Facts
- Elevation: 2,169 m (7,116 ft)
- Prominence: 1,918 m
- Ribu category:
Tinggi Sedang - Region:
Luzon - Coordinates: 14.0675, 121.4925
- Rating:
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Loading... - World Ribus ID: 69515
Bagging It!
Mount Banahaw, a stratovolcanic complex, is revered as a sacred pilgrimage mountain in Luzon. The range features three main peaks—Mount San Cristobal (1,470m) to the west, Mount Banahaw in the centre, and Banahao de Lucban (1,875m) to the north-east —and is one of the most spiritually significant mountains in the Philippines. Public access is heavily regulated at present and may even be closed.
A west-east trail over Mount San Cristobal leads from Tala and Tayak Hill (660m) over to Langkaan, which is nestled between San Cristobal and Banahaw. From Kinabuhayan Forestry Campsite (580m) leads north-east towards the summit of Banahaw.
Banahaw can also be accessed from the east at Lalo (340m) near Tayabas. The trail leads up to Camp 2 (1,470m) just below the col between Banahaw and Banahao de Lucban.
Practicalities
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- Getting there: Mount Banahaw straddles Laguna and Quezon Provinces, easily accessible (~3 hr) south of Manila. Primary access roads are from towns such as Dolores, Lucban, Majayjay, and San Pablo—but most trails remain closed to the summit.
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- Permits: As of 2025, summit permit issuance is very rare or suspended; only limited access to lower, non-sacred zones is allowed. Group hikes must not exceed 20–30 people per day, per regulations.
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- Water sources: Natural springs and sacred waterfalls (e.g. Cristalino Falls, Santa Lucia, others) exist along the lower trails.
Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Manila) 
Location
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Origins and Meaning
The name “Banahaw” comes from Tagalog and is often styled “Banahao”. It’s considered a holy mountain (bundok dambana), with indigenous and mystical significance.