10 Highest Philippines Mountains to Challenge the Thrill-Seeker in You

The Pearl of the Orient Seas is not just blessed with divine beaches but also with majestic Philippines mountains that will amaze and challenge the adventurer in you. From Luzon to Mindanao, every mountaineer will be in awe with the abundance of easy and challenging peaks to be reached. 

Top 10 Highest Mountains in the Philippines

Whether you’re a beginner or a professional mountaineer, there’s a mountain perfect for you. Here are the top 10 highest mountains in the Philippines you must add to your bucket list. 

1. Mt. Apo – The highest mountain in the Philippines.
2. Mt. Dulang-Dulang – Second highest mountain in the Philippines.
3. Mt. Pulag – Highest mountain in Luzon.
4. Mt. Kitanglad – Trails here are challenging but offer beautiful views and rich biodiversity that make your journey all worth it.
5. Mt. Kalatungan – It is classified as a potentially active volcano and is considered as one of the most challenging Philippines mountains to hike.
6. Mt. Tabayoc – Second highest mountain in Luzon.
7. Mt. Piapayungan – To this day, it remains to be one of Mindanao’s most elusive peaks.
8. Mt. Ragang – Mt. Ragang is the highest point in Lanao Del Sur.
9. Mt. Maagnaw – Third highest peak in the Kitanglad range
10. Mt. Timbak – At the summit, there are three crosses in what is dubbed as “mini-Calvary”.

Read this travel guide to help you prepare on exploring the mountain belts in the Philippines.

10 Highest Mountains in the Philippines

Here’s a list of mountains in the Philippines that are perfect for adventure-seekers.

1. Mt. Apo

The stunning beauty of Mt. Apo and the fulfillment that awaits adventurous souls who climb it should be experienced by every mountaineer. Standing at 2,956 Meters Above Sea Level, Mt. Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines and is considered to be the Grandfather of Philippine Mountains. 

The journey isn’t easy as it is one of the hardest mountains to hike. You will hike through mystical lakes, lush jungles, rocky mountain sides, and a vertical section of volcanic boulders. It might be a tough adventure but it’s worth it!

Location: Cotabato; Davao del Sur

Elevation: 2,956 meters

How to reach: From Manila, book a flight to Davao City. Upon arrival, ride a vanbound for Kidapawan and proceed to Brgy. Ilomavis, the jump-off point of Mt. Apo.

Difficulty level: 7/9

Interesting fact about Mt. Apo: It’s considered as the center for endemism because it serves as the home of hundreds of animal and plant species that can only be found in the Philippines.

Where to stay in Cotabato

1. Samm’s Hometel – Starts at P1,000/night
2. Jeamco Royal Hotel Cotabato – Starts at P1,295/night

2. Mt. Dulang-Dulang

Standing at 2,938 meters above sea level, Mt. Dulang-Dulang is the second-highest mountain in the Philippines. 

Your journey will be filled with amazing views of the lined pine trees, deer, flying lemurs, monkeys, bats, and more. Once you reach the peak, you will see the view of Mt. Apo and the entire Kitanglad range.

Location: Bukidnon

Elevation: 2,938 meters

How to reach: Book a flight to Cagayan de Oro, then take the bus to Malaybalay, Bukidnon. From there, ride jeepney going to Lantapan and head to the jump-off point at Sitio Intavas.

Difficulty level: 8/9

Interesting fact about Dulang-Dulang: It is home to the Talaandig tribe. They consider Mt. Dulang-Dulang a sacred place.

3. Mt. Pulag

Mt. Pulag is like a dream hiking destination to most mountaineers (and soul searchers) because of its picturesque trails and a stunning view of the sea of clouds. It is the highest mountain in Luzon at 2,926 meters. 

While Pulag is not highly recommended for first-timers, the mountain offers several trails for options. Ambangeg Trail is the easiest while Akiki and Tawangan trails are more challenging. If we’re just talking about the tallest mountain in the Philippines with a divine view, Pulag tops the list.

