Montalban Rodriguez Rizal is a first-class urban municipality and the largest town in the province of Rizal. Located on the slope of the Sierra Madre from north to south which is occupied by hills and mountain ranges.
The word ‘Montalban‘ is derived from the Spanish word ‘monte‘ which means mountains. Therefore, Montalban is known for its prominent hiking mountain destination that surely captures your heart and gives you a thrilling yet unforgettable adventure!
Mt. Pamitinan
Mt. Pamitinan 
Mt. Pamitinan is located in barangay Wawa province of Rizal. This town is rich in many hiking destinations, all of which rewarding hikers with scenic panoramic views of the cities down below and limestone formation.
There are several viewpoints along the trail, culminating in the summit which has a 360-degree view. To the north, one can see Mt. Hapunang Banoy and a distant Mt. Arayat, and from northeast to south, a vast swath of Sierra Madre mountains.
Historical Trivia:
The mythical folk hero Bernardo Carpio himself separated the two mountains by his brute force in an act of self-liberation, creating the gorge, the river, and the rock formations.
Mt. Binacayan
Mt. Binacayan Peak 
Mt. Binacayan is shorter than Mt. Pamitinan by just a few meters. Also has two different approaches. Both of which feature a profile similar to Mt. Pamitinan, though the latter is a bit more unexplored.
Binacayan offers a more agricultural terrain followed by the same rock and bamboo ascent. The final leg is through a ridgeline with thick foliage, requiring long steps and reaching from one limestone formation to another.
The summit offers similar scenery with a more extensive view of the meanderings of Wawa River and of course a profile picture of Mt. Pamitinan. The entire hike takes 3-5 hours depending on the guide’s choice of trail.
Various activity can be done such as caving in the Binacayan Cave and Bat Cave, mountain biking, swimming by the Wawa Dam, and rock climbing in the limestone
Mt. Binacayan is one of a best hiking mountain destination that you will never forget.
Mt. Hapunang Banoi
Mt. Hapunang Banoi 
Mt. Hapunang Banoi is also a hiking mountain destination in Montalban Rizal. A second highest mountain in Rodriguez Rizal. Located also in barangay Wawa. It is famous for its naturally beautiful rock and limestone formations perfectly fused with the thick forest of numerous green species of trees and plants.
Mt. Hapunang Banoi is the “elder sibling” of Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan with much higher difficulty, elevation, and hiking duration. The trail to Mt. Pamitinan is the same as this mountain passing through the rock climbing walls. The good thing about is that there are bamboo stands along the rocky trails.
One good spot is the view deck where you can get a breathtaking viewpoint!
Mt. Oro
Mt. Oro 
Mt. Oro is a newest day hike destination specifically located in Barangay Mascap Rodriguez Rizal. This mountain is a great choice for first timers wanting to experience the joy of hiking. Aside from hiking, you can also try mountain climbing. The trail going up is quite an open one with minimal shaded areas. Nonetheless, its lush grass and trees make up for the heat. It is just quite a short adventure depending on your pace, yet wonderful one!
Mt. Espadang Bato
Mt. Espadang Bato 
A hiking mountain destination also located in Barangay Mascap that is part of Sierra Madre mountain ranges. The mountain is sharply pointed shape resembling a sword. Height of 455 meters above sea level. The novelty of its spot makes it one of the visited peaks among mountains of Rodriguez. It is called Espadang Bato obviously because of the rock formation that looks like a sword.
For mountaineers and hikers, a metal ladder was installed for those who wish to stand on the top of the mountain. Climbing at the top of the rock is a risky without a harness, helmet, or any protection gear equipment. As such, do it at your own risk. However, do not even attempt if you are not comfortable.
This mountain hides unique and iconic spots that certainly pique the curiosity of everyone, so try it now!
Mt. Balagbag
Mt. Balagbag 
Mt. Balagbag is simply the best mountain for beginners out there. Yes! Its trails are certainly one of the easiest among the mountains of Rizal. If you are the type to believe the harder the climb the greater the reward, this stunner would make you think otherwise.
Verdant rolling hills, luscious mountain ranges of the Sierra Madre and a magnificent view of the metropolis await you at its peak.
The mountain is known to be a place where a morning sky filled with the dreamy sea of clouds can be best viewed. Best to go there in the afternoon and camp for the night at the campsite. This mountain have a ecotourism project called COMMUNITY PLANTREE where hikers are able to plant a tree along the trail.
But what makes the hikers and campers love about Mt. Balagbag during the night is that the overlooking view of Manila from the peak of this mountain. Surely, it is just so mesmerizing!
Mt. Sipit Ulang
Mt. Sipit Ulang 
Another hiking destination in Rodriguez Rizal is located in Barangay Mascap called Mt. Sipit Ulang. This mountain, which literally means ‘crabs claw’ is named after it claw like rock formation at its pinnacle. Like many of the new discovered mountains in Rizal, Mt. Sipit Ulang features limestone trails and spectacular scenery at the top.
Mt. Parawagan
This mountain is located in Sitio Wawa Barangay San Rafael Rodriguez Rizal. Stands tall and proud along neighboring mountains that make the municipality of Rodriguez a prime hiking and mountaineering destination.
Hiking exploration will not be complete without tree planting activity to restore and rehabilitate the life of land. Don’t forget to get in touch with dumagat residents near at the summit. This mountain are perfect for campers, mountaineers and bikers. Experience the thrilled and challenging yet fulfilling hike with Mt. Parawagan!
Trivia: Did you know that hiking rejuvenates and increased happiness?
Yes, you read it right!
Hiking is physical activity that induces the release of a powerful chemical in our brain called endorphin which energize our spirit and making us feel happy. Therefore, It can also lower the risk of heart disease, improve blood pressure, blood sugar levels and boost bone density.
Truly, the province of Montalban Rizal has a lot of outdoorsy fun to offer. A great destination for quick trips and day hikes.
Disclaimer: Please proceed with caution to any of these hikes. Only you know your limits and experience level. For more information and safety trip, please refer to Montalban Municipal hall for guidance or contact them through their Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/MamamayanNgMontalban/
You only live once so try it now and have a safe hike!
