Things to Do at Mount Arayat

Complete Guide to Mount Arayat in Angeles City

About Mount Arayat

Mount Arayat rises 1,026 meters above the Central Luzon plain, its distinctive cone shape visible from 50 kilometers away and serving as a landmark for generations of travelers crossing this agricultural region. The dormant volcano, last active 2,000 years ago, offers hiking trails through dipterocarp forest where you can spot Philippine eagles, wild boar, and over 150 bird species in one of Luzon's few remaining forest sanctuaries. The summit trail takes 4-5 hours to complete, passing through vegetation zones from grassland to mossy forest while the temperature drops noticeably with elevation. Trail permits cost ₱30 (about $0.55) at the park entrance, and hiring a local guide for ₱500 (about $9) is recommended for safety and wildlife spotting. Start climbing before dawn to reach the summit by sunrise - the view encompasses most of Central Luzon and on clear days extends to Manila Bay 100 kilometers south.

What to See & Do

Summit Trail to Peak 2

The most popular route climbs through three distinct zones - open grassland, dense tropical forest, and exposed rocky summit. Allow 2-3 hours up, 1.5-2 hours down. The final 30 minutes involve scrambling over loose rock. Bring gloves if you have them.

White Rock Formation

A bleached limestone outcrop about two-thirds up the trail. Good turnaround point if the summit feels too ambitious. The views of the plains are already impressive here, and the rock itself is photogenic against the green canopy below.

Various Religious Shrines

Small chapels and religious markers scattered throughout the mountain, reflecting the spiritual significance locals attach to this prominent peak

Diverse Flora and Fauna

Listen for the Philippine coucal's deep "boo-boo-boo" call in the lower forest. Higher up, the trees thin and orchids cling to exposed branches. The ecological shift from paddy-edge grassland to cloud-forest canopy happens in under 1,000 meters of elevation - it feels like crossing countries.

Sunrise and Sunset Viewpoints

Start at 4am to catch sunrise from near the summit. The rice paddies below catch the first light and glow gold, and on clear mornings you can see the Sierra Madre range to the east. Sunset works too but means descending in the dark - bring a headlamp.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally accessible 24/7, though most hikers start early morning (4-6 AM) to avoid afternoon heat and catch sunrise views

Tickets & Pricing

Small registration fee (around PHP 30-50) at the barangay office; guides available for PHP 500-800 depending on group size and trail difficulty

Best Time to Visit

Dry season from November to April offers the clearest views and most manageable trail conditions; early morning starts are highly recommended

Suggested Duration

4-6 hours round trip for Peak 2 trail, depending on fitness level and rest stops; serious hikers might spend a full day exploring multiple trails

Getting There

The trailhead is in Barangay Ayala, Arayat town - about 15 kilometers east of Angeles City center. No public transport goes directly there. Hire a tricycle for ₱150-200 one-way (30-45 minutes), or book a Grab to the Arayat town proper and negotiate a tricycle for the final stretch. The last kilometer of road is rough gravel, so SUVs or vehicles with ground clearance do better than sedans. Ask your driver to wait or arrange a pickup time - you won't find transport at the trailhead. Manila-based hiking groups run weekend trips with transportation included (typically ₱1,500-2,500 all-in) and those are the easiest option for solo travelers.

Things to Do Nearby

Clark Freeport Zone
Former US air base turned economic zone with duty-free shopping, casinos, and various recreational facilities about 30 minutes away

Nayong Pilipino Clark
Cultural theme park showcasing Filipino heritage and traditions, offering a more relaxed complement to your mountain adventure

Aqua Planet
Water park and resort complex that might hit the spot after a long day of hiking, especially during the hot dry season

Angeles City Heritage District
Historic downtown area with colonial-era architecture and local restaurants serving authentic Kapampangan cuisine

Sisiman Beach
While not exactly nearby, this Bataan beach destination is accessible for those wanting to extend their trip to include coastal scenery

Tips & Advice

Bring at least 3 liters of water per person. The grassland section at the base has zero shade and temperatures hit 35°C by 9am even in "cool" season. There is no water source on the trail.

Leave the trailhead by 5am at the latest. The 15°C difference between dawn and noon isn't an exaggeration. Hikers who start at 8am often turn back from heat exhaustion before reaching White Rock.

Trail shoes with ankle support, not sandals. The upper sections are loose volcanic rock and clay that turns to slick mud after rain. Trekking poles help on the descent when your knees start complaining.

Registration at the barangay hall is mandatory (₱30-50). Guides cost ₱500-800 and are worth it - trail junctions are poorly marked and the local guys know which paths are washed out. Solo hiking is allowed but discouraged.