Philippine Mountains: A must-climb for Trekkers

The Philippines is blessed with fantastic places to visit that will make the jaw of a tourist drop in awe.

While the country is renowned for its scenic spots, friendly people, and fantastic beaches, it doesn’t mean that mountains are not noteworthy. The mountains in the Philippines are diverse, there will surely be a trail for any type of climber.

Reaching the summit is every mountaineer’s dream, giving him a sense of fulfillment that he overcame all the challenges that nature has to offer. The achiever is amply rewarded with an astonishing climb up views en route to the summit, and astounding views at the top that you never knew existed. Stroll in a rolling sea of clouds; get an up-close experience with rare animals, flora, and fauna; know how it feels to be on top of volcanoes.

Discover the exact mountain to scale with our list of must-climb mountains in the Philippines.

Mount Pulag

Location: Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya

Elevation: 2,922 meters

Time to summit: approximately 3 hours

Mount Pulag is the third highest mountain in the Philippines and the highest peak in Luzon. It earned the moniker “Playground of the Gods“, the magnificent highland reward visitors with a breath-taking view of the sea of rolling clouds, walk through it, and gaze at the marvelous Milky Way at daybreak. It’s worth the climb, trek through the picturesque montane forests and miniature bamboo slopes, stroll across a range of lush vegetation and vast, open grasslands at the summit.

Wildlife is bountiful with vanishing animals roaming the area, 33 bird species, and 528 recorded plant species.

Because of its high altitude, Mount Pulag is extremely cold. Frost can be seen in the mountain during the cold months of December, January, and February. August is the wettest month with daily rain showers.

Mount Daguldul

Location: San Juan, Batangas

Elevation:  672 meters

Time to summit: approximately 3 hours

Do both swimming and mountaineering at Mount Daguldol. Your adventure begins with the majestic rock configuration at the beach, take a dive to refresh yourself. After the swim, walk through the subtropical forest and enjoy the magnificence of the stunning flora and fauna that teems the trail. No worries about getting hungry there are nipa huts along the way that offer refreshments.

Once you reach the pinnacle, spread the picnic food on the top of the grass, while eating, enjoy the picturesque view from nearby mountains like Mounts Banahaw, Maculot, and Malipunyo. Your nature tripping can extend to the adjacent streams and waterfalls.

Mount Pinatubo

Location: Tarlac, Zambales, and Pampanga

Elevation: 1,486 meters

Time to summit: approximately 2 hours

For the information of our expatriate friends, the second largest volcanic eruption in the Philippines came from Mount Pinatubo, in 1991 it claimed thousands of lives. Nowadays, the once active Mount Pinatubo is now dormant and the incredible crater lake is gaining popularity for its fine, white sand and crystal-clear waters. On your way to the top, you’ll see a mesmerizing fertile landscape which was caused by the terrible disaster.

Swimming and kayaking were banned at the lake due to rogue waves resulting in some drowning instances.

Mount Apo

Location: Davao City, Davao del Sur

Elevation: 2,954 meters

Time to summit: approximately 10 hours

It is the country’s highest point and not the easiest peak to scale. Only experienced mountaineers are advised to climb there were numerous reports of casualties for those who attempted to conquer Mount Apo. The climb up poses a lot of challenges to trekkers with steep trails, moss-topped forests and ginormous rocks. But conquering the granddaddy is a sweet reward. It is considered as a Filipino climber’s finale, after surmounting the challenge he can move to other countries for more exciting climbs.

This dormant volcano is unique from other mountains, it has 3 summits and a crater where you can find the pristine waters of Lake Venado. It has vast deposits of sulfur, the trail is laden with moss and running water.

Mount Pico de Loro

Location: Cavite and Batangas

Elevation: 664 meters

Time to summit: approximately 5 hours

Pico de Loro, also known as Mount Palay-Palay, has a rock monolith at the summit called Parrot’s beak since it resembles one. It is highly recommended for beginners since the terrain is not as steep as the others. The highpoint offers a fantastic view of the mountainous terrain, the province of Batangas, the South China Sea, the island of Corregidor, and Manila Bay. At the summit is the Parrot’s beak, about 60 meters tall, which you can climb using ropes and gives you a breath-taking view of the surroundings.

Remember, when you reach the summit you have conquered the mountains and your fears as well. And not every person can do what you achieved.

Sources:

https://www.adventureinyou.com/philippines/top-philippine-mountains/

https://www.madmonkeyhostels.com/h2o_blog/hiking-philippines-top-12-mountains/

https://www.buzzfeed.com/isabellelaureta/jimmy-bondoc-would-be-proud?utm_term=.xtqgqzVZQ#.kuZZevYVX

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