If you’re an avid mountain climber and hiker looking for your next challenge, the Philippines is the place to explore!
From the highest peaks like Mount Apo and Mount Pulag to the active volcano like Mount Kanlaon and the remote and challenging ones like Mount Guiting-Guiting and Mount Dulang-Dulang, each mountain offers a unique and rewarding experience.
Here’s a guide to 10 of the country’s must-see climbing and hiking destinations—from lush rainforests to impressive peaks in volcanic regions—ensuring time spent on every mountain will be rewarding. For experienced hikers and first-timers alike, this list has something for everyone!
1. Mount Apo
Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines, located in Davao City. It is a popular destination for climbing and hiking enthusiasts. The climb to the summit is challenging, with steep inclines and rocky terrain, but the views from the top are spectacular. The mountain is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several species that are found only on Mount Apo.
Climbing the mountain requires a permit from the local government, and it is recommended to hire a guide for the climb. The trail to the summit is divided into three main routes: the Kapatagan trail, the Kidapawan trail, and the Sta. Cruz trail. The Kapatagan trail is the most popular and well-maintained route, while the Kidapawan trail is the longest and most challenging. The Sta. Cruz trail is the least traveled of the three.
Address: Davao City, Davao del Sur
Whatsapp: +61414109630
Email: [email protected]
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2. Mount Pinatubo
Mount Pinatubo is a stratovolcano located in the Zambales province of the Philippines. It is a popular destination for climbing and hiking enthusiasts, known for its beautiful scenery and unique geological features. The volcano last erupted in 1991, creating a large crater lake and leaving a landscape of ash and lahar deposits.
Climbing Mount Pinatubo requires a permit from the local government and it is recommended to hire a guide for the climb. The trail to the summit is well-maintained and not overly difficult, but it can be quite hot and dusty, especially during the dry season. The climb typically takes around 3-4 hours to reach the summit, but hikers should be prepared for the heat and bring enough water and sunscreen.
Address: Zambales Mountains
Phone: +639158812136
Email: [email protected]
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3. Mount Pulag
Mount Pulag is a mountain located in the Benguet province of the Philippines. It is the third highest mountain in the country and a popular destination for climbing and hiking enthusiasts. The mountain is known for its beautiful landscapes, including mossy forests, grasslands, and alpine vegetation.
Climbing Mount Pulag requires a permit from the local government and it is recommended to hire a guide for the climb. The trail to the summit is well-maintained and not overly difficult, but it can be quite steep in some areas. The climb typically takes around 2-3 days, with the option to camp overnight at designated campsites.
Address: Kabayan, Benguet
Phone: 0744447428
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4. Mount Guiting-Guiting
Mount Guiting-Guiting, also known as G2, is a mountain located in the Romblon province of the Philippines. It is known as one of the most challenging and technical mountains to climb in the country, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. The mountain is also known for its lush vegetation and diverse range of flora and fauna.
Climbing Mount Guiting-Guiting requires a permit from the local government and it is mandatory to hire a guide for the climb. The trail to the summit is not well-maintained and can be quite difficult, requiring technical climbing skills and experience. The climb typically takes around 3-4 days, with the option to camp overnight at designated campsites.
Address: San Fernando, Romblon
Email: [email protected]
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5. Mount Halcon
Mount Halcon is a mountain located in the Oriental Mindoro province of the Philippines. It is known as one of the most challenging and remote mountains to climb in the country, with steep inclines and rugged terrain. The mountain is also known for its lush vegetation and diverse range of flora and fauna.
Climbing Mount Halcon requires a permit from the local government and it is mandatory to hire a guide for the climb. The trail to the summit is not well-maintained and can be quite difficult, requiring technical climbing skills and experience. The climb typically takes around 3-4 days, with the option to camp overnight at designated campsites.
Address: Baco, Oriental Mindoro
Phone: +639189134437
Email: [email protected]
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6. Mount Kitanglad
Mount Kitanglad is a mountain located in the Bukidnon province of the Philippines. It is the fourth highest mountain in the country and a popular destination for climbing and hiking enthusiasts. The mountain is known for its beautiful landscapes, including mossy forests, grasslands, and alpine vegetation.
Climbing Mount Kitanglad requires a permit from the local government and it is recommended to hire a guide for the climb. The trail to the summit is well-maintained and not overly difficult, but it can be quite steep in some areas. The climb typically takes around 2-3 days, with the option to camp overnight at designated campsites.
Address: Sumilao, Bukidnon
Phone: +6399652250405
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7. Mount Kabunian
Mount Kabunian is a mountain located in the Benguet province of the Philippines. It is not as well-known as some of the other mountains in the area, but it is still a popular destination for climbing and hiking enthusiasts due to its natural beauty and challenging terrain. The mountain is known for its rugged landscape, including steep inclines and rocky terrain.
