Discover stunning trails in Bukidnon and Davao—perfect for weekend relaxation, athletic training, bonding with nature, or exploring the wilderness. These easy hikes in Mindanao offer the ideal escape for both beginners and seasoned adventurers alike.
Whether you’re new to hiking or simply looking for a scenic weekend trail, Mindanao offers a diverse range of beginner-friendly mountains. From pine forest ridges to volcanic slopes, these trails are perfect for those easing into the hiking lifestyle. This 2025 guide features 10 carefully chosen mountains across Bukidnon and Davao del Sur, each with its own charm, unique views, and manageable difficulty.
1. Mt. Capistrano – Malaybalay, Bukidnon
Explore Mt. Capistrano
- Trail Duration: 3–4 hours one way
- Barangay: Sitio Binalbagan, Barangay Simaya, Malaybalay City
- Highlights: Limestone outcrops, 360° view of rice fields and Bukidnon hills
- Note: Trail is steep but well-established. Bring gloves for the stone sections.
- Tourism Fee: Yes; local registration required
- Guide: Optional but recommended
2. Mt. Musuan (Calayo) – Maramag, Bukidnon
- Trail Duration: less than an hour
- Landmark: Central Mindanao University (CMU) in Barangay Dologon, Maramag, Bukidnon
- Highlights: An active volcano, have cellsite towers, established trail, excellent for sunrise hikes
- Tourism Fee: None
- Guide: Not required; trail runners and local students frequently hike here
3. Mt. Palaopao – Sumilao, Bukidnon
- Trail Duration: 4–5 hours one way
- Barangay: Kisolon, Sumilao, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
- Highlights: Beautiful landscape at the peak, hidden cave, muddy trail, and farmlands
- Tourism Fee: None
- Guide: Optional but reccommended
4. Mt. Kulago – Impasug-ong, Bukidnon
- Trail Duration: 3 - 4 hours
- Highlights: Ridge views, river crossing, occasional sea of clouds, majestic cone-like peak
- Note: Often used as a training hike by local trekkers
- Tourism Fee: Minimal fee
- Guide: Recommended, especially for first-timers
5. Mt. Loay – Zone 3, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
- Trail Duration: 3-4 hours
- Highlights: Established trail, plenty of stopovers and refreshments, have the option to traverse to Langan Falls
- Access Point: Zone 3; often paired with Langan Falls
- Tourism Fee: Yes, through LGU Tourism stationed at the entrance trail
- Guide: Required: Sta. Cruz LGU-enforced
6. Mt. Dinor – Brgy. Sinoron, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
- Trail Duration: 5-6 hours one way
- Highlights: Pilan River; Tacub Laya falls, lush forest, open campsite and the Peak
- Note: Longer and more challenging but still manageable for fit beginners
- Tourism Fee: Yes
- Guide: Required by local tourism policy
7. Bamboo Peak – Brgy. Jose Rizal, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
- Trail Duration: 3-4 hours one way
- Highlights: Open trail, rest stops, diverse birds
- Bunos: Popular for dayhikes or overnights
- Tourism Fee: Yes
- Guide: Required
8. Viper Peak – Bato, Toril, Davao City
- Trail Duration: 1-2 hours depending on the trail path
- Highlights: Grassland ridge, access to many waterfalls, small river crossing
- Start Point: Lantaw Banud, Brgy. Bato, Toril
- Tourism Fee: No
- Guide: Optional but recommended when going to the falls
9. Mt. Fortune – Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
- Trail Duration: 1-2 hours depending on the hiker's pacing
- Highlights: Short beginner-friendly climb with grassy summit, moderate to steep pace
- Note: One of Sta. Cruz’s easiest climbs
- Tourism Fee: Yes
- Guide: Required
10. Mt. Kiamo (Palalihan Ridge) – Malaybalay, Bukidnon
- Trail Duration: 2–3 hours
- Highlights: River crossing, pine trees, wide campsite, pitcher plants
- Access Point: Brgy. Sabangan
- Tourism Fee: Minimal
- Guide: Optional but helpful
- Note: The true peak can be accessed through the Kibalabag trail
What to Expect on the Easy Hikes in Mindanao
- Most trails are undeveloped but scenic — prepare for river crossings, grasslands, and humid climbs.
- Weather changes fast in the highlands—bring rain gear and sun protection like raincoat or umbrella.
- Registration is usually at barangay halls, LGU tourism staff or tribal centers —fees range from ₱30–₱150.
- Guides are required – in Sta. Cruz for most official trails, as per DOT-enforced policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need a guide for all hikes in Mindanao?
A: It is recommended for beginners to hire local guides. They help ensure you stay on the correct trail and are available to assist if any issues arise during the hike.
Q: Which trail is best for a 1-day hike?
A: All of these listed easy hikes in Mindanao can be completed in a day. However, travel time to the trailhead may vary depending on the climber’s location and should be taken into consideration when planning.
Q: Which trail is best for overnight camping?
A: Mt. Kulago, Mt. Dinor, Mt. Kiamo, and Bamboo Peak are excellent choices for overnight hikes, as they offer essential amenities such as clean water sources, designated tent stations, and safe, secure campsites.
Ready to Begin? Embrace the Outdoors with Easy Hikes in Mindanao
Mindanao is home to some of the easiest and most exciting hiking trails in the Philippines—perfect for beginners looking to fall in love with the outdoors, as well as athletes and enthusiasts eager to train and explore the beauty of the mountains. These trails offer scenic views and a soul-refreshing, energy-boosting experience that’s ideal for jumpstarting your hiking journey, or simply starting the week on a high note.
So pack your water, lace up your shoes, and take that first climb—the Manakaay ug Bukid lifestyle awaits.
