Mount Magarwak Viewpoint
A scenic mountain viewpoint offering breathtaking sunrise vistas and a rewarding hike along a picturesque ridge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For the magical sunrise views
Mount Magarwak Viewpoint
Best Time
For the magical sunrise views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic mountain viewpoint offering breathtaking sunrise vistas and a rewarding hike along a picturesque ridge.
"Perfect place to watch sunrise! Reaching it was not impossible. You don't need to be a professional hiker."
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The trail can be dehydrating; carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout your hike.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Good grip is essential, especially for the final steep section.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise Spectacle
Summit
Witness a breathtaking sunrise painting the sky with vibrant colors over Puerto Princesa.
Scenic Ridge Trail
Mountain Ridge
Enjoy picturesque views along the mountain ridge, a truly scenic and rewarding hike.
Bird-Watching Opportunities
Various points along the trail
Keep an eye out for diverse bird species during your trek through this natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunrise Hike Essentials
Trail Options & Fitness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The trail can be dehydrating; carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout your hike.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Good grip is essential, especially for the final steep section.
⏰ Early Bird Gets the View
Start before 5 AM from the parking area for the best sunrise experience.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The ridge trail offers stunning photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The trail can be dehydrating; carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout your hike.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Good grip is essential, especially for the final steep section.
⏰ Early Bird Gets the View
Start before 5 AM from the parking area for the best sunrise experience.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The ridge trail offers stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning sunrise views and the scenic ridge trail at Mount Magarwak Viewpoint. It's praised as a perfect spot for morning exercise and unwinding, offering a rewarding experience for hikers of all ages. Some note the final ascent can be a bit steep, and advise bringing ample water.
"The trail leading up to this southern peak is scenic and along the mountain ridge so it is very nice.onky the last 50m or so is a little steep and you should have a good footedness. Highly recommended!"
Eng Siong Lee
"The Magarwak hiking trail is an out-and-back trail offering two options: a total distance of approximately 4 kilometers from the Puerto Princesa North Road or 2 kilometers from the parking area near a famous doctor's house. Reaching a maximum elevation of 336 meters above sea level, it's a popular destination for hiking, bird-watching, mountain biking, and sunrise viewing in Puerto Princesa City.
While this may be an easy trail for experienced hikers, it's still a worthwhile route for quadragenarians and quinquagenarians who aim to: Strengthen muscles and bones, Improve balance, and enhance cardiovascular health. For inexperienced hikers, it's better to begin the hike before 5:00 AM from the parking area to reach the summit for sunrise."
Michael Maga-ao
"When you go hiking you should physically fit especially your endurance and strength, because it will dry your throat and bring ur own water and be prepare chariz."
Rose Jean Aban
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access Mount Magarwak via Puerto Princesa North Road, with trail options starting either from the road itself (approx. 4km) or a closer parking area (approx. 2km).
Yes, there is a parking area closer to the trailhead, making the hike shorter and more accessible.
Taxis or private transport can take you to either the North Road starting point or the designated parking area.
While direct public transport to the trailhead might be limited, you can take local transport towards Puerto Princesa North Road and arrange a short ride or walk from there.
Travel time to the trailhead from Puerto Princesa City center is typically around 30-45 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding specific entrance fees is not widely publicized, but it's generally considered an accessible natural attraction. It's always good to check for any local community fees upon arrival.
Mount Magarwak is an outdoor natural attraction, best visited for sunrise or during daylight hours. There are no official operating hours, but early morning is recommended for sunrise.
No advance booking is typically required for Mount Magarwak. It's a natural trail open for public access.
Generally, no special permits are needed for casual hiking. However, for organized groups or specific activities like mountain biking, it's advisable to inquire locally.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. The primary draw is the sunrise.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered easy to moderate. While most of the trail is scenic and along a ridge, the last 50 meters can be a bit steep, requiring good footedness.
From the parking area, the hike to the summit can take approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on your pace. The longer route from North Road will take longer.
Wear comfortable athletic clothing and sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. Layers are advisable as temperatures can change.
Restroom facilities are not widely advertised at the trailhead or along the trail. It's best to use facilities before you start your hike.
Yes, it's suitable for children, especially if they are accustomed to light physical activity. The shorter trail from the parking area is more manageable for younger hikers.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers panoramic views, especially during sunrise. The scenic mountain ridge trail also provides excellent photo opportunities.
Sunrise is the most popular and visually stunning time for photography, with golden hour light. Late afternoon also offers beautiful lighting.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate to capture the beauty. However, a camera with good low-light capabilities will enhance sunrise shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
It's ideal for landscape photography, sunrise shots, and nature photography, including bird-watching opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for birds along the way and celebrate their achievement at the top. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water for everyone, and ensure they wear comfortable shoes. The sunrise experience can be particularly magical for children, creating lasting memories.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water and snacks to save money on purchases. Opt for local public transport as far as possible to reduce travel expenses. The rewarding views and experience are priceless, offering great value for money.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mount Magarwak Hiking Experience
The trail itself is noted for its scenic beauty, particularly the sections along the mountain ridge, which provide lovely vistas. While the majority of the hike is manageable, the final 50 meters to the summit can be a bit steep, requiring careful footing. This makes it a good option for those looking to strengthen their muscles and improve balance, as highlighted by reviewers. For inexperienced hikers aiming to catch the sunrise, starting from the parking area before 5:00 AM is highly recommended.
Beyond the physical aspect, Mount Magarwak is also a haven for nature enthusiasts. It's a popular spot for bird-watching, offering a chance to observe local avian life in its natural habitat. The combination of accessible trails, beautiful scenery, and opportunities for wildlife spotting makes it a well-rounded destination for outdoor activities in Puerto Princesa City.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Mount Magarwak
To make the most of your photography experience, an early start is crucial. Aim to be at the summit before dawn to capture the full spectacle of the sunrise. While a smartphone camera can capture the essence of the view, a camera with good low-light performance will significantly enhance the quality of your sunrise photos. Consider bringing a tripod for sharper images in low light conditions.
Beyond sunrise, the trail itself presents opportunities for nature photography. Keep an eye out for local bird species, which add another dimension to your photographic collection. The varying light throughout the day, from the soft morning hues to the warmer tones of late afternoon, offers diverse photographic possibilities.
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