Highest Mountains in the Philippines: Exploring Top 10 (With Altitude)

Highest Mountain in the Philippines

The highest mountain in the Philippines is Mount Apo, a majestic peak located in the southern part of the country on the island of Mindanao. Standing at an impressive height of 2,954 meters (9,692 feet), it is considered the highest peak in the country and a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers.

Mount Apo is a stratovolcano that has been inactive for about 900 years, with its last eruption recorded in 1600. It is located between the provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato and is part of the Mount Apo Natural Park, a protected area that covers an area of 72,901 hectares. The mountain is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species such as the Philippine eagle, the Waling-Waling orchid, and the pitcher plant.

The mountain is also an important cultural and spiritual landmark for the indigenous peoples of Mindanao, particularly the Bagobo, Manobo, and Lumad communities, who consider it a sacred site. The mountain has been a site for various cultural and religious activities for these communities, including rituals, dances, and healing ceremonies.

For adventure seekers, Mount Apo offers a challenging yet rewarding climb with various trails leading to its summit. The most popular trail is the Kapatagan Trail, which takes approximately two to three days to complete and offers stunning views of the mountain’s landscape, including its crater lake and surrounding peaks.

Mount Apo is an important natural and cultural landmark in the Philippines, offering a unique and memorable experience for those who venture to its summit

Top 10 Highest Mountains in the Philippines

Not only does the Philippines boast stunning beaches and tropical island destinations, but it also offers challenging mountain trails that lead to breathtaking views at their summits. Below are the top 10 highest mountains in the country. The Philippines, located in Southeast Asia, is an archipelago of around 7,641 islands that are divided into three geographical regions: Luzon, Mindanao, and Visaya. These regions have mountainous terrain, are covered in tropical rainforests and of volcanic origin, and are home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, plants, and animals. Over 10 mountains in the Philippines exceed 8,900 feet, and the most notable among them are discussed below.

1. Mt. Apo (2,956 m)

Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines, located on the island of Mindanao. It is a stratovolcano and has been inactive for around 900 years, with its last eruption recorded in 1600. Mount Apo is considered one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, featuring a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered Philippine eagle, the Waling-Waling orchid, and the pitcher plant.

The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers who can choose from several trails to reach the summit. The most common trail is the Kapatagan Trail, which takes around two to three days to complete. The climb can be challenging, but the view from the top, which includes a breathtaking view of the crater lake, is worth it.

Mount Apo is also an important cultural and spiritual landmark for the indigenous peoples of Mindanao. The Bagobo, Manobo, and Lumad communities consider it a sacred site, and the mountain is home to several cultural and religious activities such as rituals, dances, and healing ceremonies.

2. Mt. Dulang-dulang (2,938 m)

Mount Dulang-dulang is the second-highest mountain in the Philippines, located in the province of Bukidnon on the island of Mindanao. It is a part of the Kitanglad Mountain Range, which is a protected area and home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.

The mountain is a challenging climb, with steep and rocky trails that take around two to three days to reach the summit. However, the view from the top, which includes a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, is worth the effort.

Mount Dulang-dulang is also an important cultural and spiritual landmark for the indigenous peoples of Mindanao, particularly the Talaandig community. They consider it as a sacred site, and several cultural and religious activities are held on the mountain, including rituals, dances, and community gatherings.

3. Mt. Pulag (2,922 m)

Mount Pulag is the third-highest mountain in the Philippines, located on the island of Luzon. It is part of the Cordillera Central mountain range and is known for its beautiful landscape, unique mossy forests and grasslands.

The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers due to its relatively easy trails compared to other high mountains in the country. The Ambangeg Trail, the most common trail to the summit, takes around two days to complete and offers a stunning view of the sunrise from the summit.

Mount Pulag is also a significant cultural and spiritual landmark for the indigenous peoples of the Cordillera region. The mountain is considered sacred by the Ifugao and Ibaloi communities, and several cultural and religious activities are held on the mountain, including rituals, dances, and community gatherings. The mountain is also home to several endangered species, including the Philippine deer and the Luzon water red horse.

