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Climbing in the Philippines

Original Post
Jan Tarculas · · Riverside, Ca · Joined Mar 2010 · Points: 917

So I'm planning a trip to PI in September and all the research I can get about climbing in the Philippines were all found on climbphilippines.com/el-nid…

I was wondering if anyone on this particular forum ever climbed there and can give additional beta/info regarding areas and routes they've done there. If not, maybe I'll expore on my own and put up some FA's

Bobby Hutton · · Grizzly Flat, CA · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 1,153

Although I haven't been to the Philippines to climb yet, from talking to my friends and some cursory internet searching, it seems there is a ton over there and an active climbing community. And from my experience there is at least 50% more developed climbing around as you can find online or in the guide book. I would get in touch with the local climbing community to get accurate and up to date beta. I would also get in touch with them before I developed any climbing to avoid stepping on toes and getting into avoidable access issues. Just my two cents.

John Byrnes · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 392

Last year on MP there was a thread about corroding bolts in the Philippines. With a little searching, you can find it.

It's no surprise they are having the same problems with stainless bolts breaking as has been seen all around the world: Thailand, Cayman Brac, Kalymnos, Okinawa, Viet Nam, etc. The list is huge.

So two things.

1) If you climb established routes, you should know that the bolts could break on you. In that environment stainless steel bolts of any grade will not last long. In Thailand, stainless bolts have broken in as little as 9 months. Check out the videos at thaitaniumproject.com

2) Putting up a FA using stainless steel is irresponsible. You're creating a time-bomb with a short fuse for someone else to fall victim to.

If you want to do it right, buy titanium glue-in bolts titanclimbing.com.

Use cheap galvanized expansion bolts for your temporary top anchors and any directionals you need. Over-drill the holes. Top-rope and decide where the permanent Ti bolts and anchors need to go. Place them and then remove the hangers from the steel bolts and drive the studs into the rock.

FYI, I have no connection to Titan Climbing besides buying their products.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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