Top Three Mountains to Climb in the Philippines

                Philippines is one of those few select countries blessed with beautiful beaches and stunning mountains, both of which you can enjoy immensely.  Not to mention its diverse and rich flora and fauna because of the country’s geopolitical location isolating a few biological wildlife into its territory. Whether you prefer extreme sports or just chilling in your house with a book on a hand, there are mountains in the Philippines that everybody could try to sweat the day out while enjoying the majestic view of nature.

1.)    Mt. Apo

With an altitude of 2, 954 meters or 9, 692 feet, it is of no surprise why the Mt. Apo is considered to the Grandfather of the Philippine Mountains—and also the fact that “Apo” means “ancestor” in the old tongue of Mindanao. First climbed on October 10, 1880 by a Spanish Governor, Mt. Apo is one of those year-round mountains scattered in the country that both offers an amazing view over the landscape and has an astonishing diverse plants and animals. More than a hundred birds in the mountain are even endemic to this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mindanao.

2.)    Mt. Pico De Loro

Though the mountain climb is considered to be relatively minor, Mt. Pico De Loro is for intermediate climbers because of its terrain slope. It also prides itself for having unusual animals that climbers can see as they ascend towards the mountain peak. The trail will gradually become steeper as the ascent continues. Due to the peaks unique shape, the mountain’s name literally means “Parrot’s Beak” because of a parrot-shaped beak perched on a mountain. Located on Ternate, Cavite, Pico De Loro is part of the protected forest reserved of Mt. Palay-Palay.

3.)    Mt. Daguldol

Daguldol meaning “big” or “gigantic,” this mountain is actually favorable to beginners and adventure-seekers. Why you say? Located in the south part of Batangas, the mountain has a beach at its foot that enables climbers to swim after a tiring climb. Unlike other mountain trails, Mt. Daguldol has an easy terrain that is almost similar to a golf course’s allowing first-timers an exciting climb but not physically draining.