Our 3 Favorite Treks in the Philippines | Explore Traveler

Our 3 Favorite Treks in the Philippines If the Philippines, which extends its 7000 islands at the entrance to the Pacific Ocean, are naturally famous for their white sand beaches and their lagoons, a stay in this fabulous archipelago could in no case be summed up only in activities. seaside or nautical.

Here, the possibilities of discovery are endless and the singular contrasts when you go from one island to another: rice terraces, lush jungle landscapes, desert islands, coral reefs in shimmering colours etc.

Philippines Otherwise has therefore selected for you, excluding nautical activity, three favourite hikes on three different islands that will give you a unique and authentic overview of the country. Put on your hiking shoes, nature lovers, it's your turn to go on an adventure!

The Bilar forest on the island of Bohol In the nature reserve in the heart of Bohol , a jungle inhabited by reptiles, flying lemurs and macaques awaits you. The beginning of the journey can actually begin with a mahogany forest planted by man for a few kilometres between the municipalities of Bilar and Loboc. It is around that extend the natural forests with their patchwork of foliage in all shades of green, varied species of trees and giant ferns.

In the mahogany forest, the atmosphere is unique due to the size of the trees and their branches. A road crosses this forest of sentinels erected high towards the sky. When you enter this magical forest, which looks like something straight out of “Lord of the Rings”, the temperature drops sharply. Lots of movies are shot here: Rather humid mountainous regions, the natives attribute the rains of the Bilar region to the micro-climate induced by this particularly dense artificial forest. Much visited, however, the mahogany forest is only a

first step. Groups of hikers go deep into the surrounding thick jungles every day in search of wildlife.

The most spectacular rainforest is about 20 km from Tagbilaran City.

A mountainous road that winds between ravines and wooded hills also provides quick access to the town of Carmen, famous for its Chocolate Hills, a succession of hills that look like chocolate bites. All identical in size and shape, they seem to have grown out of the jungle that surrounds them.

The Casaroro Waterfalls on Negros Occidental Yes, there are several hundred steps to descend to get to this waterfall in the middle of the jungle on the island of Negros Occidental .

Located 4 kilometres from Valencia, the Casaroro falls are our 2nd favourite trek in the Philippines.

Yes, the discovery of this waterfall is a little deserved and may be a little difficult for the less athletic. It is recommended to have good shoes that go in the water and have good grip. Along the way, natural baths and pools mingle with the lush jungle.

After a good 30 minutes of walking, the spectacle that we discover is simply grandiose. From the top of these 30 metres, the fall of Casaroro falls in a deafening crash. Take the time to swim at its foot. As access is not easy, there are never many people down there. A privilege in short and the opportunity to perk up before the hard ascent in the opposite direction.

Osmena peak on the island of Cebu It is the highest peak on the island. It gives a panoramic view of the 2 coasts of Cebu . Starting from Dalaguete, it's about 30 minutes through the countryside. The peak, which it is best to climb to the east for the spectacle it offers, then only represents a 30-minute walk on a steep path.

Once at the top, at 1013m, the panorama allows you to see Cebu in its width, from the east coast to the west coast, and sometimes even the neighbouring islands. One may prefer a longer hike, starting from Badian, and walking about 4 hours to the top.

It is also possible to do this hike from Kawasan Falls, which will take a little longer, up to around 6 hours. Note that you can camp on the peak as well.

The most spectacular part to photograph is undoubtedly towards Moalboal, which is exactly opposite where the sun rises. On the way back down, don't miss the view of Guadalupe, with the sun pouring over the area.

Last tip: being a particularly touristy spot and also very popular with locals, Philippines Otherwise recommends avoiding this excursion on weekends and public holidays.