Palawan's Wildlife
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Trekking & Hiking in Palawan
Palawan is a stunning island province in the Philippines with diverse natural resources. It offers exhilarating jungle treks and hiking trails that take visitors to the heart of its lush forests and mineral-rich mountains. Here are some of the best mountains and trails to explore while in Palawan.
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trekking & hiking, PALAWAN
Extreme
Cleopatra's Needle
Cleopatra’s Needle is one of Palawan’s most captivating mountains, named for the obelisk-shaped rock at its peak, which towers at 1,593 metres (5,226 feet). Generally considered the third-highest mountain in Palawan, it is visible on the way to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, and its beauty is immediately noticeable from the road.
The mountain lies within a protected forest reserve and is a major biodiversity hotspot, sheltering endangered Palawan-endemic wildlife, mossy cloud forest and rare flora that attract scientists and researchers. Its lower slopes and river valleys are the ancestral domain of the Batak, one of Palawan’s indigenous peoples, and trekkers usually pass through Batak settlements near the jump-off.
This is a major, advanced climb of three to four days, as a backtrack or a traverse, with countless river crossings, thick jungle canopy, mossy forest and boulder scrambling. From the summit, you see Honda Bay and the Sulu Sea to the east, the West Philippine Sea to the west and, on clear days, the city proper to the southeast.
Mt. Mantalingahan
Mt. Mantalingahan (also spelled Matalingahan, Mantalingajan or Mantaling) is the highest point in Palawan, standing at 2,085 metres (6,841 feet) in the south of the island. It spans the municipalities of Rizal, Brooke’s Point, Quezon and Bataraza.
The mountain lies within a protected area of more than 120,457 hectares that is home to several indigenous groups and is listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also a Key Biodiversity Area, with a rich variety of endemic flora and fauna.
This is an extremely strenuous, major expedition and one of the most challenging hikes in the Philippines. It usually takes 3 to 5 days, most often as a 4-day traverse from Rizal on the west coast to Brooke’s Point on the east coast. The trail runs through deep jungle, with muddy paths, stream crossings, leeches (limatik) and cold temperatures near the summit. You pass through Tau’t Bato communities along the way, and one of the most thrilling sections is the Canopy Knife Edge, a narrow, exposed ridge near the summit with steep drop-offs on both sides. At the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of Southern Palawan, the Sulu Sea and the South China Sea.
Mt. Victoria
Mount Victoria rises 1,726 metres (5,663 feet) above sea level in the municipality of Narra, and is widely regarded as one of the most rugged, wild and challenging major climbs in the Philippines. Its largely uncharted forests shelter a diverse range of flora and fauna, some still undiscovered. Near the peak, botanists recently found the endemic pitcher plant Nepenthes attenboroughii, a discovery that drew global attention. The forested valleys at the base are home to Tagbanua communities, who often serve as local guides and porters.
This is a major, advanced expedition of 3 to 4 days, as a backtrack or a traverse, with heavy river crossings, boulder scrambling and dense tropical forest. The lower and middle legs follow the Buhawi River and its mountain streams, and you cross roaring rivers more than 15 times before the steep ascent into the jungle canopy. The range has several high points, including the main summit (1,726 m), the razor-sharp spire known as “The Teeth” (1,749 m / 5,738 feet), Atong Peak and Sultan Peak.
The ultramafic, mossy summit zone rewards the effort with views of the West Philippine Sea, the Sulu Sea and the neighbouring peaks.
trekking & hiking, PALAWAN
Challenging
Mt. Thumb Peak
Mount Thumb Peak is a small but rewarding mountain near Puerto Princesa in central Palawan, named for its summit, which resembles a fist with a thumb pointing upwards. Standing at 1,296 metres (4,252 feet), it is reached from the Iwahig Penal Colony, and a permit from the penal farm authorities is required to climb it.
This is a strenuous climb, usually done as a 2-day overnight trek, or as a long single-day push for fast hikers. The trail crosses several rivers and winds through dense forest to a mossy, bonsai-like summit zone. Crossings become harder in bad weather, and you should expect leeches along the way. Along the route you can look out for interesting flora, including tropical pitcher plants.
At the top, you are rewarded with views of the West Philippine Sea, the Sulu Sea and the surrounding mountains.
Mt. Beaufort
Mount Beaufort rises approximately 1,094–1,148 metres (3,589–3,766 feet) above sea level and offers a rewarding trekking experience through Palawan’s lush tropical rainforest. The trail passes beneath a dense jungle canopy, with river crossings, steep muddy ascents and thick undergrowth along the way.
