One doesn’t need to be a
hardcore mountaineer to enjoy the spectacular highland sceneries located all
over Luzon. Just because you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views doesn’t
always mean it will involve crazy calf-burning hikes or six-hour long treks! Without further ado, here
are some easy hikes in Luzon that will give you beautiful, postcard-worthy
backdrops.
1. Dingalan Hill, White Beach (Dingalan, Aurora)
An easy and chill hike to
the top of Dingalan Hill gives you a front-row view of the Pacific Ocean’s
waves, as they slap against the ridges of the sharp rock formations below. All
the while being surrounded by a beautiful bloom of rolling hills and the
vastness of the sea.
Your photo at the saddle
with your arms outstretched doesn’t come close to the unrivaled freedom one
feels when encircled with the magnificent wonder of nature.
2. Mount Sawi (Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija)
This mountain may seem
like it’s meant for the brokenhearted but Mount Sawi is in fact, a happy
mountain to hike because of its easy trail that requires only a couple of hours
of moderate-level hiking.
Upon reaching the summit,
take in the view of the unique landscape of river streams and vibrant colors of
the countryside below. Scream your heart out at the top, not for forlorn
reasons, but because of sheer exhilaration.
3. Cape Engaño Lighthouse, Palaui Island (Santa Ana, Cagayan)
The Spanish-era Cape
Engaño Lighthouse is a worthy precursor to the breathtaking 360-degree view
that awaits you at the top of this hill in Palaui Island. Enduring the long
journey to Sta. Ana Cagayan and the volatile waves of the Pacific Ocean will
prove to be worthwhile once you lay eyes on the scenery dotting Palaui Island.
Lush greenery and blue
waters abound as do hiking trails on the other parts of the island. Easy hike,
check. Spectacular views, check. Ideal camping spots, check.
4. Vayang Rolling Hills (Basco, Batanes)
Wave-shaped hills dotted
by greenery and cows, Vayang Rolling Hills epitomizes the pastoral element of
Batanes – which continues to charm visitors with its romantic ambience.
It’s no surprise this hill
and other parts of Batanes have become favorite pre-nuptial photo destinations
for upcoming brides and grooms. An easy hike from the lone narrow road takes
you instantly to Vayang Hills.
5. Bangaan Rice Terraces (Banaue, Ifugao)
As one of the Cordilleras’
five clusters of rice terraces included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bangaan
Rice Terraces appears like an immense stretch of immaculately-carved piece
of nature. The short hike from the main highway going down to the small quaint
village will make you pass through majestic panoramic scenery of snaking rice
terraces.
When visited during the
peak of harvest season, the deep green colors of the crops and other blooming
flowers can appear so overwhelmingly stunning.
These are just some of the
easy hikes one can travel to in Luzon. Of course, other moderate mountains such
as Mt. Batulao, Mt. Makiling, Mt. Maculot, and Pico de Loro are also considered
laid-back treks but aren’t as easy as the places listed above. If you have any
more suggestion for more relaxed hikes in Luzon, let me know in the comments
section!
