Mount Makiling rises 1,109 metres from the lowlands of Laguna, an inactive volcano managed as a nature reserve under the University of the Philippines Los Banos. The mountain is one of the most biodiverse areas in Luzon — over 2,000 plant species have been recorded here, along with a remarkable range of birds, butterflies, and mammals. Two major trails serve hikers of different experience levels. The approach from Los Banos is the standard route; get there by bus or jeepney from Binan and arrange a private vehicle for the final steep stretch to the trailhead, as there is no reliable public transport. Register at the San Bartolome Barangay Hall before entering the reserve.
The experience of hiking Makiling is different from the open-ridge walking you get on most Philippine peaks. The forest is dense and genuinely cool in the upper sections, the trail winds through stands of tree ferns and bamboo, and the birdwatching is excellent — the mountain is a stronghold for several endemic species. It is not a technical climb, but the terrain is steep and the trail can be slippery after rain. Start early and carry more water than you think you need. The mountain rewards the effort with a sense of genuine wilderness that is increasingly rare this close to Metro Manila.