This jewel from Mindanao is hidden no more. Though first bolted as early as the 2000’s, it was in 2017 when the development of Kiokong’s 180-meter rock faces finally pushed forward.
Located in Quezon, Bukidnon (Kiokong was Quezon's old name before being classified as a 1st class municipality), the massive walls inside the Kiokong Eco-Tourism Project -- more popularly known for its "vertical bivouac" attraction -- is what draws most tourists into this quiet, cornfield-laden town.
However, as eco-tourism developments continue, both locals and travelers slowly discover that there is much more to Quezon than a site for hanging-out on karst ledges. It's strewn by the rolling Pulangi River, a 320-kilometer stretch of water used as a source for irrigation and drinking throughout the province. It's also home to the Blue Water Cave, a deep pool inside a cave that glows a luminous blue-green, earning it its name.
More relevantly, the town is littered with white, climbable limestone of diverse dimensions, angles and features. Approaches to the walls are friendly; belay stations flat and spacious. To date (March 2018), Quezon holds at least a hundred routes to suit climbers of all levels, and is emerging to become one of the biggest rock climbing sites in the Philippines.
Kiokong showcases a variety of single-pitch and multi-pitch climb areas. Climbing grades range from 5 to 8b, with the majority within the 6b to 6c bracket. Next to its plethora of climbing lines, the crag boasts of its towering heights. Most if not all routes are 30 to 40 meters on average, so bring plenty of draws and a 60 to 80-meter rope for the trip ahead.
Photo credits: Jeric Rustia & Dru Robles
Located in Quezon, Bukidnon (Kiokong was Quezon's old name before being classified as a 1st class municipality), the massive walls inside the Kiokong Eco-Tourism Project -- more popularly known for its "vertical bivouac" attraction -- is what draws most tourists into this quiet, cornfield-laden town.
However, as eco-tourism developments continue, both locals and travelers slowly discover that there is much more to Quezon than a site for hanging-out on karst ledges. It's strewn by the rolling Pulangi River, a 320-kilometer stretch of water used as a source for irrigation and drinking throughout the province. It's also home to the Blue Water Cave, a deep pool inside a cave that glows a luminous blue-green, earning it its name.
More relevantly, the town is littered with white, climbable limestone of diverse dimensions, angles and features. Approaches to the walls are friendly; belay stations flat and spacious. To date (March 2018), Quezon holds at least a hundred routes to suit climbers of all levels, and is emerging to become one of the biggest rock climbing sites in the Philippines.
Kiokong showcases a variety of single-pitch and multi-pitch climb areas. Climbing grades range from 5 to 8b, with the majority within the 6b to 6c bracket. Next to its plethora of climbing lines, the crag boasts of its towering heights. Most if not all routes are 30 to 40 meters on average, so bring plenty of draws and a 60 to 80-meter rope for the trip ahead.
Photo credits: Jeric Rustia & Dru Robles
Getting There
If coming from Manila, you can fly to Mindanao either through Cagayan de Oro or Davao City.
Manila to Davao City (Flight time: Approx 2 hours)
Davao City to Quezon, Bukidnon (3 to 4 hours)
From the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), take a metered taxi to take you to Ecoland Bus Station. The taxi bay is located outside the departure area of the airport. Hire a taxi (P140-P200) to take you to the Ecoland Bus Terminal.
Best to keep your flight boarding pass with you because upon arrival at the bus station, there is a mandatory inspection of bags at the entrance of bus terminal. The boarding pass lets you enter the terminal without going through the inspection.
Upon entering the terminal, look for the Rural Bus (Color: red) that heads to Cagayan De Oro (Cost: P180-P230). Tell the conductor to let you off at Quezon, wherein your landmark is a 7/11 convenience store. (On Google Maps, locate: 7/11 Quezon Buda).
Manila to Cagayan de Oro City (Flight time: Approx 1.5 hours)
Cagayan de Oro To Quezon, Bukidnon (4 to 5 hours)
Ride any regular bus bound for Davao City and tell the conductor to drop you off right after the Pulangui Bridge at the boundary of Kiuntod, Camp 1, Maramag and San Jose, Quezon.
