PHilippine Mountain Climbing, Trekking and Hiking Vacations

The best treasures in the Philippines are found beyond the end of the road. Only by hiking and trekking these places can be reached. It’s a hidden away place where crystal water plunge over breathtaking falls and aborigines find their home as in the past centuries.

There can be found cliffs towering above crashing surfs, virgin forests, clear rivers, mossy jungles and cool mountain ridges. Only trekkers experience the exhilaration of conquering the heights of Mt. Apo. Or passing through the scary moon-like landscape of Mt. Pinatubo.

These experiences, and many others, are awaiting those who want to leave the road, carry their packs and trek the Philippines.

Mountaineering in the Philippines is a unique and a plentiful experience. Just like trekking and following a river.

For the expert climber, some areas do demand that rock climbing and rappelling skills be put to use.

For nature lovers, the rewards are many. More than fifty climb, trek and river tail sites are sure to delight the adventurers.

Most famous mountains in the Philippines are Mt. Pulog, Mt. Mayon, Mt. Halcon, Mt. Apo and Mt. Banahaw.

LUZON - Manila & Environs
Mountain Climbing and Hiking Vacations

Mt. Natib - Bataan

A ferry ride away or bus ride to Bataan. great view of Manila Bay from a top. same are as the historical site of Mt. Samat. Limatiks abound. insurgency can be a problem.

Taal Volcano - Batangas

South of Manila is the province of Batangas, blessed with nuemrous peaks and coral laiden shores. Below are nuemrous peaks in Batangas. This is the mountain on the opposite of Tagaytay ranges is the favorite among weekend warriors.

An easy climb with the most reward of a commanding view of the infamous Taal Volcano and it's lake. on the other peripheral half is the view of Balayan Bay where Anilao is located. Trails are badly worn out and more and more becoming of a commercial trail esp during summer.

Taal Volcano: a dark, little history of a dark, little Philippine volcano A personal story and experience with Taal.

Mt Makulot Mountain Hiking: a beginner's step

The year was 2002, and I've only started mountain hiking.

Back in the summer of that year I only had two climbs under my belt? Arayat in Pampanga and Batulao in Batangas? so I still didn't fully appreciate the natural beauty of these towering gems.

That is, until I saw Mt. Makulot.

Mt Sembrano:

This is to the east in the province of Rizal a 3hrs jeepney ride. More of a hill. great views of the largest lake in Luzon, Laguna de bay.

Cavinti ranges

Accessed through Rizal Prov on the east or from the south through Laguna. This is a stretch of mountain lining the south side of Laguna de bay.

More than 5 falls can be reached. Great site for rapelling. Nice view of Laguna de Bay and Caliraya man-made lake.

Mt. Batulao

The jagged peak! Two significant peaks. great views of the surrounding area. Fruit bearing trees are abound but are farmed by the locals.

Mt. Talamitam

A stone throw away from Batulao on the side of the hiway. Great views much the same as in Batulao with an active river running.

Mt. Pico de Loro:

Mt. Pico de Loro can be accessed from Nasugbu, Batangas or Teranate Cavite. Peak is carved from larged boulder in the shape of Parrot's Beak, hence the name. Offers a stunning 360 degrees view the shipping lanes, the beautiful caylabne bay and a great nightview of the towns. on it's foot is a military base.

Mt. Banahaw:

So much for Batangas and lets head to Quezon. This is the well known enchanted mountain. A magnet for worshippers during the Holy week. Great views of the surrounding towns and a glimpse of the 7 lakes of San Pablo. At least 3 days are needed to hike all throughout the mountain.

Mt. Cristobal :

If Banahaw is the positive peak this is the negative. Also known to be enchanted. this is a dormant volacano with best view of the 7 lakes.

Mt. Makiling:

Mt. Makiling is in Laguna. Also a dormant volacano with an active mud spring. view from the peak is limited. a very diverse rainforest with rich flora nad fauna. Limatik can be a problem.

Mount Santo Tomas

Mount Santo Tomas is in Tuba,Benguet, which overlooks Baguio City, can be reached in a half-day climb from the base of the road in Green Valley, a suburb of Baguio. It's another destination to get yourself ready for more strenous treks.

Pinatubo Volcano - Zambales / Pampanga

Join the ANNUAL PINATUBO TREK (A MARCH TO PEACE TRANQUILITY)
November 30 | Brgy. Sta Juliana, Capas Tarlac. An annual event to commemorate the world-famous eruption of Mt. Pinatubo heralded the world over as the biggest and geologic uphearal of the20th century.Guides are now required. very nice view of the crater from the candelaria. very serene.

