Solo hiking doesn’t always mean hiking alone.
Sometimes the trail has other plans.
My hike to Malingin Rock in Liloan was supposed to be a quiet walk down to the Cotcot River. Instead, it became memorable for a completely unexpected reason. Not long after setting off, a friendly local dog decided to join me. From that point on, I had a hiking companion for the entire journey.
The trail itself is about as beginner-friendly as mountain hikes get.
Starting near Mulao Barangay Hall, the route descends gradually through farmland and quiet rural scenery before reaching the river below. Navigation is straightforward, the terrain is non-technical, and the overall distance is short enough that most hikers can complete it comfortably without much effort.
The descent is easy and relaxed, with plenty of shade covering much of the trail until you reach the river.
As we made our way downhill, my four-legged companion stayed close by, occasionally walking ahead as if he already knew exactly where we were going. It was a funny reminder that even on a solo hike, you’re sometimes never really alone.
Eventually the trail reaches the Cotcot River, where Malingin Rock sits beside the flowing water.
The rock itself has an interesting history. Following Typhoon Odette and Typhoon Tino, it shifted downstream by around eleven meters and now sits much closer to the trail exit than it once did. Despite that change, it remains one of the area’s most recognizable natural landmarks.
Like many short hikes, the return is where the little bit of effort begins.
The uphill climb back to the jump-off isn’t particularly difficult, but it’s enough to remind you that every downhill eventually has an uphill waiting on the way back. Fortunately, the distance is short enough that the climb is over before it has much chance to wear you down.
My hiking companion, however, wasn’t quite finished.
He stayed with me all the way back to the trailhead and even followed me to the parking area before finally heading home. It wasn’t something I expected when I started the hike, but it ended up being the part of the day I remembered most.
Overall, Malingin Rock is an easy hike that I would happily recommend to beginners or anyone looking for a short escape into the countryside. The trail is easy to follow, the scenery is peaceful, and the river makes for a rewarding destination without requiring a long day on the trail.
Sometimes the highlight of a hike isn’t the destination at all. Sometimes it’s the unexpected company you meet along the way.
Trail Snapshot
Why this trail is rated Easy
beesayatv is a personal project dedicated to documenting hiking trails, waterfalls, and lesser-known routes across Cebu. Through quiet, no-talking hikes and trail documentation, the goal is to create a growing record of Cebu’s outdoor spaces for hikers, explorers, and anyone curious about the trails beyond the main tourist destinations.