The Best Day Hike Destinations in the Philippines
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The Best Day Hike Destinations in the Philippines

With its countless mountains, forests, and beaches, the Philippines offers many hiking destinations perfect for beginners and seasoned hikers.

In this article, we rounded up some of our favorite day hike destinations to get you started. Read on to learn more!

1. Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales

Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales
(Image Source: Trip Advisor)
TestInfo
LocationZambales
Elevation1486+ MASL
Jump-offBarangay Pidpid, Porac, Pampanga
Difficulty LevelHard
Hours to Climb10 to 14 hours
Best FeaturesTropical forest, rivers, and the view of the Mt. Pinatubo crater
Best time to ClimbNovember - May
FeesTour guide - Php 1,500

Registration fee - Php 170

Mt. Pinatubo’s magnificent caldera or crater is surrounded by enormous, alpine-like rock formations and a brilliant turquoise lake. 

Hiking Mt. Pinatubo is for you if you’re seeking day trips close to Metro Manila. Pack your luggage, put on your shoes, and go on an adventure you’ll never forget!

2. Mount Pulag

Mount Pulag
(Image Source: Pinterest)
TestInfo
LocationBenguet
Elevation2922+ MASL
Jump-offAmbangeg Ranger Station, Bokod, Benguet
Difficulty LevelModerate
Hours to Climb4 to 5 hours
Best FeaturesSea of clouds
Best time to ClimbNovember - May
FeesTour guide - Php 1,200

Registration fee - Php 175

Heritage fee - Php 150

Mount Pulag is the tallest mountain in Luzon and one of the most stunning mountains in the Philippines. 

Loved by both new and seasoned hikers, it contains some of the most diverse ecosystems in the nation, with broad pathways flanked by pine trees, mossy forests, and grassland scenery. 

The mountain is also worth climbing due to its challenging trails and stunning surroundings. 

3. Tarak Ridge

Tarak Ridge
(Image Source: Getaway.PH)
TestInfo
LocationBenguet
Elevation1006+ MASL
Jump-offBarangay Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan
Difficulty LevelModerate
Hours to Climb5 to 6 hours
Best FeaturesPapaya River and breathtaking view of Manila Bay, Bataan, Corregidor, Manila, and Cavite
Best time to ClimbOctober - April
FeesTour guide - Php 1,200

Registration fee - Php 40

Mt. Tarak, also called Tarak Ridge, is a popular spot for experienced hikers and mountaineers due to its challenging terrain featuring rough surfaces, rough pathways, high ridges, and forested trails. 

Although it is a challenging hike, it is still a highly coveted destination and can be accessed via a three- to four-hour drive from Metro Manila.

4. Mt. Maynoba-Cayabu Loop 

Mt. Maynoba-Cayabu Loop
(Image Source: Trip Advisor)
TestInfo
LocationRizal
ElevationMt. Maynoba - 662 MASL

Mt. Cayabu - 728 MASL

Jump-offBarangay Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal
Difficulty LevelModerate
Hours to Climb3 hours
Best FeaturesThe eight waterfalls and the view of the Sierra Madre mountain range
Best time to ClimbMay - September
FeesTour guide - Php 500

Registration fee - Php 100

The Maynoba loop circuit, which consists of Mt. Maynoba and Mt. Cayabu in Tanay, Rizal, is considered one of the top trekking destinations in the area! It offers a breathtaking sea of clouds and a welcoming walk.

5. Mt. Kulis 

Mt. Kulis
(Image Source: Trip Advisor)
TestInfo
LocationRizal
Elevation620 MASL
Jump-offBarangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
Difficulty LevelEasy
Hours to Climb3 hours
Best FeaturesFlower Garden, Noah's Ark, Heart Peak, Lion Falls, and Hanging Bridge
Best time to ClimbJanuary - April
FeesTour guide - Php 500

Registration fee - Php 300

Sitio Maysawa, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, and Rizal have a beginner-friendly mountain called Mt. Kulis. It provides lovely sights of well-known sites and picturesque views of the Sierra Madre mountain range.

