Mount Makiling | |
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Mount Maquiling | |
Satellite view of Mount Makiling
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 1,090 m (3,580 ft) |
Coordinates | 14°08′N 121°12′E / 14.13°N 121.20°ECoordinates: 14°08′N 121°12′E / 14.13°N 121.20°E |
Geography | |
Location | Luzon |
Country | Philippines |
Region | CALABARZON |
Provinces | |
Cities and municipalities |
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Geology | |
Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
Volcanic field | Laguna Volcanic Field |
Last eruption | Unknown |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | from U.P. Los Baños |
Mount Makiling, or Mount Maquiling, is a dormant volcano located on the border of Laguna province and Batangas on the island of Luzon, Philippines. The mountain rises to an elevation of 1,090 m (3,580 ft) above mean sea level and is the highest feature of the Laguna Volcanic Field. The volcano has no recorded historic eruption but volcanism is still evident through geothermal features like mud spring and hot springs. South of the mountain is the Makiling-Banahaw Geothermal Plant. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) classifies the volcano as potentially active.
Mount Makiling is a state-owned forest reserve administered by the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Prior its transfer to the university, the mountain was the first national park of the Philippines. Mount Makiling National Park was established on February 23, 1933 by Proclamation No. 552. However, it was decommissioned as a national park on June 20, 1963 by Republic Act no. 3523 when it was transferred to the University for use in forestry education and information.
Now known as Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, it was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2013.
Legends surrounding the mountain relates to Maria Makiling, which is said to be the 'guardian' of the mountain. The contour of the mountain is said to be that of her in a reclining position.
The following are the proclamations, republic acts, and executive orders relevant to the Makiling Forest Reserve (MFR):
Mt. Makiling is a popular hiking destination. The two major trails begin at the UPLB College of Forestry and Brgy. San Miguel, Santo Tomas. The UPLB trail is more commonly used, taking 4–5 hours to reach the summit (Peak 2). This trail was closed in October 2007 due to trail damage wrought by Typhoon Xangsane on September 2006. The trail was closed again in December 2012 after two students were found drowned in a restricted area on the mountain. The trail was re-opened most recently in March 2013. The second trail, known as Maktrav, starts in Santo Tomas. This route is more difficult and requires 6–7 hours to reach the summit. Both trails are generally established and safe, although throughout the years there have been occasional reports of fatal accidents and injuries, especially on the Santo Tomas side. Climbers also frequently encounter leeches along the way.