Put on your hiking shoes!
A lot has changed since the pandemic and Filipinos weren’t exempted from being isolated. Filipinos are known for their cheerful personality which makes the shift more tough to absorb. But with eased restrictions, we can now wiggle our way out of the house to reconnect with nature. ‘Ecotherapy’ is good for the mind and body especially when stressed.
Davao is one charming city in the Philippines that’s worth visiting if you’re in for an exciting outdoor adventure. Aside from the beautiful beaches and surfing spots, Davao has lots more to offer. When in Davao, try these hiking trails that will definitely give you natural healing, peace of mind, and of course, an adventure of a lifetime!
1. Viper Peak Trail
Viper Peak Trail is one of the newest hiking trails in Davao that’s increasingly gaining attention from adventure seekers. This is a go-to destination for the locals of Toril in Davao since it won’t cost you much. Its relaxing view will make this an ideal place not only for hikers but also for friends, couples, and family that are looking for a new way to bond. There are also several waterfalls at the Viper Peak Trail for you to see.
Viper Peak Trail
Address: Brgy. Bayabas, Toril, Davao City
How to get there: From the city, take a ride going to Toril Mercury Drugstore and alight at Bato Elementary school. From there, you can walk up to the grassland. Grassland will lead you to the Viper Peak Trail.
2. Mt. Hamiguitan
Mount Hamiguitan is one of the country’s newest UNESCO World Heritage. Its vast range of mountain and forest in Davao Oriental serves as a sanctuary and a natural habitat for a range of plant and animal species including endangered trees, plants and the iconic Philippine eagle and Philippine cockatoo.
If you’re an experienced hiker, this is one of the hiking trails in Davao that you shouldn’t miss. You might just need to plan this ahead because they only allow a limited number of hikers on the camp site and as of April 2022, only JM Boundless Adventure Tour Assistance Services is the only credited organizer for this hike. DIY hiking is allowed but is subject to approval after submitting requirements and trekkers’ verification.
You can also see more details from Mt. Hamiguitan’s official Facebook page.
Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Brgy. Batobato, San Isidro, Davao Oriental
Contact Information: hamiguitan.protect@gmail.com
Social: Facebook
3. Baracayo-Lipadas Trail
Baracayo is another go-to destination of the locals in Davao which isn’t fully turned into a commercial hiking spot. Take advantage of how under the radar Baracayo is and be stunned with what they have to offer. Hiking trails in Barcayo’s beginner friendly so this is also a fun activity for your pals during the weekend. It’s also
Here, you can see several types of falls called: mini falls, solo falls, and twin falls and take a dip to feel refreshed.
Baracayo-Lipadas Trail
Address: Sitio Saro Trail, Baracayo Lipadas River, Tugbok District, Davao City
4. Eden Mountain Trail
Eden Trail is one of the more well-known hiking trails in Davao since it’s located at Eden Nature Park & Resort, which is another tourist destination in the city. Hiking is just one of the many activities that you can experience at Eden Nature Park & Resort. To make your visit more enriching, they have a 4-kilometer mountain trail. There are cabins, hanging bridges, ponds and falls.
Address: Brgy. Eden, Toril, Davao City
Contact Information: Day Tour Center (082) 286-0383; Front office (082) 286-0385
5. Mt. Karilongan
Mt. Karilongan is part of the Koontayan ‘to Obu Manuvu Eco Adventure Park wherein it sits in the vast hectares of land that is an ancestral domain territory of the Obu-Manuvu community in Davao’s Barangay Carmen.
The place is developed and those who aren’t expert hikers can chill and walk around the trail. Other activities include birdwatching and photography. Once you reach the peak of the trail, you’ll feel rejuvenated after seeing the view of Mt. Talomo. Guests will also have the chance to meet and learn more about the Obu Manuvu tribe.
You can also try the famous Davao durian, cacao, and more organic food.
Mt. Karilongan
Address: Sitio Karilongan, Barangay Carmen, Baguio District, Davao City
6. Mt. Talomo
Mount Talomo is adjacent to the famous Mountain Apo in Davao. Hikers who have trekked Mt. Talomo trail says it’s one the most exciting hikes they’ve experienced. If you get to hike early, you can marvel at the sunrise and get a great view of the Lipadas river and Mt. Apo. This is one of the advanced hiking trails in Davao — an ideal hike will take 3 days and 2 nights and brave hikers will have to face colder weather and sleep in tents. However, the view is definitely worth the effort. Old trees covered in moss will dwarf any hiker so you also get to appreciate how great nature works to survive.
If you dream of reaching the peak of Mt. Apo soon, this is also a good practice for you!
Mt. Talomo
Address: Purok 6, Sitio Utan, Brgy. Tamayong, Calinan, Davao del Sur
7. Mt. Sibulan
Another mountain nearby Mt. Apo is Mt. Sibulan which also has its own charm. This is one of the hiking trails in Davao where newbies are welcome to try. The trail typically starts in a small village called Baruring in Sibulan. Hikers soon will pass by farms, jungles, and boulders before reaching the summit of Mt. Sibulan.
Mt. Sibulan Trail
Address: Baruring, Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
8. Green Mountain View
If you want a quick retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, going to the Green Mountain View might be the perfect breather that you need. This trail is developed and even those without prior experience in hiking can try. In case you still need a little convincing, the Green Mountain View has breathtaking views, not to mention the Bali-like photo spots will make you appreciate how rich the Philippine biodiversity is.
Green Mountain View
Address: Brgy. Waan, Davao City
Contact Information: 0965 647 6116
Social: Facebook
9. Matanao Mountain Top
If you want an Instagrammable outdoor hike, Matanao Mountain Top in Asbang is the place to be. Although it takes an extra effort to reach the top of the mountain, the view is so worth it you might even feel recharged right away. If you have more time to stay in Asbang, you can take a side trip and visit Su’bon Cave in Sitio Talambato.
Matanao Mountain Top
Address: Brgy. Asbang, Matanao, Davao del Sur
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.