Ilihan Peak and Gold Rush Hills: Day Hike Guide of the Two Mountains in Sibutad
Zamboanga del Norte is a treasure trove of rolling hills, a sea of clouds, and panoramic coastal views. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of hiking, the town of Sibutad offers a perfect “twin hike” experience that you can easily finish before lunch.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a total “newbie” (like I was during this trip!), these two peaks offer high rewards for relatively low effort.
Many of us have become more vulnerable to stress and anxiety during this pandemic. We’ve looked for ways to protect our mental health—becoming “plant parents,” starting online businesses, or finally discovering the hidden gems in our own backyard. For me, the “art of hiking” became that escape.
If you are just starting your hiking journey like I am, let me share my first experience—which definitely wasn’t a “normal” beginner’s start!
ILIHAN PEAK AND GOLD RUSH HILLS: Two Mountain Peaks to Day Hike in Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte
This twin-hike itinerary is a favorite for locals and travelers alike because it allows you to witness the famous “sea of clouds” at Ilihan Peak and the “Batanes-like” landscapes of Gold Rush Hills, all before the noon sun hits.
It’s an accessible, beginner-friendly experience that proves you don’t need to be an expert mountaineer to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of Zamboanga del Norte.
Ilihan Peak (Lady of Assumption)
Known for its dramatic rock formations and the “Sea of Clouds,” Ilihan Peak is a spiritual and natural landmark in Sibutad.
- Location: Brgy. Calilic, Sibutad
- Difficulty: Minor (Though my muscle pain said otherwise—LOL!)
- Trek Time: 40–60 minutes at a leisurely pace.
- Trail Features: Forested paths, river streams, and a rocky viewing deck.
We started our ascent at 4:00 AM to reach the summit before the sun. Because I’m a slow hiker, it took us until 5:30 AM to reach the viewing deck.
Walking through the forest in the dark, hearing the streams and the birds chirping, I slowly fell in love with the trail. Nature speaks to you when you’re immersed in it. Even though I felt intimidated as a beginner, this felt like the perfect entry point.
The view deck is a massive rock formation. From the top, you see a breathtaking sea of clouds sheathing the forest. We sat there, soaking in the sight of the sun rising behind the mountains, and enjoyed a well-earned coffee before descending at 6:00 AM.
Gold Rush Hills (Ligas Paka)
After descending Ilihan, we drove about 15 minutes to the jump-off point for what locals call the “Batanes of Sibutad.”
- Location: Brgy. Minlasag, Sibutad
- Trek Time: 1 hour to the peak.
- Trail Features: Open grasslands, rolling highlands, and views of Murciellagos Bay.
We began our second ascent at 6:30 AM, arriving just in time to soak up some Vitamin D. Gold Rush Hills (or Ligas Paka) is an awe-inspiring natural wonder. The landscape is a mix of beautiful highlands and the vast blue waters of Murciellagos Bay and Piñahon Island.
This trail is also very beginner-friendly. Even as a newcomer to the hobby, I was able to conquer two peaks in a single morning! We didn’t stay too long because there isn’t much tree shade on the hills, and it gets hot quickly. After taking our photos, we started our final descent at 8:00 AM.
Suggested DIY Itinerary
If you want to conquer both in one morning, here is the timeline that worked for me:
- 2:00 AM – Travel to the Municipality of Sibutad
- 03:30 AM – Meetup in Rizal Park, Plaza Poblacion. Trave to Brgy. Calilic
- 04:00 AM – Start Trek to Ilihan Peak
- 05:30 AM – Sunrise & Coffee at Ilihan Viewing Deck
- 06:00 AM – Descent to Jump-off
- 06:15 AM – Travel to Brgy. Minlasag
- 06:30 AM – Start Trek: Gold Rush Hills
- 07:30 AM – Photos & Sightseeing at the Highlands
- 08:00 AM – Final Descent
How To Get to Sibutad
Navigating to the trails is relatively straightforward, but timing is everything if you want to catch the sunrise.
- From Dipolog City: The travel time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Transportation: Since the hike starts before dawn, there is no public transportation available at that hour. It is best to hire a private vehicle if you are traveling with a group. For solo travelers or pairs, a motorcycle (habal-habal) is also a viable option.
- The Meeting Point: The first jump-off point is located in Brgy. Calilic. It is highly recommended to meet up at Rizal Park in Plaza Poblacion. From there, you should coordinate with a local guide or someone familiar with the area to lead you to the specific trailheads.
My "Newbie" Reality Check: Preparation
Funny enough, I didn’t actually prepare. The night before the hike, I was only thinking about what to wear; the thought of what to pack never even crossed my mind!
The Hard Truth: Hiking is a physical activity. Just like a gym workout, you need fuel. I started my hike on an empty stomach and brought zero food. I knew hydration was key, but I spent more time picking out a cute water bottle than actually planning my intake.
