GenSan’s highest point becomes tourist haven

VIEW of General Santos City at night from Sanchez Peak. PHOTO by COCOY SEXCION/ CONTRIBUTOR

GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Even at just 243.84 meters (800 feet) above sea level, Sanchez Peak, the city’s highest point, remains a challenge to climbers and to those who just love outdoor adventure.

Besides, it is the only point that offers a 360-degree view of the city and its surrounding environs—including Mt. Matutum, Mt. Parker and the Sarangani Bay.

Located in the boundaries of Barangays Conel and Olympog here, Sanchez Peak can be reached via two trails.

For the more adventurous trekkers, mountaineering experts suggest that they take the Balsinang route in Barangay Olympog because it offers the most serious challenge—a steep and rocky pass that is only accessible by foot.

For neophytes, the route offers an opportunity to test their strength and stamina without getting sunburn. The Balsinang route is lined up with trees that provide shade all the way to the top.

It takes experienced mountaineers to reach the peak in less than an hour.

The other route to Sanchez Peak may appear to be easy because it is accessible by motorcycles.

But because it is an open area, no tree could shield hikers from the heat of the sun so it is a must to bring lots of fluids and food.

According to those who’ve been there, the peak offers tranquility.

Leana Margarita Diaz, a regular trekker, said each ascend offers new challenges.

“Even if it is my fourth time here already, everything always seems new,” Diaz said.

Jun Sanchez, whose family owns the peak, said the hill is a gift to his father by the native B’laan tribe as a token of friendship. Allan Nawal, Inquirer Mindanao