The mountain is home to diverse flora and fauna, including freshwater crabs, birds, snakes and tree frogs, as well as plant species native to Palawan. Hikers can take their time along the trail to appreciate the surrounding biodiversity and look for wildlife among the trees and forest floor.
Rated moderate to challenging, the trek can be completed as a long day hike of approximately 10–12 hours or as an overnight climb for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
trekking & hiking, PALAWAN
Modarate
Mt. Salakot
Mount Salakot, also known as Airforce Peak, is a prominent mountain in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, rising approximately 1,062–1,162 metres (3,484–3,812 feet) above sea level. Part of Palawan’s central mountain range, it offers a rewarding trek through lush forest, with steep sections and uneven terrain along the route.
The hike can be undertaken as a day trip or an overnight adventure, depending on the chosen route and pace. From higher points, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Puerto Princesa Bay and the surrounding mountains.
The trail passes through dense vegetation, where hikers may spot birds, reptiles and other forest wildlife. The ascent includes steep sections and uneven terrain, requiring good physical fitness and some trekking experience.
The nearby Salakot Waterfalls provide an additional opportunity to appreciate the area’s natural beauty and cool off after the trek.
Mt. Bloomfield
Mt. Bloomfield rises 787 metres (2,582 feet) above sea level in Sabang. It sits within the buffer zone of the UNESCO World Heritage Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and is one of the most scenic mountains in the area, making it an easy addition to an Underground River visit. Unlike many treks that need a long road transfer to a remote jump-off, the trail starts practically at sea level at Sabang Beach.
This moderate day hike takes about 3-4 hours up and 2-3 hours down. From the beach, the trail crosses farmland and an open stream and rocky bed, then climbs an open ridge and enters ultramafic forest, with steep rocky sections near the top. The ultramafic rock is pleasant to walk on and less slippery than other rock in Palawan.
At Eagle’s Ridge, you get panoramic views of Sabang Beach, St. Paul Bay and Mt. St. Paul, home of the Underground River, standing tall to the north. Behind it rises Cleopatra’s Needle, the highest mountain in Northern Palawan, visible on clear days, and Mt. Capoas in Malampaya can also be seen.
Mt. Bahile
Located approximately 30 kilometres from Puerto Princesa City, Mount Bahile rises to around 700–747 metres (2,297–2,451 feet) above sea level and is a rewarding destination for a challenging day hike. The trail winds through dense ultramafic forests, featuring distinctive rock formations, pitcher plants (Nepenthes), wild orchids and unique local wildlife, including a variety of bird species.
The ascent takes approximately 4–5 hours, followed by 3–4 hours for the descent, making it suitable for hikers with good physical fitness. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Honda Bay, Ulugan Bay and the surrounding mountain landscape. According to local accounts, the name Bahile may derive from the Spanish word baile, meaning dance, and is associated with gatherings of the indigenous Tagbanua people.
trekking & hiking, PALAWAN
Easy
Mt. Darala
Located in Busuanga, Northern Palawan, Mount Darala rises to approximately 600 metres and is the highest mountain in the Calamianes Archipelago. The trek takes a few hours and offers an enjoyable nature escape through lush forest, with beautiful views of the surrounding islands and waters.
The mountain also holds cultural significance for the indigenous Tagbanua people, who consider it sacred and believe it is home to their ancestral spirits.
Sabang Jungle Trail
For adventurous travellers after something different, the 5 km (3.1 miles) Jungle Trail from the ranger station near the Underground River back to Sabang is a must-do. Instead of the standard 15-minute motorised banca ride from Sabang Wharf, you hike through the park’s old-growth forest beneath the karst landscape of Mt. Saint Paul. The easy-to-moderate trek takes 1.5-3 hours one way, over wooden stairs, boardwalks, stone steps and natural soil paths.
Along the way, look out for wildlife such as long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and monitor lizards.
Ugong Rock
Ugong Rock is a striking karst formation about 15 km (9.3 miles) south of Sabang, near the Underground River. Surrounded by paddy fields and karst forest, it offers sweeping views of the countryside.
With a knowledgeable guide, you climb to the viewing deck through narrow cracks, caverns and holes, using wooden steps, ladders and rope pulls. The easy-to-moderate caving section takes 30-45 minutes, and the full visit, zipline included, takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Once at the top platform, you can walk back down via a wooden staircase or ride the Ugong Rock Zipline, one of the fastest in the Philippines, with a 71 m (233 feet) drop. You can choose a seated or Superman-style harness and fly across the forest canopy.
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