Written by 11:03 am Feature, Hiking & Trails, Mindful Frames • 5 Comments

Photo Hike to Mt. Melibengoy (Parker) and Lake Holon via the New Kule Hunter

Embark on a mindful photo-hiking adventure along the newly opened Kule Hunter Trail to Mt. Melibengoy and the sacred Lake Holon in South Cotabato. A complete guide with gear checklists, photography tips, and cultural immersion stories from a photo hiker’s perspective.


I was exploring Lake Holon (Lake Maughan then) asearly as the late 90s but only walked the rugged path of the Kule Hunter Trail during its first opening to the public. I wasn’t chasing adrenaline or bucket list completions. This time, I was seeking stillness—a deeper connection to the land, to the stories of the people, and to myself. Photography was my way of slowing down and truly seeing.

Discovering the Crown Jewel of the South

Mt. Parker, or Mt. Melibengoy as locals call it, belongs to the T’boli ancestral domain in South Cotabato. It’s a sprawling mountain range embracing Barangays Tudok, Dlanag, and Salacafe. Around 31 kilometers from the poblacion, its crater cradles the breathtaking Lake Holon—a mystical lake considered sacred by the T’boli people.

On this particular trip, I was drawn to a new trail: the Kule Hunter Trail. Unlike the well-trodden Salacafe and Tudok routes, this path offered cultural immersion, terrain variety, and secret spots that were once closed to the public.


Why Hike to Lake Holon?

  • It’s one of the cleanest lakes I’ve ever seen.
  • The lakeside campsite is serene, peaceful, and unmatched in beauty.
  • There are two main trails and now a third—Kule—for those seeking a more immersive route.
  • Streamlined booking makes Lake Holon one of the more accessible multi-day hikes in Mindanao.

![Lake Holon Campsite View] (Imagine a still lake at dusk, hues of blue and amber blending into the silence.)


What Makes the Kule Hunter Trail Special?

  • Cultural immersion starts at Guno Bong, the Kule Receiving Center.
  • Hidden gems along the trail: warm/cold springs, scenic ridges, and new view decks.
  • It’s a perfect half-day training hike—challenging yet achievable in 3–4 hours.

A Sacred Place with a Silent Story

Lake Holon isn’t just another crater lake. According to T’boli lore, it is the golden roof of the deity Tud Bulol’s home. Fifteen demigods guard this sacred ground, and their wrath awaits those who disrespect it. So yes—no loud voices, no music. Just silence and soul.


What Can You Do at Lake Holon?

  • Swim in its cool, clear waters (with caution and respect).
  • Kayak or raft using equipment provided by the LGU.
  • Meditate by the lakeside as morning mist rolls in.
  • And of course—photograph everything, from starlit skies to sunrise reflections.

Mindful Preparation = Memorable Hike

Here’s what helped me enjoy the trail—and what I recommend for those planning to hike via the Kule Trail.


⛺ Camping + Hiking Essentials

  • 🎒 35L backpack (lined with garbage bags for waterproofing)
  • 🏕 Lightweight tent with rainfly, earth pad, and pegs
  • 🛏 Sleeping bag
  • 👟 Mid-ankle hiking shoes (critical for the descent)
  • 👕 Two sets of clothes: one for hiking, one for sleeping
  • 🧥 Rain jacket, bonnet, and warm layers

🧰 Waterproofing Tips

  • Line your pack with clean garbage bags.
  • Store gadgets and camera gear in dry bags.
  • I bring a separate padded waist bag for quick access to my camera.

🍽 Trail Food & Meal Prep

  • 2–3L of water (refill points available)
  • Trail snacks: energy bars, chocolate, gelatin
  • Meals: You can cook at Kule Receiving Center pre-hike
  • At camp: Hire locals to prepare traditional T’boli dishes like Naluts (chicken adobo in bamboo)
  • Fresh tilapia is also available at the lake!

Cooking your own meal? Prepare for an extra 5kg load!

🍳 Cooking Checklist

  • Portable stove + fuel
  • Cookware + utensils
  • Coffee, oil, rice, viands
  • Lighter or matches
  • Garbage bag for waste

🧴 Toiletries

  • Wet wipes/tissue
  • Soap & shampoo
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Small mirror
  • Alcohol or sanitizer

🆘 Emergency & ID Pack

  • Multitool or Leatherman
  • Duct tape
  • First aid kit
  • Sunscreen + insect repellent
  • ID with emergency contact & blood type

📸 Photography Gear*

I like shooting Lake Holon during its quietest and less crowded moments.Lake Holon glows differently at dawn, at dusk, under stars, and in mist. Although optional, here’s what I pack for those landscape frames:

  • DSLR or mirrorless camera or smartphone camera
  • Tripod
  • Filters + mounts
  • Extra batteries and memory cards
  • Headlamp/flashlight for night photography
  • Camera rain cover

Here are my latest photos of this crown jewel of the south.



This one I shot along the Kule Trail just as I were leaving the Gono Bong.

SUMMER

(More photos on my flicker account here >>>https://flic.kr/s/aHsktaeyzG) 


💸 Expenses and What You Support

This hike isn’t just a physical journey. It’s a cultural exchange—one powered by the T’boli community’s initiative. You’re not paying for convenience; you’re supporting stewardship and cultural preservation.

🧾 Sample Expense Breakdown

  • Climb Fee: ₱300 (via pilgrimage group); check with Tboli Tourism for current rates
  • Habal-habal transport to Sitio Kule: ₱450 (one-way for 2 people + gear)
  • Guide Fee: ₱600 (for up to 10 hikers)
  • Porter Fee: ₱20/kg (minimum 5kg one-way)
  • Kule Receiving Center overnight: ₱150
  • Meal prep by locals: negotiable

All fees go to the community—helping build infrastructure, train guides, and preserve the trail.


📞 Contact

Rodel Hilado, RSW
Tourism Officer, Municipality of Tboli
📱 0939-578-0151

Note: Walk-ins discouraged. Book early via Tboli Tourism for permits and guides.


Final Thoughts

As I packed up on my last morning at Lake Holon, dew clinging to my tent and a soft light breaking through the crater rim, I realized: this wasn’t just another trek. It was a reminder that adventure doesn’t always mean speed or thrill. Sometimes, it’s found in quiet steps, thoughtful frames, and the courage to walk inward.

Happy trails. And happy framing.
Remo, Trail & Frame


For those who don’t know where this Crown Jewel of The South is:


Tags:

#LakeHolon #MtMelibengoy #MindfulHiking #TrailAndFrame #TboliCulture #KuleTrail #PhilippineMountains #LandscapePhotography #SoloHiker #AdventureMindfulness #NatureAndCulture

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