Makiling Mountain Hike

Rising to an altitude of 1090 meters above sea level, adjacent to Laguna de Bay, or “Lake Laguna,” Mount Makiling is like a princess adorned with grace, inspiring awe and respect.

If you find yourself enchanted by her beauty during daylight hours, it’s advisable to wait for sunset to see her in all her splendor.

As the skies are cloaked in shades of orange and gray, she dons the silhouette of a reclining woman on a bed of greens, beckoning you to stretch out beside her.

This is likely the reason why visitors from near and far respond to her invitation and find solace in her embrace. Some have even made their homes at her foothills.

Whether you are avid mountain climbers, nature enthusiasts, artists, scientists, or students, Mount Makiling will go to great lengths to make everyone feel welcome and cherished.

Like alluring women, this mountain princess is also an enigma. She not only boasts of natural wonders that few can compare to but also hosts centers of learning and research throughout her slopes.

Mud Spring

Mount Makiling is a dormant volcano, and one can discern this due to the numerous warm springs at the mountain’s base. Mud Spring is different from them in that instead of warm, soothing waters, you can see a small lake filled with acidic, sulphuric, and very hot mud. The waters boil due to the intense heat, emitting steam like a small piece of hell on earth. It used to be just a small spring in the 1970s, and since then, it has grown into the small lake it is today. If you have fresh eggs, you can actually throw them into the water, and they will float and turn into hard-boiled eggs.

Obviously, no one wants to cook themselves in this lake, so to prevent unfortunate accidents, park authorities have fenced it off.

Hot Springs

If the inferno on earth’s surface is not your thing, you can immerse yourself in warm and healthy waters at one of the hot springs scattered around the towns of Los Baños and Bay, as well as in the city of Calamba. Daily, Mount Makiling’s hot springs provide soothing therapy for many visitors who are convinced of their healing properties. The waters not only improve blood circulation and eliminate harmful microorganisms but also relieve joint and muscle pains. You can experience this earthly paradise by visiting popular resorts like Spa 88 and Splash Mountain or by renting a room at one of the numerous private vacation spots in Park Merced.

Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve

The Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve was declared as number 33 on the list of heritage sites by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This recognition acknowledges the reserve’s importance as a home and refuge for over 20,000 species of flowering plants, 291 species of ferns, 211 species of mosses, 45 species of mammals, 181 species of birds, 65 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, and thousands of other insects and organisms.

Because of this, the park is popular not only among scientists but also among tourists. As the park is a habitat for so many bird species, it is also a popular destination for birdwatchers.

National Arts Center

The National Arts Center, located on the hilltops of the mountain, continues to serve as an academy and, more than that, a paradise for young Filipino artists and art enthusiasts.

The park was established on a 13.5-hectare land in 1976 by the then First Lady, Imelda Marcos. A visit to this academic mountain reserve reveals why it was chosen to be built there – the breathtaking view of the lake surrounded by lush vegetation of the forest reserve promises the awakening of muses to life.

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) was established in the 1960s and set its main headquarters at the foot of Mt. Makiling. It served as the launching point for the Green Revolution that saved millions of people from hunger by developing high-yielding rice varieties.

It also serves as the site of the world’s longest-running rice research experiment – the Long-Term Continuous Cropping Experiment (LTCCE). Scientists from all over the world come to the Rice Research Institute to research, collaborate, and learn.

However, you don’t need to be a scientist to learn and appreciate agriculture and rice cultivation. You can visit the Rice World Museum and the learning center on-site to explore the wonders of this humble grain.

University of the Philippines Los Baños

The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) began as the University of the Philippines College of Agriculture (UPCA) and operated from a tent located in the remote areas of Mt. Makiling in 1909. Edwin Copeland, the first dean of the college, was sent by the American colonial government to promote education in agriculture and research in the country.

The colonial roots are evident in the architecture of the historic buildings, especially in the buildings of the College of Home Economics, the College of Humanities, Baker Hall, the Social Hall for Graduates, and the Conference Hall among the palms. Other architectural gems include the mosaic tiles of the college gate, the Main Library, Umali Hall, the Student Union building, and the Carillon Tower – one of only four carillons in Southeast Asia.

The Rizal Ancestral House

Jose P. Rizal y Mercado is a polymath and a national hero in the Philippines. He had an intimate relationship with Mount Makiling and undoubtedly drew inspiration from the beauty of this mountain princess. The muse that lines the mountain gave him the inspiration to write as a young boy, and it is prominently featured in his stories in the newspaper “La Solidaridad,” published by Filipinos in Europe during those times.

The house itself is a classic “bahay na bato” or “house of stone,” showcasing antique wooden furnishings inspired by Spanish influence. You can follow in the footsteps of this genius, beloved by the Malaysians, in his ancestral house in the old town near Calamba, and then be amazed by the world’s largest sculpture depicting his likeness in front of the new city hall.

Buko Pie

No trip to the province of Laguna in the Philippines would be complete without buying Buko Pie, which can be called the Filipino version of the American apple pie. It all started when Soledad Pahud returned to the Philippines after working as a servant in the United States. During her time in the U.S., she learned how to make apple pie and tried to recreate the dessert that had become a symbol of America. However, since apples were very rare in the tropical Filipino village, her sister suggested using buko (young coconut) instead, and that’s how Buko Pie was born. Thus, something as American as apple pie became a local delicacy. The Pahud family owns and manages the original Buko Pie bakery, located along the highway in Los Baños, at the foot of Mount Makiling.

Dalcielo Pinoy Cheesecake

Dalcielo is a bakery chain that includes two branches of restaurants serving Spanish, American, Italian, and Filipino cuisine. One branch is located along the Jeepney Route on Lopez Avenue, leading to the campus of UP Los Baños. The second branch can be found in the basement of SEARCA Residence Hotel, nestled among the trees within the campus.

