Mount Halcon

With an elevation of 8,488 feet (2,586 meters), Mount Halcon ranks as the third highest mountain in the Philippines. Many mountaineers consider it as one of the most difficult mountains to climb because of its knife edge ridges. At present, there is a five-year ban on exploration beginning 2006. This is to give the flora time to heal from recent fires in the mountain and from the irresponsibility of campers.

Exploration / Climbing

When exploration is open, the best time to climb Mount Halcon is during the months of April, August, and September. The jump off point is in Baco and the mountains summit can be reached within two hours from that location.

Climbing Mount Halcon can be a challenge. From Baco, the trail is steep all the way and there are a couple of water stops. The first is at 3 hours and the other is 4 hours away. From the second water stop, the next stop is 6 hours at a distance of 1,080 meters.

In addition, the campsites are far from one another. The first one is located at 1,080 meters. The good thing about this campsite is that it is in the middle of the forest and a stream which serves as the third water stop. If the climb was hard, the descent is relatively easy.

Flora and Fauna

Mount Halcon serves as a vital venue for the conservation of biodiversity in the province of Oriental Mindoro. It is home to the largest area of montane forest in Puerto Galera. More importantly, it serves as the home of endangered species of birds which is endemic to the Island of Mindoro. Among these rare birds include the Mindoro Imperial Pigeon and the Mindoro Owl. A rare endemic bird, the Scarlet-collared Flowerpecker, can be found at high altitudes.

Majority of Mount Halcons range is difficult to climb and patrol. This is the reason why a huge area of its forest is still in good condition. However, illegal logging has greatly denuded the forest below 850 meters on the slopes of Mt. Ilong. Likewise, the northern ranges of Mt. Baco have been damaged by illegal loggers at 700 meters in 1992.

Aside from illegal logging, Mount Halcon has been badly damaged by kaingin. Not to mention the fact that canes, vines, and rattan were being harvested in the area. Unfortunately, regeneration efforts would be unlikely as the area is prone to erosion based on a series of landslides in the area.