Mount Makiling by Philippine Beach Resorts

Mount Makiling, also rarely Mount Maquiling, is located in the province of Laguna on the island of Luzon, Philippines. It is an inactive volcano, which rises to 1,090 m above sea level. Legends surround the mountain, many of which relate to Maria Makiling, said to be the ‘guardian fairy’ of the mountain. The contour of the mountain is said to be that of her in a reclining position.

The University of the Philippines, Los Baños is designated as the official caretaker of the mountain.

Mt. Makiling is a popular hiking destination. The two major trails begin at the UPLB College of Forestry and Brgy. San Miguel, Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The UPLB trail is more commonly used, taking 4-5 hours to reach the summit (Peak 2). However, this trail is closed as of October 2007 due to trail damage wrought by Typhoon Xangsane on September 2006. The other trail from Sto. Tomas passes by other peaks, is more difficult, and requires 6-7 hours to reach the summit. Both trails are generally established and safe, although throughout the years there have been occasional reports of fatal accidents and injuries, especially on the Sto. Tomas side. Climbers also frequently encounter leeches along the way.

Places of Interest:

• Jamboree Site, a campsite at the foot of Mount Makiling adjacent to U.P. Los Baños, which is being managed by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and the site of the 10th World Scout Jamboree in 1959 before the crashed in Quezon City.
• Mud Springs, widely accepted albeit erroneously as the volcanic crater of Mount Makiling
• National Arts Center, a patch of land at the foot of Mount Makiling adjacent to U.P. Los Baños, which is being managed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the site of the Philippine High School for the Arts, a special school for young artist scholars
• Pook ni Maria Makiling, an eco-tourism site adjacent to the Jamboree Site, National Arts Center and U.P. Los Baños
• University of the Philippines, Los Baños

Sources: WikiPedia