Kitanglad Mountain Range, Mountain range and ASEAN Heritage Park in Bukidnon, Philippines.
Kitanglad Mountain Range is a mountain system in the province of Bukidnon on Mindanao island, recognized as both an ASEAN Heritage Park and a national protected area. It comprises five main peaks, the tallest reaching above 2,900 meters (9,500 ft), surrounded by forest zones that shift from lowland vegetation to cool montane forest as elevation increases.
The range was declared a protected area in 1990 and received full legal protection through national legislation in 2000, following pressure to halt logging and agricultural encroachment. Before formal protection, large parts of the lower forest had already been cleared, which is why conservation efforts began when they did.
The indigenous Talaandig and Bukidnon peoples regard the mountain as a sacred place, and their presence shapes how the land is used and protected. Visitors walking through the lower areas may come across markers, shrines, or guides from these communities who still maintain ties to the forest.
A visit requires getting a permit from local authorities in Bukidnon before arrival, and Cagayan de Oro is the main starting point for reaching the area. The dry season gives the most manageable trail conditions, and warm layers are necessary for higher elevations where temperatures drop noticeably.
Mount Dulang-Dulang within the range is the second highest peak in the Philippines, a fact that surprises many visitors who expect only Mount Apo to hold that distinction. The mountain sits quietly within the same protected area without receiving nearly as much attention as the country's highest summit.
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