Are you planning on going on a hike but worried it might be too much for you? Do you want to see first-hand the beauty the mountains have to offer? Do you want to take it easy while hiking up the mountains? Read on, as this article is perfect for those with little to no experience hiking. Here are 3 minor hiking spots ideal for beginners but still give you one hell of a view!

1. Mt. Batolusong (Tanay, Rizal)

Mt. Batolusong, located in Tanay, Rizal, is no doubt one of the easiest and the perfect hike for those starting up. The effort to hike this mountain is nothing compared to the reward you get at the top. It is considered as a minor hike with a difficulty rating of 3/9, trail class 1-3. The trail is filled with grassland slopes where you get to enjoy the cold, fresh winds and the views of Laguna Bay, Rizal, and Quezon. It only takes 1.5 hours to reach Mapatag Plateau, your first major stop. From there, you can choose to go for Rangyas Peak which would take an additional 1 hour.

For 2.5-3 hours of hike, the view at the summit is surely worth it. If weather permits and depending on the time of day, you’d even get to be able to see a sea of clouds! On the way down, you can pass through the nearby Sangab Cave and have a quick dip in the natural pool.

2. Mt. Mapalad (Tanay, Rizal)

Mt. Mapalad, another mountain located in Tanay, Rizal, is famous for its palad or hand in the summit where you can take some of the most amazing shots. As you can see, whether you get to see a sea of clouds or not, the view is amazing nonetheless.

Mt. Mapalad is considered to be 3/9, with trail class 1-3. You get to choose between 2 trails, one harder and faster than the other. The harder one is much more recommended as you’d be able to visit Kinabuan Falls and have a refreshing soak. It takes 2-3 hours of hike to reach the summit. It actually shares the same view as with Mt. Batolusong as the two mountains are quite near each other. If you’ve ever been to either, you know the view at the top is worth it!

3. Mt. Daraitan (Tanay, Rizal)

For this last one, we suggest you have at least a bit of experience hiking, even once or twice as a little conditioning. Mt. Daraitan is rated at difficulty 4/9, with trail class 1-3. This is a bit more difficult than the previous two on this list, still it would be worth every bit of effort, we promise! The mountain offers a view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. You also get to visit the famous Tinipak River and Cave, if you choose to do so. This rocky river and cave is a famous spot to get some instagrammable shots and more importantly refresh and refuel your tired bodies as you dip into this natural pool.

Those are the three mountains in Rizal we recommend that is ideal for all hikers. We recommend you to start with these if you’re just getting into hiking as they offer the best views compared to the difficulty of the hike itself.

As of writing, these mountains are open to hike. Do note though that community quarantine guidelines and protocols are subject to change depending on the LGUs.

Have any more recommendations for minor hikes? Leave some in the comments down below!

Disclaimer: Credit to the rightful owners. We do not intend copyright infringement with these photos.

© Carlo Emmanuel Posadas

WIR Intern

De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde Antipolo Campus