Sibuyan island

Day 1:

Arrival at the international airport Manila, transfer to the boat. Overnight trip in a private cabin to Sibuyan Island.

Day 2:

Lunch at the home stay in Magdiwang, Sibuyan. Mission briefing :-) On the map you can see the accommodation VICKY and the planned route from GG1 to GG9.

Preparation for the ascent of Mt. Mayo, buying of food, national park permits and ...

hiring of optional porters. In the meantime you can do a hike to the Cataja waterfall, or join us in the organizing.

Day 3:

Start of hike at 4 am.

On the way we will see two completely unique looking Nepenthes alata forms,

Utricularia striatula,

N. sibuyanensis and N. argentii.

We will set up tents close to the summit of Mt. Mayo in 1500m and ...

enjoy the ...

sunset on the summit.

Then have a warm meal at the camp.

Day 4:

Investigate and take pictures of the N. sibuyanensis populations, ...

cross the knife edge ridge to visit N. argentii. Descend to Magdiwang. Eat and rest in the home stay of Magdiwang.

Day 5:

Boat to Batangas/Manila (depending on date). Visit and have breakfast in Manila, optional shopping in a mall then transfer to the airport.

Remarks:

+Sibuyan island receives due to its location huge amounts (up to 10.000mm a year!) of rain, which can turn this climb into a challenging trekking experience. Best time (least rain) to visit is May or earlier.

+From Mt. Mayo a trail continues over a knife edge ridge to Mt. Sibuyan (2000+ m). If you don't have a problem with heights and the weather allows, this can be upgraded as a steep and dangerous day trip. Tent/Camp remains on Mt. Mayo.

+The 'good' boat to Sibuyan is only once a week. It needs careful planning of your arrival/departure date. Otherwise there are very basic rusty daily ferries (see photo, 16 hr trip).

You'll get your own bed on this ferry, but that's about it. We better try to get the other boat...

+Sibuyan island features numerous very scenic waterfalls.
+Neighboring Romblon island is famous for good beaches, snorkeling and tree house accommodation.
+Boracay island is a world class tourist destination with a 4km beach that is one of the worlds best.


*Our thanks to Thomas Bopp, botanical garden Jena, Germany for contributing some images!