Hiking my way to Mt. Puting Bato Trail

When people hear about Samal Island, the first things that come to mind are beaches, resorts, and island-hopping. But on my recent trip, I discovered another side of Samal—its hiking trails. My research told me Mt. Puting Bato is the highest point on Samal, but also a great training ground for first-timers. As a newbie in hiking, I was both nervous and excited to take on my first trail.

The first few minutes felt easy—I was chatting with my friends, taking in the morning air, and snapping a few photos of the lush greenery. But as the trail began to slope upward, reality hit me. My legs started to feel heavy, my breathing quickened, and I realized that hiking wasn’t just “walking in nature.” It was a workout, a challenge, and an adventure rolled into one.

And if you’re like me, wondering what to prepare for your very first hike, here’s a little guide from my experience.

• Comfortable Clothing & Footwear - Leave the jeans at home. Lightweight, breathable clothes and sturdy shoes are your best friends. If you don’t own hiking shoes yet, running shoes with good grip will do just fine for beginner trails.

• Water & Snacks - Hydration is key. I brought a 1-liter water bottle and some trail food (think energy bars and bananas). You’ll thank yourself later when the trail starts to feel longer than expected.

• Sun & Bug Protection - Samal’s weather can be unpredictable. Sunscreen, a cap, and insect repellent are essentials. Don’t underestimate those little mosquitoes—they’re part of the adventure, but better to keep them at bay!

• Light Backpack - Pack light. A small backpack with just the essentials (water, snacks, first aid kit, power bank, and tissue) is enough. Hiking is more enjoyable when you’re not weighed down.

• A Positive Attitude - Yes, it sounds cheesy—but it’s true. Hiking can test your patience, stamina, and even your tolerance for mud or sudden rain. Having the right mindset will help you laugh through the slippery moments.

When we were at the peak, it was so fun—were all laughing, snapping photos, and enjoying the fresh air. Despite the mini-struggles, there was something refreshing about it all. Every step felt like I was leaving the city behind and reconnecting with nature. I may have been unprepared, but I wasn’t backing down.

After my triumph at Puting Bato, we were headed to a relaxing swim at Hagimit Falls. I was so focused on the hike that I completely overlooked the fact that Hagimit Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls and natural pools... which means you have to navigate a river and more slippery rocks.

We arrived at Hagimit Falls completely exhausted and still in my mud-covered clothes. I wasn't prepared for a second "hike." The descent to the falls themselves is a steep staircase, and then you have to walk over a lot of wet, slippery stones to get to the best swimming spots.

So, while my day was a series of misadventures, it was also a valuable learning experience. Mt. Puting Bato and Hagimit Falls are both incredible destinations, but they require a little more thought and preparation than I initially gave them. I'm already planning my next trip back, and this time, I'll be armed with the right gear, plenty of snacks, and a whole lot more common sense.