Philippine Mountains

Southern Mindanao

January 15, 2012 | Posted by admin in Philippine Mountains No comments

MOUNTAIN INDEX
Mt. Apo/Kidapawan-Magpet: Davao + North Cotabato / 2956m (#1)
Mt. Apo/Kapatagan-Kidapawan: Davao + North Cotabato / 2956m (#1)
Mt. Apo/Sibulan-Kapatagan: Davao del Sur / 2956m (#1)

Mt. Apo/Traverse from Mt. Talomo: Davao + Davao Del Sur (#1/#14)
Mt. Bongao: Tawi-Tawi / 314m
Mt. Candalaga: Compostela Valley / 2402m (#29)
Mt. Hamiguitan: Davao Oriental / 1620m
Mt. Matutum: South Cotabato / 2293m
Mt. Parker (Lake Holon): South Cotabato / 1400m
Mt. Piapayungan: Lanao del Sur / 2817m (#7)
Mt. Puting Bato: Samal Island / 410m
Mt. Talomo: Davao City / 2674m (#14)
Mt. Tampurong: Davao del Sur /1682m
White Peak (Mt. Pandadagsaan): Compostela Valley / 2670m (#13)BACKGROUND
Southern Mindanao possesses the highest mountain in the Philippines, Mt. Apo – which covers North Cotabato and the Davao provinces. This towering presence is a natural sanctuary that is home to the Phiippine Eagle. The major centers are Davao City and General Santos City. Aside from Mt. Apo, another famous destination is Lake Holon – said to the ‘cleanest water in the country’ in South Cotabato’s Mt. Parker. A trip to this mountain would also take you to the scenic town of Lake Sebu, the “summer capital” of the region. Numerous sidetrip possibilities include Samal Island, the beaches in Sarangani province, and countless waterfalls and caves. Mt. Matutum – set in the pineapple plantations of Tupi, South Cotabato – is also a favorite climb.COVERAGE UPDATES
The several other trails of Mt. Apo are a priority to be covered; Mt. Candalaga’s reputed beauty is something that we wish to share also, as soon as we have information. Mt. Piapayungan, the highest ‘unclimbable’ mountain in the Philippines, is listed under the ‘Closed mountains status bulletin’ of PinoyMountaineer. Hopefully, as correspondence with mountaineering groups in Southern Mindanao increases and as the situation in some parts improve, we will have more mountain destinations here.MOUNTAINEERING CLUBS IN SOUTHERN MINDANAO
Ateneo de Davao Mountaineering Club (AMC)
Digos Outdoors
Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao
Sandawa-Apo Mountaineering and Ecology Club
Tacurong Mountaineers and Adventure Club (TAMAC)

Northern Mindanao

January 15, 2012 | Posted by admin in Philippine Mountains No comments

MOUNTAIN INDEX
Mt. Dulang-Dulang: Bukidnon / 2938m (#2)
Mt. Hibok-Hibok: Camiguin / 1332m
Mt. Hibok-Hibok/Crater Trail (Brgy. Yumbing): Camiguin / 1332m
Mt. Kalatungan: Bukidnon / 2824m (#6)

Mt. Kilakiron: Bukidnon / 2329m
Mt. Kitanglad: Bukidnon / 2899m (#4)
Mt. Lumot: Misamis Oriental: 2320m
Mt. Maagnaw: Bukidnon / 2742m (#8)
Mt. Malindang: Misamas Occidental:
Mt. Sumagaya: Misamis Oriental: 2248mBACKGROUND
In Northern MIndanao lies four of the top 10 highest mountains in the Philippines, three of which are in the Kitanglad mountain range. The forests of this range, together with those of Mt. Kalatungan and Mt. Malindang, are very rich in biodiversity. In fact, the Philippine Eagle is said to still roam some of those places. The mossy forests are also spectacular. Mountaineers from Luzon will find it a thrilling experience to climb in Mindanao; the local mountaineering culture is distinct and there are also tribes to encounter, such as the Talaandig in Bukidnon. In spite of security fears and apprehensions, Northern Mindanao is actually quite safe for climbing. It would be best, though, to coordinate with local mountaineering groups.MAPS

COVERAGE UPDATES
The most popular climbs in the region are covered: Mt. Hibok-Hibok, Mt. Kitanglad, and Mt. Dulang-Dulang. The other mountains in the Kitanglad Range are exploratory in nature and no itinerary is available. Explorers Mijan Pizarro and Johann Jangulan have taken it upon themselves to climb all the major peaks of the range – with great success – and they are now in the final stages. Future targets for coverage include Mt. Balatucan and Mt. Malindang.

