Travel Stories

Going on a hiking tour is a strenuous and rewarding trip in itself but when you tackle the Philippines, it's a whole new experience. Below are some of the top hiking destinations available throughout this beautiful Southeast Asian country along with some helpful tips and tricks to help you have a successful, memorable experience.

What to bring?

Just like many other hikes, there's a definite checklist that all-levels of outdoorsmen and women should have with them during their hikes in the Philippines. But one item that is non-negotiable, but may be on other hikes, is a waterproof jacket and/or poncho. The weather in the Philippines is unpredictable and hikers don’t want to be caught in an unexpected rain or balmy spray.

One way to do this is to purchase a jacket with GORE-TEX which is a waterproofing that will keep you warm and dry while wicking away moisture. Quick tip: upgrade your pack to a waterproof one or make sure that all of your items are secured in ziplock bags before placing them in your bag.

Another non-negotiable item for hiking in the Philippines is SPF quick-drying clothing.The Philippines has a strong sun that will beat down and bake your skin if you don't have SPF clothing covering your arms and legs not to mention the creepy crawlies that may attack exposed flesh. The quick-drying option is also important as the sweat will wick away to the outer layers giving your body a chance to breathe and not overheat.

Aside from clothing, a great pair of waterproof hiking shoes/boots, enough food and water for the duration of the hike, first aid kit and a broad hat are all must-haves for a successful, memorable hike in the Philippines.

1. photo by Dutchy4 (via Creative Commons)

   Want Mountains? Visit Cordillera.

   Now that your pack is ready, where do you start? That all depends on where you want to go. If you're wanting to see awe-inspiring views of mountains then the Cordillera in North Luzon is your best bet. This region boasts the highest and largest mountain mass in all of the Philippines with some peaks exceeding 2,000 meters. The whole mountain region itself is estimated to take over 17,500 square km providing plenty of opportunity to explore the many rolling hills, waterfalls and sights.

   Comprised of six provinces, these mountains are well-protected, revered and feared by the locals. And as such, only those with experienced guides should attempt to trek through and summit any of these peaks. As far as weather, the best time to visit the Cordillera mountain region is during the dry season between November and April.

   
   

2. photo by Konrad Summers (via Creative Commons)

   Want Rainforest? Visit Palawan.

   Palawan is considered to be the official last frontier with lush rainforests and wildlife taking up more space than the human population. So if you want to see animals in their natural habitats including a wide range of creatures that are only found in the Philippines, then taking a guided trek through the Palawan rainforests is the trip for you.

   One of the main hotspots for biodiversity, Cleopatra's Needle summits at 5,256 feet making it the highest peak in Puerto Princesa as well as a popular hike. So if you're wanting to see lots of wildlife as well as summit a peak, then Palawan has the best of both worlds.

   As you trek, however, be sure to check your steps as you don't want to step on any creatures or slip near one of the many river banks/waterfalls. As such, this trek is only recommended for those who are accompanied by a very seasoned guide as he or she will know how to successfully troubleshoot a variety of potential problems including animal encounters, weaving through difficult terrain and sniffing out pristine waterfalls.

   
   

3. photo by Chensiyuan (via Creative Commons)

   Want Volcanos? Visit Taal.

   One of the most popular hikes and easiest throughout the Philippines is the trek up to the Taal Volcano. But in this case, don't let the small size fool you as Taal, to this day, still remains one of the world’s deadliest active volcanoes. It is also the only volcano in a lake inside another volcano inside another lake within another volcano.

   Confused yet? This is due to the fact that each eruption creates a new crust or crater where the lake eventually fills in. Sounds daunting but it's quite a site to those who wish to get up-close-and-personal. If you're planning to visit Taal, make sure you hire your personal guide first as once there, many guides will be vying for your attention – even the inexperienced ones.

   And for an extra special treat, be sure to check out the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology located nearby to peruse the museum and learn more about Taal's past eruptions and seismographs.

   
   

Pack Your Bags!

So whether you’re into mountains, rainforests or volcanoes, the Philippines is a must-visit hike unlike any other. For more information about booking your Philippine hiking trip, contact Uncharted Philippines.