7 Places For A Day Hike Trip

Planning for a trip this weekend but you can't be away for a long period of time? Why not just go for a day hike for some nature encounter instead?

The Philippines has a lot to offer in terms of biodiversity. With its topography consisting of dense forests, mountainous terrains, plains, and seaside areas, it is definitely a hot spot for nature trips and different activities which people from the city can easily access and go to.

Nowadays, hiking is one of the well-known recreational activities not only for millennials, but also for all ages. There a lot of places to choose from for nature encounter such as trekking. Here is a list of some of the best places to go for a day hike just outside Metro Manila:

Mt. Makiling

Los Baños, Laguna

4hrs++ to summit

1,486 MASL (Peak 2)
PhP900++/pax

Start of the trek to Mt. Makiling

MakTrav (Makiling Traverse) is an alternative to a Mt. Makiling hike to the summit. This is highly recommended if you want a better experience of the rainforest, which includes its vascular flora.

Mt. Makiling

The entry point would be in San Felix in Santo Tomas Batangas, as the exit point would be in UP-Los Baños, Laguna. This can also be your training for a major outdoor activity or climb. Be careful for the possible leech “limatik” encounter here. Don’t worry. It’s part of the adventure and your Mt. Makiling experience.

Mt. Pinatubo
boundaries of Zambales, Pampanga and Tarlac
1.5hrs (4x4 jeepney ride) + 2hrs++ to the crater
960 MASL
PhP2000++/pax

The Mt. Pinatubo crater

4x4 jeepney rides

Mt. Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano and it last erupted in 1991. Vast plain of “lahar” or white volcanic sand can be seen as you start your journey to the crater. The only entry point is in Brgy. Sta Juiana, Capas, Tarlac. It is advisable to arrange ahead of time for the 4x4 jeepney.

Start of the trekking after the 4x4 jeepney ride

The 4x4 ride is bumpy and very dusty. Please bring anything to cover yourself from the dust. You will be passing though streams so prepare extra pair of footwear or just wear sandals (mojos)/quick dry trekking shoes.

The color of Mt. Pinatubo crater changes from blue to green to brown, depending on the season you plan to go.

Mt. Manalmon
San Miguel, Bulacan
1-hr++ to summit ; 2-hrs exploration in cave
196 MASL
PhP900++/pax

View from Mt. Manalmon summit

Stalagmites in Madlum cave

Mt. Manalmon is located and part of the Biak-na-Bato National Park. Biak-na-Bato was declared National Park by former Pres. Manuel L. Quezon on 1937.

Madlum cave, Bayukbok cave and Mt. Gola are also part of the trail encounter you can opt to include in the day hike to this historical place. The entry point is in Sitio Madlum, Brgy. Sibul in San Miguel. You will also cross the Madlum river in this encounter.

See this video to have an idea of a day hike to Mt. Manalmon.

2013 Mt Manalmon from Rochelle Moreno on Vimeo.



Pico de Loro
Maragondon, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas
3-hr++ to summit
664 MASL
PhP900++/pax

Assault to the summit

Pico de Loro is part of the mountain ranges of Palay Palay. Its iconic rock peak or the famous “Parrot’s Beak” is one the reasons why this is famous getaway from Manila for a day hike. The entry point is in DENR station, Magnetic Hill in Ternate. A different exit point, which is shorter, is in Nasugbu, Batangas. Side trip to Pico de Loro waterfalls can also be added to your itinerary.

View of the famous "Parrot's Beak" from the summit

The view from the summit is really amazing. The trail is easy to follow. If it is your first time to hike, this day hike is recommended. Bring sun protection and coverings, as the summit is bare, steep grassland and with strong wind up there.

Taal Volcano
Batangas Province
45mins++ to the rim of the crater.
311 MASL
PhP1800++/pax

View of the Taal Volcano island from the boat ride

Trail to Taal Volcano crater

Taal Volcano crater

There are two entry points to Taal Lake, which can be in Tagaytay City or Talisay, Batangas. Boat rental signs are visible along the road. Just like the Mt. Pinatubo trip, bring something to cover you up from the dust, especially whenever a horse will pass by your way. Horse ride rental is PhP450, but trekking is recommended to enjoy fully the nature and scenery.

Lake Pandin & Lake Yambo
San Pablo City, Laguna
PhP360++/pax
(for the lunch & 2-hr raft ride around the lake)

Lake Yambo

Lake Pandin

Visit these twin lakes. And have a different kind of outdoor lunch in Lake Pandin. These are two of the famous seven lakes in San Pablo. It can be reached by private vehicle for just about two hours from Manila or by public transport via Lucena bound buses.

Mt. Mabilog is also an option to add in your itinerary 

Mt. Daguldol
San Juan, Batangas
3-hrs+ to summit
670 MASL
PhP1100++/pax

View from Mt. Daguldol summit

Mt. Daguldol summit

Fresh "buko" or coconut juice
at the summit! 

If you want to enjoy beach and hike at the same day, then this is just right for you. Part of the trail is to pass by a waterfalls. You can add this to your itinerary and also enjoy Laiya beach at the foot of the mountain. The  The entry point for Mt. Daguldol is in Brgy. Hugom.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your backpack and just go.

Gentle Reminders

1. Day hike also means pack light. You should not bring too much in your backpack. It is an important factor for your convenience in this kind of activity.

2. Always get a local guide (most of the time, the local municipality will require you to have one). It is not only for helping their livelihood and community but also it is for your own safety and security. It is important to have someone guiding you in unfamiliar places like these.

3. As you enjoy your hiking and nature trips, let us all make a conscious effort in maintaining and preserving these areas. We are here not only as audiences and visitors to these places, but also as stewards of the wonders of nature.

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"Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints"

-Chief Si'Ahl (Seattle)