Most people think the Philippines is all about tropical beaches but
the Philippines ahs a variety of good trekking destinations and would be a great way to test out your endurance before heading
for more strenuous trekking destinations like the Himalayas in Nepal. A list of weekender treks is listed below;
Mountain Climbing
/ Trekking / Hiking from Manila (weekenders)...
-Mt. Natib: a ferry ride away or bus ride to Bataan. great view of Manila Bay from
a top. same are as the historical site of Mt. Samat. Limatiks abound. insurgency can be a problem.
-Mt. Arayat:
the only outgrowth in central luzon plains. view of the surrounding towns and Mt Pinatubo.
-Mt. Pinatubo: guides
are now required. very nice view of the crater from the candelaria. very serene.
-Mt Sembrano: all the previous sites are to the
North of the city. This is to the east in the province of Rizal a 3hrs jeepney ride. More of a hill. great views of the largest
lake in Luzon, Laguna de bay.
-Cavinti ranges: can be accessed through Rizal Prov on the east or from the south through
Laguna. This is a stretch of mountain lining the south side of Laguna de bay. More than 5 falls can be reached. great site
for rapelling. nice view of Laguna de Bay and Caliraya man-made lake.
-Mt. Maculot: so much for the north and east.
South of Manila is the province of Batangas, blessed with nuemrous peaks and coral laiden shores. Below are nuemrous peaks
in Batangas. This is the mountain on the opposite of Tagaytay ranges is the favorite among weekend warriors. An easy climb
with the most reward of a commanding view of the infamous Taal Volcano and it's lake. on the other peripheral half is
the view of Balayan Bay where Anilao is located. Trails are badly worn out and more and more becoming of a commercial trail
esp during summer.
-Mt. Batulao: the jagged peak! Two significant peaks. great views of the surrounding area. Fruit bearing trees are
abound but are farmed by the locals.
-Mt. Talamitam: a stone throw away from Batulao on the side of the hiway. Great
views much the same as in Batulao with an active river running.
-Mt. Pico de Loro: can be accessed from Nasugbu, Batangas or Teranate Cavite. Peak
is carved from larged boulder in the shape of Parrot's Beak, hence the name. Offers a stunning 360 degrees view the shipping
lanes, the beautiful caylabne bay and a great nightview of the towns. on it's foot is a military base.
-Mt. Banahaw:
so much for Batangas and lets head to Quezon. This is the well known enchanted mountain. A magnet for worshippers during the
Holy week. Great views of the surrounding towns and a glimpse of the 7 lakes of San Pablo. At least 3 days are needed to hike
all throughout the mountain.
-Mt. Cristobal :If Banahaw is the positive peak this is the negative. Also known to be enchanted.
this is a dormant volacano with best view of the 7 lakes.
- Mt. Makiling: this one is in Laguna. Also a dormant volacano with an active mud
spring. view from the peak is limited. a very diverse rainforest with rich flora nad fauna. limatik can be a problem.
Then there's
always the 3 treks which are the most demanding;
MT Kanlaon
( 2465 meters )in northern Negros Island; call the City Tourist Office in Bacolod at 434-7472 to contact the NMC ( Negros
Mountaineering Club ) for organizing your trek with a guide ( P6000 for 2 persons starting from Mambucal and P5000 starting
from La Carlota ) Allow for 3 to 4 days to complete this trek.
MT MAYON ( 2462 Meters ) near Legaspi in the Bicol region of southern Luzon Island
with the cost being P4500 for 1 or 2 persons including a guide, porter, tent and food and P1500 charged for each additional
person. For those independent travelers on a budget you can try hiring a guide for less from Buyuhan BUT DEFINITELY DO NOT
climb it alone or withOUT a guide since there are many deadends, curves and twisted paths. Allow for 2 days if you start early.
MT APO ( 2954
meters ) the Philippines highest peak near Davao on Mindanao Island can be done by seasoned trekkers in a day or two but most
people should allow 5 to 6 days for getting ready and the climb up and back down. Guides and porters can be hired for
P300 / day from Kidapawan. You need a warm sleeping bag, plenty of water and don't forget salt to prevent dehydration.
There are two routes the Kapatagan, the shorter one and the Kidapawan maybe one day longer.
More Information below;
