Ever wanted to hike on an active volcano?
Home to many endemic plants and endangered species at its base, most known as Musuan Peak, is a small but important active volcano located in Maramag, Bukidnon. Kalayo, means fire, which comes from its volcanic nature and stories that surround it.
The Fire Volcano of Musuan
The elevation is 646 meters (2,119 feet) above sea level, its type is a lava dome and tuff cone. One of the many active volcanoes in the Philippines, Musuan peak had records from PHIVOLCS that date back to 1866 showing that Musuan Peak had erupted in 1866 and 1867, but Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program records another eruption, possibly phreatic, that “burned everything around it.” The explosion supposedly occurred four years before the 1891 visit of a Jesuit priest, who reported that he could not examine the volcano more closely because of the strong solfataric activity. A strong seismic swarm occurred near Musuan in 1976 and again around 2011.
Ecology and Biodiversity
The mountain’s northern slope is still covered by a primary rainforest. The rest is covered predominantly by Cogon (Imperata cylindrica). Reforestation efforts on the bare areas, both in tree planting drives and by Central Mindanao University personnel, have established temporary forests of Acacia mangium and conifers. 524 plant species across 135 families, 128 endemic species and 3 endangered species, including Marsilea crenata and Ceratopteris thalictroides. The peak supports over 6,000 individual trees, with species like Melanolepis multiglandulosa and Alstonia scholaris being common.
The Fire Mountain
Musuan Peak is known locally as “Fire Mountain”, a name that releases its volcanic past and its symbolic role in local folklore. Some Bukidnon tribes regard it with caution, and its quiet presence has inspired stories of transformation and resilience. The mountain can also be seen at Central Mindanao University’s seal and some of the merchandise sold at the university.
Is It Haunted?
It was said a couple had committed suicide in the place. Time passed by, when the area they were buried rose up and became a mountain. A foreigner visited the place and was joined by natives. When they reached the top, the foreigner, in utter amazement, exclaimed “the most one”. He found everything very picturesque from the top. The natives kept repeating what he said because they couldn’t say it the way he did, they pronounced it instead “mus-wan”. Later on, this became the name of the peak, thus Musuan Peak.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES
- Entrance Fee: Php 20.00
- Tour Guide: Varies on the guide, and inclusion. So, best to inquire directly.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Musuan, Dologon, Maramag, Bukidnon
- By Commute: From Cagayan de Oro, ride a bus or van to Davao or Valencia City via Bukidnon (Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. is a common operator). Ask the conductor or driver to be dropped off at CMU or Musuan in Maramag.
- By Car: From Cagayan de Oro, tale the sayre highway (AH26) southbound. For landmarks, you will pass through Malaybalay and Valencia City. Musuan Peak is located near Central Mindanao University’s botanical garden.
