My New Year Hike to the Peak of Mt. Igcoron
At the peaceful community of Barangay Binanogan Valderrama Antique, they told me that, there is a short range scenic mountain lying at this place. A mountain that will softly kill your heart by its breathtaking trail and sharp ridges.
JANUARY 1, 2017 while everyone is still having a hangover because of New Year celebration, I was busy in preparing for my backpacking schedule. I went to Valderrama Antique to experience the Mountain that caught my attention over the blogs online- The Mt. Igcoron.
Since December 31 up to January 1 is a long day off schedule of mine, I decided to spend my first day of the year 2017 for my first bucket list which is hiking at Mt. Igcoron. Although it is a little bit harder to find a transportation at this time (since New Year), I still tried to travel to the town of Valderrama Antique. I asked the conductor just to drop me at Crossing Ilaures. From crossing Ilaures I took a ride through tricycle up to the town of Valderrama. I just ask again the tricycle driver to drop me at the Valderrama Police station.
At the Valderrama Police station I asked the Police Officer to Log me since I am traveling to Mt. Igcoron. I’m a little bit confuse that time since there are stories I heard during my childhood that there is a lot of NPA at the mountainside of this place. The Police Officer just answered me that their place is a peaceful community. I confidently proceed to my destination which is Barangay Binanogan (since I know I am safe). I took a ride through habal habal (which is available anywhere in the town of Valderrama) up to the quiet place of Barangay Binanogan. Through the help of my friendly driver, he looked me for a tour guide. I met Joemar, a 20 year old boy and a residence of barangay Binanogan, who guided me up to the peak of Mt. Igcoron.
At first, we trek for almost 1.5 hours over rice fields, creek, falls, and hills. The sun has begun to rise and its heat made me more impossible to finish my trek. But if I will give up, I will just waste my efforts and time just to be in this place. I thought Mt. Igcoron is just at Barangay Binanogan. No, I have to walk and take a trek around the base of Mt. Igcoron. Jomar firstly guides me through rice fields and we passed by through a long creek at the base of the mountain. Then we hike to a small hill.
Suddenly the weather started to change. The clouds covered the sky and the rain started to pour. Thankfully, the rain just passed by.
In spite of the inconsistent weather, I still continued my trek until I hiked the peak of Mt. Igcoron. As I reached higher altitudes of the mountain I started to heard and felt the mud like sound of the wind. Courageously, I continued to hike Mt. Igcoron. I refilled the bottle of my drinking water in the water stream.
My hiking to the peak of Mt. Igcoron just long for an hour. The trail looks so exciting. Its steep cliff made my nerves aflutter. We went through a zigzag trail holding in the grass while climbing to its peak.
Jomar told me that almost half of the climber was not able to reach the Cross Mark of Mt. Igcoron because of its steepness and sharp ridge. As I reached the top, the wind blew so strong. Jomar told me “Sir, We are here. Just take extra precaution”. I excitingly touched the peak of Mt. Igcoron, but surprisingly, The cliffs is so high, I just shouted “Wooow” and I crawled after the strong wind blew. There are no trees to hold and to shade you from the sunlight. All you can see around is a grass that is locally known as Cogon.
I wondered if where is the name of Mt. Igcoron came from. I think it is came from a grass that is present around. A grass that is locally known as cogon (Imperata cylindrica).
Because of the strong wind, I nervously crawled just to reach the Cross mark at the top of Mt. Igcoron. I hold on the cogon grass to conquer the wind. The rain started to pour again, but it didn’t make me surrender. Instead, I faced my fear and continue the trail.
At the top of Mt. Igcoron you will see the 360 degree angle of the Municipality of Valderrama. Its river and ranges of mountains will clearly be seen.
My Mt. Igcoron hike is full of excitement and challenges. It just rises 400 meters above sea level, but its steep ridge will make you breathless. It is positioned strategically since you can view the sea, the river, the Municipality of Valderrama, and the ranges of its Mountains. My hike able me to touch the sky over its clouds. It lets me smell the fresh air and to enjoy the scenic view of the Municipality of Valderrama.
How to get there in Mt. Igcoron?
1. From Iloilo City take a ride through Van or Ceres Bus bound to the Northern part of Antique and tell the driver or conductor to drop you at crossing Ilaures. But I suggest to to take a ride through Van for faster travel time. Travel time is about 3 hours.
2. From Crossing Ilaures you can take a ride trough Habal-Habal (Motorcycle). Note: For cheaper fare you can take a ride through Tricycle bound to Valderrama Proper.
3. If through Habal-Habal, Just tell the driver to take you at barangay Binanogan but don’t forget to register at the police station for your safety. If through tricycle, Just tell the driver to drop you at the Police Station for registration. Then look for a Habal Habal around going to Barangay Binanogan.
4. At Barangay Binanogan there is an available tour guide there.
How much it costs to Mt. Igcoron
Iloilo-Crossing Ilaures (Van) PHP 160
Crossing Ilaures – Brgy Binanogan
If Motorcycle PHP 150 (One Way Rental)
If tricycle
a. Ilaures- Valderrama PHP 20
b. Valderrama Proper – Binanogan (Motorcycle) PHP 20
Tour Guide – PHP 300
Estimated Expense- PHP 700- PHP1,300
Itineray (From Iloilo City to Mt. Igcoron)
5:00am -7:40am Molo Terminal to Crossing Ilaures (Van)
7:40am – 8:30am Ilaures to Barangay Binanogan
8:30am – 9:00am Registration & area familiarization
9:00am – 12:30pm Assult Mt. Igcoron
12:30pm -2:00pm Mt. Igcoron to Binanogan
2:00pm- 3:00pm Binanogan to Ilaures
3:00pm-3:30pm Side trip and waiting
3:30pm-6:00pm Ilaures to Iloilo City
6:00pm Home Sweet Home
Ilonggo Traveler 