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
Test | Info |
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Location | Zambales |
Elevation | 1486+ MASL |
Jump-off | Barangay Pidpid, Porac, Pampanga |
Difficulty Level | Hard |
Hours to Climb | 10 to 14 hours |
Best Features | Tropical forest, rivers, and the view of the Mt. Pinatubo crater |
Best time to Climb | November - May |
Fees | Tour 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
Test | Info |
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Location | Benguet |
Elevation | 2922+ MASL |
Jump-off | Ambangeg Ranger Station, Bokod, Benguet |
Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Hours to Climb | 4 to 5 hours |
Best Features | Sea of clouds |
Best time to Climb | November - May |
Fees | Tour 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
Test | Info |
---|---|
Location | Benguet |
Elevation | 1006+ MASL |
Jump-off | Barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan |
Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Hours to Climb | 5 to 6 hours |
Best Features | Papaya River and breathtaking view of Manila Bay, Bataan, Corregidor, Manila, and Cavite |
Best time to Climb | October - April |
Fees | Tour 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
Test | Info |
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Location | Rizal |
Elevation | Mt. Maynoba - 662 MASL
Mt. Cayabu - 728 MASL |
Jump-off | Barangay Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal |
Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Hours to Climb | 3 hours |
Best Features | The eight waterfalls and the view of the Sierra Madre mountain range |
Best time to Climb | May - September |
Fees | Tour 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
Test | Info |
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Location | Rizal |
Elevation | 620 MASL |
Jump-off | Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal |
Difficulty Level | Easy |
Hours to Climb | 3 hours |
Best Features | Flower Garden, Noah's Ark, Heart Peak, Lion Falls, and Hanging Bridge |
Best time to Climb | January - April |
Fees | Tour 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
Test | Info |
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Location | Pampanga |
Elevation | 1026 MASL |
Jump-off | Barangay Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga |
Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Hours to Climb | 10 hours |
Best Features | Tropical forest |
Best time to Climb | January - April |
Fees | Tour 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
Test | Info |
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Location | Laguna |
Elevation | 1090 MASL |
Jump-off | Brgy. San Miguel, Sto. Tomas, Batangas |
Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Hours to Climb | 5 to 7 hours |
Best Features | Magnificent views of Batangas and Laguna province |
Best time to Climb | January - April |
Fees | Tour 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
Test | Info |
---|---|
Location | Rizal |
Elevation | 739 MASL |
Jump-off | Barangay Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal |
Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Hours to Climb | 5 to 7 hours |
Best Features | River Tinipak, limestone structures, and a broad view of the Sierra Madre mountain range. |
Best time to Climb | February - April |
Fees | Tour 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
Test | Info |
---|---|
Location | Rizal |
Elevation | 811 MASL |
Jump-off | KC Hillcrest Golf Course (Evercrest), Nasugbu, Batangas |
Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Hours to Climb | 3 hours |
Best Features | Rolling slopes, open trails, and grassland. |
Best time to Climb | February - May |
Fees | Tour 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
Test | Info |
---|---|
Location | Bulacan |
Elevation | 160 MASL |
Jump-off | Barangay Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal |
Difficulty Level | Easy |
Hours to Climb | 1-2 hours |
Best Features | Views of neighboring mountains |
Best time to Climb | February - May |
Fees | Tour 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!