Mount Banahaw (Mount Banahao)

2,170 m (7,119 ft)

There are a number of trails that lead to the summit/crater rim of Banahaw, including the Concepcion route, Nagcarlan trail, De Lucban trail, Tatlong Tangke, Dolores (Cristalino) trail and the De Tayabas trail.

The most popular trail for those climbing the mountain for Holy Week is the Dolores (Cristalino) trail which takes about 9 hours. 

A trail frequented by mountain climbers is the De Tayabas trail. It takes about 11-13 hours to reach the summit and 2 days to complete the entire trek. This is the trail we will focus on in this article.

The specific terrain varies depending on which trail you take, however, some of the general trail elements include dense mossy forest, river crossings, singing cicadas, and rich flora and fauna. The hike is considered moderately challenging.  

The more difficult trails like the De Tayabas trail also include steep climbs using ropes to pull yourself up.

De Tayabas trail:

Day 1

The first day starts off on a community trail that leads to Camp 1. This section is easy and takes about an hour.

From Camp 1 to Camp 2 the real hiking begins. You’ll gain most of your altitude on this stretch, so the trail is often steep. You’ll trek through the dense jungle, surrounded by mossy trees and ferns, dodging broken trunks and tree roots in the path. It takes about 6 hours to get to Camp 2 from Camp 1. 

Camp 2 is not much more than a large clearing in the forest. This is the last chance to fill up your water bottle since it is the last stop with a water source nearby.

Day 2

Day 2 is more difficult than day 1. The way up to the summit is steep. The trail continues to go through the dense jungle with many natural obstacles like rocks and trees in the path. It takes about 3 hours to reach the summit from Camp 2.

The summit view is partially obscured by trees, but you can see some of the rest of the mountain’s caldera rim. 

The descent to Camp 2 takes about 2 hours, and it takes about 5 hours to get back to the starting point from there.

Mount Banahaw falls within a subtropical climate. The weather is generally hot, humid and wet for most of the year.

The average temperature ranges between 22°C and 25°C (72°F and 77°F) with high temperatures from late April to early June reaching 30°C (86°F).

The rainiest part of the year is between late June and early December. This is not a good time to attempt the climb. This period of the year is also particularly cloudy and humid.

The best time to visit Mount Banahaw for good hiking weather is between early January and mid-April. Furthermore, the best time to visit overall for beginners, (if you don’t mind the crowds) is probably during Holy Week, at easter time in early April, as there are temporary stalls lined up for the pilgrims who usually do the trek around this time of year.

You’ll need camping equipment, a torch for trekking in the early hours and nighttime tasks, food, and water. Hiking poles and gloves would be helpful for those who want some extra stability and protection for their hands, and leech socks are a must if you hike during the wet season.

There is a water source about half an hour away from Camp 2, but no other water sources beyond this. There is no food along the trail except during Holy Week when locals set up stalls for the pilgrims climbing the mountain. Note, these stalls are not on the longer more difficult trails, but rather are likely to be on the Dolores trail which is the most popular trail for pilgrims.

No guide is needed for the Dolores trail, however, if you take any of the longer, more difficult treks, a guide and porters are recommended.

You must obtain a permit before climbing Mount Banahaw. You can get these from the Protected Area Office of the Mts. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape.

Also, make sure to check if the mountain is open for climbing before planning your trip.

Mount Banahaw is a 3-hour drive from Manila. It is located on the border between Quezon Province and Laguna Province on Luzon Island, Philippines.

One can reach the trailhead for the De Tayabas trail or the Dolores trail by making their way towards Lucena City using a bus and hopping off at San Pablo Laguna (which is about 1 hour and 15 minutes west of Banahaw). From there take a Jeepney or other mode of local transport to get to where you need to go.

For the Dolores trail, there are many hikers on the way up so safety isn’t a concern. 

For the longer trails, the jungle poses a small danger as the terrain is quite challenging and there are animals and plants such as limatiks, snakes and wild boars on the trail. Take a first aid kit, and keep your eyes peeled to avoid such dangers.