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13 Mountains In The Philippines To Add To Your Bucket List
Is becoming more active or doing things beyond your comfort zone one of your New Year’s Resolutions for 2016? If you are itching for a change in your usual itinerary, perhaps a trip to one, two or all of the mountains in the Philippines is something you should be preparing yourself for.
1. Mount Napulauan in Ifugao
Towering at 2,642 meters, Mt. Napulauan has earned its reputation as having the most challenging trail in the Cordilleras and, perhaps, in the entire Philippines. Its two difficult trails, Hungduan and Hapao, which are covered in mossy forests and infested with limatik (leeches), are often combined in a traverse day hike.
2. Kitanglad Mountain Range in Bukidnon
If you are up for the challenge of scaling five large and steep mountains in the Philippines, then a trip to the Kitanglad Mountain Range should be on your list. The series of towering peaks is known for its pineapples via the Del Monte Pineapple Plantation as well as its diverse flora and fauna.
3. Mount Tapulao in Zambales
While hiking in trails covered in pine trees is an experience often associated with the Cordilleras in the Philippines, many will be surprised that Mt. Tapulao has these characteristics. Tapulao means pine tree in the local dialect but don’t be fooled because 85 percent of the trail is covered in rocky roads!
4. Mount Batulao in Batangas
Mt. Batulao, at just 811 meters, is the go-to destination for newbie climbers and those who simply want to escape the city or do a side trip before going to Puerto Galera.
5. Mount Daraitan in Rizal
At just 600 meters, Mt. Daraitan in Rizal, Philippines provides a taste of the otherwise unexplored Sierra Mountains in the Philippines. Although its elevation does not seem like much, the straightforward ascent can be challenging and may feel steep for those who are not used to hiking.
6. Mount Pico de Loro in Cavite
Despite standing at only 664 meters and not being as steep as the other mountains in the Philippines, a hike to Pico de Loro can still be pretty challenging with its inclines, streams and forests.
7. Mount Apo in Davao del Sur
With a height of 2,945 meters, Mt. Apo is the undisputed highest peak in the Philippines. It is actually a dormant volcano that comes with a trio of summits as well as a volcanic crater that contains Lake Venado.
8. Mount Maculot in Batangas
Located right at the heart of Batangas, Philippines is Mt. Maculot, which is a great trekking destination in every mountaineer’s list. It is possible to get up the mountain and back down within a single day and experience steep assaults and picturesque panoramic views.
9. Osmeña Peak in Cebu
A hike to Osmeña Peak, the highest peak in Cebu, Philippines, is fairly easy despite having an elevation of 1,013 meters. Casual hikers can easily get to the top within 15 to 20 minutes and does not require a guide from the jump-off point/ registration center.
10. Mount Guiting Guiting in Sibuyan Island
Mt. Guiting-Guiting is deemed as being in the upper limit in the difficulty scale as it involves a lot of rock climbing and scrambling. This challenging mountain in the Philippines is characterized by a steep, jagged ridge called the Knife Edge that has to be crossed in order to get to the summit.
11. Mount Hibok Hibok in Camiguin
Camiguin, Philippines may be a tiny island but it actually is home to no less than seven volcanoes and has recorded five eruptions starting 1827 until the 1950s. Like many mountains in the Philippines, Mt. Hibok-Hibok is also a volcano, an active one, but with no signs of activity.
12. Mount Pulag in Benguet
The famed Mt. Pulag, also called the Playground of the gods, is the highest peak in Luzon towering at 2,922 meters. A hike to the top of the mountain is often rewarded with a sea of clouds, which covers everything else but the highest points of the Cordilleras. The cool weather makes the hike refreshing but make sure to prepare as temperatures could reach zero or even lower.
13. Mount Makiling in Laguna
Mt. Makiling, like many mountains in the Philippines, is a dormant volcano that looks like Maria Makiling, a mythical character in the country. Restored in the 1910s, the mountain boasts of diverse flora and fauna that continue to thrive up to this day. There are several trails available, including the UP Los Baños trail which is the easiest, but they are all established so that no guides are necessary for a climb.
We have come up with among the best mountains in the Philippines, ranging from super easy to extremely difficult, that provides among the most spectacular views and breathtaking sights. Whether you are a newbie, an experienced one or a seasoned climber, there is always a mountain in the Philippines that is waiting to conquer you!
