A Day Hike Guide To Mt. Loay (Traverse Langan Falls) – 11 Things To Know Prior To Your Adventure

Just like any other activity you do, you would want to be ready for your next trek adventure – this time, scaling Mt. Loay in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Being prepared increases the chances of your trek becoming not just a success but, ultimately, a fun-filled activity. After all, you go out for a hike to learn – and enjoy! That said, I thought writing this guide can help you become fully prepared for this particular adventure.

I have listed below the things that I thought you would want to know before climbing Mt. Loay:

1) A minor climb

Scaling Mt. Loay is considered by seasoned hikers as a minor climb. It is just about reaching a 1000-meter peak above sea level (give or take). Many choose this place as a training ground, preparing for a big climb – like a Mount Apo climb. If you are new to hiking, you better do some muscle flexes before it. You can do a Loay climb. It will help a lot for you to be well prepared most especially if you traverse to Langan.

2) Mt. Loay can be DIY-ed

Many asked about whether or not you can do a Loay climb without a guide. The trail is pretty easy to follow; besides, you can pass by several houses where you can ask for directions. So, yes, you can do it yourself.

3) The terrain isn’t that steep (except the area near the peak)

The climb begins at the Loay junction, near the bridge along a national highway – about 100 meters away before reaching Santa Cruz Public Market (if you are coming from Davao City). At the start, you hike on a paved road until it ends about a kilometer away. As you move along, you start your 4 to 5 kilometers trek on a foot trail. The good news is, the trail going to the peak isn’t that steep. So, the level of difficulty is low – except for the last part, approaching the peak.

4) You pass several stations, stores

Another thing that you might also like is that there are several stations along the trail where you can pause for a break and get revitalized. At each station, there is a store where you can buy good edible items for energy replenishment.

5) There is a 10-peso entrance/environmental fee

When you reach the last station, you are required to register and pay 10 pesos. The station is where you can eat your lunch rather more comfortably before reaching the peak. There are makeshift tables and benches there that you can use for free.

6) The Loay Peak is a pretty open space

At the peak, you would notice that the area is a wide-open space with a couple or a little more trees dotting the edges. Expect a scorching heat when the sun is directly above. There is no water source above, so bring enough with you to avoid dehydration. And, I should not forget to mention, because it is an open space, it provides the best vista view of the surroundings. You can enjoy both the sunrise and sunsets there without obstructions.

7) The peak also serves as a campsite

For those who are planning to pitch a tent, rejoice! The peak of Mt. Loay also serves as a campsite. If you are going there for an overnight stay, well, bring your tent with you and find the best area when you get there – before others can.

8) Langan trail is rather harder than Loay

If you are planning to do a traverse to Langan, be warned. Haha! No worries, you can do it. But, as opposed to Loay, going to Langan is more challenging. Expect a steeper trail requiring more effort and caution. Most of the time, you need to get a hold of roots, trees, and vines. The pacing becomes significantly slower there. But then again, it is an “awesome” trail to test your stamina, endurance – and patience.

9) Another 10-peso fee upon reaching Langan Falls

There is another payment, and this time at the end of the trail to Langan Falls. They call it a maintenance fee. And I think the fee is fair enough because they have done (and continue to do) some improvement on the trail- they have cleared some part of the trail from obstructions.

10) Langan Falls is rather small

As opposed to other falls you might have experienced, Langan Falls is small – and I mean small (in fact, I doubt whether or not you can categorize it as waterfall). But it can still make you refreshed and revitalized all the same – from that “hellish” traverse.

11) Going home from Langan Falls is so easy

After spending time at Langan Falls, you do not need to worry about getting back home. All you need to do is to take a short walk until you reach a hanging bridge. Just cross that bridge and you can already see that there are habal-habals waiting and willing to ferry you back to the national highway. The fare is 30 pesos per head.

So, that’s it. The 11 things that you might find really helpful for your planned Mt. Loay climb. Enjoy!

How to get there

1. From Davao City Overland Transport Terminal, hop on a bus bound for Digos or any bus going south.
2. Alight in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur (the public market is an easy-to-spot landmark)
3. Ask around where is the Loay junction (the trek starts there)
4. That is it; the trail is pretty easy to follow

Estimated Budget

Fare: 70 x 2 (Davao City and back) + Langan to National Highway (30) = Php 170
Registration, Maintenance Fees: 10 (Loay) + 10 (Langan) = Php 20
Food: Php 100 (I recommend you bring your food from home)

Total: Php 290

Note: If you choose to hire a guide, you might want to prepare Php 500 for it. Just divide it with your group. Tour guides there (locals) usually do not name their prices; they would just say it is up to you. I think 500 pesos is fair enough for a group of 5 persons.