Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, health protocols and requirements might be implemented by the local governments of the mountains featured in this article. Please make sure to abide by the guidelines to stay safe!
Do you want to improve your mental health? Take a walk with nature!
While Negros Island is known for its pristine and crystal clear beaches, its mountain ranges and scenic waterfalls can also provide breathtaking hiking views for adrenaline junkies. Hiking is considered a remedy for many kinds of problems—from stress and anxiety to feeling slack after a heavy meal. Indeed, hikers gain tangible benefits especially after a challenging trail.
Luckily, even beginners can easily accomplish this list of hiking trails in Negros! The journey might be tiring, but you will be rewarded with spectacular views, from tall waterfalls to panoramic sights of Negros Island’s summits. Strap on your finest trekking shoes and read this list of hiking trails in Negros for beginners!
Check out this video:
1. Mayana Peak
Location: San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
You will be greeted with a panoramic sight of Negros Island after a 30-minute walk to the top.
Image: Mayana Peak Facebook Page
Mayana Peak’s trail can be done by anyone and it’s like a walk in a park. The steps to the peak are well-established, making it easy for beginners. If you want to catch the scenic sunrise on top and avoid the crowd during midday, the best time to start trekking is around six in the morning.
How to get to Mayana Peak: Take the San Carlos via Don Salvador Ceres Bus at the South Ceres Terminal then ask the conductor to drop you off at Mayana Peak’s junction. When you get off the bus, take the habal-habal going to the entrance of Mayana Peak. You will see the registration area and the starting point of the hike.
As of February 2021, Mayana Peak is temporarily closed.
2. Mt. Mandalagan
Location: Talisay City, Negros Occidental
The jump-off point for Tinagong Dagat is at Patag, Silay City.
Image Source: Angelika Caballero
They say Mount Mandalagan is a piece of heaven on earth. It is also known as “Tinagong Dagat,” which means “hidden sea,” because when the rainy season comes, the flat terrain becomes a lagoon. On your way to the campsite, lush scenery and a bamboo water system made by locals will greet you. During cold days, the top of the mountain is usually enveloped by an immense body of fog, making you want to wear layers of clothing. The level of difficulty for this trail might be challenging for first-time hikers, so it is advised to get a guide.
How to get to Tinagong Dagat: From North Ceres Terminal, take the Victorias Ceres Bus and get off at Silay-Patag Terminal. Board a Silay-Patag Bus and ask the driver to drop you off at Patag Hospital. Once you arrive at the hospital, proceed to the registration area located at the hospital’s entrance and pay the fees for the tour guide.
3. Pinayun-an Peak
Location: Mabinay, Negros Oriental
Experience a surreal moment above a sea of clouds at Pinayun-an Peak.
Image Source: Azia Nerza
You don’t have to book a ticket to Mount Pulag just to be captivated by the view of a sea of clouds. Negros has its own version of it via Pinayun-an Peak located in Mabinay, Negros Oriental. It’s an easy trail that newbies can finish in a day hike, but you can also pitch your tents and stay overnight. It would be hard to fall asleep during the wee hours, because billions of stars will appear unfiltered before your very eyes.
How to get to Pinayun-an Peak: At the South Ceres Terminal, take the Dumaguete via Mabinay Ceres Bus and ask the conductor to drop you off at Mabinay Bus Terminal. Then, find a habal-habal that will bring you to Pinayun-an Peak’s jump-off point.
Feeling adventurous? Visit Yoorekka for more recommended spots in Bacolod off the beaten path!
4. Malatan-og Falls
Location: Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental
Pass along wide rice terraces and make river crossings on your way to the waterfalls.
Image Sources: Rènéböy MóLèñō and Gerlie Villamor Fabella
Opting for a trip to Malatan-og Falls is perfect for those who want to do more than just a hike. After you’ve marvelled at the rewarding view of the highest waterfall in Negros Island, you can cool down after a 30-minute hike by taking a dip in its waters. This adventure is only available for a day hike, and a tour guide is necessary for all hikers—professionals and beginners alike. And on your way back to civilization, you can choose a different route.
How to get to Malatan-og Falls: Hop on a San Carlos via Don Salvador Ceres Bus at the South Ceres Terminal and get off at the Malantan-og Falls jump-off point in Don Salvador Benedicto. Proceed to the entrance and pay the fees before starting the hike with a tour guide.
5. Guintubdan Falls
Location: Barangay Ara-al, La Carlota, Negros Occidental
Guintubdan Falls is one of the underrated trails in Negros.
Image Source: Jeremi John Bermillo
This trail located in La Carlota will give hikers the best chance at seeing various stunning waterfalls. The prime waterfall, Busay Oro (Oro Falls), is the first stop for hikers where they can cool down and enjoy spring water. Next, Guintubdan’s Busay Abaga (Abaga Falls) will tempt the hikers to go for a cold swim since the deepest point is only seven feet. And for the last stop, Busay Kapid (Twin Falls) will let you relax in a serene environment and enjoy the cool breeze from the cascading waterfalls.
How to get to Guintubdan Falls: From South Ceres Terminal, ride a La Carlota Ceres Bus and get off at the La Carlota Terminal. From there, take a pedicab going to the market and board a jeepney going to Guintubdan Resort. Then, ask the driver to drop you off at the intersection between Guintubdan Resort and Guintubdan Falls. Once you arrive at the intersection, turn right and proceed to the entrance going to the waterfalls.
This type of activity provides an uplifting boost to your mood, and the hiking trails in Negros certainly do just that. So if you are feeling low, go on an adventure by trekking these easy summits!
This article was originally published in Yoorekka on February 25, 2020.
