Mt. Mantalingahan: The Highest and Most Sacred Peak in Palawan

Mt. Mantalingahan measures 2,086 MASL and is located in Rizal, Palawan. It is a mountain that is a bit challenging, but you will be rewarded with amazing views from the summit, cool weather, and a remarkable experience. Others call it Mt. Mantalingajan, or Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape. Traveling to its jump-off is more than 4 hours of land travel from Puerto Princesa City, and it's situated in a secluded municipality. Having said that, its beauty remains hidden from many hikers. Thus, its richness is well preserved.

Tau't Bato Tribe

The Tau’t Batu, Tao't Bato, or Taaw't Bato (translates to "people of the rock" in English) are indigenous people in high-lying areas of Mt. Mantalingajan. Most of them are still using the ancient mode of living, like hunting and farming. They also use caves as their home, but some already have houses made of light and sturdy materials like nipa, coconut leaves, and wood. During our visit, I noticed that most women use clothes to cover their bodies while shirts and G-strings for the men.

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Featuring Palawan (24 Best Tourist Spots)

1. Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Lake (Photo by Cheng Santos) is one of the must-visit tourist spots in Coron. This attraction is perfect for people aiming for adventure and a picture-perfect landscape. Getting on top of the viewing deck will take a 10 to 15-minute trek, but it will certainly be half for fun because there's a rich diversity of flora on the trails. Upon reaching the spot for viewing, you can quickly feel the tranquillity in the area and see the artistic coral stone formations dipped in the calm waters that mirror the image of the skies, which adds a stunning color to the landscape. 

Mt. Mantalingajan Summit

Table of Contents:

• About Mt. Mantalingajan

About Mt. Mantalingajan

Mount Mantalingajan’s summit stands as one of the most awe‑inspiring vantage points in the Philippines, offering panoramic 360° views of southern Palawan—including the South China Sea, Sulu Sea, coastal towns, and surrounding peaks—framed by a surreal alpine landscape above the clouds. After a rigorous 3‑day ascent through dense jungle, mossy forests, and the dramatic "Knife Edge" canopy walk, hikers are rewarded with a clearing on the summit ridge. The summit terrain is home to unique vegetation and endemic species like the pitcher plant Nepenthes mantalingajanensis, adding allure for nature lovers.