Philippines is a tropical archipelago composed of mountainous islands covered in tropical rainforests. It is ranked as having the 5th longest coastline, next to Canada, Indonesia, Greenland and Russia respectively.
The archipelago is around 800 km from the Asian mainland and is located between Taiwan and Borneo, west of the Pacific Ocean.
The country has a tropical climate, divided mostly in three seasons: dry season from March to May, wet season from June to November and cold season for the rest of the year from December to February the following year, but because of the fast pace of global warming, it is mostly hot or humid even on wet season.
Sitting on the Pacific Belt of Fire, almost all major islands of the Philippines comprised of hills, mountains and volcanoes. There are 70 known hills, mountains and volcanoes, including Mt. Apo in Davao del Sur, being the highest peak 9692 ft ASL; Taal Volcano in Batangas, the smallest volcano in the world, Mayon Volcano in Albay and Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
The local people called as Pilipino or shortly Pinoy are hospitable and friendly. They will try to help you out even not asking them. They will provide you all the necessary things you need for a hike, even guide you along the trails. Also, local mountaineers and different mountaineering clubs hold open climbs for those who are interested about the mountains, and clean up drive to preserve and clean the past trails for the benefit of the next hikers.
Philippine delicacy has never been a question around the world. Popular chefs around the world never failed to present how tasteful and delicious the local food served here are; from full course meals, sea foods, desserts and fruits.
There are so many popular mountains in the Philippines that it is so hard to know which is the most visited among them. I compiled a list of sites you can look into, and see for yourself the beauty of the Philippine mountains.
- Think Philippines
- Etravel Pilipinas
- Pinoy Mountaineer
- This is a large community on the web which is the most used guide by local mountaineers. It list mountains by region, has itinerary and recommended ideas.
- Peaklist
- Oocities
- Camper’s Point
Good hiking and be safe!