BASEY, Samar — Prepare for an extraordinary adventure as the Samar Mountaineering and Outdoor Club, Inc. (SAMOC) hosts the much-anticipated Visayas Mountain Festival (VMF) 2025.
Scheduled from August 1-3, 2025, this premier event will highlight the stunning mountain and underground destinations of Basey and other places in Samar, celebrating the thrill of exploration and the spirit of camaraderie.
One of the festival’s highlights is the chance to hike Mount Danglay, a beloved spot among hikers in Eastern Visayas. Rising approximately 355 meters above sea level, Mount Danglay features a well-established rainforest trail, lush greenery, and panoramic views.
The trek, lasting 1-2 hours, includes a challenging 45-degree incline and encounters with possible encounters of venomous and non-venomous snakes.
At sunrise, especially after rain, hikers can witness a breathtaking “Sea of Clouds,” while night-time offers views of the lighted iconic San Juanico Bridge and San Juanico Strait across Maqueda Bay.
The mountain festival also includes visits to Basey’s Rawis Cave, renowned among serious cavers for its pristine limestone formations and stalagmites. The cave exploration trail takes about an hour, offering an immersive underground experience.
Nearby, Balantak Falls features three tiers of cascading water, a popular spot for picnicking and relaxation.
Participants can also enjoy an optional river cruise along the Sohoton River, providing a glimpse into the local livelihood and culture of Baseynon communities. Additionally, the event includes exploration to the Philippines’ largest cave in Calbiga and an exhilarating torpedo boat ride in Paranas.
The 2025 VMF will bring together over 300 mountaineers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for a weekend filled with adventure and discovery. In addition to outdoor activities, the festival features indoor events such as Camping, Basic and Advanced Mountaineering Courses, Orienteering, a Cooking Showdown, and a Mountaineer’s Night Party.
Local tourists enjoy the scenic view and thrilling experience of a 10-kilometer Torpedo Boat Extreme in Paranas, Samar. The whole adventure is about 4 hours long, 45 minutes going downstream for 10 km and 1 hour going back to the jump off point. It take
“Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or new to the scene, a nature enthusiast or just curious, we welcome everyone to join us for this unforgettable event,” said Ricky Bautista, President of SAMOC, Inc.
Registration for the 2025 VMF is affordably priced: MFPI Members: PHP 1,000; Non-MFPI Participants: PHP 1,300
The registration fee covers Basic and Advanced Mountaineering Courses, with a minimal additional charge for outdoor activities to cover transportation, permits, and other expenses. Slots are limited, especially for the mountaineering courses, which will accommodate up to 30 participants each. Day Hikes and Overnight Stays will be conducted in two days to reduce environmental impact.
Discounts are available for MFPI Board of Trustees, Club Presidents, TWGs, Sponsors, and Host Club members. Merchants interested in showcasing their products can secure space at the basecamp, while sponsors have the opportunity to feature their brands on event materials such as t-shirts and posters.
Local officials from Basey and neighboring LGUs have expressed strong support for the festival, aiming to boost tourism and highlight their areas’ natural beauty.
For more details and to register, contact Ricky Bautista, President of SAMOC and Board Member of MFPI, at (+63) 968-512-7724 or via email at mysolotrek@gmail.com.
“Don’t miss this chance to explore Samar’s hidden gems and forge new connections within the mountaineering community. Register now and be part of the adventure!”
