14/03/2020
Mount Magsanga OMRA challenge, March 22, 2020.
Mt. Magsanga is located in the town of Merida, Leyte and it stands at an elevation of 655 meters (1,965 feet). The name Magsanga is derived from the local word “sanga” which means branching out hence it has two peaks, although peak 1(higher peak) is the most visited one compared to peak 2. Mount Magsanga may not be as high as the other mountains but it looks very beautiful specially when viewed at Ormoc bay during sunset. It has three entry and exit point: Brgy. Mahayahay and San Jose both in Merida and Brgy Cangag in the town of Isabel. We will be taking the Brgy Mahayahay entry. Its difficulty level is 4/9 which is fairly recommended for beginners or those who are starting to get interested in doing outdoors. The trail is easy to moderate and some portions. Its campsite will only cater for a maximum of 20 to 30 people since only small portion of the ground is flat. The summit of Mt. Magsanga is just 15 to 20 mins assault. This is the most difficult part since the trail is knife edge and you cannot grab anything except those sharp cogon grasses. At the summit, you will have a clear 360 view of the neighboring towns and city (Palompon, Isabel, Ormoc City and Matag-ob). If the weather permits you can clearly see the beauty of Camotes Island, Kalanggaman Island and even the Cuatro Islas of Inopacan Leyte.