Visayan Islands

January 15, 2012 | Posted by admin in Philippine Mountains No comments

MOUNTAIN INDEX
Alto Peak: Leyte / 1332m
Balaan Bukid: Guimaras / 170m
Mt. Kanlaon: Negros Island / 2435m (#27)

Mt. Lanaya: Cebu / 700m
Mt. Madjaas: Antique / 2113m

Mt. Magsanga: Leyte / 655m
Mt. Manaphag: Iloilo / 606m
Mt. Mandalagan: Negros Oriental / 1880m
Mt. Manunggal: Cebu / 1003m
Mt. Nangtud: Panay Island / 2080m
Mt. Napulak: Iloilo / 366m
Mt. Talinis: Negros Oriental / 1903m

Mt. Tres Marias: Biliran /1315m
Osmeña Peak: Cebu / 1013mWATERFALLS
Bangon-Bugtong and Veriato Falls/ SamarBACKGROUND
The central section of the archipelago is comprised of several large islands such as Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar. These form what is known as the Visayas. From Manila, travel to the Visayas requires a plane ride to the major centers such as Cebu City, Bacolod City, and Iloilo City. Though the islands do not have grand mountain ranges such as those found in Luzon and Mindanao, there are hiking destinations of note. Chief among these is Mt. Kanlaon in Negros, the region’s tallest mountain at 2435 MASL.COVERAGE UPDATES
With the “Visayan Voyage” completed in April 2009, there is now sufficient documentation that includes the highest mountains for the major islands. Frontiers for documentation now include Mts. Nangtud, Napulak, Mandalagan, and the other peaks of Leyte-Samar.

Bicol Region

January 15, 2012 | Posted by admin in Philippine Mountains No comments

MOUNTAIN INDEX
Bulusan Volcano: Sorsogon / 1548m
Mayon Volcano: Albay / 2462m
Mt. Asog (Iriga): Camarines Sur / 1140m
Mt. Isarog/Panicuason Trail: Camarines Sur / 1966m
Mt. Isarog/Patag-Patag Trail: Camarines Sur / 1870m
Mt. Labo: Camarines Norte / 1544m
Mt. Malinao: Albay / 1548m

Mt. Masaraga: Albay

Mt. Pulog: Sorsogon / 1020m

BACKGROUND
Lying in the peninsula that comprises Luzon island’s southeast arm, Bicol Region’s famous landmark is Mayon Volcano, the Philippine version of Japan’s Mt. Fuji — a perfect cone rising in all splendor. The main city of Legazpi, where Mayon’s beauty can be seen, is a 12-hour trip from Manila. Aside from the famed Mayon, Mt. Isarog in Camarines Sur is a famous mountain, replete with various flora and fauna, as well as numerous waterfalls. Other mountains include Mt. Asog, Mt. Labo, and Mt. Bulusan, which has active volcanic activity. Bicolanos are known to have a taste for ‘hot’ foods like chili and peppers; their mountains are also ‘hot’, with Mayon being the most active volcano in the country. At present, climbing in Bulusan is not allowed, with its most recent eruption in 2007.

MOUNTAIN MAP

COVERAGE UPDATES
We have Mt. Isarog and Mt. Asog on board. On September 2008, a Mayon Volcano article was added in PinoyMountaineer. we’re working to have itineraries and information for the other mountains and outdoor destinations in the region.

