Ttrekking In The Philippines

In  region which has had, an interesting recent mountain history, it is hardly surprising that Northwest Luzon has a great diversity of experience Sto offer hikers. Mt Pinatubo is the most infamous peak in the ares, but plenty of other less explosive destinations await hikers. These include the craggy peaks of the Zambales Range, which runs up the lower half of northern Luzon, and the pristine tropical rain forests neatly preserved in the area surrounding Subic Bay, just minutes from a busy free port zone.




Mt Tapulao, Zambales

This two-day trek brings you to the highest point in the Zambales Range, 2037m above sea level. Safe and easy accessible, it retains a remote feel. the views are exceptional and the trail takes you through a number of distinct ecosystems, from lowland grass and scrubland up through pine forest to stunned, most-draped alpine forest above 1800m. It is possible to hike this in a day, but most prefer to camp at the summit.

Mt. Tapulao rises at the center of the rugged Zambales range, a string of mountains borders on the west by the South China Sea and on the East by the central Luzon plain. mt Tapulao is one of the few remaining areas where this ancient mountains can be viewed in their original state. No permit is required, but a brief call at the provincial tourism office in Iba is recommended. Form Iba, buses and jeepneys run north to the next town, Palauig, where you can take a tricycle or jeep to Bario Salasa and then on to the top pf the trail of Dampay resettlement area. There is only one trail, which is well marked, so no guide is neccesary. If you want one way, make arrangements in Dampay.