MOUNT Makiling has always been my favorite escape from the chaos of Metro Manila, offering serenity in a tropical forest just two hours away. This mountain has been a significant part of my outdoor adventures, a place I frequently visit to connect with nature.
Over the years, I go to Makiling for various activities, such as hiking, tree-planting, swimming, trail running, camping, and even attending the wedding of two adventure friends, who gave out mango seedlings as souvenirs.
One of my most memorable experiences was a solo climb to Peak 2. I remember driving to Agila Base early in the morning, parking there, and starting my hike. The trail was easy at first but gradually became more challenging as I approached the summit. I reached Peak 2 in under two hours, ready to celebrate my solo accomplishment — until I noticed leeches crawling out of my trekking shoes. I spent the next few days at the doctor's office dealing with bites all over my body.
Despite that, I returned to Makiling many times just to relax and enjoy nature. My most recent visit was a few months ago to see the famous Rafflesia flower, though we missed its blooming season by a week. Still, I was able to trek to Flatrocks and Mudspring, which were more than enough to satisfy my love for Makiling.
Forest reserve
Mount Makiling is an inactive stratovolcano located between Los Baños, Calamba and Bay in Laguna, and Santo Tomas in Batangas. It rises 1,090 meters above sea level. Established in 1933, Mount Makiling National Park was the first national park in the Philippines. In 1963, its management was transferred to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to support public education and forestry programs. The Mount Makiling Forest Reserve covers 4,244 hectares.
Legend has it that Mount Makiling is the home of Maria Makiling, the mountain's mythical protector. The mountain's silhouette is often compared to Maria Makiling in a reclining position.
UPLB is the main gateway to the forest reserve, located about 69 kilometers south of Manila. The drive to UPLB typically takes less than two hours. If you're traveling by public transportation, take a bus bound for Santa Cruz, Laguna, and get off at the UPLB junction. From there, take a jeepney into the campus. A commuter bus now connects UP Diliman and UPLB daily.
UPLB
UPLB, originally established in 1909 as the University of the Philippines College of Agriculture, covers an area spanning 1,098 hectares and offers over 100 degree programs. A visit to UPLB wouldn't be complete without exploring its iconic landmarks, such as the Oblation, Freedom Park, Alumni Plaza, and the Carillon. Notable buildings designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin, including Umali Hall, the Main Library, and the Student Union, are also must-sees.
Baker Hall, built between 1927 and 1938, once served as a prisoner of war camp during World War II and is one of the oldest structures on campus. The "upper campus," home to the College of Forestry, is worth visiting for the UPLB Museum of Natural History and the UPLB Botanical Gardens, where you can see endemic plants featured on the five- and ten-peso coins: the Tatabak and Kapakapa.
Other points of interest include the Makiling National Scout Reservation, which hosted the 1959 World Scout Jamboree, the National Arts Center, the Philippine High School for the Arts, and St. Marc's Chapel.
Climbing Makiling
Climbing Mount Makiling is a moderately challenging experience. The hike to the peak takes about 4 to 5 hours up and another 4 hours down, covering approximately 18 kilometers. The trails are well-marked, starting at the registration area (Station 1) and leading to the summit at Station 30.
However, reaching the peak isn't necessary to enjoy Makiling. Close to the registration area is a trail leading to Flatrocks, a geological formation of ancient flat rocks. Another trail from Station 7 takes you to Mudspring, a mud pot created by volcanic heat breaking down rocks into clay. During summer, you can also spot the Rafflesia lagascae, one of the smallest species of Rafflesia in the Philippines, blooming near Agila Base. There's always something new to discover around Mount Makiling, ensuring that you'll want to come back again and again.
2024-09-02T16:17:52Z dg43tfdfdgfd
