Best Hiking Spots in the Philippines: A Trail Guide by Region

A Country Made for Hiking

The Philippines has over 7,000 islands and some seriously impressive mountain ranges. Whether you're in Manila, Cebu, Davao, or anywhere in between, chances are there's a great trail within a few hours of you.

This guide breaks down the best hiking spots by region so you can find trails near your area and plan your next adventure.

Metro Manila and Nearby (Rizal, Laguna, Batangas)

If you're based in or near Manila, you've got the most options within easy driving distance.

Mt. Daraitan (Rizal)

Difficulty: Moderate Why go: The summit climb plus the river trek to Tinipak River makes this a two-for-one adventure. The marble-white boulders and clear water at Tinipak are worth the trip alone.

Mt. Pamitinan (Rizal)

Difficulty: Moderate Why go: One of the closest real mountain hikes to Manila. Short but steep, with great views of the Sierra Madre range. Easy to pair with a visit to Wawa Dam.

Mt. Batulao (Batangas)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate Why go: Rolling grasslands, open ridgeline, and a 360-degree summit view. One of the most popular day hikes in the country for good reason.

Mt. Maculot (Batangas)

Difficulty: Moderate Why go: Two highlights in one hike. The summit overlooks Taal Lake, and the Rockies viewpoint delivers dramatic cliff-edge views.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy (Batangas)

Difficulty: Easy Why go: Perfect first mountain. Short trail, beautiful views of Anilao, and great for beginners building confidence.

Mt. Romelo and Buruwisan Falls (Laguna)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate Why go: Waterfalls along the trail, including the stunning multi-tiered Buruwisan Falls. More of a nature walk than a summit push.

Mt. Kalisungan (Laguna)

Difficulty: Easy Why go: Shaded forest trail that's great in warm weather. The grassy summit campsite overlooks Laguna de Bay. Quieter than the Batangas peaks.

Cordillera Region (Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao)

The mountains up north are where you go for cooler weather, pine forests, and sea-of-clouds views.

Mt. Pulag (Benguet)

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (route dependent) Why go: The highest peak in Luzon and the most famous sea-of-clouds spot in the Philippines. The Ambangeg Trail is the most accessible route. The Akiki Trail is tougher but more scenic.

Mt. Ulap (Benguet)

Difficulty: Moderate Why go: Pine forests, grasslands, and dramatic rock formations including the popular Gungal Rock. One of the best day hikes in the Cordillera.

Mt. Kiltepan Viewpoint (Sagada)

Difficulty: Easy (accessible by vehicle) Why go: One of the most iconic sunrise spots in the country. The sea of clouds filling the valley below during cool months is breathtaking. Pair it with Sagada's caves and hanging coffins.

Mt. Ampacao (Sagada)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate Why go: A quiet alternative to the crowded Kiltepan viewpoint. The trail passes through mossy forest, and the summit offers panoramic views of the Cordillera range.

Mt. Amuyao (Mountain Province)

Difficulty: Difficult Why go: One of the highest peaks in the Philippines at 2,702 meters. Less crowded than Mt. Pulag with equally stunning views. A serious climb for experienced hikers.

Zambales and Central Luzon

Mt. Pinatubo (Zambales/Tarlac)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate Why go: The famous crater lake formed after the 1991 eruption. The hike crosses lahar fields and river beds before reaching the turquoise lake. Most people go with organized tours that include 4x4 rides to the trailhead.

Mt. Tapulao (Zambales)

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult Why go: The highest peak in the Zambales range, famous for its dwarf bamboo grasslands. The sunrise over the bamboo fields is unlike anything else in the Philippines.

Mt. Balingkilat (Zambales)

Difficulty: Moderate Why go: Stunning views of the Zambales coastline and Nagsasa Cove. Can be combined with a beach trip for the ultimate weekend escape.

Visayas

Osmeña Peak (Cebu)

Difficulty: Easy Why go: The highest point in Cebu. A short, scenic hike with jagged limestone peaks and views of the Cebu highlands. Often paired with canyoneering at Kawasan Falls.

Mt. Kanlaon (Negros Oriental)

Difficulty: Difficult Why go: The highest peak in the Visayas and an active volcano. The climb passes through lush forest before reaching the volcanic summit. Check PHIVOLCS advisories before planning, as the trail closes during volcanic activity.

Mt. Manunggal (Cebu)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate Why go: Historical significance (the site of President Magsaysay's plane crash) combined with a scenic trail through farmland and forest. The summit offers views of Cebu's mountain range.

Mt. Talinis (Negros Oriental)

Difficulty: Difficult Why go: A beautiful multi-day trek featuring crater lakes, hot springs, and dense forest. Twin Lakes (Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao) at the base are worth visiting even without the climb.

Mindanao

Mt. Apo (Davao)

Difficulty: Difficult Why go: The highest mountain in the Philippines at 2,954 meters. A bucket-list climb for every Filipino hiker. Multiple routes available, with Kidapawan and Santa Cruz being the most popular. Plan for 2 to 3 days.

Mt. Hamiguitan (Davao Oriental)

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its pygmy forest of bonsai-like trees. The unique ecosystem here is found nowhere else in the world.

Mt. Kitanglad Range (Bukidnon)

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult Why go: A mountain range with several peaks to explore. Mt. Dulang-Dulang, the second highest in the Philippines, is here. The area is rich in biodiversity and cultural significance.

Mt. Matutum (South Cotabato)

Difficulty: Moderate Why go: A well-preserved forest with a scenic trail leading to views of General Santos and Sarangani Bay. Known for its biodiversity and relatively uncrowded trails.

How to Pick Your Next Hike

With so many options, here's a quick way to narrow it down:

Based on experience:

• First-timers: Mt. Gulugod Baboy, Osmeña Peak, Mt. Kalisungan
• A few hikes under your belt: Mt. Batulao, Mt. Ulap, Mt. Daraitan
• Ready for a challenge: Mt. Pulag, Mt. Apo, Mt. Kanlaon

Based on what you want:

• Sunrise and sea of clouds: Mt. Pulag, Kiltepan Viewpoint
• Waterfalls: Mt. Romelo, Mt. Talinis
• Beach + hike combo: Mt. Balingkilat, Osmeña Peak + Kawasan
• Unique landscapes: Mt. Pinatubo (crater lake), Mt. Tapulao (bamboo grasslands), Mt. Hamiguitan (pygmy forest)

Explore More Trails with Peaksy

The Philippines has hundreds of mountains waiting to be explored. This list barely scratches the surface. Join the Peaksy community to discover trails in your area, find organized group hikes, and track your mountain-climbing progress across the archipelago.