The mountains are calling but I must not go. Apologies to the naturalist and preservationist, John Muir. As much as we wanted to reach more summits and pursue our own adventure, we just can no longer venture into the outdoors as of the moment.
If not for this pandemic, many outdoorsmen would be on trails right now, hiking those long dreamed hiking destinations. But covid-19 happened. Instead of spending the remaining days of summer on major climbs, challenging the summits, and forging new friendship among the outdoor community, here we are in the comforts of our homes waiting for the goods days to come.
Documentaries about the Mountains in the Philippines
Sure, we are truly missing the mountains extra these days – the breath of fresh air, bewitching view of sunrise, relaxing panorama of sunset behind those rolling hills, and spellbinding sea of clouds. But worry no more. Here are some of the epic hiking documentaries of the Philippine’s most renowned mountains destinations that we can binge-watch.
- Mt. Ulap
Documentary: I-witness: Lakbay (A Story of Joiners)
Join Mariz Umali on a joiner’s trip to one of the famous hiking destination in Cordillera – Mt. Ulap.
Documentary: South Cotabato: Lake Holon – Camping on a Volcano
Miss camping? Join Juan and his camping adventure in an active volcano’s crater in South Cotabato.
- Mt. Pandadagsaan (White Peak)
Documentary: Nakakamanghang ‘mossy forest’ sa Compostela Valley
Watch this enchanting documentary of Mt. Pandadagsaan in Compostela Valley featured on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.
Documentary: Biyahe ni Drew – Revisiting Mount Pulag
Too hot? Feel the cold weather and witness the beautiful sea of clouds of Mt. Pulag. Let’s hike together with Drew Arellano and some amputees who braved to climb of Luzon’s highest Peak.
Documentary: Pagsubok sa pag-akyat sa Mount Pulag
Documentary: Deadliest Journeys: When the Mountains Rumbles
A raise of hand for those who miss those road trips to Cordillera. Bring back the memories of those rough roads and get to know the struggles of locals who frequently travel back and forth Kalinga.
- Mt. Ugo
Documentary: Hiking Mount Ugo in the Philippines
Another beginner-friendly hiking destination near Baguio City is Mount Ugo – a great spot for overnight and weekend trips. Join Erwann Heussaff in this refreshing hike to the summit.
- South Cotabato
Documentary: I-witness: “Tasaday”, a documentary by Kara David
Aside from marveling the mountain’s beauty, get to know as well the tribes who have struggled to live in the mountains – like the Tasaday in South Cotabato. Discover their rich tradition and verify the hoax beyond the Stone Age tribe that were made to believe during the administration of the former President Ferdinand Marcos.
- Mt. Romelo
Documentary: Tapatan ni Tunying: Passion for Mountaineering
Why do we climb mountains? Find out the answer to this perennial question often asked to hikers and mountaineers as documented by Tunying. Learn the passion that drives most outdoorsmen in conquering greater heights.
Documentary: I-witness: “Yaman ng Isarog”
Mt. Isarog is often refered as Mt. Mayon’s gentler sister. However, aside from its natural, astounding beauty, what other secrets does this mountain hold? Find more of its secret caverns that were carved by the Japanese and unleash the mystery behind this mountain.
- Mt. Halcon
Documentary: Mountaineers claim ‘taong lumot’ haunts Mt. Halcon
Mt. Halcon is a dream hike for most Philippine mountaineers who want to challenge themselves. With a 9/9 trail class difficulty, what other horrors could be expected from this mountain?
- Mt. Banahaw
Documentary: Biyahe ni Drew: Sagradong Bundok ng Banahaw
Find out the mystery surrounding the sacred mountain of Mt. Banahaw. Join Drew Arellano in this epic hike!
- Mt. Makiling
Documentary: Born to be Wild: Linta, pumasok sa mata ng isang mountaineer
Limatik is one of the common nemesis of mountaineers when hiking Mt. Makiling. How do we get rid of them? What if, they get inside your eyes?
Documentary: Climbing the newest World Heritage Site in the Philippines
Why did Mt. Hamiguitan become a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site? With Erwan Heussaff, let’s see the wonders of the largest pygmy forest in the country and the endemic different flora and fauna that can only be found in this mountain.
Documentary: Iwitness: Kara David treks up her biggest challenge yet: Mt. Apo
How difficult is it to climb the grandfather of Philippine mountains? Together with Kara David, let’s find out what lies on top of the Philippine’s highest mountain – Mt. Apo.
Documentary: Kulot: Isang Dokumentaryo tungkol sa pamumuhay ng mga Aeta
Aside from the thrill of hiking Mt. Pinatubo’s ash fall, get to know the rich culture of the local tribe who has been thriving to live Pampanga since time immemorial.
- Pico de Loro
Documentary: Red Alert: Hiking gone wrong
What if you get lost along the trail? How do you find your way back? Answer these bewildering questions while trailing Mt. Pico de Loro!
- Mt. Cristobal
Documentary: Born to be Wild – Maligno at Engkanto sa Mt. Cristobal (Devil’s Mountain)
You’ve probably heard about the horror stories revolving around the Devil’s Mountain. Get straight all facts from this documentary and tales that have been passed from one mountaineer to another.
- Mt. Daraitan
Documentary: Explore Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River with Solenn Heusaff
Find the reason why beginners love to hike this gem at the heart of the great Sierra Madre mountain rage. Join Solenn Heusaff on this short hiking documentary to the summit of Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River.
I know, our feet has been totally itching these days. But the trails can wait. Let’s keep safe and enjoy these documentaries for the meantime.
Did I miss something? Feel free to comment down below your favorite hiking documentary or connect with me through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Read other hiking adventures here:
- Mago – and the boundaries I never thought I’d cross
- A Stranger brought us to Mt. Pinatubo
- Philippine’s Most Beautiful Crater Lakes
- The cost of Mt. Hamiguitan
- Mt. Talinis (Nacolon): Maybe love is sweeter the second time around
- Lake Holon: A Proof that Faith can indeed move Mountains
- Mt. Baloy-daku: Four Days Cursing the River, Leeches, Ragiwriw, and everything in Between
Dakilanglaagan 