7 Philippine Mountains Perfect For Novice Hikers


Mountain hiking is a physically draining but for beginners, it should be easy, rewarding, enjoyable, and safe. A beginner’s hike should be short without difficult, uneven trails.

This activity should be enjoyable with beautiful views either at the summit or along the way. So, if ever you want to try something new when you go out and travel in other place, try a minor climb near the city where you are staying.

If you happen to visit Manila, you can drop by and do day hikes on these nearby Philippine mountains. They are absolutely for beginners and can offer something new to your traveling diary or blog.

1. Mt. Manabu (Sto. Tomas, Batangas)

Elevation: 760 MASL
Specs: Minor climb
Difficulty: 2 out 9 with trail class 1-2

Novice hikers can finish the climb to the summit in 2 to 3 hours. Mt. Manabu has lush forests, easy-to-follow trails and a less-exhausting assault up the summit. These are just some of the reasons why beginners should take Mt. Manabu.

This mountain has enough shade and cool breeze to help hikers finish the climb on time. The big trees around the trail are invigorating. It has eight stations, well-established trails and a cross at the summit.

It’s impossible for you to get lost here, even if it is your first climb without a guide. Climbers can also get a free tasting of kapeng barako, a native coffee in the province, from the last hut that leads to the summit. Mt. Manabu hike can take around 5 hours depending on your pace.

2. Mt. Talamitam (Nasugbu, Batangas)

Elevation: 700 MASL
Specs: Minor climb
Difficulty: 3 out 9 with trail class 1-3 with steep assault (100m)

Mt. Talamitam is the younger sister of yet another mountain for beginners, Mt. Batulao. This mountain has a steady incline increase while climbing up and so, there’s no leg pain among hikers. The trail is easy to follow and it will just take 1.5 to 2.5 hours to finish the trek up to the summit.

Because of the bareness of the mountain, it can’t protect the hikers from the scorching heat of the sun but the occasional winds make the hike more pleasant.

It will take 30 minutes to reach the summit via the established trail. The whole hike can be completed in five hours but it depends on your pace.

3. Mt. Batulao (Nasugbu, Batangas)

Elevation: 813 MASL
Specs: Minor climb
Difficulty: 4 out of 9 with trail class 3 and 60-70 degrees assault

This mountain possesses winding trails, a summit that is beautiful on its right and can reach within a matter of hours. On each trail, you can see scenic mountain views and enough stop over to have rest.

However, Mt. Batulao can be scorching hot for the hikers or too muddy when it rains. Please be mindful of the narrow or steep portions located in both New and the Old trails.

4. Mt. Gulugod Baboy (Anilao, Mabini, Batangas)

Elevation: 525 MASL
Specs: Minor climb
Difficulty: 2 out 9 with trail class 1-2

Mt. Gulugod Baboy translates to pig’s spine and it takes its name from the shape of its peaks. This mountain nestled in a town known for its beach resorts and dive spots. While climbing up the scenic mountain, you will meet cows and goats. The mountain has many trails which is both an advantage and a disadvantage, so you can refer to the map and and ascend/descend to any point in the peninsula using the compass.

5. Mt. Manalmon (San Miguel, Bulacan)

Elevation: 196 MASL
Specs: Minor climb
Difficulty: 2 out of 9 with trail class 1-2

Mt. Manalmon feature novel landscapes, including the Madlum River with its rock formations, a two-hour exploration of Bayukbok Caves, and the historical Madlum cave. The complete hike can be accomplished in just two or three hours. The trail is not that steep at all and you can admire a view with rocky peak, hills and woodland of Biak-na-Bato National Park.

6. Mt. Palay-Palay or Pico De Loro (Maragondon, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas)

Elevation: 664 MASL
Specs: Minor climb
Difficulty: 3 out of 9 with trail class 1-3

Pico de Loro is considered as one of the famous quick getaway spots from Manila for hikers. Climbers can do day hike or camp on site overnight. Mt. Palay-Palay trail is covered with trees. The trail is divided into two: first is the gradual rolling ascent going to the base camp, second is the steeper assault leading to the campsite.

Pico de Loro’s trail is also recommended for trail runners and hikers who are preparing for an upcoming major climb. Hikers have the choice to climb the “Parrot’s beak” or the “monolith” from the summit. It’s the centerpiece of the mountain.

7. Mt. Tagapo (Binangonan, Rizal)

Elevation: 438 MASL
Specs: Minor climb
Difficulty: 2 out of 9 with trail class 1-2

Mt. Tagapo is situated in Talim island between Binangonan and Cardona, Rizal. Its unique geography makes it a worthwhile hiking destination. The way to the summit starts with riding a boat to Talim Island. The hike to the summit takes two hours and the trail is surrounded by bamboos.

At the summit, you can see the magnificent view of Laguna de Bay and other fishing villages within the area. The summit also offers a good view of nearby mountains such as Mt. Sembrano, Mt. Makiling, Mt. Maculot, Mt. Atimla, Mt. Kalisungan, Mt. Banahaw, Mt. Cristobal and peaks of the Sierra Madre.

About the author

Candice Larson is a travel enthusiast and novice hiker. She likes exploring new places and mingle with other people. She’s a resident blogger for Kims Beachside Lodges.