Best Hiking Trails In The Philippines

What are the best hiking trails in the Philippines?

1. Mt. Makiling
2. Mt. Batulao
3. Mt. Maculot
4. Mt. Pulag
5. Osmeña Peak

While the Philippines is blessed with stunning white sand beaches and islands, adventure seekers would be glad to know that the best hiking trails in the Philippines offer anyone a thrilling trip unlike any other.

Now that most people are spending most time indoors due to the quarantine lockdown, there’s  nothing like exploring the great outdoors by hiking. Aside from the fulfilling feeling of conquering the highest peaks and getting that much-needed exercise, the hiking trails in the Philippines will also treat you to breathtaking views of mountains, rolling terrains, golden sunrises or sunsets, and seas of clouds. Ready to take a breather from the concrete jungles you’ve been living in? In this article, we’ve listed down the five best hiking trails in the Philippines you should visit! 

Mt. Makiling

Traversing the cities of Laguna and Batangas, Mt. Makiling is known as one of the most popular hiking trails in the Philippines. The mountain is believed to be home to Maria Makiling, which is the ancestral spirit that protects Mt. Makiling’s life and treasures.

If you’re looking for a bit of a challenging hiking trail to finish, Mt. Makiling is the right choice. It rises at about 1,090 m (3,580 ft) above sea level and takes 6 to 7 hours to reach the summit from the Maktrav trail in Santo Tomas, Batangas.

While hiking, you will be able to spot various wildflowers such as the Rafflesia, flat rocks, rugged terrains, untamed rainforests, and mud springs. Take note that hikers also frequently encounter limatik (leeches)along the way. Some parts of the trail can become very narrow, which is why hikers are recommended to grab onto fixed ropes and branches.

Mt. Batulao

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

One of the more beginner-friendly hiking trails in the Philippines is Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. With a height of 811 meters above sea level, the mountain offers hikers an exciting trip that takes about 2 to 4 hours. Before reaching the peak, you will have to pass through several mini-peaks, scenic rolling slopes, and vibrant green grasslands. 

People can take their time hiking the trail as there are campsites available to relax and even spend the night.  At the peak, you will enjoy a majestic view of the coastal towns that surround Batangas.

Mt. Maculot

Mt. Maculot is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Philippines because it provides an incredible view of Taal Lake at the top. It has a height of 957 m above sea level.

So if you find hiking the Taal Volcano too dangerous, this mountain located in Cuenca, Batangas offers plenty of thrill as well with its various routes. Choose from the three routes: Rockies, Summit, and Grotto. Each route will have varying difficulty levels, with the Rockies being the most difficult as it requires scrambling over boulder fields to continue ascending. Despite the difficulty, you will be rewarded with one of the best views of Taal Lake.   

Mt. Pulag

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

As the highest peak (2,928 meters above sea level) in Luzon, it is not surprising that Mt. Pulag is one of the best hiking trails in the Philippines. Located at the heart of Benguet, the trail is famous for offering majestic views of the sea of clouds that look like cotton balls. Did you know that the  indigenous people living there view Mt. Pulag as sacred because it is so close to heaven that they believe they can speak to God?

The hiking duration to Mt. Pulag will depend on which trail you’re taking. The trip can take anywhere from 6 hours to 3 days. Some of the trails include the Ambangeg Trail (easiest), Akiki Trail (most difficult), Tawangan Trail (farthest jump-off for hikers), and Ambaguio Trail (longest). 

It’s important to remember that the temperature in Mt. Pulag can drop to -5 degrees Celsius because it is located in the northern part of the Philippines. As a result, many hikers suffer from unexpected cold spells. Be sure to be prepared before hiking!

Osmeña Peak

If you live in Cebu or plan to visit Cebu anytime soon, don’t forget to visit the Osmeña Peak located in Dalaguete city. Rising at 1,013 meters above sea level,  Osmeña Peak is considered as the highest peak in Cebu. It is a popular hiking trail in the Philippines because of its rugged hills that are reminiscent of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol and the panoramic view of the South Cebu coastline.

Osmeña Peak is easy to complete even for first-time hikers because its trail is well-marked. It takes only an hour to reach its peak. Several Cebu tourist spots also surround Osmeña Peak such as the Kawasan Falls. 

Key Takeaway

If you’ve been wanting to take a trip amidst nature, then check out these five best hiking trails in the Philippines. Embark on a thrilling journey and be in awe of natural sceneries unlike any other!