iloilo via Van (still part of the package)

4. Overnight at Flour De Liz Inn - 950 PHP

5. Back to Cebu via airplane

   
   

   Total: 5,322 PHP (excluding plane ticket)

General Tips:

1. Most climbs I always pray that it won’t get too foggy but this climb is the opposite. Being able to see the cliffs on both sides of my feet as I step on very narrow trail could turn me out of balance.

2. There will be multiple river crossing going up so be prepared to get soaked.

3. There’s a water source in the campsite so plan your water load to avoid bringing too much.

   
   

Recommended Gears:

Camping:

1. Hiking Bag: Osprey Talon 36L

2. Super Lightweight Tent: Naturehike Cloud Up (2P)

3. Pillow: Naturehike Inflattable Pillow

4. Super Lightweight Chair: Naturehike Folding Chair

Gadgets:

1. Tech Bag: Cullen Wayne Commuter Backpack

2. Waterproof Bag: Naturehike 30L Bag

3. Drone: DJI Mini 4 Pro

4. Selfie Stick and Tripod: For insta 360 and Phone (needs holder)

Highlights: [Videos and Photos coming soon...]

This can be by far the scariest climb I ever did. Not because of it’s height but because of it’s knife edge trail that made my legs tremble. Imagine walking on a meter wide path with both cliff edges that’s hundreds of meters high. Occasionally, you’ll have to crawl on to rocks aith little to nothing but grass to hold on to. If that won’t scare you, I really look forward to joining you hiking. I might get some bravery from you. LOL

Terra a Cafe:

Coffee with the view of the pointy edges of Mount Igcoron is a scene no other places can offer.

This place can be a great kick start for the journey ahead. Little did I know ‘twas not the usual climb.

Mount Igcoron:

I couldn’t count the times when I kept asking why it was tagged a minor climb. It’s definitely not! The trail is immediately greeted with about 60 degree continuous assault until you reach the pointy edge of the ridge. Then couple hunder meters of what I mentioned the scariest trail I’ve been.

Although it scared the soul out of me, I’m still able to push through and made it to the summit. Checkout this wonderful photos (link) and videos (link) in my instagram and facebook.

Mount Igduao:

Mount igduao is the highest of the three and equally scary. This has no knife edge but the trail to the summit is category 4 (search) meaning you’ll me using both hands to crawl up. With very small grass on your reach, literally you’ll appreciate how a single few centimeters grass is saving your life. I even asked myself “why am I doing this to myself?”

The challenge to climb is just the start because reaching the summit and passing through to reach Mount Taripis is blocked by hungry cows ready to race towards you for food or salt. Note that it’s not just a few, it’s a lot of cows!

Luckily I’m a cow whisperer lol. Living in a farm actually helped me so much in this situation. And we’re able to continue our hike.

Mount Taripis:

First in all my climbs that I’m too scared to summit. Not because of weather not injuries but all because im defeated by fear. Few meters to the summit and I really had to give up and hope to prepare for a comeback. Checkout some of my videos and photos in instagram to know why.

This mountain made me realize that there’s always room for a comeback, room for second chances, to always choose myself over anything.

Going down unsuccessful made me firmly decide to try it again someday. Experience is still what I really needed to overcome the fear I felt that time. Maybe after a year of climbing more mountains around the country can give me what I need to conquer this height.

The Campsite:

This is one of the highlight in my climb. The campsite here has one of the best views. Stretch of leveled grassland between two towering mountains overlooking the valley it created, what other view can I ask for?

With good water source as well, a refreshing bath as reward after all the heart pounding pulls and steps is a huge relief for me.

Useful Contacts:

Local Guide: https://www.facebook.com/benthehiker

For more updates and digital nomad travel and hiking tips, don't forget to subscribe on my mailing list below. You will be notified with the most updated blogs when published.