Hiking combines the beauty of nature and a solid cardio workout, so what’s not to love? Here’s why more people are taking it up, and where to start if you’ve been meaning to take yourself to new heights—literally.
If you’ve (1) received an invite from friends to climb a mountain, or (2) spotted one too many Instagram dumps of people throwing their arms up at the peak, taking in the view, or posting a cryptic yet majestic sunrise from somewhere that looks like Mount Olympus (or at least, what you imagine it to look like), you’ve probably asked yourself: why is everyone hiking? Maybe you already know the answer to that, and you’re feeling that tickle of FOMO. You want in, but you’re not quite sure where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of beginner spots to help you do exactly that, with the help of some friends who’ve actually gone on hikes themselves.
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Climb Ev’ry Mountain, Ford Ev’ry Stream
Before the actual list, if you still don’t quite get why people go out of their way to climb a massive landform, that’s fine—it’s not for everyone. If you’re averse to the outdoors (bugs and less than ideal weather conditions included), it’s worth rethinking whether you want to commit to it. That said, you might be surprised at how enjoyable it can be, especially if you choose the right place to start, which matters a lot when you’re new.
Mountains also aren’t that hard to access, especially in an archipelago like the Philippines. That’s what makes hiking such a great activity to do with friends, besides the fact that coordination and teamwork are inherent in the act of traversing high altitude terrain. And if you’re in need of touching some grass in the most literal sense, all while getting a solid workout in the process, this might be the right choice for you.
Not an outdoorsy person, but want to better appreciate the country’s natural landscape? Then hiking is still worth a try. Great guided tours don’t just ensure you get to the top and bottom of a place in one piece, but often come with educational programs that help you better understand the environment you’re immersing yourself in. It’s a kind of experience that’s, quite frankly, priceless, especially if you often find yourself staring at a bright screen for hours.
At the end of the day, hiking is really about willingly throwing yourself into nature’s arms, with all her beautiful and rough parts, and committing these images to memory with the people you care about. It’s a pretty good reminder that you’re part of a much bigger picture in the story of life, and as cheesy as that may sound, it’s a sentiment that rings true once you experience it yourself.
Where To Start Hiking, From People Who’ve Tried It
And if all that sounds good to you, these spots might be good starting points. We’re sticking to fairly beginner-friendly spots, and while the definition of “beginner” will ultimately depend on factors like your physical condition and perception of what “too much mountain” is, these testimonials will hopefully give you a better idea of what you’re dealing with.
Mt. Purro Nature Reserve, Rizal
This is my own personal recommendation, based on experience. I took my first hike at Mt. Purro, and while the climb is a bit steep and sandy, it’s nothing that can’t be done within the day. You’ll need to be in fairly good shape, but as long as you have no existing health conditions that might hinder you, it’s nothing to worry about. It’s fairly close to Manila (just a little more than an hour’s drive), which makes it incredibly accessible if you don’t want to fully commit to a full on road trip.
There are also little “rest stops” carved into various levels, so if you feel like you can’t make the trip to the peak, you can still enjoy the climb to the best of your capabilities, the guides ensuring everyone is in good condition before proceeding further.
As the name suggests, Mt. Purro also functions as a reserve and eco-park at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountain range, and one that’s been managed by a family for years. It’s home to the indigenous Dumagat tribe and lush flora that’s part of a reforestation project for the Upper Marikina Watershed, adding a layer of depth to the experience, on top of the nice scenery.
Mt. Maynoba and Mt. Cayabu, Rizal
One frequent hiker recommends two spots in Rizal, one of which involves a twin hike at Mt. Maynoba and Mt. Cayabu. “It’s not that steep, or the elevation gain isn’t as high,” she shares, noting that the “assault” (a term referring to the final, uphill climb towards a mountain’s summit) isn’t as jarring for beginner hikers. The reward is well worth the effort, as hikers are met with an amazing view, complete with a sea of clouds and grassland ridges.
Mt. Sembrano, Rizal
The second Rizal hiking recommendation is Mt. Sembrano, which boasts an amazing view. The scene on a beautiful summit includes open trails, grasslands, and an unobstructed view of Laguna de Bay (the largest lake in the Philippines) as well as its surrounding mountains.
While the Mt. Maynoba, Mt. Cayabu, and Mt. Sembrano hikes all take place in the same province, it’s worth trying them all because of the various vantage points they offer. The hiker explains: “They’re all manageable day hikes—you really get to see the differences in their terrain, and what different views they have to offer in Rizal alone.”
Of course, as with any hike, the “beginner-friendly” aspect of these spots is dependent on ideal weather conditions. The hiker recommends visiting during drier seasons like these summer months (just make sure to bring plenty of water).
Bonus Recommendation: Mt. Batulao—which offers the most beautiful view, though it’s farther off in Batangas
Mt. Mariglem, Cabangan, Zambales
Another hiker recommends Zambales’ Mt. Mariglem as a place to start. “It really gives you a true sense of what hiking is all about,” she expounds. “It’s just steep and rocky enough to keep things interesting!” It’s not a 100% easy hike, but it does offer just enough challenge while being forgiving enough to be classified as “beginner-friendly.”
Mt. Pinatubo
While the name of this mountain at the tripoint boundary of the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga might be intimidating, the previous hiker believes it isn’t as difficult as it sounds. “Walk in the park,” she says, even noting that she hasn’t been on very many hikes just yet. “You can hike this without prior training. There are river crossings and very picturesque trails, plus, you get to ride a [Jeep] 4×4.”
Also important for those who find themselves needing to take a lot of bathroom breaks: there’s a CR along the trail that’ll ensure you don’t hold it all in.
