Adventure is an enticing word for people seeking activities that satisfy their adrenaline-filled desires. To embark on such adventures, one must have the courage to conquer their fears.
There’s no shortage of fears and challenges awaiting adventure-seekers. Fear of flying, fear of trekking, fear of encountering creatures along the way — these are just a few. However, the most common is the fear of heights. I’ve encountered numerous fellow adventurers who, while naturally adventurous, admit to being fearful of heights.
During one of my last pre-COVID-19 trips this year, I tested my bravery in conquering heights. Along with a few friends, I visited Kiokong White Rock Wall, a hidden gem in Bukidnon Province that is quickly gaining popularity among rock climbers, cliff campers, and other adventurers.
The first and only extreme cliff-camping in the Philippines
Kiokong White Rock Wall was established in the early 2000s, but it wasn’t until 2017 that the 180-meter rock wall captured the attention of adrenaline junkies, both locals and foreigners alike.
Located in San Jose, Quezon, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Kiokong’s colossal wall is part of the Kiokong Eco-tourism Project. The area is filled with white climbing stones of different dimensions, angles, and features.
The routes to the white rock walls are securely attached, and belay stations are extended and spacious, making Quezon one of the largest rock climbing sites in the Philippines. It offers at least a hundred routes to accommodate climbers of all levels.
Kiokong features several single-pitch and multi-pitch climbing areas, with climbing grades varying from 5 to 8b, with the majority falling in the 6b to 6c bracket. The rock boasts towering heights, with many routes averaging 30 to 40 meters. Climbers should carry many draws and a 60 to 80-meter rope for the journey ahead.
During the ascent, rock climbers often spend the night on vertical cliffs, setting up camp on sturdy rock walls in a vertical bivouac. This offers a scenic view of the Pulangiriver, a 320 km stretch of water used for irrigation and drinking water throughout the province.
Aside from climbing, visitors can also enjoy rappelling from a bridge or swimming in the nearby Blue Water Cave. The cave’s deep swimming pool boasts crystal-clear, blue-green water, providing a serene and perfect spot to relax.
With its height and natural beauty, Kiokong White Rock Wall is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, gather your outdoor equipment, and head to Kiokong White Rock Wall for an unforgettable adventure.
How to get to Kiokong White Rock Wall
To get there, you have two choices: either take public transportation or rent a private vehicle.
If you prefer public transportation, you can take a public utility bus. Upon arrival at the bus terminal, head to the ticketing booth and ask the teller or cashier for a ticket for a bus bound for Cagayan De Oro. Tell the cashier that you are heading to Quezon, Bukidnon. The bus fare ranges from P180 to P230 for 3 to 4 hours of travel time. Inform the conductor to drop you at a 7/11 convenience store in Quezon. There are not many 7/11 stores, so they will know what you are referring to.
It is advisable to keep your flight boarding pass because the moment you arrive at Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCTTO), there is a mandatory inspection of bags at the bus terminal entrance. The boarding pass serves as a ticket for you to skip the inspection process at the bus terminal’s entrance.
The other option, and one that you should highly consider, is to rent a vehicle. By doing this, you can skip long hours of transportation and also avoid the hassle of public commuting. Additionally, you can also cut your travel time from 4 hours to 2 hours or even less.
Given that we still have a pandemic, this is also a safer option as you will not be exposed to many people who are also en route to Kiokong.
Now, if you are looking for a car rental agency that can provide high-quality and affordable rental cars, look no further than Car Rental Davao. Every unit you need is here, from sedans, SUVs, and vans, we have them all waiting for you.
Plan your travel to Kiokong with us by contacting us through our Booking Page. You may also give us a call at +63906-059-1323 or email sales@carrentaldavao.com.
Fees to keep in mind
- Upon your arrival at the location, head straight to the registration area to log-in for attendance. The hours of the climb are approximately 2-3 hours. Please keep in mind that fees vary depending on the travel agency or outfitters you have contacted or transacted with.
- For booking and reservation fees, you have to pay P2,000 — that’s per head/guest.
- The minimum number of guests is five persons, but four persons will be allowed on some occasions at an adjusted rate.
- The local tourist fee is P7,500 per person. This is inclusive of safety gears like a helmet, harness, gloves and hard wear. The foreigners’ fee is $200 per person.
How to contact Quezon, Bukidnon Tourism Office
Municipality of Quezon, Bukidnon
Address: Libertad, Quezon, Bukidnon 8715
Contact Numbers: MDRRMO: #0917-844-0397
BFP-QMFS: #0905-751-1711
PNP-QMPS: #0917-300-2452
Email: lgu.quezon.bukidnon@gmail.com
Website: http://quezonbukidnon.gov.ph