Mt. Panamao, Biliran

Sometimes the best climbs are the ones you never planned to take.

Mt. Panamao, located in Almeria, Biliran, rises to about 1,077 meters and is known for its mossy forests, scenic ridgelines, and cultural mystique. It's considered a solfataric active volcano, with a recorded eruption in 1669 (BiliranIsland.com).

Just like that, I joined a weekend climb to Mt. Panamao, a hidden gem in Biliran Province, Eastern Visayas. The climb was organized by Sir Gee, my longtime go-to person for major climbs. He’s not just an organizer; he’s someone who truly knows the trails, the people, and how to lead with purpose. I’ve done a lot of climbs with him, and every single one has been worth the sweat, pain, and stories.

I wasn’t supposed to go, honestly. But when I saw that it was scheduled for a Saturday and Sunday—on a free weekend with no work—I knew I couldn’t let the opportunity pass.

Getting There: The Long Haul to Naval

We started Day 1 traveling from Ormoc, Leyte, headed to Naval, Biliran. That alone was a journey in itself. After reaching Naval, we rode a native jeep toward the jump-off. There was a bit of a delay in the schedule, so our local guide decided to take us through a shortcut trail—a route created by the locals themselves.

And boom—the trail started with a steep descent. No mercy. My legs immediately felt it, shaking with every step. But the excitement of being in a new place quickly kicked in. That’s the thing about climbs: your body complains, but your heart always says, “go.”

Into the Wild: Climbing Mt. Panamao

From that steep entry point, we began the real climb. The trail was raw—earthy, sometimes muddy, definitely challenging. Around 11 to 12 noon, we took a quick break for lunch by a water source—just enough time to rehydrate and recharge before pushing on.

By early afternoon, the sun was blazing, and the trail only got steeper. But the goal was clear: the summit.

We reached the view deck by 2:00 PM, and the view was incredible—lush, green, untouched. We rested there for a bit, took some photos, and then made our way to the peak.

And wow, the peak... it was a mossy forest, almost magical. Thick with moss, cool with breeze, and surrounded by the kind of stillness you only find on mountains. It felt sacred. We stayed for about 20 minutes, soaking it all in, snapping photos, just appreciating where we were.

Camp Bebin: Sunset, Socials, and Stillness

From the summit, we started our descent toward Camp Bebin. It took us about 3 to 4 hours, and it wasn’t easy. The trail was steep, and with our bags weighing us down, every step felt like a challenge. But eventually, we made it.

Camp Bebin was beautiful. As you’ll see in the photos below, it’s an open ridge camp with a panoramic view of the sea, and in the distance, you can still see Mt. Panamao’s peak. The sun was setting, the sky was clear, and we had perfect weather. No rain, just golden light.

We set up camp around 5 to 6 PM, and then had dinner cooked by Sir Gee himself. Later, we had our socials—just sharing stories, laughing, and enjoying the moment. It rained a bit during the night, but not enough to ruin the mood or the dry ground beneath our tents.

Day 2: Swift Descent and A Splash of Adventure

Woke up feeling refreshed—thanks to that peaceful night at camp. By 6 to 7 AM, we started our descent back to where the jeep was parked. They said it would take about 1 to 2 hours, but guess what? We did it in 30 minutes. Maybe we were just too excited to go home. 😄

But we weren’t done yet. Before heading back for real, we had a side trip to Bagongbong Falls, a lesser-known but stunning waterfall in Biliran. It was about a 40-minute ride from the jump-off. From there, we trekked a short trail and arrived at the falls—cool, refreshing, and quiet. We swam, relaxed, and just lived in the moment.

Lunch, Cheers, and Connection

Our final stop was lunch in Naval. That turned into a bit of a celebration. We shared drinks, laughter, and the kind of stories that only come from shared struggle and triumph on the trail.

What made this climb even more special was the people. New faces, new friendships. There was no social pressure, no competition—just a group of hikers connected by the same trail. That’s the beauty of major climbs: they introduce you to strangers who become part of your journey—even just for a weekend.

Why I Keep Climbing

Climbing mountains isn’t just about reaching the peak. It’s about the in-between moments—the surprise decisions, the sweat and laughter, the late-night conversations at camp, and the overwhelming beauty of untouched nature.

Gallery

Mt. Panamao Photos