Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP TREKS
The major islands boast mountainous interiors carpeted by forests and pock-marked by
some of the largest caves in Asia. The rice terraces of North Luzon are justifiably most
popular, but there are peaks to be bagged across the country.
The Cordillera
Besides rice terraces, Luzon's signature range offers multiday treks that
traverse remote tribal villages and several peaks above 2500m.
Bicol
'Perfect' Mt Mayon is the region's prettiest but by no means its only volcano.
Nearby Mt Isarog and Mt Bulusan make better climbs.
Sibuyan Island
The Philippines' answer to the Galapagos, Sibuyan is a wonderland of
biodiversity that also boasts a fine climb up 2058m Mt Guiting-Guiting.
Mindoro Oriental
The three-day grunt up Mt Halcon (2505m) is the ultimate challenge;
you can trek to remote Mangyan tribal villages here, too.
MT ARAYAT NATIONAL PARK
Trekking
The extinct volcano of Mt Arayat (1026m) dominates the skyline of the town of Angeles,
and makes for a great trek that's doable in a half-day, even for less-serious climbers. For a
bird's-eye view arrange an ultra-light flight right over the slopes.
MT BANAHAW
Trekking
Mt Banahaw (2177m) offers some of the most impressive hiking in southern Luzon. The
weather is an important consideration, however, as the awe-inspiring views from the rim
down into the 600m-deep crater can vanish entirely in low cloud. Even in the dry season,
cloud can suddenly rise up from the crater bottom, adding to the spooky atmosphere.
