Mt. Talinis: Into the heart of Cuernos de Negros

Hello, Hive!

How’s March treating you so far? I find mine a little monotonous — which is actually good for a change since I started the year 2023 with a back-to-back major climb at Mt. Madjaas last January and Luzon’s top 3 (Mt. Pulag, Mt. Tabayoc, and Mt. Timbac) last February. This month for me is like a breather giving me time to replenish my strength and yes, finances.

Now, with April just around the corner, I can’t help but wish for days to come quickly whenever I think about my next trip. You see, James and I have joined a 3D2N climb to Negros Oriental’s Mt. Talinis. It’s not our first time climbing this mountain but we decided to try again because 1) we want to experience a different trail (Panghilakan-Apolong), 2) I have not seen the Twin Falls during my first climb, and 3) we did not get to reach the summit to together last time. HAHA!

But before I hype about our upcoming trip, I’ve decided to relive some memories of my first time in Mt. Talinis.

So here goes…

Climbing Mt. Talinis via Apolong-Apolong Trail

Towering at 1,903 meters above sea level, Mt. Talinis, also known as Cuernos de Negros (Horns of Negros), is the second highest mountain in Negros Island after Mt. Kanlaon.

Among its many routes, we followed the Apolong-Apolong trail, which is the second longest course going to the peak. We were told that this trail will be challenging. And it did not disappoint.

After a quick orientation, we started the hike at quarter to 8:00 am. Since most of us were climbing Mt. Talinis for the first time, there was extra excitement among the group.

The initial hike was easy. Despite the sun’s heat, the tall trees and thick shrubberies, made it bearable for us to walk through the ascending trail.

We hiked for hours until we reached the ranger’s station (the first water source) where we met our first setback. One of our friends, Shiekina, met an accident and sprained her ankle. Gladly, we had two PTs, An Jurvel and Shandy, who came prepared.

With our time constraint, the lead group proceeded with the hike, leaving Shiekina, An Jurvel and Shandy, to wait for the sweeper group so Shik can rest for a while.

We reached Rancho (the last water source before Lake Nailig), an established campsite by the Cuernos De Negros Mountaineers, where we ate lunch. It would have been nice to spend longer time here but since the team decided on a same-day summit, we were told to take few stops and rests.

We then continued with the hike, passing by Kaipuhan Sulfur River. What awaited us up ahead was the said monkey trail. Here, there are no ropes to hold on to and you only have to trust the roots to help get you up. Thankfully, we all survived the challenge.

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It was past 1:00 pm when we finally got a glimpse of Lake Nailig. But just when we got too close to the camping ground, James injured his knee.

I was having second doubts about going to the summit but James told me to go for it. It’s already his second time in Mt. Talinis and he wanted me to experience its rare “clearing” on my first time. Still anxious, I went ahead with the others to our final assault.

Standing atop the Nacolon Peak

From Lake Nailig, Nacolon peak is accessible by a 30 to 40-minute trek through a forested trail. I was trailing behind Shiela and Jovy who tuned their pace faster in order to catch the fog-less scenery.

At the top is a panoramic view of Negros Oriental’s natural forests. No wonder why it is dubbed as the province’s “last frontier.” All of us were in awe at the sight of the lake from above.

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It was almost sundown when the rest of our friends headed to the summit. As we descended back to the campsite, we passed by Shiekina and James — sprained ankle and injured knee — lagging behind the second group. Despite the threat of the rolling dusk and their injuries, these two braved the trials of the trails.

With the series of mishaps, plus the strong gust of wind, our socials during the night turned into a slumber party. We were too tired to stay up and decided to conclude the day.

Foggy morning at Lake Nailig

The next day, Lake Nailig greeted us with a dramatic backdrop. The morning was cold and we were surrounded by thick fog.

Personally, I regret that I did not give this Crater Lake a second look the day before when it was clear.

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But despite our “bond paper” background, the group was still in high spirit enjoying the breakfast (except for the lost tuna patty) and selfies!

Into the barren Kaipuhan Sulfur River

It was past 10:00 am when we decided to trace back our trail. Another day of experiencing the straggle and struggle of Apolong trail — only this time, it’s the opposite. Yesterday’s unlimited ascent is today’s unlimited descent. The only consolation we had is that we can now take our time and walk at our own pace.

Since James was nursing an injured knee, we decided to walk with the sweeper group so as to not slowdown the others. It started drizzling when we reached Kaipuhan Sulfur River, however, this did not stop us from enjoying its one-of-a-kind view. This barren realm — with nothing but sulfur vents, dead trees, and bleached rocks — had been picking on my curiosity when we passed by it the day before. So this time, I made sure to explore the area.

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As time passed, the drizzle turned into a heavy rain and we hurried our way back to the jump off. Yesterday’s dry footpath was turned into a muddy track in an instant. Thankfully, we all reached the jump-off safe and sound.

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Looking back, it was indeed a worthwhile weekend experience for all of us friends. Mt. Talinis measured up to our expectations in terms of beauty and challenge. It's definitely a place worth coming back to.

Which I will — this coming April! Until next time. 🥳

_{Hello! I'm Maria, a hopeless romantic who travels in pages and places. I hope to share my love for words and the world with you here in HIVE.}

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