Mt. Balingkilat

One of the highest peaks in the Zambales Coastal Mountains and Coves area, Mt. Balingkilat (known as the “Mountain of Thunder” in the native Aeta language) is an emerging hiking hotspot within San Antonio and Subic. It was also once known as “Pointed peak” used by US Navy servicemen who used to be stationed in Subic Naval Base.

Mt. Balingkilat offers the same rocky, grassy and windy features like other western mountains of Luzon such as Mt. Cinco Picos. With little tree cover, there are also steep parts in the final legs of the trail. Before, it would usually be a two-day affair but a day-hike is much preferable because of the opportunity to climb its “sister mountain,” Mt. CincoPicos, in one weekend. Mt. Balingkilat is a challenging dayhike climb. The challenge is the intense exposure to the sun that makes it difficult to climb. Dim-trekking or hiking in the early morning or late afternoon is the best strategy to climb Mt. Balingkilat.

A breathtaking scene awaits at the top, the South China Sea and its coastline can be seen from north to south. Including beautiful coves like Anawangin, Talesayen, Nagsasa and Silanguin. Other mountains can also be seen at the summit with other scenic ridges.