Suggested article: Mt. Pulag Hike Guide: What First-Timers Should Know Before Going to Luzon’s Highest Peak

Location: Benguet

Elevation: 2,926 meters

How to reach: From Manila, ride a bus bound for Baguio. Once there, take a jeep going to the jump-off point of your choses trail. 

Difficulty level: 3/9

Interesting fact about Mt. Pulag: The indigenous people living in the area consider Mt. Pulag as a sacred place. Because of its height, they believe it is near heaven where they can talk to God. 

4. Mt. Kitanglad

Mt. Kitanglad is one of the best mountains in Mindanao you should consider hiking. Because it’s one of the highest mountains in the Philippines, the trails here are challenging but offer beautiful views and rich biodiversity that make your journey all worth it.

Location: Bukidnon

Elevation: 2,899 meters

Difficulty level: 6/9

Interesting fact about Mt. Kitanglad: Legend has it that this mountain in Mindanao was named after a great flood submerged the land and only the mountain’s peak, which was the size of a blade of lemon grass (tanglad in Filipino) was visible.

5. Mt. Kalatungan

Another tall mountain in the Philippines is Mt. Kalatungan. In the native tongue, it means “praying mantis eggs”. It is classified as a potentially active volcano and is considered as one of the most challenging Philippines mountains to hike. 

Location: Bukidnon

Elevation: 2,880 meters

How to reach: From Cagayan de Oro’s Agora Terminal, you can take a bus bound for Malaybalay, then from Malaybalay, take a bus/jeep to Kibanggay, then a habal-habal to the jump-off. 

Difficulty level: 8/9

Interesting fact about Mt. Kalatungan: In keeping with traditions, mountaineers perform a ritual sacrifice prior to the climb to Mt. Kalatungan. Hikers have to bring the following for the ritual sacrifice: a live chicken, some local wine, white and red cloth, and rice.

6. Mt. Tabayoc

Aside from Mt. Pulag, Mt. Tabayoc is another mountain in Luzon you must see. Inside this mountain, you’ll find a Monkey Trail where trekkers have to climb over boulders, swing from one branch to another, and hang on to vines to move forward. Pretty much experiencing Tarzan’s life. 

Tabayoc trail can get pretty confusing so it’s important that you have a guide who knows the way. 

Location: Ifugao, Mountain Province

Elevation: 2,842 meters

How to reach: Ride a bus bound for Baguio then an A-Liner bus going to Ballay, Kabayan, the jump-off point.

Difficulty level: 6/9

Interesting fact about Mt. Tabayoc: Tabayoc means “basin”, which may refer to the four lakes surrounding it: Lake Tabeo, Ambulalakao, Iculus, and Detapnaco.

7. Mt. Piapayungan

Mt Piapayungan lies to the southeast of Lake Lanao and east of the Butig Mountains, on the borders between Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato and Maguindanao Provinces. To this day, it remains to be one of Mindanao’s most elusive peaks.

Location: Cotabato, Lanao Del Sur

Elevation: 2,817 meters

Difficulty level: 9/9

8. Mt. Ragang

Also known as the Blue Mountain, Mt. Ragang is the highest point in Lanao Del Sur. The trek here is not an easy one but will be worth it because of the beautiful view of Lake Lanao as well as towns of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Cotabato.

Location: Cotabato, Lanao Del Sur

Elevation: 2,803 meters

Difficulty level: 9/9

Interesting fact about Mt. Pulag: It is an active stratovolcano and one of Mindanao’s most active volcanoes. The last confirmed eruption of Ragang volcano was in 1873.

9. Mt. Maagnaw

Mt. Maagnaw is the third highest peak in the Kitanglad range and one of the highest Philippines mountains. If you’ve hiked Mt. Dulang-Dulang and Mt. Kitanglad, you can also conquer Mt. Maagnaw. It will be a challenge but the views at the summit are truly breathtaking.

