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Top 6 Best Hiking Trails in the Philippines

It’s time to head outdoors by exploring these hiking spots in the Philippines!

By: Patricia Marie Prado | March 24, 2023
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hiking trails in the Philippines, hiking spots in the Philippines, best mountains to hike in the Philippines

When you mention summer to anyone who craves adventure, they usually answer back with hiking!

Image: Joy Cuales

If you’re the adventurous type who prefers an active vacation, you’d probably want to pencil down these hiking trails in the Philippines on your itinerary. It’s a challenging and tiring activity, but the impact on your physical and mental well-being is astounding.

If you don’t know where to begin your summer hiking adventures, then worry not! We asked our readers about their favorite mountain destinations, and the results are in. Read on and see the top hiking spots in the Philippines!


6. Mt. Maynoba

Where: Sta. Ines Road, Antipolo, Rizal
Difficulty: 3/10


Hiking Trails in the Philippines – Hiking Spots in the Philippines, hiking trails in the Philippines

No need to travel far to experience a sea of clouds!

Image: Robert Angelo Lim

Starting our list of top hiking trails in the Philippines is Mt. Maynoba in Antipolo, Rizal. Mt. Maynoba is among the newest tracks in the country, recently opening its doors to the public just some two years ago. This hiking spot in the Philippines is generally rated a 3/10 in terms of difficulty. It means you can hike to the peak in a matter of hours.

Mt. Maynoba is also one of the best mountains to hike in the Philippines and one of the nearest peaks from Metro Manila, and it’s where you can experience a sea of clouds and the view of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges once atop the summit. Upon descent, you’ll also enjoy eight majestic waterfalls where you can take a quick dip before finishing your trek.


5. Mt. Daraitan

Where: Tanay, Rizal
Difficulty: 4/10


Hiking Trails in the Philippines – Hiking Spots in the Philippines, hiking spots in the Philippines

Enjoy this majestic view at Mt. Daraitan.

Image: Arnie Thinks

Another gem in Rizal, and occupying the fifth spot on our list of hiking trails in the Philippines, is Mt. Daraitan. Its difficulty is rated 4/10, making it a relatively manageable climb you can finish within the day. Just like Mt. Maynoba, Mt. Daraitan also offers a scenic view of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges, and if you hike early enough, there’s also a huge chance you’d get to marvel at a stunning sea of clouds in this hiking spot in the Philippines.

Upon descent, you’ll also pass by the Tinipak River, a clean and free-flowing river where you can take a quick refresher after a day of the hike.


4. Mountain View and Mt. Ulap


The two hiking trails in the Philippines that tied for the fourth spot are Mountain View in Dingalan, Aurora, and Mt. Ulap in Itogon, Benguet.

Mountain View
Where: Dingalan, Aurora
Difficulty: 7/10


Hiking Trails in the Philippines – Hiking Spots in the Philippines, best mountains to hike in the Philippines

A quick hike at Mountain View, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Batanes.

Image: Feby Opelac

The province of Aurora is most recognized for the numerous tourist destinations in the municipality of Baler, but Dingalan is also a beauty just waiting to be discovered. To truly experience and appreciate Dingalan, hiking through Mountain View to the Lighthouse should be your top priority. Once you reach the view deck of this one of the best mountains to hike in the Philippines, you’ll be welcomed by a gorgeous view of a lush green meadow, rolling hills, and a sight of the Pacific Ocean.

Mt. Ulap
Where: Itogon, Benguet
Difficulty: 4/10


Hiking Trails in the Philippines – Hiking Spots in the Philippines, hiking trails in the Philippines

Take lots of photos when you stop by Gungal rock in Mt. Ulap.

