Around 80% of the route followed concrete roads, while the remaining sections used community trails and footpaths. Navigation stayed straightforward throughout the hike, although the longer distance and extended exposed sections made it more demanding than the terrain itself suggested. I completed this hike in June 2026.

Trail Snapshot

MILD

DocumentedJune 2026

Distance12 km (Loop)

Elevation Gain244 m

Duration3-4 hrs

WaterAt least 2 liters

ShadeModerate

Surface20% trail, 80% road

GPXWikiloc

Access

I started near the trail going up to Veloso Lake, where motorcycle parking was available along the roadside without a parking fee. The access road to the jump-off was concrete. Private vehicles could reach the area, although four-wheel vehicles could not continue along the narrow access trail toward the lake, leaving a short walk to reach it. Public transportation was very limited, but habal-habal services were available. Besides my approach, Veloso Lake can also be reached from Sibago and Alpaco.

Route Description

I began by heading toward Veloso Lake before continuing along the loop through Purok Hoybesan, Bandilaan, and Alpaco. The route alternated between community trails and long stretches of concrete road, making navigation easy for most of the day. Although Veloso Lake marked the beginning of my hike, it was only a short side trip before the main loop continued through the surrounding communities.

As I moved farther along the route, I passed several residential areas where I met friendly locals and had a number of pleasant conversations. Pig-raising areas appeared along some sections, and the smell was noticeable as I walked through them. I also ran into several dogs near homes. None of the dogs I encountered were friendly, and most behaved territorially, so I gave them plenty of space while passing.

Trail Conditions

The morning was cloudy during my hike. Most of the route remained exposed with limited shade, especially along the concrete roads. The trail surface alternated between dry and muddy sections, while mobile signal started out strong before becoming intermittent later in the hike. I found several stores whenever the route passed through communities, and I only saw a small number of other people throughout the day. Insects were minimal.

Additional Notes

There are three documented approaches to Veloso Lake. I used the shortest approach, which requires a brief walk because the narrow access trail is unsuitable for four-wheel vehicles, although a few motorcycles continue farther. Since most of this loop follows concrete roads, I noticed that habal-habal drivers regularly passed through the area, making it possible to leave the hike early if needed. The longer distance and limited turnaround points were the main factors that added commitment to an otherwise straightforward route.