I’ll admit it: I was a bit irresponsible and ignorant about trek planning. But I’m taking those lessons with me to my next hiking adventure!
KapampanganTraveller
I am so envious, I missed hiking and mountain climbing. I wish I could have summited these two peaks when I explored ZDN.
May De Jesus-Palacpac
I would love to hike again. I’ve only done it once (maculot) and it was def something I enjoyed so much. my husband is not the outdoorsy type but i’m sure pag isinama ko sa itinerary, makikisama naman haha
The Little Binger
Ui wow, ang tagala ko na hindi nakapag-hike!! Sana pwede na soon para kahit here ako sa Laguna ;(
Karla Nina Mallannao
I’m more of a beach lover. Parang twice pa lang ata ako nag-hike pero masaya rin lalo pag na-achieve at napuntahan mo yung peak. Ang satisfying ng view, like this one! Siguro after this pandemic, try din namin mag-hike paunti-unti 🙂
K Punzal
2 out of 10 times that I get invited to hike will I accept. Not because I’m lazy to do so but more so I don’t know if it’s really worth the climb. But you know what? Maybe now that life is quite uncertain, maybe I should just brave it, noh? Especially with beautiful views like this!
Christianforemost.com
I used to dread hiking. But now that I do work out, i feel like I’ll have better endurance. You’re pictures are amazing by the way and it is so nice that you can explore the nature freely during the pandemic. I can’t even go out the door because we live in the city.
Misskhae
I was exhausted on my first hike! LOL! But yeah when you workout, you’ll have better endurance. The first peak is beginner-friendly pero sobrang nakakapagod parin kaya warmup your legs pag naisip mo to do hiking 😀 We’re lucky enough to be able to travel here within the province lang naman as long as we follow health protocols. Traveling in the normal has changed so much narin talaga.
My Onni You
Ang ganda ng view and lucky mo ha kahit hindi ka kumain or didn’t brought any food eh nakaakyat ka pa din. Balak ko din maghiking kaso panahon talaga yung kulang
Paolo
Not a fan of hiking but the views from Gold Rush Hills looks so beautiful. Hope to visit this one day
Janella Herrera
“How Did I Prepare: Funny how I never prepared at all.” Hahahahahahaha! Love you, Miss Khae! :(( I can also still remember my first hike when the only thing I prepared for was my outfit and selfie stick. Gold Rush Hills is sooo beautiful. Can’t imagine how it would feel up there!
jayresa03
Haven’t tried hiking but if my experience when I was a kid will count, then I’ve been hiking for two years back then just to get some coconuts on the top of the hill from my grandma’s place.
blair villanueva
The whole view is amazing! If you love hiking I am sure you will enjoy Australia’s many hiking destination.
Angie
When talking about outdoors, hiking is the first on my list. I fell in love with this when I was in college. that was about 20yrs ago. I hope. I could go back to the mountains with my kids , mawala na sana itong covid.
Thea Octavo
I love your photos here, Miss Khae!! You’re so beautiful as usual! Our country definitely has a lot to offer from beaches to mountains to caves, you name it all haha I could relate sa Hindi na nagplaplan the night before. Bahala na talaga lol I love that feeling of always being spontaneous! Looking forward to more of your travels!
Hazel Salcedo
Hahaha i remember my first hike a couple of years ago. Nagkakayayaan lang the night before and next thing I know, nasa Rizal na kami ready to hike. So same with you, di rin ako naka prepare (physically) and I don’t think may baon kami na food. Buti nalang may mga sari sari store doon. Hahaha! Anyway, I’m so happy of your first hiking adventure! The view is so beautiful! 🙂
Aaliziyah
I never tried hiking before because my family do not really enjoy nature that much but the places you mentioned seems promising! It makes me want to persuade my mom after quarantine. Lol!
www.WanderWoMom.com
this is sooo breathtaking! i havent done this for the longest time. i only did mount banahaw way back 2004, field trip namin 4th year high school! and it was an easy trek lang, plus 1 part of the complex lang.
themhayonnaise
Medyo namiss ko mamundok! Ito na bes, gagawa na ko ng plano para sa pag dating na pagdating ng bakuna sa COVID19.
veeyahmarie
Girl… totally relate with not preparing for the hike trip, haha! I always manage to convince myself that I don’t need it and how hard could it be, then bam, sakit sa buto. Haha! I can’t recall the last time I hiked!
Nicole San Miguel
Ahh I miss hiking na! Can’t wait to explore Zamboanga del Norte! I will add these 2 mountains on my list 🙂
Daddy Clavy
This is the kind of activity na never ko pang nagawa… Yung hipag ko mountaineering…. Gusto ko maexperience ung feeling…. Masarap daw sabi nila… Sabi ko nmn… Jusko kakayanin pa kaya ng tuhod ko… Hahaha…. But isa to sa mga gusto kong gawin… Kahit one tym lng!