More than the usual rain forest
Mount Makiling
The mystical Mt. Makiling is an inactive volcano, rising to about 1,109 meter above sea level. The vegetation consists of approximately 2,048 different species of plants. The lower slope is a tall dipterocarp forest while the summit is a dwarf mossy forest. According to legends, the slopes of Mt. Makiling are shaped like that of a woman reclining down. Some say that it is the profile of the sleeping Mariang Makiling, a legendary goddess. Still others say that Mariang Makiling dwells in this mountain and protects it from harm. Mt. Makiling is ideal for all types of nature tripping –from trekking to bird and butterfly watching, and even camping. The Pook ni Mariang Makiling Resort offers an olympic-sized pool, cottages, tree houses, huts and a panoramic view of the Laguna de Bay.
Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines and overlooks Davao City, a few kilometres to the northeast. Mt. Apo was first climbed on October 10, 1880 by a party led by Don Joaquin Rajal. Mount Apo is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the Philippines. The summit is easy to reach. On May 9, 1936, Mount Apo was declared a national park by President Manuel L. Quezon. The mountain is home to over 270 bird species, with more than a hundred that are endemic. A stratovolcano, Apo is flat topped, with three peaks. A source of geothermal energy, the time of its most recent eruption is unknown, and none are verified in historic times.
Mt. Pulag is considered the 2nd highest mountain in the Philippines, next to Mt. Apo of Mindanao with only a few meters difference. It is considered as one of the most beautiful National Parks in the Cordillera Area. Mt. Pulag is typically different from the rainforest mountains in the Philippines because of its open area (no trees mountain). It also has its distinct characteristics of changing color on different occasions and season. During the dry season, Mt. Pulag is brown similar to the chocolate Hills of Bohol. During the Rainy Monsoon season, it will vary from light green to rich dark green rolling plains, almost similar to a well maintained golf course. Local People believed that is was, and is a play ground of the gods.
