Starting out on the main coastal highway, you’ll ride a 4-WD mini-truck from your hotel to about two-thirds of the way up the flank of the island’s central mountain range. Climbing upward, you’ll watch monkeys raiding the coconut plantations and see the transition from cultivated land to hardwood rainforest.
The walking trail follows a series of undulating ridges and the valleys between them. Our guide said it was only a mile and a half hike but it seemed much longer. However, there were frequent stops for identifying the various exotic plantlife and --- occasionally --- spotting an exotic bird.
The hike was a serious challenge for this 60-something flatlander --- the guide had to help me over several difficult spots --- but appeared to be only moderately strenuous for the others in our group, And despite my hurting legs I was damn glad I did it.
For people experienced in rough-terrain hiking --- or reasonably fit people who are aren’t embarassed to ask for help when needed --- I highly recommend this half-day experience. ($45/person, minimum of four.)