Top Mountain Destinations Philippines

Philippines Mountains Destinations

You may be a seasoned climber or just a tenderfoot. The Philippine mountain and trekking scenario is both easy at times and then there are some crazy hard vertical challenges that seem to never stop.

Constantly, you are reminded of the heat and the humidity. When the sweat burns your eyes and then soon you see the end of the long journey -- thats when the joy comes from within your heart - Yes! I Did It!..

Every mountain has its own set of challenges, in my own group, we have some hikers who feel that some mountains were easy while some were not. There has been a lot of disagreement as to which mountain is truly harder.  Training, Muscle sore, lack of sleep or food, dehydration, luggage being carried are all parts of what makes hikes unique to every individuals.

Here are a quick list of mountains and getaways for anyone, you maybe a local, a foreigner -- this list will help keep you track of what mountains you want to climb or not.

Lets start with Mountains that are within the vicinity, closer to Manila area -- mountains that you need not cross to another island. Lets focus on this list first right here in the main island of the Philippines Capital known as Luzon.

Popular Moutains to Hike and Trek  in Luzon

So Luzon is the big chunk of Island that holds the capital. Advantages of hiking inside Luzon is that well you need not travel far and make big plans.. Smaller, quicker hiking aspirations are all you need...

Mount Pulag 2,922masl - about 6 hrs drive from Manila. A little past Baguio...

This is the 3rd higest mountain in the Philippines. And the highest in Luzon. You can enter this mountain using one of four available trail which are Ambangeg, Akiki, Tawangan and Ambaguio trails.

Mount Mayon (Mayon Volcano) 2, 462 masl - distance from Manila by land is approximately 550kilometers...

This is an active volcano located in Albay. It still has a 'perfect' cone shape despite the many eruptions over the years. Unfortunately, the Philippine government has recently prohibited climbing Mt. Mayon's summit due to its unpredictable state.

Mount Taal (Taal Volcano) 311 masl - distance from Manila is about 50 kilometers...

 

Taal Volcano is classified as the 2nd most active volcano in the Philippines with a total of 33 historic eruptions. The complex volcano is located in Batangas City and is surrounded by Taal Lake. According to PHIVOLCS, the area is considered a Permanent Dangerous Zone.

The Sierra Madre Mountains - distance from Manila is about 110 kilometers...

This is the longest mountain range in the Philippines. Sierra Madre Mountains begin in Cagayan province and ends in Quezon province. Among the popular mountains here are Mount Anacuao, Mount Cetaceo and Mount Guiwan - all these three are contenders in claiming the title of the mountain in Sierra Madre with the highest peak.

Mount Arayat about 1,026 masl - distance from Manila to Mount Arayat is about 95 kilometers...

Mount Arayat is an extinct volcano located in the heart of Luzon, where half of it lies in the territory of Arayat, Pampanga. Unlike Taal and the others, Mount Arayat has no recorded historical eruptions. There are two trails that you can take in order to reach the peak - from Mt. Arayat National Park, you will find a trail that will lead you to the southern peak, whereas the trail found at Pampanga Agricultural College will lead you to the Northern Peak, which happens to be the higher peak as well.

Mount Pinatubo about 1,486 masl - distance from Manila to Mt. Pinatubo is about 148 kilometers...

Mount Pinatubo is an active volcano located near the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga in the island of Luzon. Its historic eruption in the year 1991 made news worldwide as it became the 2nd largest eruption of the 20th century.


Mount Mariveles about 1,388 masl - distance from Manila to Mt. Mariveles is about 162 kilometers...

Mt. Mariveles is a dormant volcano located in Bataan province. There are no historic volcanic eruptions recorded from Mariveles caldera. If you are interested to climb Mt. Mariveles, there are 3 peaks that you can choose from. These are Tarak Ridge, Pantingan Peak, and Mariveles Ridge.

Mount Batulao about 811 masl - distance from Manila to Mt. Batulao is about 128 kilometers.

Mount Batulao lies between the towns of Balayan and Nasugbu in the province of Batangas.The mountain is considered as a minor climb, with a rating of 4 out of 9. Mount Batulao is located near the famous Taal Volcano.

Mount Pico De Loro about 664 masl - distance from Manila to Mt. Pico De Loro is about 66 kilometers.

Mount Pico De Loro is located in the town of Ternate in the province of Cavite. Like Mount Batulao, Mount Pico De Loro is considered a minor climb, with a difficulty rating of 3 out of 9.

Mount Maculot or Mount Macolod about 947 masl - distance from Manila to Mount Maculot is about 94 kilometers.

Mount Maculot is located in the town of Cuenca in Batangas province. It is considered as a tourist attraction in the area. It is also a favorite for mountain hikers and climbers. Mount Maculot is near Taal Volcano and Mount Batulao.