Top 10 Sensational Facts about Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

Top 10 Sensational Facts about Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

Mt Hamaguitan Summit Trail by Long Henson/Wikipedia Commons

The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary has an elevation range of 75–1,637 m above sea level and provides critical habitat for a range of plant and animal species.

This woodland is noted for its unique pygmy forest of century-old trees in ultramafic soil, with many endangered, endemic, and rare species of flora and fauna.

The property showcases terrestrial and aquatic habitats at different elevations and includes threatened and endemic flora and fauna species, eight of which are found only at Mount Hamiguitan.

Among the wildlife found in the area are Philippine eagles and several species of Nepenthes. The mountain has a protected forest area of approximately 2,000 hectares

Some of the latter, such as the Nepenthes peltata and Nepenthes micramphora, are endemic to the area.

1. The astonishing Mt. Hamiguita forms the spine of the Pujada Peninsula south East Mindanao Island

Mount Hamiguitan peak, Davao Oriental by Kleomarlo/Wikimedia Commons

The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary protects a forested mountain ridge that forms the spine of the Pujada Peninsula in the south-east of Mindanao Island

The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary protects a forested mountain ridge that forms the spine of the Pujada Peninsula in the southeast of Mindanao Island.

It is an area of outstanding importance for its biodiversity, especially the number of Philippine Island endemic species, and its many rare and endangered plants and animals.

Mount Hamiguitan provides critical habitat for many threatened plants, including five species of Dipterocarp trees, and three species of pitcher plants that are endemic to the site.

2. Mount Hamiguitan is a prized gem and outstanding universal value of the UNESCO heritage

Mount Hamiguitan is a prized gem of this picturesque province that has gained fame with its inscription in the highly coveted UNESCO World Heritage.

The mount was inscribed in the list for its outstanding universal value, which celebrates the most significant natural habitats for the conservation of biological diversity.

It includes those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

One of its attractions is the 225-hectare pygmy forest, a field of bonsai trees estimated to be a century old, perhaps the biggest of its kind on the planet.

Located in the town of San Isidro, the Mt. Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum is an interactive facility that showcases the wonders of Mt. Hamiguitan.

3. The astonishing Mountain is open for hiking only thirty hikers are allowed it takes 3 days

At present, Mount Hamiguitan is open for hiking via the San Isidro trail. Only 30 hikers are allowed at the campsite at any given time.

Reservation and application of permits are required. Walk-ins or independent trek is strictly prohibited.

The entire journey is usually plotted as a three-day trek where you will be hiking for 5 to 6 hours a day mostly on a root-covered trail and waterways.

Near Mt. Hamiguitan’s peak, two natural wonders await the determined climber. Tinagong Dagat with its famed and mystical high and low tides and the majestic Twin Falls.

4. Entrance fee is P50 and you can stay overnight by pitching your tent in the exquisite museum

The entrance fee to the museum is P50. The small complex also has a lodging facility for those who want to stay overnight.

Tents can also be pitched here, with rented tents available for a very minimal fee. Corporate gatherings and even wedding receptions can also be booked here in a large room.

Income generated through this is used for the maintenance of the museum. the opening of this museum is welcome to those who are curious to take a glimpse of the mount.

5. Mt. Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum situated at the foothill of the amazing Mountain

Mt Hamaguitan National Heritage Site by Long Henson/Wikimedia Commons

Nestled at the foothills of Mount Hamiguitan Range in the town of San Isidro, the Mount Hamiguitan Eco Park and Natural Science Museum.

It is a testament to the provinces and the country’s commitment to the preservation of the country’s natural heritage.

The protected mountain range is home to the Philippine Eagle and the unique bonsai forests, making it the first site in the country that is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ASEAN Heritage Park.

A world-class and interactive natural science museum dedicated to nature, specifically to the mountain, is the highlight of your visit.

More facilities are also up for development in the coming months. Entrance Fee P50. The small complex also has a lodging facility for those who want to stay overnight.

6. The unique wonder of nature Bonsai Forest is Philippine’s largest and protected forest

Hamiguitan bonsai tree by Kleomarlo/Wikimedia Commons

This unique wonder of nature can only be found in the lush forest of Mount Hamiguitan, popularly known as Bonsai Forest.

It is the Philippines’ largest and only protected forest noted for its unique bonsai field or pygmy forest of outstanding universal value.

The pygmy forest of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) where bonsai trees are estimated to be at least a century old,

It is the largest natural pygmy forest in the Philippines, aside from its large pygmy forest, MHRWS is also home to the hundreds of threatened and endemic flora and fauna species.

7. The astonishing mountain has one of the most diverse wildlife populations

Hypothymis azurea By Unknown Arthur/Wikimedia Commons

The mountain and its vicinity have one of the most diverse wildlife populations in the country. Among the wildlife found in the area are Philippine eagles and several species of Nepenthes.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List has identified at least eleven endangered vertebrate species.

Visitors delve into this mysterious forest, encountering astonishing plants and animals, many of those found nowhere else in the world a regular sight.

8. Two ways to get to the great Davao city by flight or by bus 

From Manila, you can book a flight bound for Davao City. From Davao Eco land Terminal, take the bus going to the Municipality of Governor Generoso which will usually take 3.5 hours at most.

Another option is to ride the bus heading to Tagum City and from here, ride a jeepney bound for Governor Generoso or Sigaboy.

You can tell the driver to drop you off at the junction leading to the museum, where you can ride a habal-habal motorcycle.

9 Interesting adventurous activities tree top obstacle and flying lemur gliding ride 

Mount Hamiguitan World Heritage Park and its amenities are situated in the buffer zone area of the heritage mountain.

The Mountain houses the interpretation site, cabin, bird-watching view deck, a hanging bridge, a nature trail for leisure hiking, sunset view deck, and Cafe Hamiguitan.

For the more adventurous guests, they can also enjoy other features of the park like the tree-top obstacle and a flying lemur gliding ride.

10. As a tourist you cannot miss staying at the amazing Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao is a beachfront gateway to the diverse, colorful, and rich cultural heritage of Davao City.

Experience the heart of Filipino hospitality and excellent guest service at one of the city’s iconic landmarks.

As one of the city’s iconic tourist destinations, expect superior comfort and excellent customer service.