Image: @find_russel

Mt. Ulap may be far from Manila, but this is one of the best mountains to hike in the Philippines. It should be worth all the trouble if you genuinely want to escape the city’s heat. The mountain’s gotten a difficulty rating of 4/10, making it another undemanding hike. Going to Itogon, you will also pass by three peaks: Ambanao Paoay Peak, Gungal Peak, and then Mt. Ulap. Hiking Mt. Ulap became a famous hiking spot in the Philippines because of its hiking trail dotted with pine trees and its picturesque view of the Cordilleras.


3. Mt. Apo and Mt. Talamitam


Another tie between two mountains made it to the third spot on our list of hiking trails in the Philippines: Mt. Apo in Davao City and Mt. Talamitam in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Mt. Apo
Where: Davao City
Difficulty: 7/10


Hiking Trails in the Philippines – Hiking Spots in the Philippines, hiking spots in the Philippines

Witness this view when you conquer the highest peak in the country.

Image: @kellexlaw

Dubbed the grandfather of the Philippine mountains, Mt. Apo is the highest mountain in the country, with a height of 2,956 meters above sea level. The mountain is not for beginners, requiring at least three to four days of hiking. But along this long journey in this hiking spot in the Philippines, you’ll be immersed in rich foliage, beautiful landscapes, and the view of Davao City, Digos City, and Kidapawan City.

Mt. Talamitam
Where: Nasugbu, Batangas
Difficulty: 2/10


Hiking Trails in the Philippines – Hiking Spots in the Philippines, best mountains to hike in the Philippines

Only a little shade can be found in Mt. Talamitam, but it is still beautiful.

Image: Feby Opelac

On the other hand, Mt. Talamitam is a much easier hiking trail in the Philippines than Mt. Apo and would only take a few hours to complete. Although it is considered an easy hike, Mt. Talamitam still poses challenges as no trees are available in the area, hindering you from resting under shade during your hike. There’s also a steep ascent to its peak that makes the hike all the more challenging.


2. Mt. Batulao

Where: Nasugbu, Batangas
Difficulty: 7/10


Hiking Trails in the Philippines – Hiking Spots in the Philippines, hiking trails in the Philippines

Witness nature’s best while walking the trails of Mt. Batulao.

Image: Ichigo Olaivar

Mt. Batulao landed on the second spot on our list of hiking trails in the Philippines, a clear runner-up, and it’s no surprise why. Mt. Batulao is one of the best mountains to hike in the Philippines among hikers for its proximity to Metro Manila and relatively easy trail, which can be conquered within a day. It also offers a jaw-dropping view of mountain ranges and a profile of the city of Batangas once you reach its peak.

Mt. Batulao is known for its two trails, the Old and New Trails. Both tracks offer different challenges and make your second or third climb well worth it.


1. Mt. Pulag

Where: Cordillera Central
Difficulty: 4/10
Voter’s comment:
“Because Mt. Pulag is a majestic mountain that rewards its visitors with a phenomenal sea of rolling clouds and a heart-stopping view.”-Victor Sajulga


Hiking Trails in the Philippines – Hiking Spots in the Philippines, hiking spots in the Philippines

Wake up under a sea of clouds at Mt. Pulag.

Image: @felixocta

The most preferred hiking trail in the Philippines is Mt. Pulag. Undeniably one of the most well-known mountains in the country, Mt. Pulag is the third-highest peak in the country and the highest one in Luzon. It also became one of the best hiking spots in the Philippines and is famous for its majestic sea of clouds that never fails to attract many tourists and hikers.

Unfortunately, a fire damaged a massive part of the mountain, leading officials to close the Akiki Trail for a time. The trail is open now, but hikers are enjoined to practice the Leave No Trace principles during their trek. Meanwhile, the management is implementing stricter rules to ensure everyone’s safety.


Now that you know the best hiking trails in the Philippines, it’s time to pack your bags and head outdoors! But remember to be a responsible hiker. When amidst nature, remember the famous advice, “Kill nothing but time, leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, and keep nothing but memories.” Happy hiking!


Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more outdoor activities and hiking spots in the Philippines!


This article was initially published in Yoorekka on April 29, 2018.


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About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.
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