Mount Balagbag: A Solo Hiker’s Paradise
Last updated on October 25th, 2023 at 11:56 am
3 minutes readLooking for an exciting hiking spot near Manila? Well, you’re in luck because Mount Balagbag is a fantastic choice! This trail is especially friendly to beginner hikers since it’s wide and easy to navigate. What’s even better is that you can reach the summit in just an hour, and there’s no need for a tour guide.
Despite its relatively small size, Mount Balagbag is a true natural beauty. It stands tall at over 777 meters in elevation, straddling the provinces of Bulacan and Rizal, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The mountain has a unique history; it was once a victim of illegal logging. However, the local community has taken it upon themselves to restore its natural charm by planting trees and rehabilitating the land.

My Unforgettable Mount Balagbag Adventure
Let me share my personal Mount Balagbag experience. Before the actual climb, there’s a bit of a story to tell. I set off from Manila very early, around 2 am. Thanks to the lack of traffic, I arrived in Tungko quite early and caught a jeep heading to Licao-Licao at around 4:45 am. The place was still in darkness, and I was pretty much on my own. I waited at a store, feeling a bit anxious because I had heard about some incidents of robbery in the area. So, I found a discreet spot at the side of the store and waited for other hikers or the break of dawn.


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How to Get to Mount Balagbag
If you’re wondering how to reach Mount Balagbag, it’s quite straightforward:
- Start from Cubao, and catch a bus to Tungko. Get off at Tungko and make your way to the BDO building. There, you’ll find a jeepney terminal to Licao-Licao. Keep walking past it until you reach the end of the line. From there, you have two options to reach the barangay hall: you can either take a tricycle for a 30-peso fee per person or enjoy a 20-25 minute walk.
What to Bring for Your Hike
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable hike, make sure to pack the following essentials:
- Carry enough water to keep you hydrated.
- Bring sufficient food to keep your energy levels up.
- Dress appropriately, especially if you’re hiking in hot weather.
Bulacan is a province waiting to be discovered, and Mount Balagbag is just the beginning. While it’s undoubtedly a popular spot, there’s so much more to explore in this region. I strongly encourage you not just to add it to your travel bucket list but to prioritize it on your next getaway. A trip to Bulacan promises unforgettable experiences, and I guarantee you won’t regret it. So, why wait? Start planning your adventure today!
When packing for your trip, you might want to consider the following items:
- Face mask
- Tumbler to stay hydrated
- Remember to bring sunscreen
- Backpack
- Selfie stick for you great photos
- Action Cam
- Powerbank
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