First stop post-pandemic: Cordillera
If you haven't been to Cordillera region in Northern Luzon, you need to make it your first stop when travel resumes. The region is blessed with the perfect cold weather, bountiful harvest, delectable cuisine and most importantly the one of the best mountain ranges in the Philippines. The Cordillera is synonymous to magnificent mountains and not a single soul who has visited the place has ever been disappointed.
5 Cordillera Mountains
Mount Ulap
The Mt. Ulap Eco-Trail in Itogon, Benguet is known for its scenic views with pine and grassland ridges. It is only 40 minutes away from Baguio City and it is a perfect dayhike trip for beginners. There are different points of attraction when hiking the Mt. Ulap trail, with Gungal Rock as the most famous one. Make sure to prepare your signature pose when it is your turn to have your picture taken at this spot!
Mount Pulag
As the highest peak in Luzon and the third highest mountain in the country, Mt. Pulag (2,926 masl) has certainly lived up to its name as the “Playground of the Gods”. This mountain may seem intimidating, especially for non-hikers, but it is actually beginner-friendly. Mt. Pulag boasts of 4 trails with varying levels of difficulty; if it is your first time to hike, the Ambangeg trail is the best option. The hike starts at dawn and if you are lucky, you will be treated to a stunning view of the sea of clouds at the summit.
Mount Timbak
Mt. Timbak, the 3rd highest peak in Luzon (and 9th in the Philippines), is a minor climb for nature lovers. To reach the summit, you will walk along vegetable and flower fields and at its peak, you can see three tall crosses dubbed as the mini-Calvary. During clear days, you will also see other mountain ranges and the famous Halsema highway from Mt. Timbak’s summit.
Mt. Amuyao
If you are up for a more adventurous and difficult hike, Mt. Amuyao is the one for you. Like Mt. Pulag, Mt. Amuyao is also known for its lush forests and legendary sea of clouds view. But before you reach the summit, you will need to prepare for steep assaults and killer stairways. Better to strengthen your stamina (and knees) if you are planning to embark on a challenging hike to Mt. Amuyao.
Bakun Trio
This popular trilogy hike is composed of three mountains in Bakun, Benguet: Mt. Tenglawan, Mt. Kabunian, and Mt. Lobo. These mountains offer different views and difficulty levels. Most hikers prefer going on a dayhike on each mountain and spending the night camping at the barangay hall. You will see an abundance of pine forests, cliffs, steep ascents, and ridges during your hikes. Needless to say, Bakun trilogy is not for the faint-hearted.
Cordillera mountains offer some of the most breath-taking views that you will ever see and every single one has its own beauty and charm. When the pandemic over and it is safe to travel again, prepare your hiking shoes and join us in our trips. We will explore these mountains together – soon!