MOUNTAINEERING CLUBS IN BICOL REGION
Aningal Mountaineering Club (Naga, Camarines Sur)
KADLAGAN Outdoors (Naga, Camarines Sur)
MAISOG Mountaineers (Camarines Sur)
Mayon Mountaineers (Legaspi, Albay)
ORYOL Outdoor Group (Daet, Camarines Norte)

MIMAROPA Region

January 15, 2012 | Posted by admin in Philippine Mountains No comments

MOUNTAIN INDEX
Cleopatra’s Needle: Palawan / 1595m
Mt. Baco: Mindoro / 2488m (#21)
Mt. Calavite: Occidental Mindoro / 1521m
Mt. Darala: Palawan / 600m
Mt. Guiting-Guiting: Romblon / 2058m
Mt. Halcon: Oriental Mindoro / 2582m (#18)
Mt. Iglit: Occidental Mindoro / 1432m
Mt. Malasimbo: Oriental Mindoro / 1168m
Mt. Malindig: Marinduque / 1157m
Mt. Mantalingajan: Palawan / 2086m
Mt. Thumbpeak: Palawan / 1296m

Mt. Victoria: Palawan: 2010m

TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Coron, Palawan
El Nido, Palawan
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
Puerto Princesa, PalawanBACKGROUND
MIMAROPA stands for the five constituent island provinces of what was formerly Region IV-B: Occidental and Oriental MIndoro , MArinduque, ROmblon, and PAlawan. All four are accessible by sea; there are flights servicing various points in Palawan. Also, small planes ply the route between Manila – San Jose, Occidental Mindoro as well as Romblon, Romblon. Being islands, these provinces are famous for their beaches and marine biodiversity. However, MIMAROPA is also amazingly the home to the most difficult climbs in the Philippines. In fact, at least three mountains are classified Difficulty 9/9: Mt. Halcon in Mindoro, Mt. Guiting-Guiting in Romblon, and Mt. Mantalingajan in Palawan. The outdoorsman who plan to climb in this region may want to integrate his hike with various sidetrips involving the region’s attractions. Interestingly, two UNESCO World Heritage sites are found in the region – Tubbataha Reef and St. Paul’s Underground River in Palawan.COVERAGE UPDATES
The mountains in the site give an ample overview of the region, but we would also love to have itineraries also for Mt. Thumbpeak and other mountains in Palawan. Mt. Baco in Mindoro – virtually unexplored according to DENR men in Occidental Mindoro – would also be a great discovery.MOUNTAINEERING CLUBS IN MIMAROPA
G2 Mountaineers (Romblon, Romblon)
Halcon Mountaineering Society (Calapan, Oriental Mindoro)
SUAKWAL Mountaineers (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)

Southern Tagalog

January 15, 2012 | Posted by admin in Philippine Mountains No comments

MOUNTAIN INDEX
Gulugod Baboy: Batangas /525m
Manabu Peak: Batangas / 760m

Mt. Balagbag: Rizal / 777m
Mt. Banahaw: Quezon / 2158m
Mt. Banahaw de Lucban: Quezon / 1875m

Mt. Banoi: Batangas / 960m
Mt. Batulao: Batangas / 811m
Mts. Buntis + Nagpatong: Cavite / 100+m
Mt. Cristobal: Quezon + Laguna / 1415m
Mt. Cristobal Traverse Trails: Quezon + Laguna / 1415m
Mt. Daguldol: Batangas / 670m
Mt. Kalisungan: Laguna / 760m
Mt. Maculot: Batangas / 830m
Mt. Makiling /UPLB Trail: Laguna / 1090m
Mt. Makiling/Traverse from Sto. Tomas: Batangas / 1090m
Mt. Malipunyo: Batangas / 1005m
Mt. Marami: Cavite / 405m
Mt. Pinagbanderahan: Quezon / 366m
Mt. Romelo: Laguna / 240m
Mt. Tagapo: Rizal / 438m
Mt. Talamitam: Batangas / 630m
Mt. Sembrano: Rizal / 745m
Pico de Loro: Cavite / 664m
Taal Volcano: Batangas / 311m
Tatlong Krus (Mt. Humarap): Laguna / 150+m
Tayak Hill: Laguna / 560mWATERFALLS
Ambon-Ambon Falls / Batangas
Bantakay Falls / Quezon
Batlag Falls / Rizal
Bunga Falls / Laguna
Buntot Palos (Hidden Falls) / Laguna
Daranak Falls / Rizal
Hinulugang Taktak / Rizal
Magdapio (Pagsanjan) Falls / Laguna
Taytay (Imelda) Falls/ LagunaLAKES
The Seven Lakes of San Pablo/ LagunaNATIONAL PARKS
Quezon National Forest Park/ QuezonBACKGROUND
South of Manila, this region is packed with mountains and outdoor destinations that are highly accessible from the metropolis. Thus, most weekend climbs are held in this region, and it virtually accounts for nearly half of climbs done in the country. Mt. Maculot, Mt. Makiling, and Mt. Batulao are the more popular ones; spotgs such as Pagsanjan Falls and Taal Volcano are swarmed with tourists besides. And yet, the region deserves its popularity because of the variety and beauty of its places. After just an easy trek one may enjoy the beauty of Taal Lake within, in Taal Volcano, or outside, from Mt. Maculot. The waterfalls, most of which are detailed in PinoyMountaineer, are very easy trips and are very refreshing. Meanwhile, the most formidable climb in the area is a trek up Mt. Banahaw, a sacred mountain rising over 2000 MASL. It is of cultural and ethnoreligious interest as well. For challenge-seekers, there is also a traverse of Mt. Makiling- the most difficult daytrip in the website.

