Kitanglad Mountain Range
Mountains High-elevation range in Mindanao, rich in biodiversity
A protected range in Northern Mindanao centered on Mount Kitanglad; the area supports cloud forest, endemic wildlife including the Philippine eagle, and attracts trekkers and biodiversity researchers.
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The Kitanglad Mountain Range is a highland massif on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, located in Bukidnon province in Northern Mindanao. It contains several of the island’s highest peaks and functions as a major watershed and biodiversity area.
The mountains have long been part of local indigenous territories and were later recognized for conservation because of their ecological importance. Parts of the range are managed as a protected area to conserve watershed values and wildlife.
The Kitanglad range lies in central-northern Mindanao in Bukidnon province, inland from the northern Mindanao coast and accessible from towns such as Malaybalay and nearby municipalities in Bukidnon.
- High peaks and watershed: Contains multiple peaks above 2,800 metres, including peaks at 2,941 m and 2,899 m that are important freshwater catchments for surrounding provinces.
- Biodiversity: Provides habitat for endemic and threatened species such as the Philippine eagle and other montane forest specialists.
What to See #
- Mount Dulang-Dulang: Mount Dulang-Dulang reaches 2,941 metres and is one of the highest peaks in the Philippines, located within the Kitanglad Range.
- Mount Kitanglad: Mount Kitanglad reaches 2,899 metres and is a central peak of the range frequently climbed by trekkers based in Bukidnon.
How to Get to Kitanglad Mountain Range #
The Kitanglad Mountain Range (Kitanglad Range Natural Park) is accessed from Malaybalay City and nearby towns such as Lantapan and Impasug-ong in Bukidnon. From Cagayan de Oro drive south on the Sayre Highway (part of the national highway network) to Malaybalay - the road trip is roughly 50-80 km depending on start point (about 1.5-2 hours from Cagayan de Oro). From Malaybalay or Lantapan you follow municipal roads to trailheads; reaching the core conservation areas and peaks requires organized local transport and multi‑day hikes from the nearest trailhead (trekking routes commonly start in Lantapan/Impasug-ong).
Tips for Visiting Kitanglad Mountain Range #
- Arrange permits and a local guide through Bukidnon tourism offices or community-managed trail groups (Impasugong and Malaybalay are common staging points) rather than attempting an unescorted ascent-many trails are community-run and guides help with navigation and permit compliance.
- Plan climbs for the dry season (roughly November-April) to avoid persistent cloud and rain; start very early if aiming for a summit sunrise, and allow extra time for the area's steep, mossy cloud-forest sections that many underestimate.
Best Time to Visit Kitanglad Mountain Range #
The best time to visit the Kitanglad Mountain Range is the dry season (November-April) when trails are drier and conditions are safer for trekking.
Weather & Climate near Kitanglad Mountain Range #
Kitanglad Mountain Range's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2458 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 29°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (188 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (275 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (258 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (252 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (318 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (326 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (233 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (199 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