If coming from Manila, you can fly to Mindanao either through Cagayan de Oro or Davao City.
Manila to Davao City (Flight time: Approx 2 hours)
Davao City to Quezon, Bukidnon (3 to 4 hours)
From the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), take a metered taxi to take you to Ecoland Bus Station. The taxi bay is located outside the departure area of the airport. Hire a taxi (P140-P200) to take you to the Ecoland Bus Terminal.
Best to keep your flight boarding pass with you because upon arrival at the bus station, there is a mandatory inspection of bags at the entrance of bus terminal. The boarding pass lets you enter the terminal without going through the inspection.
Upon entering the terminal, look for the Rural Bus (Color: red) that heads to Cagayan De Oro (Cost: P180-P230). Tell the conductor to let you off at Quezon, wherein your landmark is a 7/11 convenience store. (On Google Maps, locate: 7/11 Quezon Buda).
Manila to Cagayan de Oro City (Flight time: Approx 1.5 hours)
Cagayan de Oro To Quezon, Bukidnon (4 to 5 hours)
Ride any regular bus bound for Davao City and tell the conductor to drop you off right after the Pulangui Bridge at the boundary of Kiuntod, Camp 1, Maramag and San Jose, Quezon.
Permits / Fees / Registration
Most of the climbing crags are located inside the Kiokong Eco-Tourism site, at the Blue Water Cave area. There is a registration area when you arrive on location. Please log-in for attendance.
Most of the climbing crags are located inside the Kiokong Eco-Tourism site, at the Blue Water Cave area. There is a registration area when you arrive on location. Please log-in for attendance.
- Php 50.00 per person – Kiokong Eco-Tourism park fee (Required)
- Php 300.00 per person – guideship service for climbers with experience and need local knowledge of the area; exclusive of gear; minimum of 5 persons (Optional)
Food & Shelter
There is a pension house nearby the 7/11 store. It has around seven rooms which can accommodate 2-4 persons per room (Cost per night: P500). Each room is air-conditioned and has its own bathroom. There is a parking space inside, for those who are travelling via private vehicle. (*Update: There are different branches of the Macabaya pension house within the town, so inquire to know of their locations)
Apart from the said convenience store, Quezon provides a good range of food places that’s worth every cent. Along its main road, there are bakeries and carinderias (road side food stalls) that serve meals all day. While this town is filled with great vegetation and livestock, it is also known for its Litson Manok (roast chicken) and Liempo (grilled pork), so explore the area to find your favorite!
There is a pension house nearby the 7/11 store. It has around seven rooms which can accommodate 2-4 persons per room (Cost per night: P500). Each room is air-conditioned and has its own bathroom. There is a parking space inside, for those who are travelling via private vehicle. (*Update: There are different branches of the Macabaya pension house within the town, so inquire to know of their locations)
Apart from the said convenience store, Quezon provides a good range of food places that’s worth every cent. Along its main road, there are bakeries and carinderias (road side food stalls) that serve meals all day. While this town is filled with great vegetation and livestock, it is also known for its Litson Manok (roast chicken) and Liempo (grilled pork), so explore the area to find your favorite!
Tips from the Locals
- Bring a rack of 20-30 quick draws and 60-70 meter rope.
- It is an imperative to bring tarps, hammocks and bug repellant items (Katol, Off Lotion, etc.). For anyone allergic to insect bites, make sure to have your medicines on hand.
- Have approach shoes along with your climbing apparel; crucial for the treks, especially on the Neverland site.
- Helmets are a necessity. Majority of the climbs are new (less than 1 year old as of January 2018) and have been climbed less than 5 times, so rocks may still come loose.
- When planning your trip, check the Macabaya pension house ahead for room availability.
- In case of further inquiries about climbing in Bukidnon, you may contact Jboy Sanchez (+63 906 848 2057)