Mount Makiling
Volcano Dormant Philippine volcano and ecological research forest
Fringing Laguna and Los Baños, Mount Makiling is a dormant volcano with research forests and marked trails. Day-hikers, students, and botanists use footpaths to study endemic plants and nearby hot-spring areas.
Mount Makiling is a volcanic mountain in southern Luzon, Philippines, rising to about 1,090 metres and located between Laguna and Batangas provinces. It is widely known locally for its forested slopes and as a biological research and conservation area.
The mountain supports a range of trails from lowland trailheads to ridge and summit routes, with the foothills hosting the Makiling Botanic Gardens and university research facilities associated with the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Hikers and students use the area for recreation and scientific study.
Makiling has long been recognized for its biodiversity and cultural significance; it has been managed for conservation and research throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The slopes are protected as a forest reserve and have been the focus of botanical and ecological studies.
Geographically the mountain lies just south of Laguna de Bay and close to the town of Los Baños, making it readily accessible from Metro Manila by road.
- Elevation and volcanic status: Summit elevation is about 1,090 metres and the mountain is classified as a dormant volcano. Trails are popular with day hikers from nearby towns.
- Research and education: The mountain is closely linked to the University of the Philippines Los Baños, which maintains research and educational facilities on its slopes.
What to See #
- Makiling Botanic Gardens: A university-affiliated botanical garden and research areas at the mountain's lower slopes used for ecological studies and visitor education.
- Los Baños trailheads: Trailheads and ranger stations in and around Los Baños that lead to summit routes and maintained forest reserve trails.
How to Get to Mount Makiling #
Mount Makiling is adjacent to the town of Los Baños, Laguna and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). From Metro Manila take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) toward Calamba and follow local roads to Los Baños (by car roughly 60-80 km, depending on route and traffic); regular provincial buses also serve Los Baños from Manila. Common trailheads are located on or near the UPLB campus (College of Forestry/Makiling Botanic Garden), a short walk (about 1-3 km) from the town center or bus drop‑off points.
Tips for Visiting Mount Makiling #
- Register with the Makiling Forest Reserve/UP Los Baños office (College of Forestry) before hiking and use the official UPLB/CPUR trailheads in Los Baños-permits and local rules are enforced because the mountain is a protected research forest.
- Start pre-dawn from the designated Los Baños trailheads to avoid afternoon tropical showers and heavy daytime heat; many day-hikers underestimate how hot and humid the lower slopes get later in the day, so an early start gives the best summit window and safer conditions.
Best Time to Visit Mount Makiling #
Mount Makiling is best climbed in the dry season (November-April) when trails are drier and weather is more predictable.
Weather & Climate near Mount Makiling #
Mount Makiling's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 29°C. Heavy rainfall (2490 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (192 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (272 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (389 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (368 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (333 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (270 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (252 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (187 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
