Dumantangis sprouts
Indanan, Sulu Province
Main Jump: Brgy. Tumantangis, Indanan, Sulu
LLA: 5°59’50″N, 120°57’45″E, 811 MASL (+556)
Number of days/hours required to reach the summit: 1 day/3-4 hours
Specifications: Minor; Difficulty 4/9, Off-Road Level 1-3
Features: Tropical rainforest, historical and cultural significance, Sulu Sea landscape
Article history: Created on August 21, 2024
Author: Gideon Lasko
background
A landmark in the country’s southern seas and a sacred mountain to the Tausug people, budumantangis At an altitude of 811 MASL, it is the highest peak in Sulu. Its name, sometimes translated as “Weeping Mountain” or “Mountain of Tears,” expresses the Tausug people’s affection for their home island, especially during their sea travels. as Alkinor R. Sajan explain:
Bad Tumantangis means “a mountain worth weeping” due to its majestic view from the distant sea that attracts the emotions, memories, sorrow, pain and love of previous Tausug travelers. The former Tausug travelers did not cry because the mountain disappeared, but because the loss of the mountain meant that they had been far away from their beloved hometown and might never come back.
For a long time, the idea of climbing Bud Tumantangis was considered unthinkable considering the peace and order situation in Sulu, but since 2023, the security environment has improved significantly and both locals and tourists can visit and admire the place. Pay tribute to a veritable mountain. Thanks to the efforts of civilian and military officials and Sulu’s growing outdoor community. So now is a great time to visit Sulu and experience its outdoor destinations.
The hike can be considered easy to moderate; there are no technical or particularly challenging sections, although there are some incline sections that may pose a challenge to beginners. After passing through a densely populated woodland, most of the hike is forested with some tall trees, eventually reaching the moss-covered upper reaches. You can see or at least hear monkeys on the trails. Meanwhile, the summit is a small plateau that offers views of the surrounding islands and mountains, including Bud Dajo (E) with its unique crater rim and very prominent Bud Sinuman (S); The small island north of Sulu can also be seen from the top of the mountain.
journey
(from Jolo Island)
0500 Depart Jolo for Indanan
0600 Courtesy visit to the military camp; if necessary, other procedures need to be completed
0630 Start hiking
0800 Rest along the way
0920 Estimated arrival at helipad
0930 Estimated arrival at the summit; enjoy the beautiful view of the Sulu Sea
1030 starts to fall
1300 Back to the starting point of Indanan. Clean up.
Estimated arrival time at Jolo Island is 1400 hours, in time for late lunch
Practicality: BUD Tumantangis
| transportation | Due to the current situation, it is highly recommended to arrange for a vehicle to take you to the trailhead |
| Register | Subject to current circumstances; the Tourism Officer or Coordinator will provide advice to local government units and relevant military units and/or be responsible for registration as needed. |
| guide | available |
| Contact number | Najib Julkipli (09061093359) – Coordinator, Tour Guide and Tourism Board Liaison |
| Campsites and waypoints | Camping is available on the helipad and at the summit area |
| water source | without any |
| Cell phone signal | +/- Peak sporadic |
| river crossing | without any |
| rope segment | without any |
| Limatic | without any |
| Lipa | + |
| rattan | Some |
| Hiking notes | The route is relatively straight; please maintain cultural sensitivity and respect local traditions and customs, including avoiding loud noises during prayer times and not carrying/drinking alcohol. |
| bypass | There are many possibilities for travel around Sulu – including beaches and other mountain peaks |
| alternative route | There are a variety of routes to choose from, but be sure to coordinate their feasibility with your local guide/coordinator first |
| Day trip | Yes |
| Jumping facilities | (+) Sari Sari Shop (?) A place to wash/shower |
| estimated budget | 600-800 (day trip from Jolo Island) |
Domantangis bud pictures
trivia
“The view of Bud Tumantangis (the Weeping Mountain) always awakens in every local a sense of nostalgia when he leaves and joy when he arrives” – Norma Abubakar Abdulla (1989)
“Although it is only 853 meters high, [Tumantangis] It is almost always covered with a layer of white clouds, hence the name “Weeping” Mountain. – Juanito A. Bruno, The social world of the Tausug (1973)
Some sources place Bud Tumantangis at an altitude of 885 MASL; however, the latest topographic and satellite data, as well as personal records from the summit itself, do not confirm this. Currently, the Pinoy Mountaineer favors the 811 MASL used by local officials.
The author’s hike to climb Bud Tumantangis on October 12, 2024 was recorded in Hiking is important #801.
