Mt. Agad Agad is a mountain located in the vicinity of Iligan City. It has an elevation estimated at 1,600 feet above sea level. The speak can be reach to 2-3 hours for an  average hiker. At the view deck, when the sky is clear, you can afford to see the neighboring giants Mt. Malindag at the west and Mt. Inayawan in the southwest. I doubt Kitanglad Mountain Range is possible to be viewed from the area.

Mt. Agad Agad

 Iligan City at night as viewed from Mt. Agad Agad

A small waterfall and a lagoon if featured along the way up to the top. The mountain is frequently visited during the month of August. It is very accessible since it is located just a few kilometers from the city proper. Mt Agad Agad is a prominent sight within the city of Iligan that also attests that it is the highest mountain in the vicinity .

Care taker of Mt. Agad Agad developed the area and provide more space for camp sites to accommodate the growing numbers of hikers that visits the mountain. They collect 10 pesos each person as an entrance fee.

Iligan City as viewed from the trail up to. Mt. Agad Agad 

Night time is the best opportunity to watch the entire city of Iligan glittering by its street lights. Shooting stars are visible during the dawn when graced by the clear sky. Also one of the must seen is the Iligan Bay to the north and Panguil Bay far the to the west. It is best viewed in the morning as sunlight beams stare towards the crystal waves. 

Mt. Agad Agad is the best and safest place for low budget day hikes and overnight campings. Solo hike is also possible since the trials are accessible and safe even to beginners. Overall, Mt. Agad Agad is a good playground for adventurous individuals and a hike.

I think it's nice for major Philippine cities to have at least one easily accessible, easily dayhikable mountain, to get more people to experience the outdoors in a friendly way, and to provide regular hikers with a place to exercise those legs.

I found out there was more to it than just sweat and cramps. Trekking allows you to disconnect, improve your fitness, witness nature's beauty, and to top it all, it challenges your every limit. The road to Mt. Agad Agad was not that arduous. Given that it has become a favorite of some of the local hikers, the paths seldom taken were quick to find.

The later part of the hike was spent out in the road, we knew we were in the right track because the residents made us choose earlier whether to take either the road or bukid. Which we went along with the mountains considering the scorching heat the open road would give. The hike was rather a bit inclined. We passed by a remote community which had few sari-sari stores. We stopped by the nearest one for a 10 minutes rest. A logbook for Mt. Agad Agad hikers was found at a hut a little further, as to what we were told. It was made to ensure each hikers safety which was essential for precautionary measures.

We went on with the hike and saw a reminder that we were nearing the peak of the mountain, it was made by the Philippines Travelers Trekking Society. A kid then approached us and offered to accompany us further. From that moment, the trail was all but ascent and it was not an easy one. There were instances where I had to use some rock climbing skills. At some point my knees got even numb. I wanted to get shots at that time to give everyone a brief view but the climb made it hard for me to shoot and Carry. On moments when we needed to make a few stops, we used it to inhale the view. At least it was made for determination, it reminded us there was a better sight up top.

We arrived at the peak around 3:35 PM, the uphill climb cost us 35 minutes. We made it to the entrance and relaxed for a bit before we circled grounds. Even with the heat given, the air was as fresh and cool as a morning breeze. We started touring the grounds and discovered there were cottages and furnished wooden chairs for comfort. The camp sites was well taken care of. Not to mention we were welcomed by an accommodating guard dog. A comfort room was found beside the highest floor. There were also spaces at the center or even beside the peak were tents can be put off. I can imagine the epic view beside neighboring mountains or even the cities view. They had swings hung just beside mountain's edge and we had to try it for the adrenaline rush. The place was being monitored by a family living inside camp site grounds. They sell snacks for visitors and even offered coffer coffe for campers.

We sat for a while and enjoyed everything the moment. Few minutes later, we then packed our things and got ready for the hike downhill. It was 5:30 PM when we left and the walk was easy compared to the first. With a little help and caution, we managed to reach the end of the hill climb and finished it off in 30 minutes. Our friendly guide informed us there were motorcycles available for transports up ahead. We gave her a fair amount of money for her good company before we proceeded with the walk.