The summit of Mount Kabunian offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby mountains and the sea. Hikers can also see unique flora and fauna such as dwarf bamboo, mossy forests, and the endangered Philippine eagle.
Address: RM5Q+5JJ, Bakun, Benguet
Email: [email protected]
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8. Mount Kanlaon
Mount Kanlaon is an active volcano located on the island of Negros, Philippines. It is the highest peak on the island and a popular destination for climbing and hiking enthusiasts. The volcano is known for its beautiful landscapes, including lush rainforests, hot springs, and sulfur vents.
Climbing Mount Kanlaon requires a permit from the local government and it is recommended to hire a guide for the climb. The trail to the summit is well-maintained and not overly difficult, but it can be quite steep in some areas and hikers should be prepared for the heat and humidity. The climb typically takes around 2-3 days, with the option to camp overnight at designated campsites.
Address: Negros Occidental
Email: [email protected]
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9. Mount Dulang-dulang
Mount Dulang-dulang is a mountain located in the Bukidnon province of the Philippines. It is the second-highest mountain in the country and a popular destination for climbing and hiking enthusiasts. The mountain is known for its beautiful landscapes, including mossy forests, grasslands, and alpine vegetation.
The summit of Mount Dulang-dulang offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, including the sea of clouds that often covers the mountain during the early morning. Hikers can also see unique flora and fauna such as dwarf bamboo, mossy forests, and the endangered Philippine eagle.
Address: Malaybalay, Bukidnon
Phone: +639652250405
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10. Osmeña Peak
Osmeña Peak, the highest peak in Cebu standing at 1,000 meters above sea level, is a beloved mountain climbing and hiking destination. Its towering summit provides breathtaking views of the nearby mountain range and miles beyond. Going up Osmeña Peak is an experience that will both challenge and reward visitors with amazing vistas and rewarding moments. There are three trails for visitors to choose from: Valencia, Kawasan Falls (busiest), and Oslob. Each trail offers something unique, from challenging terrains to spectacular scenery the entire way. For a truly immersive experience, tackling all three trails is highly recommended by experienced hikers!
Address: Badian, Cebu
Phone: +6399123456789
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11. Mount Daguldol
Mount Daguldul is a mountain located in Batangas, Philippines. It is not as well-known as some of the other mountains in the area, but it is still a popular destination for climbing and hiking enthusiasts due to its natural beauty and challenging terrain. The mountain is known for its rugged landscape, including steep inclines and rocky terrain.
Climbing Mount Daguldul requires a permit from the local government and it is recommended to hire a guide for the climb, as the trail is not well-maintained and can be quite difficult to navigate. The climb typically takes around 2-3 days, with the option to camp overnight at designated campsites.
Address: Lobo, Batangas
Phone: +630437231511
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12. Mount Mariveles
Mount Mariveles in the Philippines offers some of the most stunning views of nature. It is an ideal hiking destination, boasting an abundance of trails and activities for hikers to enjoy.
From its rugged peaks to its lush valleys and rolling hills, Mount Mariveles is the perfect backdrop for a day or two spent exploring and enjoying nature.
With plenty of trails ranging from short walks to long treks, people of all levels can embark on their own adventure in this majestic landscape. From breathtaking views to unspoiled forests where wildlife can be spotted enjoying themselves — visitors to Mount Mariveles won’t be left wanting when it comes to fabulous sights and unforgettable memories.
Address: GFGV+78X, Mariveles, Bataan
Phone: (047) 237 3488
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13. Mount Pico De Loro
Mount Pico De Loro, also known as Mount Palay-Palay, is a mountain located on the border of the Cavite and Batangas provinces of the Philippines. It is a popular destination for climbing and hiking enthusiasts due to its natural beauty and challenging terrain. The mountain is known for its distinctive summit, which is shaped like a parrot’s beak, hence its name which translates to “Parrot’s Beak” in Spanish.
Climbing Mount Pico De Loro requires a permit from the local government and it is recommended to hire a guide for the climb, as the trail can be difficult to navigate. The climb typically takes around 1-2 days, with the option to camp overnight at designated campsites.
Address: Nasugbu, Batangas
Phone: +63043723-1511
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In conclusion
In conclusion, the Philippines is home to many beautiful and challenging mountains that offer a wide range of experiences for climbing and hiking enthusiasts.
From the highest peaks like Mount Apo and Mount Pulag, to the active volcano like Mount Kanlaon and the remote and challenging ones like Mount Guiting-Guiting and Mount Dulang-Dulang, each mountain offers a unique and rewarding experience.
It’s important to note that climbing and hiking in these mountains can be challenging and it’s recommended to come prepared with appropriate clothing, footwear, and gear, as well as enough water and supplies.
