By Gael Hilotin, author of The Pinay Solo Backpacker
1. OSMENA PEAK
Avid mountaineer Christine Fernandez picks Osmeña Peak as a romantic mountain destination. “At 1,013 MASL, it is Cebu’s highest point. Its cool temperature ranges from 18-25 C during wet season, ideal for snuggling with your special someone while staring at the eye-popping karts peaks, reminiscent of Hershey’s Kisses, that surround the summit. It only takes less than an hour hike over an established and forgiving trail which leaves you plenty of energy to complete the trek and do other fun things after,” she explained.
2. MT. PULAG
Talk about celebrating love in an unexpected place, Luzon’s highest peak - Mt. Pulag, is fast becoming an ideal place for wedding proposals. Intrepid duos flock to this gorgeous peak to witness the awe-inspiring sea of clouds at daybreak. Mt. Pulag is a sacred place to the Kalanguya, Kankana-ey, Ifugao and Ibaloi indigenous tribes. Home to a staggering variety of wildlife species, a large area of this gorgeous mountain was designated as a protected national park in 1987. There are four known trails here: Ambangeg - the easiest trail, Akiki often referred to as the “killer trail” which entails a 2 -3 day hike, Tawangan famous for its mossy forest and the Ambaguio trail which starts in Nueva Vizcaya. Whatever track you choose, you will surely be draped by mesmeric sceneries! (Photo credit: Darwin Cayetano)
Talk about celebrating love in an unexpected place, Luzon’s highest peak - Mt. Pulag, is fast becoming an ideal place for wedding proposals. Intrepid duos flock to this gorgeous peak to witness the awe-inspiring sea of clouds at daybreak. Mt. Pulag is a sacred place to the Kalanguya, Kankana-ey, Ifugao and Ibaloi indigenous tribes. Home to a staggering variety of wildlife species, a large area of this gorgeous mountain was designated as a protected national park in 1987. There are four known trails here: Ambangeg - the easiest trail, Akiki often referred to as the “killer trail” which entails a 2 -3 day hike, Tawangan famous for its mossy forest and the Ambaguio trail which starts in Nueva Vizcaya. Whatever track you choose, you will surely be draped by mesmeric sceneries! (Photo credit: Darwin Cayetano)
3. MT. BATULAO
Also on the list of Christine's romantic mountain getaways is Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. She finds this peak picturesque as it offers awesome landscape to share with your special someone. “Batulao is an easy 3 hour commute from Manila and can be done as a day trip. Though its trails can be a little challenging - quite dusty during the dry season or slippery when it rains, the hike is fulfilling. So on the way up, you can see valleys, interesting rock formations and striking sceneries of grasslands and cliffs. You can take a rest in a makeshift store and share a fresh coconut juice with one straw. A side trip to nearby Tagaytay, a city known for its cool temperature is ideal after the trip so you can enjoy a filling post-climb meal in one of the restaurants overlooking Taal Lake,” she added. (Photo credit: Christine Fernandez)
Also on the list of Christine's romantic mountain getaways is Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. She finds this peak picturesque as it offers awesome landscape to share with your special someone. “Batulao is an easy 3 hour commute from Manila and can be done as a day trip. Though its trails can be a little challenging - quite dusty during the dry season or slippery when it rains, the hike is fulfilling. So on the way up, you can see valleys, interesting rock formations and striking sceneries of grasslands and cliffs. You can take a rest in a makeshift store and share a fresh coconut juice with one straw. A side trip to nearby Tagaytay, a city known for its cool temperature is ideal after the trip so you can enjoy a filling post-climb meal in one of the restaurants overlooking Taal Lake,” she added. (Photo credit: Christine Fernandez)
4. MT. MELIBINGOY (MT. PARKER)
Venturing into a new sight far from your daily routine can deepen your intimacy. If you’re looking for an untouched highland bliss for your romantic getaway, consider Mt.Melibingoy (Mt.Parker) of T’boli, South Cotabato. It is a fairly easy to moderate climb; the trail is draped by lush wilderness and rugged promontories leaning into Ga-o River. But the most romantic part here is Lake Holon, a stunning outcome of the devastating havoc of Mt.Parker in 1641. It is a perfect spot to snuggle up your partner while savoring the view of sheer mountainside plummeting into the emerald green mirror-like lake.
Venturing into a new sight far from your daily routine can deepen your intimacy. If you’re looking for an untouched highland bliss for your romantic getaway, consider Mt.Melibingoy (Mt.Parker) of T’boli, South Cotabato. It is a fairly easy to moderate climb; the trail is draped by lush wilderness and rugged promontories leaning into Ga-o River. But the most romantic part here is Lake Holon, a stunning outcome of the devastating havoc of Mt.Parker in 1641. It is a perfect spot to snuggle up your partner while savoring the view of sheer mountainside plummeting into the emerald green mirror-like lake.
5. MT. MAYON
What could be lovelier than spending a moment with your love one at the world's perfect cone? Mt.Mayon in Legazpi may not be an easy climb, but summiting this iconic peak together makes a great bonding experience. It can be done as a day hike or overnight trek; the best period to climb is from February to April. And since it is an active volcano, monitor the weather, seek local advice or contact Philvolcs before your ascent. Conquering Mt.Mayon entails traversing varied difficult trails; from jungles, to boulders, grasslands and rocks. But once you reach the peak, you will be rewarded with a vivid scenery of the towns below lapped by the azure sea.
What could be lovelier than spending a moment with your love one at the world's perfect cone? Mt.Mayon in Legazpi may not be an easy climb, but summiting this iconic peak together makes a great bonding experience. It can be done as a day hike or overnight trek; the best period to climb is from February to April. And since it is an active volcano, monitor the weather, seek local advice or contact Philvolcs before your ascent. Conquering Mt.Mayon entails traversing varied difficult trails; from jungles, to boulders, grasslands and rocks. But once you reach the peak, you will be rewarded with a vivid scenery of the towns below lapped by the azure sea.