The owners of the place, Marissa de Jesus and Pinky Halos, offer a wide variety of salads, soups, appetizers, and desserts. One of the professors at UP Los Baños, Glen Batikadus, suggested to them the Delisante goat cream cheese that he produces with a former student. After some research and development, they came up with the idea to turn the famous New York cheesecake into a distinct Filipino dessert. So, they took the Delisante and transformed it into a cheesecake. Instead of topping it with strawberries or blueberries, they decided to serve it with a green mango syrup. Thus, something as American as New York cheesecake received a “twist,” or in this case, two, to become a distinct Filipino dessert.

Hiking Tours

Mount Makiling is a popular destination among mountain climbers, and it’s easy to understand why. The forest is well-preserved in its natural state thanks to the faculty, staff, and students of the university, and it serves as a habitat for a rich variety of birds, reptiles, and other wildlife.

The mountain has four peaks, with the highest one being Peak 2, which is the most popular. In fact, the trails to the peaks are well-maintained and well-marked, making it possible to hike and explore them even without a guide. Other options include the flat rocks and the Butoy Spring along the trail leading to Peak 2, as well as the National Arts Center. You can reach all of these destinations on a day hike, though you can also spend a night at one of the camping sites conveniently located for visitors on their way to the summit.

If you want to start your hike at the higher part of Mount Makiling, you’ll need to register at the forest guard station before boarding the jeepney headed for the University of Los Baños. Make sure to check with the driver that he’s going all the way up to the forest ranger station before hopping on the jeepney with your gear. Register at the monitoring station at the jump-off point, and then you can begin your journey.

Bird Watching

Mount Makiling is likely one of the most accessible birdwatching sites near Manila, home to several endemic bird species. Interesting landscape features like flat rocks, waterfalls, and exotic trees also attract various bird species. Birdwatching is usually done along the trail leading to Peak 2, but the trails leading to the flat rocks and Butoy Spring may offer opportunities to spot ground-dwelling birds.

Swimming

With plenty of hot spring pools in the area, you have a wide range of options for swimming. You can choose from Japanese-style onsens, Korean bathhouses, water slides, kidney-shaped pools, Olympic-sized pools, and even private resort pools.

If hot springs aren’t your thing, you can cool off at Dampalit Falls in Los Baños or Hidden Valley, a luxury resort in Calauan town. You can reach the falls with a short trek through lush greenery, where butterflies and fireflies accompany you along the way.

Triathlon

For the past ten years, the Trantados Triathlon Club has been organizing a fun triathlon event on the campus of the University of Los Baños. This is a sprint triathlon covering short distances, including swimming in the Baker Hall pool, biking along the tree-lined path near PhilDairy Drive that connects UPLB and IRRI, and running around the Freedom Park in front of Baker Hall. Whether you want to participate in the activity or just want to watch Batman on his bike or SpongeBob swimming in the pool, keep your eyes open during the event, which usually takes place on the third Saturday of September.

Another triathlon, the National Age Group Triathlon, typically takes place on the second Sunday of December. The atmosphere during this event is more competitive, as it serves as one of the qualifiers for the national-level triathlon in the Philippines.

Golf

You can enjoy a round of golf at Ayala Greenfields, a 72-par, 18-hole golf course in Calamba. Located at an elevation of about 340 meters above sea level at its highest point, the golf course offers a splendid and clear view of Laguna de Bay, the skies above Maactan, Tagaytay Ridge, and Mount Makiling.

There are occasional single concert events held in the open air at the University of Los Baños, where you can enjoy a beer or two and even a box at one of the many bars and restaurants in the area. Popular places include Padi’s Point, Venue, and Comikera in Calamba City, Isdaan in Calauan, Kamayan sa Palaisdaan in Bay, LB Square, and IC’s Bar and Café in Los Baños.

Massage

If you’re feeling tired after all the outdoor activities that Mount Makiling has to offer, or even if you’re not, you can slow down and relax with a massage. Filipino massage is, in fact, a traditional remedy and is not only relaxing but also has therapeutic qualities, as weary souls can attest. But Filipino massage is not the only type offered in Los Baños and Calamba; you can also enjoy Swedish, Thai, Shiatsu, Acupressure, and even deep tissue massages, among other types.

Learning English

When the Americans arrived here, they brought their education and learning system with them. The locals in the foothills of the mountain carry the traces of their influence, which becomes evident whenever someone tries to converse with them. In fact, South Koreans, Japanese, and other Asians come here to learn the language. Since the language was first taught across the islands by American soldiers, don’t be surprised if the learning material is presented in a tough, military-style.

Alternatively, the teachers at “The Learning Place” learning center are willing to patiently teach English to all children and those young at heart.

To get to Mount Makiling, you’ll first need to make your way to the city of Los Baños, which is located 63 kilometers south of the Philippines’ capital, Manila. So, fly to Manila from wherever you are currently, and from the airport, you can take a taxi to Los Baños and Mount Makiling.

Adventurers among you can take a bus from Manila. You should go to the bus terminals connected to DLTB or Green Star in Pasay City, along Taft Ave, near the intersection with Sen. Gil Puyat Ave (formerly Buendia Ave). The bus fare is 99 PHP (around $2.50). You can pay the fare at the bus terminal or during the journey; just inform the conductor or the bus driver that you need to reach College, Los Baños.

The bus will stop at the Caltex gas station in Los Baños. From there, you can take a local jeepney or open van heading to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UP Los Baños). The jeepney fare is 8.50 PHP (around 25 cents).

While you’re in Los Baños, you can stay at various hotels or hostels, such as the Continuing Education Center of UP Los Baños, SEARCA Residence Hotel, Anest Tower, or one of the hot spring resorts scattered throughout the city.