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...]
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 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...]