At the Top of Mount Matutum - An Experience

 I could still exactly remember when me and my wife Jiejie together with our friends from the Singles for Christ went to the top of this beautiful mountain. Rising to 7,522 feet above sea level, Mount Matutum is located between the boundaries of Polomolok and Tupi in South Cotabato and Malungon in Saragani Province. Although Mount Matutum is 30 km NNW of General Santos City as the locals refer to it, this isolated dormant volcano dominates the landscape from all 360 degrees and from the top we can clearly experience the beauty of the three provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani Province and some portion of Davao del Sur including the beautiful landscape of Sarangani Bay. 

The name Mount Matutum is derived from the local Blaa'n tongue "Amyak Maleh" meaning climb and plant. And because it is so grand in its steep rise that it beckons nature lovers and a lot of mountaineers from all over the country and even some other countries wanted to experience and to climb its lush green slopes. There is only one regular route when climbing to the top and it will start in Barangay Kablon in Tupi, South Cotabato. And you need to be part of a team of machete wielding trekkers with a week on your hands for trailblazing, stick to the guide's suggestion.
 

While on your way, you can pass an open trail passing by rolling hills surrounded by private fields and pineapple plantations covering an areas of about 10,000 hectares, coconut, mango, bananas, jack fruit, and durian (Philippine national fruit) are the most prominent crops. This approach to the tropical forest that is  being protected and managed by some non-government organization and foundation in cooperation with the Bla'an and all other indigenous people that inhabits in the area and the southern part of South Cotabato, and the area is too wet that you need to wear shoes. An hour away is camp 1, which is also the entrance to the rain forest and the last source of water. The from camp 1 up a gradually steepening slope ending at a plateau and an obvious break in the dense vegetation. Pull up a seat on one of the fallen trees and nosh down a few calories. We started at Kablon at around 6am and we reach to the top at exactly 5 in the afternoon.

At the top you will see the beauty of that God provide to its people, the magnificent panoramic view of Polomolok, Koronadal City and General Santos City, the scenic beauty of the pineapple plantation that surrounded the mountain, the amazing lights of General Santos City at night but mostly the cold wind.

Today I could simply say that I never regret climbing that mountain 12 years ago, it was a great opportunity and experience to be in the top of that mountain and feeling like you're at the top the world.