Balatukan

Description

This mountain is a long high ridge running NW to SE on a large 50 km long promontory of Northern Mindanao extending into the Bohol Sea with a major offshore volcanic island, Camiguin Island, about 15 kms from the northern tip. Balatukan dominates the province of Misamis Oriental and can be seen from most major cities, including Cagayan De Oro to the south west, and Gingoog City on the north east side.

There is a large crater like bowl nestling behind the visible mountain ridge, and is evident from satellite and topographic maps of the area.

During my visit to the area in May/June 2010 nearly every day the mountain was clear until late morning when huge thunderclouds gathered over it leaving it obscured for much of the afternoon/evening...from any direction I recall.

Hiking to the summit can be arranged by outdoor groups in Cagayan De Oro, but it is not an often visited place.

Thanks to Michael Denne for this description.