Top 6 Best Hiking Trails in the Philippines

Where: Sta. Ines Road, Antipolo, Rizal

Difficulty: 3/10

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.

Where: Tanay, Rizal

Difficulty: 4/10

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.

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.

Where: Dingalan, Aurora

Difficulty: 7/10

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.

Where: Itogon, Benguet

Difficulty: 4/10

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.

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.

Where: Davao City

Difficulty: 7/10

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.

Where: Nasugbu, Batangas

Difficulty: 2/10

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.

Where: Nasugbu, Batangas

Difficulty: 7/10

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.

Where: Cordillera Central

Difficulty: 4/10

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.

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