4 Newbie-Friendly Hiking Trails in the Philippines

Want to travel around the country and conquer your very first mountain but have never gone on a hike before? There’s no need to worry, for there are tons of options for newbie mountaineers that can be found in the Philippines. In this article, we’ll discuss four of the best mountains for beginners to try, and some tips that you can keep in mind.

Mt. Batulao

1. Mt. Batulao

Where: Nasugbu, Batangas

Elevation:  811+ meters

Difficulty: 4 out of 9

Hours to Summit: 2 to 4 hours

The ten peaks are quite the challenge, but absolutely doable if you take your time. Some hikers put on goggles because the strong winds have a tendency to throw loose soil into their eyes, which can be quite scary if you’re trying to keep your balance on some rocky ledges. If you’d like a comfortable place to stay after your hike, there are a number of affordable hotels in Nasugbu, Batangas that you can choose from.

2. Mt. Manalmon

Where: San Miguel, Bulacan

Elevation: 196+ meters

Difficulty: 2 out of 9

Hours to Summit: 1 hour

This is a great place for many people to begin, as the trail can be climbed in a relatively short amount of time. To reward yourself, there’s tons of stuff you can do after climbing the summit, such as spelunking at Bayukbok Cave as well as swimming in the Madlum river. You can even test your nerves and try to cross the Monkey Bridge.

3. Mt. Pico de Loro

Where: Maragondon, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas

Elevation: 664+ meters

Difficulty: 3 out of 9

Hours to Summit: 2 to 5 hours

If you’re aiming to see the majestic waterfalls for yourself, you probably shouldn’t go during the summer, as the hot season can dry up most of the water. For an extra challenge, try to scale the Monolith, also known as the Parrot’s Beak. However, only do so if you have enough assistance, as it can be quite difficult to pull off, especially for newbies.

4. Mt. Balagbag

Where: Rodriguez, Rizal

Elevation: 777+ meters

Difficulty: 3 out of 9

Hours to Summit: 1 to 2 hours

Climbing to the top of this mountain can actually give you a view of certain parts of Metro Manila. Due to its wide trails, it’s quite easy for beginners to traverse, and great for people who’d like to try mountain biking, too. Since there are no longer that many trees on the trail, be sure to bring a hat, wear some sunglasses, and put sunblock on so that you won’t be too heavily exposed to the sun. Better yet, go trekking during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh UV rays entirely.

These are only a few of the best places for hiking newbies to try. If it’s your first time, make sure to go with a friend. Better yet, go with a group and make sure to hire a guide if none of you have ever gone hiking before. Happy trekking!