Going on an easy hike near Manila is a great way to set started on becoming a nature lover. On a hike, you’ll see so many different sights ranging from mountain views to flora and fauna. Hikes also give you an insight into what you’re physically capable of, so think of it as a way to celebrate your body.
Some people believe that the hiking season is year-round. Yep, even during the rainy season, because core memories start to happen when the rain begins to pour, and you find yourself miserable in the pouring rain with your friends (please don’t quote me on this).
But before you can start making core memories, you may want to find your mother mountain first.
Day Hikes Near Manila
Mt. Batulao
Mt. Batulao is located in Nasugbu, Batangas. It’s a minor climb that’ll grant you scenic views of Nasugbu beach, unique rock formations, and rolling slopes.
You can expect a grassy trail with minimal trees. That being said, start your hike early in the morning to avoid the oppressive heat. The trail’s incline is pretty gradual, but there’s rope ready for you to hold on to during the final assault. When you reach the summit, you can buy halo-halo from a local vendor to celebrate.
Batulao can get very windy, so make sure to strap your stuff down and stay aware of your surroundings. During the rainy season, you can expect the trail to get muddy. An occasional little slip and slide in the mud is normal. Just be sure to have clean clothes for you to change into when it’s all said and done.
Masungi Georeserve
Masungi Georeserve is a nature conservation area in Tanay, Rizal. Masungi has two trails, Legacy and Discovery. Both have been designed for beginners. These trails are designed to give explorers like you an avenue to commune with nature without having to go through too-rugged terrains.
As you hike through Masungi’s protected landscape, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Sierra Madre Mountain range.
Mt. Pinatubo
Encompassing Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga is Mt. Pinatubo, an active volcano that’s been quiet since its eruption in 1991. When you summit this volcano, you’ll have a view of Lake Pinatubo’s azure waters.
Pinatubo’s Zambales side is the ancestral domain of the Aetas, who will likely be your local guide when you decide to ascend Mt. Pinatubo.
Opting for the Mt. Pinatubo day hike with 4x4s will have you seeing volcanic formations, streams, and patches of greenery that will leave you feeling in awe of your surroundings.
Mt. Gulugod Baboy
Located in Mabini, Batangas, is Mt. Gulugod Baboy. It’s a minor climb with an open trail, which means you should probably slather on some sunblock and pack a cap to keep the sun away.
It’ll take about half a day to complete this climb, but every step is well worth the reward because you’ll have scenic views of Batangas Bay even before you reach Gulugod Baboy’s summit.
Since Gulugod Baboy won’t take the whole day to complete, why not consider taking a small side trip to Tagaytay? I heard that having a steaming pot of bulalo is the perfect post-hiking meal.
Mt. Pulag
Mt. Pulag is the highest mountain in Luzon. It has several trails ranging from beginner-friendly to “Are you insane?”
But for this article, we’re just going to talk about Ambangeg, the easiest trail. Despite being the easiest trail, Pulag will still require you to sleep near it for you to get a good head start on your hike. Some will opt to pitch tents at basecamp, while others will bunk down at a homestay.
Hiking through Ambangeg will have you reaching Pulag’s summit in about three to four hours. You’ll go through mossy forests, dwarf bamboo slopes, and rolling grasslands. Once you reach the top, you may even get treated to a sea of clouds.
During the cooler season, you may want to bundle up because Pulag is known to reach sub-freezing temperatures, so be sure to layer up.
Mt. Makiling
If you want to visit a mountain with so much biodiversity, Mt. Makiling is the place to be. Currently, the only allowed jump-off point is through the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). You can also ask for a guide who can take you to Peak 2 and back down.
If you don’t want to summit Peak 2 and you simply want to hang out at Agila station or explore the mud flats, you won’t need a guide.
When you make plans to explore Makiling, you need to come prepared because there are leeches on this trail – especially if it rained the prior day. You’ll need to pack a pair of closed shoes and forearm covers to keep the leeches away. Visiting Makiling between March and April? You may be in for a treat because the rafflesias or corpse flowers are in bloom at this time.
Feeling hungry? Grab a post-hike snack before going back to Manila by dropping by UPLB DTRI for some fresh milk, yogurt, and ice cream. Just be sure to bring cash for the payment.
Mt. Maculot
Another easy hike near Manila option is Mt. Maculot, which is located in Cuenca, Batangas. Usually, people start through the Rockies trail and then end up at the summit, but we find that doing the opposite can lead to fewer people on the trail.
Summiting Mt. Maculot in Batangas will give you unobstructed views of Taal Lake and the surrounding mountains. As you make the ascent, be sure to keep a close eye on your surroundings because Maculot is known for housing a diverse range of endemic plants and wildlife.
Day Hike Essentials
I’ve always believed that you shouldn’t underestimate a mountain because things can go sour really fast, which is why packing your day hike bag is important.
Here are some of the essentials you want to have in your pack:
- Cap
- Light rain jacket
- Trail food (Crackers, jelly cups, nuts, protein bars)
- Personal first aid kit
- Headlamp
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Money
- ID
- Bug spray
- Extra shirt and pair of socks
- Power bank
- Resealable plastic bags for waterproofing
Turning Into a Nature Girlie One Hike at a Time
I find that exploring nature is one of the best ways to see what the world has to offer. No matter how many mountains I’ve hiked, I always come into a hike knowing that it won’t ever be the same.
Every mountain you climb has different features, and even if you visit a mountain more than once, you’re always a different person each time. Appreciate each hike and see it as a celebration of what you’re capable of.
I hope that this article has prepared you to go on an easy hike in the Philippines. Well, what are you waiting for? Time to head outdoors!
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