When people plan trips around Manila, the usual focus tends to fall on the obvious city landmarks, quick food stops, shopping districts, or short day tours. That makes sense. Metro Manila is dense, chaotic, layered, and full of places that can fill a packed itinerary. But if travelers only stay inside the usual urban loop, they often miss one of the most meaningful destinations connected to the wider story of Manila Bay and Philippine history: … [Read more...]
About Aiden Kenzy
I’m Aiden Kenzy, the founder of Lakbay Pinas and a passionate Filipino travel writer dedicated to uncovering the hidden gems and iconic destinations across the Philippines. Since 2015, I’ve made it my mission to explore every corner of our beautiful archipelago—from the towering peaks of our mountains to the pristine shores of remote islands.
Why Quezon Province Deserves a Bigger Place on Your Philippine Travel Bucket List
Some provinces do not need a hard sell. The moment you hear their name, you already know what kind of trip to expect. Quezon is different. It does not always lead the usual travel conversations the way Palawan, Cebu, or Siargao do, but that is exactly part of its strength. Quezon feels broader than one headline destination. It is not boxed into one travel identity. Instead, it gives you a province that can shift depending on what kind of … [Read more...]
Chasing the Sea of Clouds in Tanay, Rizal: A Dreamy Escape Near Manila
There is something magical about standing above a mountain ridge while a thick blanket of clouds rolls below your feet. It feels surreal, almost like the earth has disappeared and you are floating in the sky. That is exactly why the sea of clouds in Tanay, Rizal continues to attract hikers, campers, photographers, and weekend travelers looking for a refreshing escape from Metro Manila. Tanay has long been one of the most accessible adventure … [Read more...]
Top 10 Beach in La Union 2026: A Smart Traveler’s Elyu Guide
There is a reason why a La Union beach trip never feels like a one-time thing. You go for the surf, then return for the sunsets. You plan a quick weekend, and suddenly you’re mapping out your next visit before you even leave. In 2026, La Union continues to evolve — better roads, more refined resorts, stronger local tourism systems — but the soul of Elyu remains unchanged. What makes this province special is the variety. Not every shoreline here … [Read more...]
Leveling Up in Benguet: A 2026 Guide to the Mt. Kotkot Traverse
Hey trail chasers, Welcome back to the blog. If you have spent any time scrolling through outdoor community feeds lately, you have undoubtedly paused on those sweeping, cinematic shots of the Benguet ridges. The endless rolling hills, the golden hour light hitting the pine trees, the sea of clouds in the distance—it all makes you think, “I need to be there immediately.” Mt. Kotkot in Itogon, Benguet is having a massive moment right now in … [Read more...]
Best Beginner Hikes in the Philippines 2026
If you’ve been thinking about hiking but keep telling yourself, “Baka hindi ko kaya,” this is your sign to start. Your first mountain doesn’t need to be extreme. It doesn’t have to be a multi-day expedition with tents, heavy packs, and survival-mode energy either. In fact, the best way to fall in love with hiking in the Philippines is to begin with a minor climb—the kind of trail that challenges you just enough, gives you a beautiful summit … [Read more...]
Why Mt. Daraitan is the Ultimate Wake-Up Call for New Hikers
In the Philippine mountaineering community, there is a notorious concept known as the budol climb. It usually starts with a friend messaging you: "Let's hike this weekend! It’s just a minor climb, rated 4/9. We’ll be down by lunch." For thousands of unsuspecting beginners, that budol happens at Mt. Daraitan. Sitting on the windward edge of the Sierra Madre range in Tanay, Rizal, Mt. Daraitan has built a reputation that heavily contradicts its … [Read more...]
Ultimate Guide to Mt. Tapulao 2026 | 36KM Challenge
There is a specific sound that haunts every hiker who has set foot in Palauig, Zambales. It isn’t the howling wind of the Cordilleras or the rushing water of a river trek. It is the rhythmic, hollow crunch-clack-crunch of hiking boots striking loose stones. For 18 kilometers going up and 18 kilometers coming down, this sound is your soundtrack. Welcome to Mt. Tapulao, the "High Peak" of the Zambales Mountain Range. Standing at 2,037 meters … [Read more...]
Mt. Mariglem DIY Guide: 2026 Itinerary & Budget (Zambales)
Mt. Mariglem in Cabangan, Zambales is a 573 MASL minor peak famous for its "Ridge-to-River" trail. While often labeled "beginner-friendly" due to its short 2–3 hour ascent, the open trail exposes hikers to extreme heat (Heat Index >40°C), making it a High-Intensity Short-Duration (HISD) challenge. The reward is a refreshing descent into the emerald waters of the Maligha and Agbobotilya Rivers. If I had to describe Mt. Mariglem in … [Read more...]
Mt. Makiling Hiking Guide 2026: The New Rules, Limatiks, and the “Paved Agony”
Mount Makiling is an ASEAN Heritage Park rising to 1,090 MASL in the CALABARZON region. Managed exclusively by the UPLB Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME), the standard 2026 hike requires a mandatory guide (PHP 1,200), strictly enforced cut-off times, and a physical ID for entry. The Mariang Makiling Trail (MMT) is a 4/9 Difficulty minor climb, taking 5-7 hours to complete. Rising like a sleeping giant over the Southern … [Read more...]