Hiking in Luzon: 9 Mountains in 14 Months

Contributed by Katrina Alcantara

Travel while you’re young. Hike while you can!

Hiking in the Philippines is indeed exciting, fun and satisfying. Last year I was invited to try mountaineering for the first time. At first, I was hesitant because I know it takes a lot of energy and preparation to survive trekking and hiking. But being an adventure-seeker, I said “Yes”. And I tell you, the struggle was so real before I was able to reach my first ever summit. It was terrifying and tiring yet it’s one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever achieved in life.

Here are nine mountains in the country that I was able to hike and conquer within 14 months. These breathtaking mountains and their scenic views should definitely be added to your bucket list!

Also read: Go Climbing: 7 Rookie-Friendly Peaks Around the Philippines

Mt. Pamitinan in Rodriguez, Rizal

Elevation: 426+ metres above sea level (MASL)
Level of difficulty: 3/9
Days required / hours to summit: One day / one and a half to three hours

It would take one and a half to three hours to reach the summit of Mt. Pamitinan. It needs a lot of effort and inner strength because of its pointed rock formations, steep trails and the fact that it requires a lot of rock climbing as well. It’s quite dangerous for hikers especially for beginners so we were required to wear gloves to ensure our safety. The 360-degree view at the summit is one of the most marvellous ones you’ll ever see.

Mt. 387 (Batong Amat) in Nueva, Ecija

Elevation: 724+ metres above sea level (MASL)
Level of difficulty: 2/9
Days required / hours to summit: One day / two to three hours

Mt. 387, also known as “The Chocolate Hills of North”, features beautiful small hills covered with trees and grass. After the hike, you can proceed to the majestic Aloha falls. It will take you a 30-minute walk to reach the area.

Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Gola in San Miguel, Bulacan

Elevation: 196+ metres above sea level (MASL)
Level of difficulty: 2/9
Days required / hours to summit: One day / one to two hours

These two mountains are also known as “The Twin Peaks”. It is an ideal hike that’s very suitable for beginners. It will take just an hour to reach the summit of each mountain. Aside from hiking, it offers other fun activities such as monkey bridge-crossing, spelunking and swimming in the river that make the adventure even more exciting.

Mt. Sawi in Gabaldon, Nueve Ecija

Elevation: 594+ metres above sea level (MASL)
Level of difficulty: 3/9
Days required / hours to summit: One day / two to four hours

If you are looking for a place to shout all your feelings and emotions, Mt. Sawi is the next place to be after Sagada. This easy hike offers amazing views of the plains of Central Luzon all the way to Mt. Arayat, and on the other side lies the Sierra Madre.

Mt Ulap in Itogon, Benguet

Elevation: 1,846+ metre above sea level (MASL)
Level of difficulty: 2/9
Days required / hours to summit: One day / two to three hours

Of all the mountains I’ve hiked, Mt. Ulap is the most picturesque so far. It takes seven hours to reach the peak and go down. It’s the longest walk I’ve ever done. Yes, it was really tiring and it came to the point that I almost quit. But the scenic views that you’ll see along the way will make you continue. Pine trees are everywhere and once you reach the summit, the famous sea of clouds awaits.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas

Elevation: 525+ metres above sea level (MASL)
Level of difficulty: 2/9
Days required / hours to summit: One day / one to two hours

Gulugod Baboy is a hidden a paradise in the southern part of Batangas. The cold temperature early in the morning, the rolling hills, the beautiful grasslands and the magnificent views of the coastal waters makes it a must-see destination for hikers. It is also ideal for beginners.

Mt. Pulag in Bokod, Benguet, Philippines

Elevation: 2,926+ metres above sea level (MASL)
Level of difficulty: 3/9 (via Ambangeg trail)
Days required / hours to summit: One day / three to four hours

An adventure above the clouds, the playground of the gods, the third highest peak in the Philippines and the highest point Luzon — these are just some of the words associated with Mt. Pulag. It is also said to be one of the most well-maintained premier national parks in the country. What makes it more special is that the borders of the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya meet at the mountain’s peak. Standing at 9,587 ft, meeting the sea of clouds and experiencing the 4 degrees Celsius temperature at the summit are some of the reasons why every hiker should try conquering Mt. Pulag.

Nagpatong Rock Formation in Tanay Rizal

Elevation: 532+ metres above sea level (MASL)
Level of difficulty: 4/9
Days required / hours to summit: One day / two to three hours

Nagpatong Rock Formation consists of two towering limestone cliffs facing each other. With all the mountains I’ve been on, this is the most challenging and riskiest, yet also the most worthwhile adventure I’ve been through. You’ll need to survive a lot of rock climbing and nerve-wracking ascent to see the impressive rock formation and have amazing photos.

Also read: Why Climbing a Mountain is the Best Way to Start Your Year

In every hike, I always tend to say “I quit”, “This is my last hike” or “I can’t” along the way. Little did I know, the next mountain I would be conquering would be my 10th summit. I never thought that hiking would be this fun and I can absolutely say that this is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences in life that everyone should try to accomplish.