Hiking to Bantay Lobbot, Dipaculao, Aurora
Some of the best adventures are the ones you never really plan.
Our hike to Bantay Lobbot started with a simple conversation among cousins. We had been hearing about this place for quite some time, and every now and then someone would say, “Let’s hike there someday.” One day, we finally decided to make it happen.
Although I uploaded the video of this trip on April 13, 2024, I never got around to writing the story behind it until now. Watching the video again brought back so many good memories, and I thought it deserved a place here on my blog.
Before we continue, here’s the video from our Bantay Lobbot adventure. Feel free to watch it first or come back to it after reading the story.
Bantay Lobbot is located in Barangay Lobbot, Dipaculao, Aurora. I honestly can’t remember the exact jump-off point anymore since it’s been a while, but finding the place wasn’t difficult. If you’re visiting for the first time, don’t hesitate to ask the locals. They’re friendly and can easily point you in the right direction.
The hike itself isn’t very long—it took us around 30 minutes to reach the top. The trail is quite steep in some parts, but thankfully there are stairs that make the climb easier. The path is surrounded by trees, so even though you’re going uphill, the shade helps make the hike more comfortable.
If you’re not used to hiking or haven’t been active lately, I suggest doing a little warm-up before you start. A few stretches can make a big difference, especially when you’re climbing uphill.
As we got closer to the summit, the excitement kept growing. We were all curious if the view would really be as beautiful as everyone said.
And honestly… it didn’t disappoint.
Standing at the top, we were welcomed by an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean stretching into the horizon. Looking down, all we could see were endless green trees covering the mountains below. On a clear day, you can even spot Baler and Diguisit Beach from the viewpoint.
We stayed there for a while, enjoying the cool breeze, taking photos, and simply appreciating the beauty around us. Sometimes, you don’t really need to travel far to find a place that makes you stop and admire nature.
If you’re planning to visit Bantay Lobbot, don’t forget to bring enough water and a few snacks. For me, the best time to hike is either 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM or 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM when the weather is cooler and the sunlight is perfect for enjoying the scenery. And of course, always practice Leave No Trace. Bring your trash back with you and help keep the place clean for everyone.
Looking back, I’m really glad we decided to go that day. What started as a simple invitation between cousins turned into one of those memories I’ll always treasure.
Since that hike, I’ve learned that Bantay Lobbot has continued to improve. The stairs are now much better than they were during our visit, making the climb safer and more comfortable for hikers. There are also new structures built at the summit where visitors can relax while enjoying the breathtaking view.
Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to visit Bantay Lobbot again since our last hike. Seeing the recent photos and hearing about the improvements makes me even more excited to return someday. It would be nice to experience the place again, see how much it has changed, and maybe create a new video and blog to compare the old Bantay Lobbot with what it looks like today.
After all, that’s one of the beautiful things about traveling—you don’t just collect memories, you also get the chance to come back and see how places grow over time.
Bantay Lobbot isn’t just about reaching the summit. It’s about spending time with the people you’re with, getting a bit of exercise, and being reminded of how beautiful Aurora truly is.
If you’re ever in Dipaculao and looking for a short but rewarding hike, I think Bantay Lobbot is definitely worth adding to your list.
Thanks for reading, and if you’d like to see how our adventure went, you can watch the video. It may have been filmed a while back, but the memories are still as fresh as ever. Hopefully, I’ll be back there again soon to experience the new and improved Bantay Lobbot.