The Philippines is home to some of the most stunning destinations in the world, offering a plethora of mountains to climb and trails to explore. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start climbing mountains or a seasoned hiker looking for a leisurely hike, these nearby mountains will satisfy your craving for lush green valleys and adventure.
In this article, we will explore 5 easy summit hikes in the Philippines. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through some of the most picturesque landscapes the Philippines has to offer.
Mount Pinatubo
Height: 1,460m (4,800ft)
Period: 1 day trip, 2 hours trekking to the summit
Mount Pinatubo boasts quite the reward for such a short hike – a gorgeous crater lake.
In the dry season (July to October) getting to the summit of Pinatubo can be a 4×4 adventure ride followed by a short 30-minute trek to the top. If you prefer to hike longer, you can follow a 5.5 km (3.4 mi) to the rim of the crater after the unavoidable 4×4 ride.
The 4×4 ride consists of river crossings, volcanic sands, and lahar formations. The trail section that comes after is a gradual slope.
You can access Mount Pinatubo from Manila via taxi, or a 2-3 hour bus ride, to Capas, Tarlac followed by a tricycle to Santa Juliana.
Mount San Cristobal
Height: 1,470m (4,820 ft)
Period: 1-day trip, half a day to the summit
If you’re looking for a spooky day hike, you’ve found it. Mount San Cristobal is also known as The Devil’s Mountain. Locals believe that a creature named “Tumao” or Bigfoot, roams there.
The most commonly used trail is called the Dolores trail and is a step above the other mountains mentioned on this list in terms of difficulty. If you are a casual mountaineer looking to do a slightly more challenging route, this one is for you. It is said that the forests here are the most pristine in Luzon, however, according to folklore there is “negative energy” surrounding the peak.
You can access the Dolores trail by taking a jeepney or tricycle to Dolores from the mountain town of Baguio (if you can find one), and then a tricycle to Kinabuhayan. To get to Baguio you can take a private bus from one of the larger cities.
Mount Pulag
Height: 2,926 m (9,600 ft)
Period: 2 day trip
You can’t make a list of beginner-accessible climbs in the Philippines without mentioning the sea of clouds that always seems to hang around Mount Pulag. Pulag is known as one of the best places to see clouds. They surround the peak and look especially picturesque at sunrise.
Climbing Mount Pulag is usually done using the Ambangeg trail because it is the easiest route. The climb up will still be a challenge, taking 4 – 6 hours up to the peak, but it will be worth it when you get to camp for a night at the top and witness the spectacular Milky Way Galaxy at dawn.
You can get there in 4 hours by private vehicle or by bus from Cubao, which is which is at the centre of the Philippines’ most populous city – Quezon City.
Mount Manabu (Mount Susung Dalaga)
Height: 755m (2,477 ft)
Period: 1-2 hours to reach the summit
Mount Manabu, also known as Tagapo or Mount Susong Dalaga (Maiden’s Breast Mountain) is considered an easy and fun climb for beginners and veterans alike.
Hiking Mount Manabu is easy-going, and the trail is very beginner-friendly. There are eight water stations along the trail and on the way up you’ll see forests, interesting plants and flowers, and local residences where you may find some locally grown coffee. The summit boasts majestic views of the Malipunyo Mountain Range and Mount Macolod (Mount Maculot) and has a big white cross marking the spot.
Mount Manabu is a two-hour drive from Manila. You can get there by using public transport, booking a tour to do the hike, or via private vehicle.
Mount Balagbag
Height: 777 m (2,549 ft)
Period: 1-2 hours to reach the summit, 3-4 hours to complete
Some have dubbed Mount Balagbag the ‘Pulag of Bulacan’ due to its similar ambience and beauty.
Hiking Balagbag is popular because the trail is wide and easy to follow, it is accessible on a budget, and sports a sweeping panoramic view of the entire surrounding area, including a waterfall, and the famous Manila City Lights (if you camp at the top or go at night).
One thing to note about Balagbag is that there is no protection from the sun – so make sure to take a hat and plenty of water when you hike this mountain.
Balagbag is accessible by bus (from Cubao to Tungko), jeepney (Tungko to Licao-Licao) and then tricycle (Licao-Licao to Sitio Balagbag).
So, on beginner-friendly hikes in the Philippines…
We hope this list broadened your horizons when it comes to hiking in Southeast Asia. Whether it’s the ethereal clouds surrounding Pulag or the azure crater lake of Pinatubo, as a beginner you still have plenty of enticing options for mountains to climb in the country whose tourism commercials promise that “it’s more fun in the Philippines!”