BASEY, Samar — On Saturday, May 18, a courageous band of 13 hikers, representing Tacloban and Calbayog cities, achieved an exhilarating milestone by conquering the summit of Mt. Danglay, the towering pinnacle of Basey, Samar.
Nestled within Barangay Cambayan, this majestic mountain rises to an impressive height of 355 meters above sea level, offering a challenging yet deeply fulfilling adventure for outdoor enthusiasts and mountaineers across the region.
With a difficulty level rated at 2, Mt. Danglay is classified as a minor climb, characterized by semi-vertical limestone cliffs and rugged terrain. Its plateau-like peak affords breathtaking views of the San Juanico Strait and the iconic San Juanico Bridge.
Under the expert guidance of the Samar Mountaineering and Outdoor Club Inc. and the Cambayan Tour Guides Association, the intrepid team of four women and nine men persevered through sweltering 33-degree Celsius heat to stand triumphantly atop the awe-inspiring summit.
Ricky Bautista, president of SAMOC, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the participants for their unwavering enthusiasm and determination throughout the guided trek, which lasted over five hours round trip.
“The meticulously maintained trail, skillfully marked by our dedicated mountain guides, ensured a safe and unforgettable journey,” Bautista emphasized.
However, concerns arose as evidence of irresponsible behavior surfaced, with litter and signs of grass burning left behind by previous hikers. Bautista stressed the importance of vigilance by the tour guiding association in identifying and penalizing those responsible for environmental violations.
Elias Macalalad, a seasoned mountain guide from Cambayan, attributed the littering and burning incidents to local youths, acknowledging a lapse in monitoring.
“In the coming days, our association will spearhead a cleanup initiative to restore the trail and summit to their pristine state,” Macalalad assured.
Among the triumphant hikers were Kynkyn Tigley, Yuan Lanza, Carol Lyn Cabanero, Nelson Castilano, Reynaldo Petilla Jr., Radney Campo, Anna Gular, Agnes Cablao, Arman Cablao, Dennis Anthony Salazar, Richard Bonin Salazar, JM Somino, and Ricky Bautista, all of whom received certificates of achievement from SAMOC.
First-time hiker Carol Lyn Cabanero, speaking on behalf of the participating hikers, expressed gratitude to the organizers and extended heartfelt thanks to the mountain club and guides for the unforgettable experience.
“Thank you so much for this beautiful experience, and we hope to return next time around,” Cabanero remarked.
Legend has it that Mt. Danglay’s name traces back to a tragic tale of Dang and Mulay, a couple who perished while attempting to capture a colossal sea creature near Kankabatok (now Tacloban). Their resting place eventually evolved into the majestic mountain, believed to symbolize forgiveness from the God of the Forest.
For guided and hassle-free treks, please contact Samar Mountaineering and Outdoor Club, Inc. (SAMOC) at 09122885769 or send a direct message to this page, and we’ll handle all arrangements for you.
