All the Philippine islands are of volcanic origin and, as a result, the country is very mountainous. The northern part of the island of Luzon is extremely rugged. Luzon's highest peak, Mount Pulog, rises to 9,626 feet (2,934 m). The island has three mountain ranges that run roughly parallel in a north-south direction.
The following is a partial list of the mountains in the Philippines. Several of them are volcanoes, formed by the subduction of the tectonic plates that surround the archipelago. Tabayoc is another mountain in Luzon that you must see. Inside this mountain, you'll find a monkey trail, where hikers have to climb rocks, swing from branch to branch and hold on to vines to move forward.
This is the highest point in the country, at 2,954 meters, and this is not the only thing that impresses about Mount Apo. Located between the provinces of North Cotabato and Davao, this mountain has a terrain full of moss and nourished by the abundant water that flows from the Agco River. Mount Apo isn't the easiest peak to climb, but the reward of conquering the highest point in the country makes the experience worthwhile. It is also considered the final of the Pinoy Mountaineer after conquering other important peaks in the Philippines.
After that, the climber can fly to nearby countries for even more challenging hikes. This mountain, which is located in the north of the Philippines, offers a unique hiking experience, in addition to the incredible views that await travelers who reach the top. Mount Kabunian is considered sacred ground, and numerous wooden coffins can be seen hanging on the slopes of the steep walls that climb to the top. The starting point already offers an incredible panoramic view, and that's just the beginning of the journey that reveals a summit that is like touching the sky.
Pico de Loro translates to “parrot's peak”, which is exactly what the place looks like. This is one of the most recommended peaks for climbing, since its route is not that difficult compared to other mountains in the Philippines. The trail to the top is about five kilometers long, slightly shorter than other summit options. The summit offers exquisite views of the mountainous terrain, as well as of the nearby province of Batangas and the Western Philippine Sea.
The historic Corregidor Island and Manila Bay can also be seen from the top, where there is also a monolith, which is a natural rock formation that is more than 60 m high. Another revered mountain in the north, Mount Pulag, is very popular even among those who don't like mountaineering or hiking much. This is because it offers the experience of literally walking in a sea of clouds, something that not all hiking experiences can offer. The sea of clouds is not a permanent feature and depends largely on the weather and a little luck.
Mount Ugo is one of the most picturesque destinations on this list. Located in the Cordillera region, in the north, it offers a great view of the wooded side of the mountain. It is one of the most difficult peaks to reach, since it lasts between two and three days, depending on the pace and endurance of the hikers. There are points here that are a little difficult to go through, so it's very important to prepare for the hike.
Considered the highest point in the Visayas archipelago, Mount Kanlaon is an active volcano that is more than 2,000 meters high. When hiking the recommended trail, which is the Mapot-Mananawin trail, it will take approximately three days to reach the top. It is important to reach Makawiwili Peak, as it serves as an observation point to monitor volcano activity and take safety precautions. The upper parts of the mountain offer great views of the Margaja Valley, as well as an aerial view of the town of Canlaon as you descend.
Known for the 1991 volcanic eruption that claimed thousands of lives, the now tranquil Mount Pinatubo is one of the most popular mountains in the Philippines. The highlight is the crater lake, which has white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. You can get there after a couple of hours of walking or after about half an hour by trying the 4×4 ride for beginners. Climbers will appreciate getting a glimpse into the hidden beauty of this sleeping giant.
Deep in its mountains, there are vast gold veins and immense deposits of other precious metals, making the Cordilleras the main mining district in the Philippines. This wealth of wildlife includes the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga Jefferyi), the Philippine snake eagle (Spilornis holospilus), the Philippine sparrowhawk (Accipiter virgatus), the Brahmin kite (Haliastur indus), the Mindanao fruit bat (Alionycteris paucidentata) and the Kitanglad shrew (Crunomys suncoffa) ideas). In fact, there is a dearth of information about the Daguma Mountains in general; it remains one of the many unexplored places in Mindanao, not to mention that it is one of the least explored mountain ranges in the Philippines. Another notable peak in the Kitanglad mountain range is Mount Maagnaw, which, at 2,742 m (8,996 ft) above sea level, is the third highest point in the range and the eighth highest mountain in the Philippines.
Because it's one of the highest mountains in the Philippines, the trails here are challenging, but they offer beautiful views and rich biodiversity that make the trip worthwhile. Lucky hikers can even catch a glimpse of the Philippine monkey-eating eagle, which lives in the mountain range. On the Tagaytay ridge are several municipalities and the city of Tagaytay, a true tourist center sought after for its mild climate, its pine-covered highlands and its panoramic views of the lake and the Taal volcano, one of the most emblematic landscapes in the Philippines. Because of their fervent love for their land and freedom, and their skill in mountain warfare, the Igorots are one of only two villages in the Philippines that were never colonized by the Spanish (the others are the Moors of Mindanao).
Luzon's highest peak is also home to some of the most emblematic and beautiful views of Philippine mountaineering, and has also been called “the playground of the gods”. The mountain range is bounded to the north by Pasaleng Bay and the Babuyan Canal; to the west by the strips and strips of plains of Ilocandia along the coasts of the western Philippine Sea; to the east by the wide and fertile lowlands of the Cagayan Valley; to the south by the vast plain of central Luzon; and to the southeast by the less elevated Caraballos, which connects the mountain ranges to the Sierra Madre further east. Pulag rises to an impressive height of 2,922 m (9,587 ft) above sea level, making it the highest point in the mountain range, the highest mountain in Luzon and the third highest mountain in the Philippines, after Apo and Dulang-Dulang in Mindanao. Maagnaw is the third highest peak in the Kitanglad mountain range and one of the highest mountains in the Philippines.
Farther away, in the province of the Mountains, is Mount Amuyao (2,702 m or 8,865 feet above sea level), another of the highest mountains in the Philippines. The Kidapawan-Kapatagan trip spans two provinces and the highest mountain in the Philippines, and any climber worth their salt will want to cross it off their bucket list. . .
