New To Hiking? These 5 Beginner-Friendly Mountains Are The Perfect First Step

Want to reconnect with nature but don't know where to find it? Well good news, hiking is trendy again—from Instagram-worthy photos of the sunrise to fleeting moments above the clouds. Climbing mountains gives you both the benefit of fresh air and a new bonding activity with friends. 

If you're up for the challenge, Cosmo curated a list of beginner-friendly mountains by meters above sea level (MASL)—but of course, they're only easy with a trained tour guide.

Location: Rodriguez, Rizal

Known as one of the twin peaks found near Montalban Gorge, Mount Binacayan is located south of Mount Pamitinan.

This three- to four-hour journey begins with rocky and bamboo-filled agricultural terrain before opening into trails covered with thick foliage. Then, once you reach the top, you can glimpse the Wawa River and the distant Metro Manila skyline. If you still find yourself pumped with adrenaline, challenge yourself with hiking its twin mountain on the same day! After all, you've already put those steps in.

Location: Rodriguez, Rizal

An ever-popular two- to three-hour hiking destination, Mount Pamitinan can test your balance with its muddy and slippery trail. As you near the summit, the bulk of the challenge shifts to scrambling up the limestone formations. Despite the rough climb, you're greeted with the beautiful view of the Sierra Madre mountain range and Mount Binacayan.

If you're left unscathed, the trip to Mount Pamitinan can offer you a quick historic detour to the Pamitinan Cave, which you can also access from a hanging bridge in the Montalban Gorge. This cave once served as a secret headquarters for the Katipuneros and a refuge during times of conflict. So, if you're looking to maximize your hike, Mount Pamitinan strikes just the right amount of intensity and history to round out your experience.

Location: San Antonio, Zambales

Going to Mount Pundaquit usually involves passing through a rugged landscape, with lahar fields, dry streams, and grassy slopes. Offering little to no shade, the hike up the mountain can be a sunny pursuit. The summit, however, rewards you with an incomparable view of Anawangin Cove's shore.

So if you're hoping to hit the waves after a sweaty climb, this hike already places you well on your way through the land travel toward Anawangin Cove.

Location: Cabangan, Zambales

Mount Mariglem is another sunny trek in Zambales that eventually leads you to bodies of water. Despite being a minor peak, the intense heat uphill can test your patience.

Known to take you through multiple ridges before the summit, the hike ends with a view of the West Philippine Sea and Mount Tapulao. At the end of the hike, the Maligha and Agbobotilya Rivers await you for a much-needed cool down.

Location: Tanay, Rizal

Mount Kulis is a relatively more accessible mountain if you're near Metro Manila, with its steady path of grassy terrain. When you reach the top, you can view the Sierra Madre mountain range and the sunrise over the horizon. While the climb feels relatively straightforward, it is usually accompanied by a steeper trek to Sambong Peak situated at 629 MASL.

For those looking to diversify their Instagram feed, what makes this mountain a popular hike destination is the other attractions often included in a hike itinerary. The Spider Web allows you to experience what it's like to be suspended, while Noah's Ark creates an illusion of being above the clouds.