Day Hike to Mt. Pamitinan

The underrated gem that is Rizal Province is quickly becoming a go-to destination in the Philippines. A mere two to three-hour drive from Metro Manila, travelers are finally discovering its lush environment. Lying on the northeastern shore of Laguna de Bay and perched on the western slopes of the Sierra Madre mountain range, the province of Rizal has a lot of outdoorsy fun to offer. It’s also a great destination for quick trips and day hikes, and the best introduction is Mt. Pamitinan.

Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Photo by jojo nicdao on Foter.com / CC BY

About Mt. Pamitinan

Mt. Pamitinan is located in Rodriguez Town (also known as Montalban colloquially) in the province of Rizal. This town is rich in many hiking destinations, all of which rewarding hikers with scenic panoramic views of the cities down below. It’s one of three favorites in the area, together with Mt. Binacayan and Hapunang Banoi. These karst mountains border Wawa Dam, which is a worthwhile side trip after the hike.

The peak of Mt. Pimitinan rises 426 meters above sea level. It’s made of limestone and can be tricky with sharp rocks and boulders, but it’s a good experience for beginner hikers. It’s rated a 3/9 difficulty and will take anywhere from one to three hours to climb to the peak, depending on your fitness level.