Why Zero-Waste Hiking Is the Trend Worth Following
Exploration and play, combined with wellness and purposeful travel, is the kind of trip more and more people are planning these days. And it may be exactly what your next excursion is missing.
This year’s travel trend leans toward active, short-haul adventures. Instead of days-long itineraries, travelers are opting for shorter trips built around hobbies and outdoor activities. They are seeking cultural connection, wellness and recovery, offbeat paths, and travel that treads lightly on the places they visit.
People are skipping the tourist traps and famous landmarks, in favor of quieter destinations closer to home. This kind of travel goes past passive sightseeing. It asks for something more mindful and meaningful.
The good news is that trips like this do not have to be complicated. Sometimes it can be as simple as a day hike at a nearby nature spot, done in a way that leaves the trail exactly as you found it.
A Day Hike Near Baguio That’s Actually Doable
You may have noticed on social media that more and more people are posting about their day on some trail or summit. Due to the rising interest to reconnect with the outdoors after the worldwide confinement caused by the recent pandemic, the wider public has become more interested in camping, hiking, trekking, and other similar outdoor activities. Tourists are also considering domestic recreation spots for a convenient weekend getaway.
If you are looking for a new go-to nature escape but do not have time to plan a long trip, Mt. Camisong Forest Park and Events is an easy option. Just 30 minutes from Baguio City, it offers a full day of scenic views and active adventure, without the packing list required by a multi-day trip.
The Four Kahilom Hiking Trails by Difficulty
At Mt. Camisong, you can choose from a selection of trails that match your fitness and experience level. Whether you want a gentle morning stroll or a challenging uphill climb that gets your heart pumping, you will leave the Kahilom Hiking Trails feeling refreshed and a little more in tune with the forest.
Here is a closer look at each of the four trails, from the gentlest to the most demanding.
1. Maginhawa — “a sense of ease”
Distance: 250 meters | Duration: 15–20 minutes
Our quickest and gentlest trail. This short, gently sloped path overlooks the park’s human-sized chess area and is perfect for families, seniors, and anyone who wants a calming wander through the forest. It has a few good photo stops along the way, too!
2. Mahinahon — “gentle”
Distance: 820 meters | Duration: 30–40 minutes
Our scenic trail is designed for families and groups looking for a light nature walk with unique and picturesque stops. Depending on your pace and how you handle the mild inclines, this trail can be completed in under an hour.
3. Matatag — “steadfast”
Distance: just over 1 kilometer | Duration: around 1 hour
Our discovery trail is made for beginner hikers and outdoor enthusiasts curious to step a little deeper into the forest. It asks for a bit more endurance but rewards you with a longer, quieter climb.
4. Matapang — “brave”
Distance: 3.3 kilometers | Duration: around 2 hours
Our adventurous trail, and the most demanding of the four. It weaves in sections of the other routes, so you get glimpses of the whole park as you go. Expect steeper, rockier paths, a bit of light rappelling, and stunning views that make the effort worth it.
What to Pack for a Zero-Waste Hike at Kahilom
When you are heading outdoors, it always pays to be prepared — no matter how short or gentle the trail. We recommend packing light and bringing only the essentials, so you can immerse yourself in the forest without a heavy bag weighing you down. Here is your quick zero-waste hiking checklist:
1. Hiking-Appropriate Clothing
Moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirts and long pants help protect against UV rays and insect bites. Check the weather forecast ahead of your hike so you know how many layers to bring. Pack a raincoat or wear waterproof clothing in case of sudden rain, and bring a towel, especially on sunny days.
2. Hiking Footwear
We recommend footwear with rubber soles so you can navigate the park’s natural sloped terrain with ease. For the more challenging Matatag and Matapang trails — best suited for those with hiking experience — we require trail shoes with good traction to handle the steep uphill climbs safely.
3. Food and Water
Mt. Camisong has Hydration Stations throughout the park, so staying hydrated is easy. We only ask that you skip plastic water bottles, in keeping with our no-single-use-plastic initiative. Pack a reusable tumbler instead and you are set for the day. If you get peckish before or after your hike, snacks and refreshments are available nearby at Luntian Garden.
4. Sun Protection
Be proactive about protecting your skin. Choose a sweat-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that shields against UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours, since sweat and moisture can wash it away. Lip balm with SPF also helps if you have sensitive lips, and a wide-brimmed hat adds extra coverage against direct sun.
5. Insect Repellent
Mt. Camisong is a protected forest park with diverse wildlife. Explore with more confidence by protecting yourself against itchy bites. Bring your preferred insect-repellent spray for mosquitoes and other biting bugs.
6. Hiking Gear for Advanced Trails
If you are taking on the adventurous Matapang trail, you will want trekking poles and rappelling gloves to complete the two-hour course safely.
*Zero-waste tip: Almost everything on this list is reusable — your tumbler, your clothing, your gear. The one habit that makes the biggest difference is simply refusing single-use plastic before you arrive and packing all your reusable items in a bag you already own.
Trail Activities that Deepen the Experience
If you want to get a little more out of your day hike, or to do something more hands-on with your group, we have a few activities to help you make the most of your time on the trails.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Before you set out, grab a scavenger hunt card at Hiraya Ticketing, Kalupi Gift Shop, or the Kahilom Ranger Station. Spot at least five flora or fauna along the trails and claim a prize after your hike. See our Nature Scavenger Hunt details here for the full mechanics.
Games and RC Track
If your group is in the mood for outdoor amusements, a human-sized chess board, as well as board games are available along the Maginhawa trail. You can also bring your RC cars and try our off-road RC track, just below the Kahilom Ranger Station.
The Yanninaw Reflection Trail
For those wanting to connect with the forest a little more personally, follow the Yanninaw trail. Named after the Ilocano word for “reflection,” this self-guided walk blends a mix of Kahilom’s hiking paths with moments of quiet, reflective thinking. As you go, you pause at particular points to answer poetry prompts, writing down your thoughts, or expressing your emotions through drawing.
Commit the Day to Memory and Come Back for More
At the end of your hike, take a moment to reflect on the day. Recall the wildlife and plants you encountered along the path. Hold onto the small lessons the forest offered about protecting it — and the planet as a whole. Keep those thoughts close, and let them inspire you to be a steward of nature in your everyday life.
You can always return to Mt. Camisong for your next adventure. Try a different trail level, pair your hike with a new activity, or simply explore the corners of the park you have not yet seen.
And if you find yourself wanting to come back often, an Annual Pass Membership makes it effortless. Members enjoy unlimited entry to the park for a full year, so a moment in the forest is always within reach.
You can learn more about Annual Pass perks and pricing here. It starts at PHP 3,500 and includes discounts on park events, first access to seasonal merchandise, and a one-time use free entrance for a guest during your birthday month.
