Tripping around CEBU: MT.KAPAYAS & MT.TABAYAG CATMON

CATMON
PART 2
MT. TABAYAG
ECO-CULTURAL ADVENTURE

November 29 and 30, 2009 Eco-Cultural Tour Activity at Catmon Cebu Visited 18th Century Bantayan sa Hari Watch Tower, River Trek at Song-on River, Overnight Camping and a climb at Mt. Tabayag, River trek at Ka-Tingo Falls and Mainit Hot Spring Falls, A deep at Esoy Hot Spring Resort and a visit to St. Williams Church and Ruins of Escuela de Cartilla.

Mt. Tabayag Catmon

"ZETS ECO-CULTURAL ADVENTURE"

group picture with the Barangay Captain of Catmon Daan

"The Forth of Catmon"

"river trekking to Song-on Falls"

"Song-on Falls"

Mt. Tabayag Eco-Cultural Adventure"

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Mt. Tabayag

When viewed from a distance, the inherent beauty of Mt. Tabayag, in barangay Duyan, commands a considerable admiration. It has been widely believed that Mt. Tabayag is an extinct volcano due to the existence of a hot spring "Mainit" with high sulfuric content that is flowing beneath. However, some people, nowadays, believe otherwise.



at the Peak of Mt. Tabayag

"Ka-tingao Falls"

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"Ka-tingo Falls"

Mainit Hot Spring at the river side of Ka-tingo Falls"]

"The Swimming Pool of Maiinit Hot Spring at ISOY HOT SPRING RESORT"

Flowing underneath of what is believed to be an extinct volcano "Mt. Tabayag" is the hot spring "Mainit". The hot water is valued for its capacity to ease aching and tired muscles. The sulfuric content of the water of the hots spring can also cure certain types of skin diseases. Moreover, the hot spring, as claimed by many, can cook eggs.

"Catmon Catholic Church"

St. Williams Church "Catmon Catholic Church"

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CATMON

PART 1

MT.KAPAYAS

ZETS ECO-ADVENTURE

"Mt. Kapayas"

Mt Kapayas Lantawan , the Municipality of Catmon claimed it is the second tallest peak of Cebu and is a home to various kinds of plants, such as wild orchids, and animals. Once on the top, one can see the magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding places as far a Negros and Leyte. One of the natural attractions of Mt. Kapayas are Lumanoy Cave for spelunking and Mamig Falls in barangay Cabangkaya, this hidden falls provides an ideal destination for adventurous nature trekkers and wildlife.

Mt. Kapayas"

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TORE also known as LANTAWAN PEAK the highest point of MT. KAPAYAS

"Mt. Kapayas"

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"Mt. Kapayas"

LUMANOY CAVE is the underground of MT. KAPAYAS

: Lumanoy Cave

Mamig Falls

"Cabangkaya Falls"

Noob Mountaineer

Travel Blog by ZETS Harry

Sept 20-21, 2009

: Mt. Kapayas

In desperate attempt to find an extreme adventure (with a tight budget), I ended up joining a circle of adventure seekers. What I like about the group is that their group head is well traveled and they have plenty of connections, thus traveling is less costly. I met some of its members last Sunday and they seem easy to hang out with. When they invited me to go with them in an exploratory climb, i nod without any hesitation.

: ZETS on the way up to Tore or Lantawan Peak of Mt. Kapayas

We went up Mt.Kapayas of Brgy. Cambangkaya, Catmon, Cebu. "Seems like your just going to the mall with your outfit," commented one of their members. I do think I'm excused of this grave mistake since its my first time. I wore a green plain cotton shirt, blue board shorts, navy green rubber sandal, green cap, catchy-designed Manjaru backpack and a huge smile - doesn't look like I'm going to the mall at all. But sitting beside them, it looks like I really am just going somewhere aside from the mountain. They wore dark colored shirts, tough-looking shorts, hiking shoes, huge branded backpacks and faces that looks like their set for a war!

: its cliff climb

The head of our group had already spoken to Catmon tourism officer, so when we arrived, we were greeted by Brgy Cambangkaya's councilor who will be our trail guide. After forty minutes of motor ride and a couple of walk, since some part of the road is really rough, we arrived at Brgy Cambangkaya. We hiked for almost three hours, reached the top of the mountain (locals call it "Tore"), ate our packed lunch and head on to the unexplored Lantawan cave. I haven't been on a lot of climbs but I can say, the trail is really hard, with bushes that slash your skin and steep rocky terrain.

: Spectacular View

Our tour guide said we were the first mountaineers who have explored their natural wonder. By the way, being at the top of the mountain was exhilarating! I had a 360-degree view of Cebu including part of Bohol and Negros!

: Its Lunch Time

: at Tore Peak

: On our Way inside Lumanoy Cave of Mt. Kapayas

After another three hours of trek, we arrived at the tiny mouth of the cave which is just at the foot of the mountain. We put on our helmet and headlight and I felt like a pro caver.

: ZETS Haya at Lumanoy Cave

It was really dark and muddy inside and we have to jump from one cliff to another to get farther inside the cave. I saw the magnificent slactites/stalagmites formation and we passed on two deep lakes where nobody attempted to dip.

: Wow Lumanoy Cave

Before our headlights die down and after feasting our eyes with the awesome sight, we hurriedly went out the cave, head on to their Brgy hall, meet their captain, and set our tents before the sun sets.

: Pool inside the Lumanoy Cave

The villagers prepared dinner for us and we affirmed to them that we're not treasure hunters as what they have in their minds but rather a group who will promote their local tourism. Its just sweet knowing innocent and very accommodating people.

: at the Picture- looks noisy, but the truth is SILENT NIGHT

The next day, we had a very long river trek. We passed on numerous falls and never missed a dive on its cold, murky water. The whole trip was superb and challenging! ...and i couldn't wait the comfort of my bed at home.