Mount Banahaw is a 2,170-metre active stratovolcano that dominates the skyline behind Lucban. It last erupted in 1843, and the upper slopes are forested, often cloud-covered, and considered sacred by indigenous and folk-Catholic Quezon Province religions. Climbing the mountain has been restricted since 2004 to allow the trails and vegetation to recover, but local guides can sometimes obtain permits — check with the Lucban tourism office before you arrive.
When open, the standard climb from the Lucban side starts at the Banahaw de Lucban jump-off and takes one long day or, more comfortably, two days with an overnight camp. The route passes through cloud forest and ends at a forested summit ridge with several peaks; views are largely vertical and the climb is more about the journey than the panorama. Pack rain gear: the upper mountain is wet even in dry season. There are no facilities on the mountain. Permits, when issued, are conditional on hiring a registered guide.