Location: Bukidnon

Elevation: 2,742 meters

How to reach: Book a flight to Cagayan de Oro, then take the bus to Malaybalay, Bukidnon. From there, ride jeepney going to Lantapan and head to the jump-off point at Sitio Bul-ogan.

Difficulty level: 9/9

Interesting fact about Mt. Pulag: Mt. Maagnaw shares the ethno cultural heritage of Kitanglad and Dulang-Dulang, being part of the ancestral domain of the Talaandig tribe. A ceremony has to be performed in which a sacrifice of chickens must be done the night before the climb. 

10. Mt. Timbak

The scenery at Mt. Timbak features mostly villages and vegetable fields. At the summit, there are three crosses in what is dubbed as “mini-Calvary”. There’s also a sea of clouds, and you can view TaPanPu (Tabayoc, Panotoan, and Pulag) and the range leading all the way to Mt. Ugo.

Location: Benguet

Elevation: 2,717 meters

How to reach: Take a bus bound for Sagada or Bontoc Mountain Province. Ask the bus conductor to drop you off at KM. 55 and you will see the trailhead going upwards on your right. Once you’re there, you can just ask locals for directions. 

Difficulty level: 9/9

Other Famous Mountains in the Philippines Perfect for Hiking

If you’re a newbie, here are the 5 mountains in the Philippines you can consider visiting.

Mt. Daraitan

Photo courtesy of Alexis Zapanta

Mt. Daraitan offers a majestic panoramic view of Sierra Madre Mountains, the long stretch of the Daraitan River, and other nearby mountains. It’s the go-to place of the citydwellers looking for a quick hike. That’s why it’s always in the list of mountains in the Philippines that are beginner-friendly. 

Location: Brgy. Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal

Elevation: 739 meters

How to reach: From EDSA-Starmall in Shaw Boulevard, ride a jeep or van bound for Tanay. Upon arrival in Tanay, ride a jeep going to Sampaloc and take a tricycle to Daraitan.

Difficulty level: 4/9

Interesting fact about Mt. Daraitan: The name Daraitan was derived from two words: dara means limestone, and aeta is one of the tribes in the Philippines. 

Where to stay in Rizal

1. Mountains & City Lights Staycation – Starts at P6,000/night
2. Mountain Kove Transient House – Starts at P6,000/night
3. Serenity Mountain Resort – Starts at P7,320/night

Mt. Batulao

Mt. Batulao is one of the most famous mountains in Batangas because it is one of the easiest mountains to hike! What sets Mt. Batulao apart from others is that it has 12 peaks! Once you reach the summit, you’ll have a panoramic view of the whole province, making this an Instagrammable destination.

Related article: Hiking in Batangas: 5 Beginner-Friendly Mountains for First-Timers

Location: Nasugbu, Batangas

Elevation: 811 meters

How to reach: Ride a bus from Coastal Mall to Nasugbu, Batangas. Then proceed to Evecrest.

Difficulty level: 4/9

Interesting fact about Mt. Batulao: It has 12 peaks.

Where to stay in Batangas

1. Yellowbell Hotel

Starts at P1,732/night

2. Meaco Royal Hotel Anilao

Starts at P2,615/night

3. Half Moon Village & Beach House
Starts at P3,300/night

4. Vinewoods Resort
Starts at P4,118/night

5. Casa Carlita Private Resort

Starts at P4,820/night

Mt. Tapulao

Tapulao, usually called High Peak, is one of the tallest mountains in Zambales. In fact, it’s the highest in the province and in Central Luzon. It has one of the highest elevation gains in the Philippines standing at 2,037 meters above sea level. Mt. Tapulao offers a diverse range of environs, from grasslands to pine forests and mossy forests. You’ll also be amazed at the astounding view of the sea of clouds. The hike isn’t easy though. You have to prepare for a 2-day hike. The temperature can range from hot in the lower parts to freezing near the campsite and summit.

