Hiking trails in Rizal that are perfect for beginners and experienced hikers
The province of Rizal—which is just a 30-minute drive from Metro Manila and welcomes you to breathtaking pockets of nature. This area has also welcomed hiking and trekking as a main activity and attraction to travelers. For weekenders, hiking in Rizal has become a refreshing pastime while escaping the urban cityscape in Metro Manila.
That said, if you’re ready to to on a hike, check out these 8 stunning trails in Rizal and bask in nature’s glory:
NOTE: Always wear a mask and face shield and bring alcohol with you at all times. If you are travelling from outside of Rizal, double check for requirements you might need, such as travel passes or medical clearance certificates. If you happen to be experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, stay home.
1. Timberland Highlands Resort
Source: Timberland Highlands Resort
A friendly hike for those looking to appreciate nature while enjoying the comforts of resort life is found in Timberland Highlands Resort. Known as a good hiking and biking area, this resort offers lush views of the Sierra Madre and fresh air from the mountains, all within a comfortable distance from the resort proper.
Introduce your friends, family, or partner to hiking as a fun and healthy activity over the weekend at Timberland Highlands Resort.
2. Mt. Masungki and Nagpatong Rock
Mt. Masungki is located at Barangay Cuyambay in Tanay Rizal. The name comes from the word "sungki", meaning crooked, because you can see huge boulders and sharp rocks while you hike. But once you reach the peak, you’ll be amazed by all the luscious green-colored hills and trees you’ll be able to see!
If you’re up for an extra challenge, you can climb Nagpatong Rock, too! Found at the foot of Mt. Masungki, it’s known for its unique structure that looks like big rocks piled on top of one another, forming a tower. The hard part is you have to climb it vertically—using a rope ladder—to get up to the most photographed spot.
How to get there:
- From Cubao, take Marcos Highway and drive all the way to Cogeo.
- From Cogeo, drive for about an hour until you get to Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal.
- Drive to Cuyambay Barangay Hall where you can register and meet a local guide who will lead you to the jump off point.
Safety Guidelines:
Guests are required to book their hiking schedule beforehand through their Facebook page. Guests will also need to prepare original and photocopies of (1) Valid Government ID, (2) Quarantine Pass, and (3) Medical clearance certificate. Waivers will be provided on-site, upon payment. No face mask and face shield, no entry.
3. Treasure Mountain
Not too excited about hiking on foot? Well, you can always drive! Treasure Mountain in Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay offers you a long, but fun, ride up so you can catch breathtaking views of a sea of clouds.
The best way to get the most out of this trip is by staying overnight so make sure you bring or rent a tent. This way you’ll also be able to enjoy some stargazing, too!
How to get there:
- From Cubao, take Marcos Highway and drive all the way to Cogeo.
- From Cogeo, drive for about an hour until you get to Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal.
- Drive to Maysawa Circuit where you can register and meet a local guide who will lead you to the jump off point.
4. Mt. Mapalad
Prefer a hike that can easily be done in under a day? Then Mt. Mapalad is for you! There are two beginner-friendly routes you can choose from and either one will take you 2-3 hours to reach the top of the mountain.
At Mt. Mapalad’s summit, you’ll be greeted with spectacular views of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and should you choose to hike at dawn, you can also catch the most beautiful sunrise from here.
How to get there:
- From Cubao, take Marcos Highway and drive all the way to Cogeo.
- From Cogeo, drive for about an hour until you get to San Andres, Tanay, Rizal.
- Drive to Mt. Mapalad Jump-off point where you can meet a local guide
Safety Guidelines:
Take note of their safety reminders at their registration point. Hiking in big groups may not be allowed at this time, so come in a smaller group where you can still maintain proper distancing. Bring an ID, quarantine pass, medical clearance and wear your face mask and shield.
5. Mt. Pamitinan
Photo Credit: Facebook Page (facebook.com/Mt.PamitinanMontalban)
Mt. Pamitinan is situated in Montalban, Rizal, just 30-40 minutes from Quezon City. Known for its rocky trail, this hiking spot offers quite a challenge to beginners but also photo-worthy views once you reach the summit. You’ll see endless greenery plus a good look at the river that flows to Wawa Dam. If you want to catch a glimpse of its version of “sea of clouds”, you might want to start trekking as early as 5 am in the morning.
How to get there:
- From Cubao, drive to Eastwood, Libis.
- From Eastwood, drive to DENR Wawa Dam where you can register and meet a local guide who will lead you to the jump off point.
Safety Guidelines:
Each group will only be allowed to have a maximum of 5 participants for easy management. Hike will begin at 5AM and hikers are required to wear masks and face shields at all times. Rapid test and online registration will be required, stay updated through their Facebook page.
Note: Mt. Binacayan has pushed back their reopening date. Visit their local tour guide’s Facebook page for updates and revised guidelines.
6. Mt. Batolusong
Mt. Batolusong is also part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and is located at Tanay, Rizal. It’s become quite famous among hikers thanks to the stopovers where you can marvel at the gorgeous slopes and angles of the mountain range - perfect for photos! During the ascent, stop by Duhatan Bridge for a quick photo op and then another at Mapatag Plateau, where you can also relax for a minute or two.
How to get there:
- From Cubao, take Marcos Highway and drive all the way to Cogeo.
- From Cogeo, drive for about an hour until you get to Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal.
- Drive to Mt. Batolusong jump-off point. Be sure to use a GPS guide as there aren’t many signs around!
Safety Guidelines:
Mt. Batolusong is currently accepting visitors at 50% capacity. Guests are required to bring a valid ID, medical clearance certificate (taken 5 days prior) or a negative PCR Test result, and a confirmed booking. Visit their Facebook page for their more detailed requirements and more information.
7. Mt. Daraitan & Tinipak River
Photo Credit: Robyn See
Another famous hiking spot is Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River, found at the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range at Barangay Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal.
Hiking at Mt. Daraitan has often been tagged as a thrilling activity as it’s quite a challenging climb. However, those who have completed the trek say the 5-6 hour hike is very memorable!
What makes it worth it? You’ll go through a series of limestone formations, caves, natural pools, and of course, the Tinipak River which is an amazing site on its own! FYI, Tinipak River is an easy trek but you’ll have to ride a balsa, a makeshift boat made of bamboo, to get there with the help of a guide.
How to get there:
- From Cubao, take Marcos Highway and drive all the way to Cogeo.
- From Cogeo, drive for about an hour until you get to Tanay-Infanta road.
- Drive to Barangay Daraitan where you can register and meet a local guide who will lead you to the jump off point.
Safety Guidelines:
Mt. Daraitan is accepting up to 250 guests daily. Guests are required to bring their own alcohol, wear a face mask and face shield and observe social distancing as much as possible. Travel authority, health certificate or a negative rapid test result will also be required upon entry. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
