Climbing Mount Pulag, the highest peak in Luzon Island, is part of a lot of people’s bucket list. But because of the fire incident that happened last week that temporarily banned visitors from entering parts of the national park, it could take a while before anyone can have the full experience.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, it could take up to five months before parts of Mount Pulag are reopened to the public.
“The climbing community is furious about what happened because some climbers panicked when [their] butane produced a big fire and they just ran,” Adrian See, a mountaineer and travel photographer, told Coconuts Manila.
Mount Pulag is popular among climbers and casual tourists alike because of its height and the view it offers.
“[It is] one of the best places to view the sea of clouds, if not the best,” See said. “And the bragging rights…having climbed the 3rd highest [peak] in the PH.”
But while there can only be one Mount Pulag, there are plenty of other mountains in the Philippines that have their own charm and are worth the climb. Below, are five you should consider. Most are beginner-friendly and all are within driving distance from Manila.
Mount Ulap
Where: Benguet
Height: 1,846 meters
Like Mount Pulag, Mount Ulap (Mount Cloud) is in Benguet, which means it’ll have the same cool weather people look out for. As its name suggests, the mountain’s summit will give you a great view of the clouds and the Cordilleras. It’ll take about 5 hours to drive up to Baguio where most travel groups meet up. The climb itself can take anywhere from 2-3 hours.
Mount Pinatubo
Where: Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales
Height: 1,486 meters
For something closer to Manila, try the active volcano Mount Pinatubo. Apart from views of the lake, you also get to go off-roading through a trail of lahar in a 4×4 on your way to the trek’s starting point. The drive from Manila to Tarlac will take about three hours while the trek to the crater will take about 1.5 hours.
While the trail is easy, See said that it could get quite hot because it is in the Zambales area, but he said that climbing on a cloudy day should make it better.
Mount Batulao
Where: Batangas
Height: 811 meters
For true beginners, Mount Batulao is the one for you. According to See, the trail is short and not too steep. The trip itself also won’t take too long so you don’t even need to wait for a long weekend. The drive to Batangas will only take about 2 hours, the climb to the summit will take just as long, and going down will be even shorter at 1.5 hours.
Mount Maculot
Where: Batangas
Height: 947
Most people have seen the Taal Volcano from the cool vacation town Tagaytay, but have you seen it atop another mountain? That’s what you go to Mount Maculot for. The trip will be a short day-trip climb but See said the view from the famous “rockies” should not be missed. You’ll see a panoramic view of the Taal Lake, Taal Volcano, and even Mount Makiling in Laguna.
Mount Daraitan
Where: Rizal
Height: 739 meters
If there’s one mountain you should climb, See suggested Mount Daraitan in Rizal. Although it’s a little bit more challenging than the other treks on this list because the trail is quite steep, he said a view of the river will make it all worth it. The drive to Daraitan, Tanay in Rizal will take a little over two hours.
Enjoy your climbs, but be responsible: Don’t leave trash behind and be extra careful if you bring anything flammable. Our mountains are for everyone to enjoy.
