Although mountain climbing is not for the fainthearted, the willingness to tramp more than steely nerves is sometimes what encourages someone to start hiking. As all it takes is a single step to become a seasoned mountaineer, below is a list of mountains near the Metro Manila Area that we can recommend to novice climbers.
Happy Hiking Everyone! Hopefully, we shall thread similar trails one of these days.
Southern Metro Manila
1. Mt. Maculot - Cuenca, Batangas
It is usually the 1st mountain that a Metro Manila-based mountaineer will climb probably because of its accessibility even for those using public transport. Moreover, Mt. Maculot offers a decent challenge, forested trails, and magnificent views of the Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. It's Rockies is truly one of a kind.
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| At the Rockies |
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| Mt. Maculot...taken from the Rockies |
2. Manabu Peak - Sto. Tomas, Batangas
Manabu short for "Mataas na Bundok", has canopy-covered trails like that of Mt. Maculot and Pico de Loro. Do not be deceived by its name as its summit is really accessible within a 2-hr hike. Hence, its prominence among mountaineering newbies. Aside from this, it is also a favorite pilgrim area during the Lenten Season, especially the Holy Week.
Its bald peak offers unobstructed views of the Batangas/Laguna areas. That is, after you have already went past the series of fruit orchards along the trail.
3. Mt. Gulugod Baboy / Mt. Pinagbanderahan - Mabini, Batangas
Although there are issues whether it should really be categorized as a mountain or hill, Mt. Gulugod Baboy offers a challenging hike as well as splendid views of Batangas Bay, Balayan Bay, including the nearby Verde Island, Maricaban Island, Sumbrero Island and Mindoro. Other notable peaks like Mt. Batulao, Mt. Maculot and Pico de Loro are also visible.
It has its own version of "Teletubbyland" and since trees are rather scarce at or near its summit, it is best to start scaling this mountain very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Nevertheless, this absence of trees make Mt. Gulugod Baboy as one of the best peaks to watch either the sunrise or the sunset.
4. Mt. Pico de Loro / Mt. Palay-Palay - Ternate / Maragondon, Cavite
It offers challenging trails, the most sought-after of which is the one of a kind challenge of climbing the celebrated "Monolith". Since it is one of the more famous mountains even for weekend warriors, make sure to start hiking early should you wish to conquer the Monolith unless of course, you have the time to camp overnight.
There is also that unobstructed views of the surrounding areas at the summit that will surely leave a weary hiker breathless.
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| The Monolith |
5. Mt. Talamitam - Nasugbu, Batangas
It is usually referred to in the mountaineering world as Mt. Batulao's Sibling, maybe because they are located within close proximity of each other. Although it is relatively more obscure that his big brother, Mt. Talamitam also has its own and unique challenges to offer. Besides, it has its Teletubbyland which will surely capture the interest of shutterbugs.
At least three (3) different trails from the Teletubbyland which may be classified as easy, moderate and hard, lead to its summit.
6. Mt. Batulao - Nasugbu, Batangas
Considered as one of the more popular and challenging hikes for newbies. A through and through hike from the New Trail to the Old Trail is recommended rather than the opposite itinerary. Expect to negotiate a series of peaks and ridges which may pose trouble to those who have fear of heights.
Located just after Tagaytay City, one needs to take the bus going to Nasugbu or Lian in Batangas and alight at the Evercrest Golf and Country Club just after the Welcome Arch in Nasugbu. Hikers may opt to start the trek here or hire a tricycle deep into the residential area (just before the fork going to the school and the other going to the trail to Batulao) to save some time and energy.
7. Taal Volcano - Volcano Island, Talisay, Batangas
A hike up Taal Volcano into its crater lake is also one famous climb for newbies. Boats going to the Volcano Island may be rented in Tagaytay or you may choose to directly go to the town of Talisay. After a short boat ride, it still is a challenging trek up the slopes of this active volcano.
