When it comes to hiking, “easy” varies by experience and fitness level. For this list, we based our picks on three factors: terrain, hours to summit, and travel time (within two to three hours of Manila’s major transport hubs). Estimated times to reach the summit may vary depending on group size and weather.
Whether you’re returning to hiking or just want a relaxed day on the trail, these mountains are doable as day hikes and are easily accessible by car or public transport. All destinations have ample parking, and none require a 4WD.
Mount Manalmon (San Miguel, Bulacan)
At just over 196 meters, this mountain may be small but offers a stunning vantage point from its summit, overlooking Madlum River and Mount Arayat. A side trip to Madlum Cave nearby is included in the itinerary.
What the trail is like: Natural trail with a short section involving river crossing, so prepare to get wet.
Hours to summit: One to two hours, depending on how quickly you can cross the river and tackle steep parts.
Getting here: Travel time takes about two hours. From Baliwag Transit terminal in Cubao, take a bus bound for Gapan and ask the driver to let you off at San Miguel, Bulacan near the Red Horse Monument. At the intersection, just across the monument, there’s a tricycle terminal where drivers can take you to the jump-off point. Just tell the tricycle driver to bring you to Madlum, where you will need to register and pay the entrance fee. You’ll then be assigned a guide (one guide for every group of up to 5 hikers)
Mount Matinik (San Miguel, Bulacan)
Sharing the same jump-off as Mount Manalmon, this mountain can be paired with it for a more rewarding hike. Its wide summit offers a different perspective of Mount Arayat.
What the trail is like: Grassy open trail with several river crossings. The trail also passes through a small cave, so bringing a flashlight is recommended, especially if you start late. The ascent is easy but can be quite challenging under the heat of the sun, so it is best to start early or to bring a hat or umbrella.
Hours to summit: One and a half hours
Getting here: Same as Mount Manalmon
Mount Pamitinan (Sitio Wawa, Montalban, Rizal)
Part of the “Montalban Trilogy”, which includes Mount Binacayan and Mount Hapunang-Banoi, Mount Pamitinan is popular for its limestone formations.
What the trail is like: In the first few minutes, hikers are immediately greeted with the tranquil view of Wawa River and its surrounding mountains. A short section follows a cemented road, passing by the homes of local residents. As you enter the forest, the trail becomes rocky and may get slippery when it rains, so take your time and watch out for sharp rocks. It can get pretty hot past 7:00 AM, so a hat is highly recommended!
Hours to summit: Two hours
Getting here: Travel time takes two hours. From the van terminal in Cubao, take a van bound for Montalban and get off near Wawa. From there, take a tricycle to Wawa Dam and register at the DENR office, where you’ll be assigned a guide.
Tatlong Krus (Paete, Laguna)
Translating to “three crosses” in the vernacular, three white crosses mark the summit of Tatlong Krus, which is part of Mount Humarap. During Holy Week, this hiking destination becomes a pilgrimage site. It offers views of Laguna de Bay, and while one can drive all the way to the summit, walking up the concrete stairs provides a good workout and a chance to enjoy the surrounding trees. A detour trail about 30 minutes from the main path leads to Matabungka Falls.
What the trail is like: The concrete trail starts at Barangay Ilaya Norte, a small community of friendly locals. The steps are well-established but quite steep and leads to a forested section where the air is cooler.
Hours to summit: 45 minutes
Getting here: Travel time takes approximately two and a half hours. From Cubao or PITX in Parañaque, take a bus bound for Santa Cruz, Laguna. From the terminal in Santa Cruz, take a jeep going to Siniloan and get off at Paete town proper. The trailhead is in Barangay Ilaya Norte. It’s a popular spot and shouldn’t be hard to find.
Mount Manabu (Barangay Santa Cruz, Santo Tomas, Batangas)
A popular mountain among seasoned hikers, Mount Manabu is one of the few mountains in the Philippines where the local government unit (LGU) does not require guides, making it an affordable option for hikers. Though not required, guides are recommended for first-time visitors, as the trail can be confusing, passing through several farms, each with paths leading to private properties.
The community at the foot of the mountain is very welcoming and friendly. Some stations along the trail even offer free brewed coffee, a tradition upheld by the relatives of Manong Pirying and Tata Tino, who served it to hikers when they were alive. Their brew is sweetened, but still packs the strong punch of Batangas coffee.
What the trail is like: It’s forested with a few steep sections: one in the middle of the trail and another about 30 minutes from the summit. The trail can get incredibly muddy, which adds some challenge to the hike. While you can manage in sandals, wearing shoes with a strong grip will be safer and more comfortable.
Hours to summit: Two hoursGetting here: Travel time is two and a half hours. From PITX in Parañaque or Buendia, take a bus bound for Lipa, Batangas, then get off at Fiesta Mall. From there, take a tricycle to Barangay Sta. Cruz and register at the barangay hall where you can also hire a guide.
