5 Not-So-Famous Mountains to Hike This Season
Mountains are not only a good destination for adventure and nature sightseeing but also a great environment for relaxation and self-reflection. In the Philippines, we are blessed with so many mountains that let us get a better perspective of how beautiful nature and life is. Even for an avid hiker, there will always be new places to explore.
Also read: 5 Famous Mountains to Trek in the Philippines
If you’re looking for an escape this season, check out these mountains near Manila that you have probably never heard of!
Mt. Balagbag
Rodriguez, Rizal
Located in Rizal province just two hours away from Manila, Mt. Balagbag stands 777 meters above sea level and is part of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Ideal for beginners, the summit only takes less than two hours to hike. The only challenge is it can get extremely hot and uncomfortable if you’re hiking during the day. The trail is mostly barren, so there are almost no trees that can shade you from the sun. The peak, however, rewards its climbers with a refreshing view of a sea of clouds and the lush greenery of Sierra Madre.
The jump-off point for Mt. Balabag is at Sitio Karahume in Barangay Macabud, Rodriguez, Rizal. It is best to hike early in the morning or late in the morning if you want to avoid the scorching heat.
Mt. Maynoba
Tanay, Rizal
Also located in the mountainous province of Rizal, the 728-meter Mt. Maynoba is a great hiking destination, especially if you’re after catching a magnificent sea of clouds. The course going to the summit features various landscapes, from forested uphill trails to grass fields and rocky waterfalls. It presents climbers a good amount of adventure that even first-timers can surely handle.
It only takes about three hours to hike to the summit of Mt. Maynoba, where you can find a sea of clouds along with a view of Sierra Madre. The jump-off point is Barangay Cayabu in Tanay, Rizal, three hours away from Manila.
Mount Mariveles/Tarak Ridge
Mariveles, Bataan
One of the most outstanding peaks of Mount Mariveles in Bataan is Tarak Ridge. Its name is said to be a blend of the vernacular “tabak” which is a local hunting knife and “tarik” which means steep—fitting for a mountain that has a lot of sharp rock formations and steep grassy terrains. The hike gradually becomes harder as you go up, meeting you with grueling steeps and woodlands. From the summit, you can get a glimpse of Corregidor and Manila Bay.
Tarak Ridge stands at 1,130 meters above sea level and takes five to six hours to trek, which can be challenging but nonetheless tolerable for beginners. The jump-off point is Barangay Alas-asin in Mariveles, Bataan.
Mt. Amuyao
Mountain Province
With an elevation of 2,700 meters above sea level, Mt. Amuyao is the highest point of the Cordillera mountain range. Despite its height, trekking to the peak is relatively convenient because of the presence of wooden stairways, although the trail is still quite sheer and taxing. Once you reach the summit, you will be greeted by blooming flowers amid a grassy field along with amazing views of Banaue rice terraces and other nearby provinces.
It can take almost seven hours to reach the peak of Mt. Amuyao from the jump-off point, Sitio Macalana in Barlig, Mountain Province.
Mt. Natib
Orani, Bataan
Located in Orani, Bataan, Mt. Natib stands about 1,280 meters above sea level. The mountain is quite infamous for the lurking limatik or blood leeches, but they don’t seem to concern hikers who are after what awaits at the summit. Upon reaching the peak, you can get a sweeping view of Central Luzon and the surrounding lush greenery. Along the way, you can also find forest trees and waterfalls.
It takes about four to five hours to trek to the summit of Mt. Natib. The jump-off point is Barangay Tala in Orani, Bataan just 2.5 hours from Manila.
Also read: Tips for first-time hikers/mountain climbers
Written by Rizelle “Rei” Leaño