Tagalog is of course the language; local accents may be observed in different provinces. Major centers where supplies are readily available include Lucena City in Quezon; San Pablo and Calamba City in Laguna; and Lipa and Batangas City in Batangas – the latter being the staging-off point to climbing destinations in MIMAROPA Region as well. Most destinations are 100-200 minutes away from Manila, and can be conveniently reached either by public or private transportation.

A hiker-friendly souvenir in the area is the balisong blade forged in Batangas and sold in the highway. Local take-homes also include the buko pie of Los Banos, Laguna. For a different flavor of socials or post-climb, try the lambanog of the Quezon towns. It is a strong liquor made from coconut.

COVERAGE UPDATES
PinoyMountaineer’s coverage of Southern Tagalog is quite comprehensive – not only mountains are included, but also waterfalls as well as the Seven Lakes of San Pablo. However, there are still some missing trails, such as the other trails of Mt. Banahaw –but we intend to feature these only when the mountain has been reopened for climbing. Quezon Province — being part of the southern edge of the Sierra Madre may also have mountains in store for us in the future.

MOUNTAINEERING CLUBS IN THE SOUTHERN TAGALOG
Dahong Palay Mountaineers (San Pedro, Laguna)
DLSU-Dasmarinas Mountaineering Society (Dasmarinas, Cavite)
Tayabas Mountaineers
Team Akamug Trekkers (Gumaca, Quezon)

Central Luzon

January 15, 2012 | Posted by admin in Philippine Mountains No comments

MOUNTAIN INDEX
Anawangin Cove: Zambales / 464m
Mt. Arayat via Arayat: Pampanga / 1008m
Mt. Arayat Traverse: Pampanga /1030m
Mt. Balingkilat: Zambales / 1100m
Mt. Balingkilat/Traverse to Anawangin Cove: Zambales / 1100m
Mt. Cinco Picos: Zambales / 881m
Mt. Cinco Picos/Traverse to Silanguin Cove: Zambales/ 881m

Mt. Damas: Tarlac / 685m
Mt. Manalmon: Bulacan / 196m
Mt. Natib: Bataan / 1287m
Mt. Pinatubo: Tarlac + Zambales / 960m
Mt. Samat: Bataan / 553m
Mt. Tapulao: Zambales / 2037m
Mt. Tapulao/Tarlac-Zambales Traverse / 2037m
Nagsasa Cove via Mt. Nagsasa / 450m
Pantingan Peak: Bataan / 1300+m
Tarak Ridge: Bataan / 1130m

BACKGROUND
A land of ricefields and vast plains, Central Luzon has only a few mountains but it has been literally shaped by mountain activity. In 1991, Mt. Pinatubo erupted, dramatically altering the environment. The once towering Pinatubo lost over 300 meters of elevation; and the plains were covered with volcanic ash. Economic and social implications aside, this eruption has created a beautiful outdoor destination – the very crater of Pinatubo, now considered to be the most beautiful trekking destination in Central Luzon. An emerging beach destination, which also has a trek, is Anawangin Cove in Zambales, and its white beach is likewise due to the eruption. Meanwhile, linked mythologically with Pinatubo is Mt. Arayat, a solitary figure rising in the plains as one passes by the North Luzon Expressway – the main highway to the north. The rest of the mountains in Central Luzon are actually in the western provinces of Zambales and Bataan, where, geologically, the meeting of two tectonic plates have given rise to mountains.