4. Mt. Kitanglad (2,899 m)

Mt. Kitanglad is an inactive stratovolcano located in the province of Bukidnon, Philippines. It is part of the Kitanglad Mountain Range, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The mountain has an elevation of 2,899 meters above sea level, making it the fourth-highest mountain in the Philippines.

Mt. Kitanglad is known for its challenging trekking trails, with the most popular route being the Talaandig Trail. The trail is about 9.6 kilometers long and takes about 10-12 hours to complete, depending on the trekker’s pace. Along the way, trekkers will encounter lush forests, scenic waterfalls, and a wide variety of wildlife, including several species of birds, butterflies, and reptiles.

Mt. Kitanglad is also a protected area and has been declared a national park by the Philippine government. The park is home to several indigenous communities, including the Talaandig people, who have been living in the area for generations. Visitors to the park can learn about the Talaandig culture and even participate in traditional activities such as weaving and farming.

5. Mt. Kalatungan (2,880+ m)

Mt. Kalatungan is a stratovolcano located in the province of Bukidnon, Philippines. It is the fifth-highest mountain in the Philippines, with an elevation of 2,880 meters above sea level. The mountain is part of the Kalatungan Mountain Range, which is known for its rugged terrain and diverse flora and fauna.

The mountain is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers, with several trails leading to its summit. The most popular route is the Wiji Trail, which takes about 2-3 days to complete. Along the way, trekkers will encounter dense forests, rocky terrain, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Mt. Kalatungan is also home to several indigenous communities, including the Higaonon people, who have been living in the area for generations. Visitors to the mountain can learn about the Higaonon culture and even participate in traditional activities such as weaving and hunting.

6. Mt.Tabeyoc (2842 m)

Mt. Tabeyoc is a mountain located in the province of Benguet, Philippines. It is part of the Cordillera Central mountain range and has an elevation of 2,842 meters above sea level. The mountain is known for its stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Mt. Pulag, the highest mountain in Luzon.

The mountain is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers, with several trails leading to its summit. The most popular route is the Ambangeg Trail, which takes about 2-3 days to complete. Along the way, trekkers will encounter pine forests, rocky terrain, and scenic viewpoints.

Mt. Tabeyoc is also home to several indigenous communities, including the Kankanaey people, who have been living in the area for generations. Visitors to the mountain can learn about the Kankanaey culture and even participate in traditional activities such as basket weaving and farming.

7. Mt. Piapayungan (2,817 m)

Mt. Piapayungan is a mountain located in the province of Apayao, Philippines. It is part of the Cordillera Central mountain range and has an elevation of 2,817 meters above sea level. The mountain is known for its challenging trekking trails, scenic views, and rich biodiversity.

The mountain is a popular destination for experienced trekkers and mountaineers, with several trails leading to its summit. The most popular route is the Tinongdan trail, which takes about 2-3 days to complete. Along the way, trekkers will encounter dense forests, steep slopes, and a wide variety of wildlife, including several species of birds and mammals.

Mt. Piapayungan is also home to several indigenous communities, including the Isnag people, who have been living in the area for generations. Visitors to the mountain can learn about the Isnag culture and even participate in traditional activities such as weaving and hunting.

8. Mt Ragang (2,803 m)

Mt. Ragang is a stratovolcano located in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. It is part of the Ragang Mountain Range and has an elevation of 2,803 meters above sea level. The mountain is known for its stunning views, unique geological formations, and rich cultural heritage.

The mountain is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers, with several trails leading to its summit. The most popular route is the Lanao Traverse, which takes about 3-4 days to complete. Along the way, trekkers will encounter dense forests, rocky terrain, and scenic viewpoints.

Mt. Ragang is also home to several indigenous communities, including the Maranao people, who have been living in the area for generations. Visitors to the mountain can learn about the Maranao culture and even participate in traditional activities such as weaving and woodcarving

9. Mt Maagnaw (2,742 m)

Mt. Maagnaw is a mountain located in the province of Davao del Sur, Philippines. It is part of Mount Apo Natural Park and has an elevation of 2,742 meters above sea level. The mountain is known for its challenging trekking trails, unique geological formations, and diverse flora and fauna.

The mountain is a popular destination for experienced trekkers and mountaineers, with several trails leading to its summit. The most popular route is the Kidapawan Trail, which takes about 2-3 days to complete. Along the way, trekkers will encounter dense forests, steep slopes, and a wide variety of wildlife, including several species of birds, butterflies, and reptiles.