Location: Palauig, Zambales

Elevation: 2,037 meters

How to reach: From Manila, ride a bus going to Iba, Zambales. Upon arrival, ride a jeep to Palauig then a tricycle to the jump-off point.

Difficulty level: 5/9

Interesting fact about Mt. Tapulao: This Zambales mountain has rich biodiversity. Different species of plants and insects can be found here that’s why it’s a favorite place of the researchers.

Where to stay in Zambales

1. ZEN Rooms Palm Tree Olongapo – Starts at P1,980/night

Mt. Batolusong

Like the Treasure Mountain Tanay Rizal, Mt. Batolusong offers a scenic view. In fact, it has Batanes-like grasslands and rolling hills. Once you’re up there, you can already enjoy the panoramic view of its neighboring provinces like Laguna and Quezon. Just 2 hours away from Metro Manila, you can already enjoy an adventure fix without traveling too far. 

Location: Tanay, Rizal

Elevation: 645 meters

How to reach: From EDSA-Starmall in Shaw Boulevard, ride a van or jeep going to Tanay. Then take a jeep bound for Sampaloc and ride a habal-habal going to Brgy. San Andres.

Difficulty level: 3/9

Interesting fact about Mt. Batolusong: The name Batolusong was derived from two words: Bato (rock) and Lusong (an equipment used to grind rice). Locals said that it was called Batolusong because people way back, saw this mountain that’s shaped like a huge rock.

Marlboro Country

Sagada Mountain Province is a perfect destination for trekking in the Philippines. Although it’s far from the city, many travelers still go there just to experience Sagada hiking. There’s a hill plateau area that is known as Marlboro Country as it is home to several wild horses. The best time to go there is early morning or around sunset. The trek goes through some dense forest with huge ferns that are about the size of trees and ends in a flat landscape with bushes and mountain flowers, where you can get good views of the surrounding valleys. The Sagada hiking takes about 2-3 hours total.

Location: Sagada, Mt. Province

How to reach: From Cubao or Manila, ride a bus bound for Sagada. 

Difficulty level: 2/9

Interesting fact about Marlboro Country: In the early years, many horses are wandering in this area that’s why it’s called Marlboro Country. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Philippines Mountains

Q: What is the tallest mountain found in the Philippines?

A: Standing at 2,956 Meters Above Sea Level, Mt. Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines and is considered to be the Grandfather of Philippine Mountains. 

Q: What are the mountains in the Philippines with great views?

A: Here are the names of mountains in the Philippines with majestic views.

1. Mt. Pulag (Benguet)
2. Mt. Ulap (Itogon, Benguet) 
3. Mt. Daraitan (Tanay, Rizal)
4. Mt. Batulao (Nasugbu, Batangas)
5. Mt. Pico de Loro (Batangas)
6. Mt. Apo (Cotabato & Davao del Sur)
7. Mt. Batolusong (Tanay, Rizal)
8. Marlboro Country (Sagada)
9. Mt. Guiting-Guiting (Romblon) 
10. Mt. Tapulao (Zambales) 

Read also: 10 Bundok sa Pilipinas na May Pinakamagandang View

Q: What are the mountains for beginners?

A: Here’s a list of mountains in the Philippines that are perfect for beginners.

1. Treasure Mountain Tanay Rizal
2. Mt. Daraitan
3. Mt. Batulao
4. Mt. Tapulao
5. Mt. Batolusong
6. Marlboro Country in Sagada

Must-read: 8 Most Spectacular Spots for Hiking in the Philippines Perfect for Pros and Beginners

Q: What are the highest Philippines mountains?

A: Whether you’re a beginner or a professional mountaineer, there’s a mountain perfect for you. Here are the top 10 highest mountains in the Philippines you must add to your bucket list. 

• Mount Apo Philippines
• Mt. Dulang-Dulang
• Mt. Pulag
• Mt. Kitanglad
• Mt. Kalatungan
• Mt. Tabayoc
• Mt. Piapayungan
• Mt. Ragang
• Mt. Maagnaw
• Mt. Timbak

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