Connecting with nature is one of the best relaxing activities to do. The business of life and its compilation made people experience stress at different levels. Some go to the beach, staycation to a place with a great view, and some, go for a day hike. Listed in this article are 6 places near Manila where you can go for a day hike.
In a country like the Philippines, where there are many mountains to climb, people can’t help but be enticed to climb these mountains. They just can’t help it! And this is definitely true because climbing a mountain is one of the most refreshing things to do. The prize of seeing the breathtaking view is something that people anticipate. The sun, clouds, winds, trees, and birds all team up together to create an overwhelming feeling for hikers.
It is a no-brainer that a day hike could be one of the people’s choices to unwind and breathe from the busy life of the city. But as they choose this kind of activity, where should they go? A place where the best hike experience could happen but will not be so far from Manila. There are varieties of best places for a day hike near Manila. Yes, hikers don’t need to go through a long drive to experience the beauty of nature. Check out these 6 places near Manila that you can go for a day hike to.
1. Mt. Manalmon (Bulacan)
Bulacan is one of the nearest provinces in Manila, located in Central Luzon. The famous Mt. Manalmon Bulacan is known for its historical background because as hikers do the activity, they will be able to see several historical sites. This is a suitable mountain for hikers just starting their passion for hiking. Mt. Manalmon consists of rivers, fauna, and several limestones to see. The approximate hour hike of this mountain is 3 hours. Hikers should still expect some hard trails because the hiking experience wouldn’t be complete without the bruises and scratches. These bruises and scratches are nothing compared to the rush of dopamine hikers could have after reaching the top and seeing the view.
Mt. Manalmon deserves to be on the list of the best places for a day hike near Manila for hikers to try. Bulacan is near Metro Manila so hikers from the city could try this mountain. After all, a day hike is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. Hiking allows you to experience the beauty of nature firsthand, which can have a calming and rejuvenating effect.
2. Mt. Nagpatong/Nagpatong Rock Formation
Mt. Nagpatong is famous because of its unique name. This mountain is usually seen on social media because this is where hikers usually go. Indeed, this is one of the best places for a day hike near Manila. The famous mountain is located in Rizal and with a 59 KM drive from Manila. The mountain’s name is derived from the rock formation at the trail’s end. There are two limestones that seem to be overlapping, and this is where the name “nagpatong” came from.
Trying this mountain is a good experience because as one climbs the “nagpatong” limestones, they will also see other mountains they could try next. Indeed, Mt. Nagpatong is one of the gems in Rizal. One trivia about Mt. Nagpatong is that some Theorists believed that Mt. Nagpatong is once underwater. As time passed by, the ocean went down and Mt, Nagpatong became evident. It is now one of the attractions on the mountain and is included among the best places for a day hike near Manila.
3. Mt. Maculot
Mt. Maculot is located in the Southern part of Luzon–Batangas. Indeed, when hikers think about the hiking experience, Batangas is the place to go because it consists of many mountains, both for beginners and seasoned hikers. This is included in the best places for a day hike near Manila because it has many good feedbacks. The scenic view of Taal Lake gives hikers a good experience and feeling. This has become a go-to mountain for hikers and is always included in the best places for a Day hike near Manila.
A 2-hour drive from Manila is all its takes to go to this magnificent place for hiking. There are many stops for hikers to buy juice and eat some lightweight snacks. If you enjoy the Taal Lake view Tagaytay gives you, you will definitely enjoy this hike. Brace yourselves because the beauty of Taal Lake is much more astounding when you view it in Mt. Maculot. The view this mountain could give you is breathtaking and will possibly make your phone storage full.
4. Tarak Ridge
Tarak Ridge is famous for its challenging trail that will give so much exciting experiences to hikers. This is not recommended to beginner hikers because of is over 1000 meters above sea level, which will be hard to climb. Because the mountain is a bit high, it offers a view of Mariveles Bataan along with some portions of Cavite, the historic islands of Corregidor, and Manila Bay. For this reason, Tarak Ridge is included in the list of best places for a day hike near Manila.
One trivia about Tarak Ridge is that it is one of the few places where hikers are not required to have a guide/s. It depends upon the hiker if they get a guide on their way up to the Tarak Ridge. Hikers have said that this is one of the best mountains to hike because of the experience on the way toward the peak. Rivers are where you can drink because of their crystal clear water and the bluish mountain the ridge offers. Hence, the great experience would not depend on the top of the mountain but even during the way to the top, the experience is already great.
5. Mt. Maynoba-Cayabu Loop
Mt. Maynoba-Cayabu Loop is located in Tanay Rizal. This is included in the best places for a day hike near Manila, and it usually takes less than a day to go to the top and see the superb view of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Hikers include this in the list of the best places for a day hike near Manila because this is the hiking spot where the possibility of a sea of clouds is high. When it is cloudy, a pool of clouds can be seen majestically on top. This makes the day hike experience more majestic because you will be able to see the clouds like you are above them. The interplay of light and shadow on the clouds can create a stunning visual display.
Aside from the sea of clouds, if the hiker is lucky enough, there is also a chance to see the rays of sunset. This is what hikers are looking forward to. Being able to see this kind of beauty that nature could give is indeed what makes life more beautiful.
6. Mt. Pamitinan
Another best places for a day hike near Manila is Mt. Pamitinan located in Rizal. Many people say that it is not that high but it is still a challenging one. It goes in the mid-range of a beginning hiker and a seasoned hiker. The challenging part is the boulders and rocks with sharp edges along the way. Gloves are a must when taking going for a hike in Mt. Pamitinan. In terms of the trail conditions, the mountain is a well-maintained and marked trail that will make the hiking experience exciting and rewarding experience.
A Day Hike in this mountain should be included in the list of mountains in the Philippines that would conquer. The panoramic view of the mountain and the cities down below makes everything more amazing and refreshing.
The accessibility of the mountain is good. Hikers could easily access it by car or public transportation. It is not that far from Metro Manila, and whether it is a day hike or overnight camping, it would still be great.
In having a vacation, there are many outdoor recreational activities to try. One can try biking, zip lining, picnic, camping, and hiking. The list goes on and on, but in case hiking is one of the options, try the mountains listed above. Hiking is not only good for one’s physical health but also for mental health. Hiking could reduce stress, improve mood, and promote mental clarity. Furthermore, hiking can be an accessible activity for people of all ages and fitness levels, with options ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks.
There you have the best places for a day hike near Manila! Hikers don’t need to go far to be able to hike and experience the breathtaking view after climbing. After hustling life in the city while saving up and having your investment in real estate properties like BRIA Homes, it is okay to unwind breath with nature. Life in the City could be so toiling and draining because of the fast-paced life, so having your rest through connecting with nature will be a great way to destress and breathe.
After having the best hiking experience and thinking about life, the affordable City living brought by BRIA Homes will be a good place to consider having your investment property. With a commitment to providing high-quality yet affordable housing, BRIA Homes offer a range of options to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