Mt. Maagnaw is also home to several indigenous communities, including the Bagobo people, who have been living in the area for generations. Visitors to the mountain can learn about the Bagobo culture and even participate in traditional activities such as weaving and farming.

10. Mt. Timbak  (2,717 m)

Mt. Timbak is a mountain located in the province of Benguet, Philippines. It is part of the Cordillera Central mountain range and has an elevation of 2,717 meters above sea level. The mountain is known for its scenic views, unique cultural heritage, and rich biodiversity.

The mountain is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers, with several trails leading to its summit. The most popular route is the Atok Trail, which takes about 3-4 hours to complete. Along the way, trekkers will encounter scenic viewpoints, traditional rice terraces, and several sacred burial grounds of the Ibaloi people, who have been living in the area for generations.

Mt. Timbak is also known for its unique flora and fauna, including several species of endemic plants and animals. Visitors to the mountain can learn about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts to protect it.

Mt. Timbak is also home to several indigenous communities, including the Ibaloi and Kankana-ey people, who have been living in the area for generations. Visitors to the mountain can learn about their traditional culture and even participate in activities such as traditional dance and music performances. The mountain is also a popular site for cultural festivals and events, such as the Kankana-ey Igorot Festival

Which is the Tallest Mountain in the Philippines?

Mt. Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines, located on the island of Mindanao. It has an elevation of 2,956 meters above sea level and is considered one of the country’s major landmarks. The mountain is part of the Mt. Apo Natural Park, which spans several provinces, including Davao del Sur, Cotabato, and Bukidnon.

The mountain is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers, with several trails leading to its summit. The most popular route is the Kidapawan Trail, which takes about 2-3 days to complete. Along the way, trekkers will encounter dense forests, rocky terrain, and scenic viewpoints.

Mt. Apo is also known for its unique geological formations, such as the Agco Mud Pools and the sulfuric vents at the summit. The mountain is also home to several endemic species of plants and animals, including the Philippine eagle, which is considered one of the rarest and most endangered bird species in the world.

Mt. Apo is also rich in cultural heritage, as it is home to several indigenous communities, including the Bagobo people, who have been living in the area for generations. Visitors to the mountain can learn about the Bagobo culture and even participate in traditional activities such as weaving and farming.

In addition to trekking and mountaineering, Mt. Apo offers several other activities for visitors, including camping, birdwatching, and hot spring bathing. The mountain is also a popular site for cultural festivals and events, such as the Kadayawan Festival, which celebrates the bountiful harvests of the region.

What is the Cultural Heritage of Mt. Apo and Who are the Communities Living in the Area?

Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, is not only a natural landmark but also a cultural heritage site. The mountain is home to several indigenous communities, including the Bagobo, Manobo, and Maguindanao people, who have been living in the area for generations. These communities have a rich cultural heritage that is closely tied to the mountain and its natural resources.

The Bagobo people, for example, are known for their intricate weaving techniques and traditional clothing, which are made using natural fibers and dyes from plants found on the mountain. They are also skilled farmers, cultivating crops such as rice, corn, and root crops in the fertile valleys around the mountain.

The Manobo people, on the other hand, are known for their music and dance performances, which often feature traditional instruments such as the kulintang and the agong. They also have a rich oral tradition, with stories and legends passed down from generation to generation.

The Maguindanao people, who live on the western side of the mountain, have a distinct culture that is heavily influenced by Islam. They are known for their elaborate weddings, which can last for several days and feature traditional dances and songs.

Visitors to Mt. Apo can learn about these indigenous communities and their cultural heritage through community-based tourism initiatives. These initiatives offer visitors the opportunity to stay in traditional houses and participate in activities such as weaving, farming, and traditional dance performances. By supporting these initiatives, visitors can also cntribute to the economic development of these communities and help preserve their cultural heritage.

In addition to the indigenous communities, Mt. Apo is also home to several ancient burial sites, which provide a glimpse into the mountain’s pre-colonial history. These burial sites are believed to be over a thousand years old and are considered important cultural landmarks by the indigenous communities living in the area.