The Best Hiking Spots Just A Drive Away from Manila

We're so excited to finally get a chance to go hiking once quarantine restrictions are lifted - how about you? But while we wait, we'll continue daydreaming about mountains in the Philippines and hiking spots all over the country. That said, we put together list of hiking trails near Manila that we think are worth the excursion - from Rizal all the way to Batangas. Check them out!

How does a hiking trip to a 600 million-year-old rainforest sanctuary sound? Hiking at Masungi Georeserve is one for the books, for it has a breathtaking oasis where nature drips in beauty with its unique rock formations. You can also witness 350 different species of plants and wildlife. Explore caves, rope courses, and many more on your way up. Taking on this trip will make your 2-hour drive from Manila worth it. Don’t leave yourselves hanging, and start planning that hiking trip already.

It may be in Manila, but here there are no TVs, network signals, and even social media channels. Mt. Purro is a family-run eco-park, tucked away in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain. Up there, you can feel the cold weather, a quiet, soothing, and a very therapeutic ambiance. Apart from that, they also have comfortable accommodations, a nature playscape, zipline, river excursion, and cooking sessions with the Dumagat Tribe.

They say, “the grass is always greener on the other side,” and it rings true in Mt. Batulao! It has a stunning series of rock formations, tons of camping sites along the way, and a cool breeze to keep you refreshed throughout your hike. You can also have spectacular views of boulder formations, grasslands, and a 360-degree view of Batangas. We do suggest you take the new trail for more picturesque spots to fill your aesthetic Instagram feed. If you’ve been looking for a sign to take a break, this might be the best time to make your way up to Mt. Batulao!

Also known as Mt. Mansungki, this iconic hiking trail is made popular by a rock formation you can climb upon for views you won't find anywhere else. This trail is generally easy for beginners, however attendees should know that there is climbing involved - of course, to get atop the rock. It is recommended to make the trip as early as possible during the day, as the queue up the ladder and the ropes to the rock can cause serious delay to your schedule. However, despite how long it may take you to reach the top of Mt. Nagpatong, we can promise that you will be rewarded with spectcular views and an experience with mother nature you'll remember for a long time.

If hiking up Taal Volcano is too difficult, try going up Mount Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas. The mountain's peak provides one of the best views of Taal Lake. Mount Maculot resides with other popular tourist destinations, so your time in Batangas is going to be well-spent. This mountain offers various hiking trails. You can choose from Trio Routes: Rockies, Summit, and Grotto. Each route caters to different levels of difficulty, so decide beforehand how easy, or how challenging, you want this hike to be.

Are you game to do more than hiking? Mt. Daraitan is a piece of heaven at the heart of Sierra Madre. It is renowned as the ideal location for recreational activities like camping, spelunking, and of course, hiking. Mt. Daraitan is one mountain in the country you can easily hike and, at the same time,witness panoramic sights of the Sierra Madre mountain range. It has striking outdoor attractions, such as dark hallowed caves, pools, century-old limestone structures, and springs where you can cool down after the hike.

Fall in love at first hike at Manalmon, San Miguel, Bulacan. When you visit Mt. Manalmon, prepare to hike back in time as this mountain is part of the Biak-na-Bato National park, a place that Emilio Aguinaldo help build. In just a 45-minute trek to the summit, you can witness the mountain’s extraordinary rock formations and caves with evident patches of history. On the way down, you can visit the Madlum river. There you can set up your camp, cool down, and meet the very hospitable people of Sitio Madlum.

Between 3 beautiful provinces rests a volcano with peculiar lahar formation. This mountain may seem enormous, but it’s unexpectedly easy to hike, which makes it ideal for first-time hikers. Mt. Pinatubo provides a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere — such as the view of the Green Place and the 360-degree view of the color-changing crater lake. Don’t forget to take a panorama shot once you’re at the peak for that amazing landscape shot! Witness it yourself by taking a hike to Mt. Pinatubo!

Climb your way up Mt. Sipit Ulang! The mountain is home to lush greenery, beautiful limestone trails, and majestic rock formations. Going up the mountain early in the morning can give you a cooling and refreshing experience rather than doing it in the mid-day. However, if it gets too hot, you can always stop by Payaran Falls to cool off and wade in the water for a little while. The hike can get challenging once you reach the cave but, rest assured, it will be worth it once you see Sierra Madre mountain range.