On the trail: 10 hiking destinations to explore

The daily grind of the urban jungle life can get monotonous. With limited choices in the city, frequenting the same malls, parks, and clubs easily become a bore. Fad or not, more and more people are looking to the outdoors for a much needed breather. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, soul-searcher, beginner, or someone who just wants a change of scenery, hiking is a sure-fire way to get you out of your comfort zone and into the great beyond.

Fear not a James Franco-esque 127 Hours fate, for you don’t need to be a modern day Bear Grylls to conquer the mountains. Take your barkada hang-outs and family outings to the next level with these ten hiking destinations, which are not only close to the Metro, but definitely worth checking out for that dose of natural high, with no other than Mother Earth as your supplier.

Mt. Maculot – Cuenca, Batangas

Known for its ‘Rockies,’ this 3,107 feet-tall beauty is a favorite among starters. Easy to daytrip and conveniently located at the heart of Batangas, it is also known to be a landmark for locals and travelers alike. The trail to the summit is mostly forested, and once atop, offers you a 360 sighting of Taal Lake.

Mt. Batulao – Nasugbu, Batangas

Just less than two hours away from Manila and neighboring Tagaytay, Mt. Batulao is one of the most accessible destinations. Feast your eyes on
its rolling hills and scenic views, as
you trek along its spine-like rock formations. Also offering a view of Balayan Bay, it’s a no-brainer why this popular traveler choice was rated number 1 on PH Mountain Guide’s ‘Top 10 Most Climbed Mountains’ list.

Mt. Daraitan – Tanay, Rizal

Daraitan is almost always synonymous to the picturesque Tinipak River, an all-natural Jacuzzi treat, surrounded by whitewashed and marble-like rocks. Not to be overlooked though is Mt. Daraitan itself, which greets you with a magnificent limestone formation at the summit and occasional visits from Philippine eagles. Also part of the standard Daraitan experience is cave spelunking.

Lioness Back and Rhino Rock Formation – Norzagaray, Bulacan

Not for the faint of heart, rock scrambling is an activity that tests your hiking and rock-climbing abilities. Your limbs are pushed to its limits, as you do not use any rappels or safety gears to traverse up its sharp and steep stones, other than gloves, body strength, and a whole lot of faith. From afar, you see that the names speak for themselves – the rock formations are literally shaped like a lion’s back and a side-facing rhino.

Buntot Palos Falls – Pangil, Laguna

After a casual two-hour trek to the area known as Manila’s backdoor to Southern Tagalog, lies a hidden gem just waiting to be unearthed. Standing at a staggering 90-feet, Buntot Palos is one of the grandest waterfalls in the country. Watch as the waters cascade down a geometrically-aesthetic wall of hard rocks, until flowing back into the natural basin that is Pangil River.

Mt. Pinatubo – Central Luzon

A staple for Filipino mountain climbers, this iconic volcano is set to put your senses on overdrive. Brace yourself for an exhilarating ride on a 4×4 jeep through deserted lahar while you take in the scene of glacier-like barren brown peaks emitting a fuse of white smoke. All of this while you enjoy a backdrop of a magnificent crater lake, followed by a two-hour trek to an alpine and mineral wonderland.

Biak-Na-Bato – San Miguel, Bulacan

The caves of Biak-Na-Bato are paved with nostalgic echoes of one of the most important eras in Philippine history, for the now 2,100-hectare ecological park once served as a refuge and headquarters for revolutionary fighters during the Spanish War. Though said to be for singles looking for partners, childless couples, and farmers praying for rich harvest, all myths aside, its streaming rivers, lush forests, caves, and hanging bridges make for the ultimate nature trip.

Mt. Pulag – Benguet

Towering at 9,587 feet above sea level, Mt. Pulag is a hit on every mountaineer’s bucketlists – among novices and seasoned adventurers alike. Dubbed as the “playground of the gods,” many hikers brave Pulag’s high altitudes and freezing temperatures in hopes of witnessing its sea of rolling clouds. This surreal goddess of a mountain is also home to the Igorot tribes. Though a longer ascent than usual, the panoramic view of the entire Cordillera that it offers is truly nature’s magnum opus.

Mt. Pico De Loro – Ternate, Cavite

Spanish for ‘parrot’s beak,’ Mt. Pico De Loro’s formation resembles exactly just that. Its smoother trails make it a recommended climb for hikers of all levels. For thrill-seekers, Mt. Pico’s summit can also be traversed through a more challenging trail, which includes a tricky rock assault to the grand finale where you must rappel down to reach its flat top.

Mt. Gulugud-Baboy – Anilao, Batangas

Situated in one of Luzon’s diving capitals, Mt. Gulugud-Baboy only takes a 3-hour leisurely hike to the summit, where you are welcomed by green, gentle slopes and cool winds. Classified as a mere level 2 climb, this hike is so beginner-friendly that locals sell halo-halo, ice candy, and other refreshments throughout the trail, so it’s impossible for one to die of thirst. Afford to take your sweet time while you bask in the arresting views of the pristine sea and the outline of Mindoro Island.