Our First Hike Together at Mt. Kulago: A Journey of New Beginnings

I’ve never really been an outdoor person. The idea of hiking up a mountain, getting sweaty, and pushing through steep trails never crossed my mind as something I would enjoy. But when I met my partner, everything changed. His love for the outdoors, for hiking in particular, was contagious. Slowly, I found myself wanting to be part of his world, to experience the things that make him happy. And so, we planned our very first hike together—to Mt. Kulago in Bukidnon.

The Climb: A Challenge Worth Taking

Excitement and nervousness filled me as we arrived at the jump-off point. Looking around, I saw experienced hikers adjusting their gear, chatting about past adventures, while I stood there, wondering if I had made the right decision. But with my partner by my side, I felt reassured.

The trail started off easy, giving me time to adjust to the rhythm of hiking. But as we climbed higher, the path became steeper and more challenging. I struggled at times, catching my breath and questioning if I could reach the top. Yet, the encouragement from my partner and the friendly group we were with kept me going. We laughed, shared stories, and took breaks whenever needed. It wasn’t just about getting to the summit—it was about the journey itself.

And finally, after hours of trekking, we reached the top. The view was breathtaking. I stood there, taking it all in—the rolling hills, the sea of clouds, the sense of achievement. It was a moment I never expected to love so much, yet there I was, feeling grateful for taking that leap into the world of hiking.

Side Trip to Communal Ranch: A Piece of Heaven

After conquering Mt. Kulago, we decided to visit Communal Ranch, a beautiful open pastureland in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. The vast green fields and grazing horses made it feel like a scene straight out of a postcard. It was the perfect place to relax and appreciate nature after our tiring climb. We took our time exploring, snapping photos, and simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

A Refreshing Dip at Sanuli Cold Spring

To complete our adventure, we headed to Sanuli Cold Spring. The crystal-clear water was freezing, but after a long day of hiking and exploring, it was exactly what we needed. The cold water instantly soothed our tired muscles, and we found ourselves laughing and playing around like kids. It was the perfect ending to an already amazing day.

Final Thoughts: A Newfound Love for the Outdoors

Looking back, I never thought I would enjoy hiking, let alone go on a full day of adventure like this. But this experience at Mt. Kulago, Communal Ranch, and Sanuli Cold Spring changed that. It wasn’t just about the places we visited—it was about the people we met, the challenges we overcame, and the memories we created.

This may have been our first hike together, but it certainly won’t be our last. Who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll be the one convincing others to take that first step into the great outdoors.

(Since I was not able to ask his permission, I will not be posting any photos together.)