Allahiban Viewpoint in Peñablanca, Cagayan is where I spent my 30th birthday, continuing a tradition I started in 2014 with Mt. Pulag, the second tallest peak in the Philippines. I’m not sure why I choose to climb on my special day, but I feel a kind of euphoria while hiking that I can’t find in any other activity.
My best friend, who shares my birthday, joined me this time. We climbed Allahiban Viewpoint (also spelt Alahiban) together.
Where is Allahiban Viewpoint?
Allahiban Viewpoint is in the town of Peñablanca, Cagayan, part of the Sierra Madre, the longest mountain range in the Philippines. It stretches 540 kilometers (340 mi) from Cagayan to Quezon along the eastern side of Luzon. From the top, you can see the Cagayan River, the Sierra Madre mountains and a horseshoe-shaped bend of the Pinacanauan River.
How to get to Allahiban Viewpoint from Tuguegarao City
We left Tuguegarao at 3:30 AM and reached the starting point at 4:00 AM, so it was about a 30-minute ride. We travelled by motorcycle and started the climb in Brgy. Callao, Peñablanca.
The hike
I had arranged two tour guides, recommended by a friend of mine who lives in Peñablanca. I gave our tour guide 500 pesos. Our group was six: my best friend, my sister, her friend, two guides and me. Before we started, I whispered a quiet prayer for our safety.
I was tired and a little nauseous, having slept only two hours. I wondered if turning 30 was already catching up with me. The last mountain I climbed was Mt. Maculot back in 2018.
It took us 1 hour to reach the viewpoint. Honestly, the trail was an easy climb. But with so little sleep, and feeling weak and old after turning 30 (lol), my breathing was heavy, my heart was racing, my throat was dry, and my lips, hands and feet felt swollen. Somewhere on the way, I started thinking about my past birthday climbs and heard my younger self say, “Of course, you can do this again.”
At the top
The view was worth it. We brought snacks, cup noodles and Jecs Art Coffee, my special coffee. Sipping hot coffee while looking at the mountains is one of life’s simple pleasures.
What turning 30 taught me
Many of us feel like we should have everything figured out by 30. I think it’s the opposite. At 30, we’re just getting started. My body could still endure much more than I thought, and I felt that euphoria again, the one I still remember. That’s probably why I keep going back to the mountains on my birthday. A birthday should be a day for yourself, and this hike was the best present I’ve given myself.
Tips if you’re planning to go
- Best time to go: Sunrise, during the cool season around January to February
- What to bring: Water, snacks, a headlamp and a lot of patience
- Guide: Ask a local to recommend one. I paid 500 pesos
- Difficulty: Moderate for me, though the trail itself is easy. Get a good night’s sleep first