The distinctive flavor of these west mountains is its relative barrenness, not like the dense jungles of other mountains. Also, many are rocky, such as Tarak Ridge, a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Manila Bay; and Mt. Tapulao, which, aside from being the highest mountain in the region, is also a great source of chromite ore. Other notables include Mt. Natib in Bataan and Mt. Cinco Picos, overlooking Subic. Finally, we have Mt. Manalmon in Bulacan – the closest to Manila – which lies in the historic site of Biak-na-Bato, which figured prominently in the Philippine revolution in the 1890s.

MAPS COVERAGE UPDATES
PinoyMountaineer needs to cover the Pantingan Peak and other destinations in Mt. Mariveles including the waterfalls. Speaking of waterfalls, Bataan is reported to have several nice ones as well. However, in the province of Zambales, there has been great interest in mountain climbing and from 2008-2009 we have featured new treks such as groundbreaking traverses of Mt. Tapulao, Balingkilat, and Cinco Picos.

MOUNTAINEERING CLUBS IN CENTRAL LUZON
Bataan Outdoor Club
Bulacan Mountaineering Club, Inc.
Dong-in Outdoor Society (Bataan)
Tarlac Mountaineering Club
Yabag Mountaineers (Zambales)

Cagayan Valley

January 15, 2012 | Posted by admin in Philippine Mountains No comments

MOUNTAIN INDEX
Aguinaldo Trail (San Mariano-Palanan) / Isabela

Mt. Anacuao: Aurora / 1620m
Mt. Danayag: Aurora / 1595m

Mt. Dos Cuernos: Isabela / 1800m
Mt. Iraya: Batanes / 1009m
Mt. Maaling-Alng: Aurora / 1885m
Mt. Matarem: Batanes / 473m
Mt. Palali: Nueva Vizcaya / 1715m
Mt. Palanan: Isabela / 1200+m
Mt. Pamaza-pasam / Aurora
Mt. Pinondohan: Aurora / 1200+m

Mt. Pullol: Nueva Vizcaya / 1400+m
Mt. Udok / Aurora

Valungid Peak: Batanes / 160mCOVERAGE UPDATES
We are still awaiting information on the mountains of Aurora, several of which were showcased in the 29th Federation Climb of the MFPI, sponsored by the UP Mountaineers, in April 2008. Although Cagayan Valley has been blessed with much of the Sierra Madre range, it is still a relatively undiscovered region insofar as mountain climbing is concerned. Hopefully, this is change in the future as more mountains in the Valley are unraveled.MOUNTAINEERING CLUBS IN CAGAYAN VALLEY
Maria Aurora Outdoor Club (MAOC)
Sierra Madre Outdoor Club (SMOC)

The Cordilleras

January 15, 2012 | Posted by admin in Philippine Mountains No comments

MOUNTAIN INDEX
Kibungan Highlands: Benguet / 2105m
Mt. Ampacao: Mt. Province / 1889m
Mt. Amuyao: Mt. Province / 2702m (#10)
Mt. Amuyao/Traverse to Batad, Ifugao / 2702 (#11)
Mt. Kabunian: Benguet / 2000+m

Mt. Kalawitan: Mt. Province / 2714m (#10)

Mt. Kapugan: Ifugao / 1305m
Mt. Lobo: Benguet / 2000+m
Mt. Napulauan: Ifugao / 2642m (#15)
Mt. Palemlem: Ilocos Norte / 1271m
Mt. Patukan (Sleeping Beauty): Kalinga / 1906m
Mt. Pulag/Akiki Trail: Benguet / 2922m (#3)
Mt. Pulag/Ambaguio Trail: N. Vizcaya / 2922m (#3)
Mt. Pulag /Ambangeg Trail: Benguet / 2922m (#3)
Mt. Pulag/Tawangan Trail: Benguet / 2922m (3)
Mts. Simagaysay-Tumarid Traverse: Ilocos Norte / 1560m
Mt. Sto. Tomas: Benguet / 2256m
Mt. Tabayoc: Benguet / 2842m (#5)
Mt. Tenglawan: Benguet / 1996m
Mt. Timbak (Singakalsa): Benguet / 2717m (#9)
Tirad Pass/Traverse – Sagada: Ilocos Sur / 1700+m