6. Mt. Arayat

Mt. Arayat
(Image Source: Trip Advisor)
TestInfo
LocationPampanga
Elevation1026 MASL
Jump-offBarangay Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga
Difficulty LevelModerate
Hours to Climb10 hours
Best FeaturesTropical forest
Best time to ClimbJanuary - April
FeesTour guide - Php 1,500

Registration fee - Php 30

Mt. Arayat is situated in the Philippine province of Pampanga, in the center of Central Luzon, often known as Region 3. 

It provides beautiful views of the Pampanga River, rice terraces, and the Central Luzon plain. The mountain’s northern and top are located in Magalang, Pampanga, while the mountain’s southern half is in Arayat, Pampanga.

7. Mt. Makiling

TestInfo
LocationLaguna
Elevation1090 MASL
Jump-offBrgy. San Miguel, Sto. Tomas, Batangas
Difficulty LevelModerate
Hours to Climb5 to 7 hours
Best FeaturesMagnificent views of Batangas and Laguna province
Best time to ClimbJanuary - April
FeesTour guide - Php 1,500

Registration fee - Php 10

A stunning stratovolcano, Mt. Makiling is situated between Laguna and Batangas. Due to its proximity to Metro Manila, this mountain receives many weekend and holiday visitors!

It gives climbers a sweeping view of the Southern Tagalog mountains, including Mt. Banahaw, Mt. Kalisungan, Mt. Cristobal, Mt. Obabis, and Mt. Prinza, from the summit.

8. Mt. Daraitan

Mt. Daraitan
(Image Source: Klook)
TestInfo
LocationRizal
Elevation739 MASL
Jump-offBarangay Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal
Difficulty LevelModerate
Hours to Climb5 to 7 hours
Best FeaturesRiver Tinipak, limestone structures, and a broad view of the Sierra Madre mountain range.
Best time to ClimbFebruary - April
FeesTour guide - Php 500

Mount Daraitan, located near the border of Tanay, Rizal, and General Nakar, Quezon, is a stunning gem at the heart of the vast Sierra Madre mountain range. 

This well-known mountain offers a range of natural wonders for visitors to enjoy, including clear rivers, beautiful caves, and a picturesque view of the Sierra Madre mountain range and the stunning Tinipak River!

Additionally, from Mount Daraitan, visitors can witness breathtaking views of the sunrise and sea of clouds.

9. Mt. Batulao

Mt. Batulao
(Image Source: Hike to Mountains)
TestInfo
LocationRizal
Elevation811 MASL
Jump-offKC Hillcrest Golf Course (Evercrest), Nasugbu, Batangas
Difficulty LevelModerate
Hours to Climb3 hours
Best FeaturesRolling slopes, open trails, and grassland.
Best time to ClimbFebruary - May
FeesTour guide - Php 800

Registration fee - Php 200

Ecological fee - Php 140

Parking fee - Php 50

Nasugbu, Batangas, is home to the well-known hiking trail of Mt. Batulao, a dormant stratovolcano. It provides magnificent terrain views in Batangas and other adjacent provinces on a clear day.

10. Mt. Manalmon

TestInfo
LocationBulacan
Elevation160 MASL
Jump-offBarangay Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal
Difficulty LevelEasy
Hours to Climb1-2 hours
Best FeaturesViews of neighboring mountains
Best time to ClimbFebruary - May
FeesTour guide - Php 300

Registration fee - Php 5

One of Bulacan’s well-known hiking getaways is Mt. Manalmon. 

Mt. Manalmon features a relatively easy and straightforward ascent and a class 1-2 trail. It is 160 meters above sea level and offers views of the nearby mountains and Madlum Cave and River.


Did we miss any great day hike destinations that should make it to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

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