By Ryan Louis Mantilla 

City life can be tiring at times, and many urban dwellers occasionally yearn to escape to a location close to nature. Lucky for us Filipinos, we live in a country where there are plenty of destinations to choose from. 
 
The Philippines is abundant in natural beauty, from the land to the sea. It is almost impossible for travelers to run out of destination ideas in the country. 
 
Remitly, a company that specializes in assisting people with international money transfers, has looked at 60 of the most well-known walks in the Philippines to determine which ones come up most frequently in online hiking guides when searching for terms like "hiking the Philippines" and "best walks in the Philippines."
 
And, yes, we get it; there are many iconic nature destinations in the country, with 3,142 mountains surrounding the Philippines. But Remitly has come up with only nine best hike destinations for Filipino and foreign hikers alike.
 
According to Remitly's spokesperson, "whether you’re an avid hiking enthusiast or just starting," there should be something on the list that you can add for your next hiking trip. 

 

Nine of the most popular hikes in the Philippines 

 

Mount Pulag 

The highest peak in the Philippines is Mount Pulag, which rises nearly 3,000 meters above sea level. Additionally, it is the third-highest peak in the entire nation, complete with four trails. The Ambangeg Trail is the shortest and most accessible. On the other hand, the Ambaguio Trail is the longest and most challenging, depending on your level of experience.

 

Mount Batulao

Compared to other volcano types, Mount Batulao is more cone-shaped and has relatively steep sides. Furthermore, it is an active stratovolcano in the Philippine province of Calabarzon. Beginners can easily complete its established trails in 5 to 6 hours, depending on their pace.

 

Mount Apo 

Mount Apo, also known locally as Apo Sandawa, is a large active stratovolcano on Mindanao. With a height of 9,692 feet, it is the highest point in the Philippines. The climb takes two or three days, depending on the trail. While the mountain can be climbed at any time of year, the best time to visit is between March and May, when the weather is less volatile.

 

Mount Makiling

Mount Makiling is a resting stratovolcano in the Philippine provinces of Laguna and Batangas. Its elevation of 3,580 feet makes it ideal for those seeking a challenging hike without committing to a two or three-day adventure.

 

Osmena Peak

The Osmena Peak is known for its spiky appearance and is located along the Patung Badian in southern Cebu. The Osmena Peak is also the highest at 3,325 feet, but it only takes 20 to 25 minutes to reach via an easy-to-navigate trail.

 

Taal Volcano  

Taal volcano, located in the province of Batangas, is the Philippines' second-most active volcano, with 38 historical eruptions. Fortunately, the volcano is closely monitored by PHIVOLCS, and Taal is currently safe to climb. 

 

Mount Pinatubo 

Mount Pinatubo is also an active stratovolcano with a history of eruptive activity. While hiking is permitted at any time of year, it is not advised during the typhoon season, which runs from June to September. Climbing Mount Pinatubo only has a 2 out of 9 difficulty rating and a class 1 trail type, making it ideal for both pros and beginners.

 

Mount Daraitan 

Mount Daraitan is a popular hiking destination near the borders of Tanay, Rizal, and General Nakar. It only takes from 2 to 4 hours to climb, depending on the traffic. 

 

Mount Maculot 

Mount Maculot (or Maculod) is a dormant stratovolcano in the Batangas municipality of Cuenca. Its highest point is 3,140 feet, and from there, you can enjoy panoramic views of Taal Lake. The mountain is sacred to Christians, and thousands of pilgrims climb it every year during Holy Week as a form of penance.