Mount Makiling Forest Reserve
Mount Makiling Forest Reserve lies within 65 kilometres of Metro Manila. The reserve covers a total of 4,244 hectares.
By ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Story and photos by the management of Mount Makiling Forest Reserve. With photo contributions from Edwino S. Fernando.
Peaks of Mount Makiling by Mount Makiling Forest ReserveASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
MMFR straddles parts of Los Baños, Bay, and Calamba City in the province of Laguna, and Sto. Tomas City in the province of Batangas.
Mudspring in Makiling by Mount Makiling Forest ReserveASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Mount Makiling Forest Reserve is a volcanic mountain rising to 1,100 metres above sea level. Evidence of volcanic activity include hot springs, cinder cones on the flanks, and a 10-metre-wide boiling mud pot.
One of the peaks of Mount Makiling Forest Reserve by Mount Makiling Forest ReserveASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
The reserve is characterised by four vegetation zones: grassland and second-growth forest, dipterocarp forest, mid-montane forest, and mossy forest.
MMFR is one of the Philippines’ centres of plant diversity and recognised for its extremely high biodiversity.
Native and threatened forest plant species found in MMFR include balóbo, palák-palák, kapa-kapa, jade vine, and the vulnerable white lauan.
Initially feared extinct on MMFR, Rafflesia lagascae is found in the Molawin-Dampalit watershed of MMFR at Mariang Makiling Trail Station 14 (Malaboo Station) with its host vine plant Tetrastigma hermandii (áyo).
Significant fauna sighted in MMFR include the Philippine calotes, Philautus surdus. Philippine warty pig, and Philippine deer. Among many bats found in MMFR, Megaderma spasma is one of only two bat species in Asia and the only one in the country that eats tiny frogs and lizards.
Ecotourism in Mt Makiling Forest Reserve by Mount Makiling Forest ReserveASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
A major ecotourism site
The reserve has a wealth of biodiversity, unique physical & geographic features, & opportunities for outdoor recreation. Popular destinations are Makiling Botanic Gardens, Mariang Makiling Trail (Flatrocks, Makiling Rainforest Park, Mudspring, Peak 2), & Sipit Trail (Peak 3).
Learn more about Mount Makiling Forest Reserve
For more information, visit https://makiling.center
Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/makilingcenter
Planning a visit? Message us at mcme.uplb@up.edu.ph
ASEAN Heritage Parks
ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) are protected areas of high conservation importance that provide valuable contributions to safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity.
AHPs provide a window to the world showcasing a wealth of biodiversity that is uniquely ASEAN.
The Management of Mount Makiling Forest Reserve