Mt. Pinatubo, 14 years after

It was only by a twist of fate and God's providence that I was able to join erwin's pinatubo trek/climb last weekend.

Up to friday afternoon, I have almost given up on the trip, what with a big presentation looming over us early in the coming week.

But join it I did and it was long, arduous, but a thoroughly unforgettable experience.

 

Mt. Arayat - Pampanga

The only outgrowth in central luzon plains. view of the surrounding towns and Mt Pinatubo.

 

LUZON - Northern & Cordilleras
Mountain Climbing
and Hiking Vacations

Mt. Pulag - Mountain Province

Mt. Pulag is the best place in Luzon for capturing the beauty both the sunrise and sunset and viewing both the east and west coasts. With its peak at 9,640 feet above sea level, Mount Pulag is only several feet lower than Mount Apo in Mindanao.

Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB) overseas the mountain.

The Mt. Pulag peak is accessible through Kabayan, outside Baguio, 450Km or a 6 hour bus ride north of Manila.

Sagada

In the Mountain Province of northern Luzon Island 6 hours north of Baguio City, Philippines offers great trekking and caving. One day, two day and a 3 day trek to Bontoc are available with local inexpensive guides. Find guides at almost anywhere you stay in the village.

Banaue

The walk up to Batad, 20 minutes by jeepney outside the village of Banaue, famous for its 2000 year old rice terraces is a good place to start getting in shape with a three hour uphill walk.

Batanes Island Philippines Photo Gallery

by Estan

I came to Batanes February 2004 for a week's stay.

I was supposed to travel to Cambodia and Vietnam as part of my yearly travel in time for my birthday but the bird flu that struck those countries that time made me change my plans.

And I was not regretting my decision

Southern LUZON Mountain Climbing and Hiking Vacations
Bicol, Masbate, Marinduque, Mindoro

Mayon Volcano - Bicol

The World's most perfect cone is 12 hours from Manila by bus to Legaspi City. Climbing time for Mayon ( 2462 Meters ) is two days if you're very fit, the weather is clear, and in you're in a rush, but three days will allow more time to enjoy the views and less time for your legs to recover.

You might get some rain on Mayon unless you go during the summer months of March to May.

DEFINITELY DO NOT climb it alone or withOUT a guide since there are many deadends, curves and twisted paths.

VISAYAS - Cebu, Leyte, Negros, Panay, Romblon
Mountain Climbing and Hiking Vacations

Canlaon Volcano - Negros

Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island is a great place to trek with 2 route choices available. Negros, the Philippines. Trekking is allowed only during March and October to December, weather and volcano permitting.

Contact:Protected Areas Superintendent (July 2000 Mr. Errol A Gatumbato) at least 3 months in advance to get application forms. DENR-PENRO Negros Occidental Compound South Capital Road, Bacolod City, Philippines,

MT Kanlaon ( 2465 meters ) in northern Negros Island; call the City Tourist Office in Bacolod at 434-7472 to contact the NMC ( Negros Mountaineering Club ) for organizing your trek with a guide ( P6000 for 2 persons starting from Mambucal and P5000 starting from La Carlota ) Allow for 3 to 4 days to complete this trek.

 

MINDANAO Mountain Climbing and Hiking Vacations

Mt. Apo Climb - Davao

The Philippines highest peak near Davao on Mindanao Island can be done by seasoned trekkers in a day or two but most people should allow 5 to 6 days for getting ready and the climb up and back down.

Philippines. The "Grandfather" of Philippine peaks is the nickname of Mt. Apo which anchors the southern end of a range that bisects Mindanao the archipelago's southern island.

Soaring to 3,143 ( some say 2954 meters )meters (10,311 feet), the highest point in the Philippines, it is the centerpoint of the Mt. Apo National Park located on the boundary between the provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato.

At 72,800 hectares, the park is one of the largest in the country and is home to the endangered Philippine Eagle. The gateway to the park is through the town of Kidapawan.

If you're planning a trip, take a look at "Preparing for Mt. Apo Climb" and the "Mt. Apo Climbing Guide" for more information which you can find in National Bookstores.

It takes 4 or 5 days and March thru May(the dry season)is the best time to go. There are Water Falls and HotSprings on the way up that provide beautiful "rest stops".

Guides and porters can be hired for P300 / day from Kidapawan. You need a warm sleeping bag, plenty of water and don't forget salt to prevent dehydration.

There are two routes the Kapatagan, the shorter one and the Kidapawan maybe one day longer

 

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