Northern Metro Manila
1. Mt. Manalmon - San Miguel, Bulacan
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| Mt. Gola...and the Madlum River |
A historical site which outdoor enthusiasts consider to be a multi-dimensional destination because aside from mountain climbing, one is given the chance to do some spelunking or even take a cool dip in the river.
Just hail a bus going to Cabanatuan (so long as it will pass by Sta. Rita Exit in other words it does not take the SCTEX route) and alight at Brgy. Kamias where you shall then hire a tricycle going to the jump-off point.
2. Mt. Balagbag - Montalban, Rizal
Also referred as "Helipad", for obvious reasons, Mt. Balagbag offers a good steady hike along its slopes. It has wide and established trails that catch the attention not only of mountaineers but also mountain bikers.
Among the rewards in climbing the Helipad comprise views of the Metro Manila skyline including Manila Bay, Mt. Arayat and the fertile plains of Central Luzon, as well as, the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. A worthwhile sidetrip to a series of nearby waterfalls (for river trekking) also serves as an added attraction.
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| Mt. Balagbag...taken from the shortcut trail |
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| The Helipad |
3. Mt. Balungao - Balungao, Pangasinan
Whatever inadequacy it may have in height, it more than makes up with the pure uphill climb to the summit. Of course, there are a lot of activities that are available at the Balungao Hilltop Adventure, which incidentally is located in its base. Surely, nothing beats having a dip at either a hot spring or cold spring after a good hike.
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Mt. Balungao...taken from the TPLEX...clearly resembling a woman's breast (Susong Dalaga)
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If going there by public transport, just hop on a bus going up north (Baguio, Ilocos, Dagupan) and alight at the junction in Carmen, Rosales, Pangasinan. Then take a jeepney going to Balungao and once you reach the town, hire a tricycle that will take you to the Balungao Hilltop Adventure.
Another option is to hire in Carmen a tricycle that would take you straight to the the jump-off point. Of course, this could be more expensive than the former means of going there.
If you have your own vehicle, just go straight up north, from NLEX take SCTEX and continue until you reach Carmen / Rosales Exit of TPLEX. Turn right to Rosales proper and the town of Balungao is next. There are markers along the highway leading to the Park.
4. Mt. Telakawa - Capas, Tarlac
Situated at the doorstep of the notorious Mt. Pinatubo, this mountain has just recently been explored by mountaineers. It offers the one of a kind experience of hiking in lahar. And since it is one peak situated in the flatlands of Central Luzon, its summit presents distinctive views of Lahar Country.
Hikers on a dayhike are advised to start early since the long hike on hardened lahar will surely be hotter than your normal hike. Other attractions in the area include the Mt. Pinatubo Spa and the famous World War II memorial, Capas National Shrine.
5. Mt. Pinatubo
While Mt. Pinatubo is already accessible through 4x4 vehicles, you may still opt to hike from Sta. Juliana in Capas, Tarlac or in other trails (there is one coming from Zambales) leading up to its crater lake. Although its eruption is considered to be one of the most destructive in recent history, it is ironic that a serene and tranquil environment now dominates.
Just take the any bus going up north (bound for Dagupan, Baguio, or Ilocos) and alight at the Mcdonalds as the junction in Capas. You may then choose to hire a tricycle there going to Brgy. Sta. Juliana or go to the town center (public market) where you can more or less see a cheaper ride.
Western Metro Manila
1. Mt. Tagapo - Talim Island / Binangonan, Rizal
Also known by its monicker, "Susong Dalaga", Mt. Tagapo offers a climb suitable for newbies. The trail is not really complicated and the summit may be reached in less than 2 hours (depending on the pace). The skylines of Metro Manila, the peaks of Sierra Madre and Mt. Makiling, and a different perspective of Laguna de Bay awaits at the summit.
Hail a jeepney or FX/Van going to Binangonan, Rizal somewhere in Crossing (Shaw Blvd. cor. EDSA). In Binangonan, take the boat going to Janosa. The registration area for hikers going up Mt. Tagapo is located very near Janosa Port.
Just mind the scheduled boat trips going back to Binangonan in case you are doing a dayhike.
