Come hike with me to Usa'y lubi!

Who's up for another uphill hike? Let me take you with me as I show you one of our hiking destinations in town. Perhaps my camera/photos won't be able to give the true vibrance of the place but still, you can search for it online to see clear and wider view of the ocean while you are at the top of the mountain. You can also watch the video below I provided.

Hiking is one of the most loved hobbies not only of the people here but also those sport's enthusiast or even the common ones who want to enjoy the nature's view and be one with it. This pandemic let us feel boredom everywhere and those who have mental health conditions find it hard to cope with it. As what I observed from last year and until now, people do search for a place where they can hike and relax. Some would even bring tent with them just to spend the night and rest after the hike. That's the reason why hiking destinations here in our area were popping. I never knew they existed if not because of this pandemic.

One potential hiking destination in our town is the Usa'y lubi which means a single coconut or just one coconut. Why do we call it that way? It's because there's only one coconut tree that can be found in the place/in the destination above the mountain. This coconut tree serves as the signature of the destination.

If you need an overlooking view, then Usa'y lubi is what you are looking for.

The town that you can see there below is the the town of Sogod. This is one of the town centers here in the province of Southern Leyte. The rest of the areas that you can see below are the neighboring municipalites within the Sogod Bay. So now, how to get to Usa'y lubi?

First, you need to go to Brgy. Milagroso, one of the barangays found in Sogod for it is the jump-off point. Since Brgy. Milagroso is quite far from the town, you can ride a motorcycle or habal-habal. I am not sure how much the fare was because I used my own motorbike to get there but I am certain it's just below $1.00. So when you are there at the Brgy. Milagroso and you see its barangay hall, then the hike to Usa'y lubi starts.

As for me, I drove my motorbike from our home, in Paku, Bontoc to Usa'y Lubi. I did not spent for the fare but I spent for the gas which I think is cheaper.

Most of the people who come prefer to hike/walk but I prefer to go there with my bike though the road is kind of rough and stiff. I want to challenge myself if I can really get through it despite how bumpy the road was. Although I used my motorbike to get there, I would recommend if you will just go there through hiking or walking so that you can enjoy the whole destination.

Along the way, you can see vegetation and cogon grass cultivated by the locals there. The cogon grass can be made as roofing material. How amazing that is. Our ancestors used this before the new era came. The cogon grass protects the home from the rain and sun's heat. Well today, there are also families who still use cogon grass for the roofing because it gives them cool air unlike those galvanized iron sheets that are used today. Alright enough with the cogon leaves. Lol.

As I went through it, the road is intensely going up and I feel like the tires in my motorbike find it hard to get through the rough road. But, I am still persistent so I continue and just maintain my balance and focus.

Please don't forget to bring water or food with you for you might get tired and a little bit hungry along the way. For the normal hike, usually it took them 1-2 hours to reach the summit. It depends on your speed anyway. I reached the summit in less than one hour since I used my motorbike.

When I was at the summit, I felt the fresh air around me like embracing my whole body and congratulating me for making it. I also saw the entire view of Sogod bay and the mountain ranges. You can also see there the island of Limasawa. I can't literally tell everything but I can assure that the view is breath-taking. The cogon grass are present again around the summit and there are perfects spots for your tents. I can assure you that this place is perfect especially during night time when you can see night lights from the town while you are above together with your friends enjoying your drinks.

I and my friends did not stay there longer because we have another place to go. We just let ourselves get satisfied with the view while enjoying every smoke of our vapes.

What can you say about the place?

Tell me what places you have hiked into.

Hello everyone! If you have some useful tips or guide which can help me improve, you can let me know in the comment section. I may not know all about you now but I am eager to know you deeper. I will work hard so I can be like the amazing writers here. I have talked to some people and they are all amazing.

Thank you so much for reading! Comments are very much appreciated. Same appreciation goes to my upvoters and kind sponsors. Again, this is gwapojohn at your service. 😉 Let's get connected!

Photos are mine

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