Tirad Peak: Ilocos Sur / 1388m
Mt. Ugo: Benguet + N. Vizcaya / 2130mBACKGROUND
The majestic mountains of the Philippines lie on its largest mountain range, the Cordilleras in Northern Luzon. With a total area of 18,300 km², the mountain range has been declared as an administrative region which includes the provinces of Benguet, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain Province, and Ifugao. It is home to highland peoples who have developed a fascinating mountain culture which is manifest in the world-famous Rice Terraces. Tourists – local and foreign – are enchanted with the semi-temperate climate of the region, which is a refreshing change from the tropical lowlands. Pine trees, rolling slopes, and vegetable farms characterize much of the region’s landscapes. Ilocos Region, adjacent to the range, is included in this group because most of its mountains are contiguous with the range.The major center of the Cordilleras is Baguio City – six hours away from Manila by bus – also the most common staging-off point of climbs in the region. Here you can buy all the supplies you need – from fresh foodstuffs to butane and fuel cans, as well as mountaineering gear. A popular sidetrip is a visit to the ukay-ukay (second-hand) clothing shops in Baguio, which sell a lot of hiking apparel, shoes, and bags with North Face, Columbia, and other popular brands. Beware though of fakes, and you have to bargain.Popular and at the same time challenging climbs include those Mt. Pulag, the highest in Luzon island and perhaps having the most spectacular views; Mt. Ugo, a mountain laden with pines whose typical trail involves a traverse from Nueva Vizcaya to Benguet; Mt. Amuyao, the country’s 10th highest peak, also with a traverse that will take you to the most pristine Ifugao villages and the famed Batad Rice Terraces; and Mt. Napulauan – with its dazzling mossy forest and historical echoes of a Japanese general seeking refuge.

For a more in-depth exploration of the Cordilleras, one can visit the towns of Benguet and their mountains. The town of Bakun has a set of mountains called Bakun trio: Mts. Tenglawan, Kabunian, and Lobo. The town of Kibungan has been compared with Switzerland perhaps for the success of its ‘highland feel’. The town of Kabayan, aside from being home to the famed Mt. Pulag, has Luzon’s second highest, Mt. Tabayoc; and four beautiful lakes within its domain. The mountain fanatic will find delight in Kalinga’s Sleeping Beauty, and the historical trails such as Tirad Pass that faces the Ilocos region west. Meanwhile, easy dayhikes include Mt. Sto. Tomas, the highest point in Baguio City; and Mt. Timbac. A outdoor destination that’s a must-visit is the quaint town of Sagada, blessed with caves, waterfalls, other wonderful sights and delicious cuisine.

The possibilities are simply infinite. Mt. Pulag alone has four trails, three of which are featured in PinoyMountaineer. Other peaks, some among the highest in the country, are still unexplored. Aside from these mountains, the cultural attractions – villages, burial caves, rice terraces – and the wonderful peoples themselves –make the Cordilleras the ultimate climbing destination in the Philippines.

COVERAGE UPDATES
So far, PinoyMountaineer has covered ten of the mountains in the region, including the most popular ones and the four highest (Pulag, Tabayoc, Singakalsa, Amuyao). The blogger has personally visited these mountains except Mt. Patukan in Kalinga and the Bakun Trio mountains of Lobo, Kabunian, and Tenglawan. Right now, what’s lacking is an itinerary for Kibungan, and the Ambaguio trail of Mt. Pulag.

PinoyMountaineer.com welcomes information and contributions to cover these mountains. Groups/individuals who contribute will be acknowledged and their help will be greatly appreciated.

MOUNTAINEERING GROUPS IN THE CORDILLERA REGION
Kalinga Mountaineering Society
TEXINS Mountaineering Society (Baguio City)
UP Baguio Mountaineers