Mount Makiling Volcano

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.

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.

• 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.