Summer months always call for new adventures. With travel restricted the past two years, now is the perfect time to chill out by the lake with the family, hike up mountains with friends, go on car camping dates, or just get out of your comfort zone.
Here are a few unique outdoor adventures near Metro Manila that you can do during weekends as recommended by top footwear brand Merrell. Keep your cool and achieve your travel goals by gearing up properly.
Klook.comBe a forest ranger for a day at Mt. Balagbag
Protecting the environment is something that all travelers should be mindful of. Philippine Parks & Biodiversity, an organization that aims to protect and conserve the country’s resources, offers educational tree nurturing activities to the public. How about experiencing what it’s like to be a forest ranger for a day?
The activity involves a 6-hour hike up Mt. Balagbag where hikers prepare and plant seedlings in a designated reforestation area.
Don a pair of comfortable hiking shoes like Merrell’s latest sustainable hiking sneaker: The Speed Eco. This lightweight and vegan-friendly footwear made from mostly recycled materials has a waterproof membrane that lets moisture escape. Learn more about tree nurturing activity here.
Go on a volcano trek to Mt. Pinatubo
With Taal Volcano still off-limits to hikers, your next best bet for an unforgettable volcano adventure near Manila is Mount Pinatubo. Pinatubo offers a beginner-friendly trek that kicks off with a 4×4 adventure to the jump-off point leading to a hike through rocky riverbeds flanked by imposing-yet-IG-worthy cliffs. The highlight is finally seeing the now-dormant volcano’s crater lake up close.
For hikes like these, it’s best to wear something comfortable and versatile like the Hydro Moc. The lightweight and water-friendly footwear can take on the slippery stones, dusty trails, and occasional stream crossings.
Wake up to a sea of clouds in Mt. Pulag
Mt. Pulag in Benguet, which is among the top 3 highest mountains in the Philippines, offers an exciting hike for adventurers of all experience levels, especially if passing through the famed Ambangeg Trail.
This overnight trek allows you to walk through mossy forests which one can only describe as magical, set up camp among the sea of clouds, and witness perhaps the most rewarding sunrise in the country (depending on the weather conditions during your hike).
For a safe, enjoyable, and comfortable climb, you will want to equip yourself with a sturdy pair of hiking boots that can tread through slippery moss and muddy trails. The Moab 3 Waterproof, Merrell’s flagship hiker short for “Mother of All Boots”, is well-equipped to do so with its grippy Vibram outsole and protective membrane that keeps water out. This shoe has reportedly sold 28 Million pairs worldwide.
Try car camping at Lake Mapanuepe
Lake Mapanuepe in San Marcelino, Zambales has become the latest go-to destination among car campers based in the metro. This idyllic and awe-inspiring lakeside area is just a few hours drive from Metro Manila and can easily be accessed by most vehicles, although 4x4s are recommended.
This off-the-grid destination allows campers to truly disconnect and fully take in the sights. While swimming is not advised, a pair of water-friendly sandals like Merrell’s Huntington for men and Bravada Backstrap for women are recommended if you plan to dip your feet or wade in the shallower portions of the lake. Both sandals come in a variety of colorways and have a hook and loop closure system for quick adjustability.
Channel your inner Spartan in Pampanga’s trails
Want to level up your trail running game this summer? The Spartan Race together with Merrell will be holding a 10K trail run in Alviera, Pampanga this May 27, 2023. This Spartan Trail Alviera presented by Merrell will see Spartans brave through the Porac’s grasslands, lahar fields, and mountain ridges.
Merrell’s Agility Peak 4,their top-of-the-line trail running model, is the brand’s latest innovation in all-terrain racing. This 4th iteration is updated with a slightly thicker midsole made of the lighter-weight FloatPro foam and a new Vibram Megagrip outsole for even better grip on rock.
For women, the best-selling Antora 3 is a women’s specific trail runner that boasts a Vibram TC5+ outsole that gives the wearer confidence with every step. The footwear comes with a rock plate for protection as well as forefoot and heel cushioning pods.
Click here to register for Spartan Alviera and use code RUNALVIERA to get
20% off (first 200 uses only). Shop these and more in Merrell concept stores nationwide, online at www.merrell.com.ph.