Experience Unli-'Highs' in the Highlands: 5 Best Hiking Spots in Rizal to Satisfy Your Thirst for Heights

Hungry for the adrenaline rush of being 'high' in nature? Are you not afraid of heights? Then, what better way to unleash that adventurous spirit than to hike!

If you are someone who wants to do things outside the metro but also hesitates because of the heavy traffic, why compromise your desire to unwind when you can submerge yourself in an adventure that is just an hour drive away from your home?

Unlike other outdoor activities that require you to be like this and be like that, hiking should fit everyone just as long as you have the endurance to heights and extreme heat. It's true when people say that hiking is for the brave souls, but do not back out just yet. It's never too late to try new things, is it?

Living around the boundaries of Pasig City and Cainta gives you more opportunities for an easy and hassle-free trip to and from Rizal. And yes, you guessed right, here are five best hiking spots in the "province that has it all" that will surely give you the 'high-in-nature' feeling:

MT. DARAITAN in Tanay, Rizal

Sea of clouds! Well, at least that's what welcomes hikers when they reach the peak of Mt. Daraitan. This famous hiking spot is located on the borders of Tanay and Gen. Nakar, Quezon. With its proximity from the bustling city of Pasig-Cainta, you can surely enjoy a less than an hour drive and indulge yourself in this popular wonder of nature in Rizal. If it's not too much, the five-hour trail and portions approaching 70-degrees inclines won't be a problem because of how breathtaking the summit is. Undoubtedly, your experience will be more than worth the hassle!

MT. PAMITINAN in Rodriguez, Rizal

If you are familiar with Wawa Dam, then you are a few steps away from discovering the beauty of Mt. Pamitinan in Rodriguez. This hiking spot has gathered the staggering attention of hikers with its limestone formations which are dominant on the trails. Unlike Mt. Daraitan, its inclines are less steep, but its terrain will require you to use maximum effort with the sharp rocks around it. Be careful with that! By private car, if you are from Pasig-Cainta area, this hiking wonder is just an hour away! But make sure to plan for an alternate route and bring extra loads of patience.

MT. HAPUNANG-BANOI in Montalban, Rizal

If you still can't get enough of the hiking fever after you've experienced Mt. Pamitinan, then you might as well consider hopping into its neighbor who shares the same limestone formations that surround Wawa Dam. Just for a quick trivia, Mt. Hapunang-Banoi got its name from a folklore where an eagle eats its prey. If you're curious about what Banoi means, it is a Tagalog term for eagle, that's why it has been called as Hapunang-Banoi since then.  So much for that quickie, you can also consider a side trip in the Wawa Dam if you want to freshen up a bit after the long and tedious hours of trekking.

MT. TAGAPO in Binangonan, Rizal

An hour or so away from your dream home in Pasig-Cainta is where you can find another hiking spot in Binangonan.  Mt. Tagpo also known to locals as Mt. Susong Dalaga, offers a glimpse of Mt. Makiling and Metro Manila as it is located on the small island in Laguna de Bay. Specifically, it has an elevation of 438 meters above sea level making it the highest point in Talim Island where it is located. Yet, some experienced hikers say that this is one of the easiest mountains to hike when you're in Rizal-- perfect for beginners!

Let's save the best for last, because you're going to hit (not only two but) three birds with one stone:

MT. MAYNOBA, MT. CAYABU AND 8 WATERFALLS in Tanay, Rizal

Twinning does not only apply to wearing the same clothes or being born with a sibling on the same day-- the twin mountains of Mt. Maynoba and Mt. Cayabu prove this right. These twin mountains are nested on the foot of Sierra Madre Mountain Range with its breathtakingly elevated summit of 720 and 680 meters above the sea level.  Aside from this thrill of the trail, you can also experience the series of waterfalls surrounding the mountains dubbed as the "8 waterfalls". For four straight hours, you can already enjoy trekking and the refreshing current from these waterfalls. What more can you ask for in an outdoor getaway?

Living the city life could sometimes mean being stuck in the never-ending traffic on a daily basis, and that sweaty, sticky feeling you get from long hours of commuting (except, of course, if you have your own car). Lucky for you if your place is just a walking distance from work, which means that you are up for a hassle-free morning. Aside from considering the location of your workplace, it is also convenient if you think about your pad's proximity and access from fun and exciting activities: Why limit yourself to the home-work-home routine, right? It is always nice to 'breathe' and do outdoor activities every once in a while.

Empire East unveils 37 towers in the newly-launched property as the first-ever highest mixed-use development in Pasig-Cainta-- the Highland City. Situated along Felix Avenue in Cainta, your future home will sit beside the wondrous places and mountain peaks in Rizal where you can enjoy the outdoor activities without being away from the city and enduring long driving hours.

Living in this elevated city in the East gives you the same feels of being 'high' in nature as you are surrounded with greeneries; with almost 6.0-meter elevation from the main road, Empire East Highland City manages to preserve the land's natural contour, preserving the environmental safety and aesthetics of the neighboring community.

With Empire East Highland City's impressive architectural concept of a tower-on-stilts you get to experience the 'high' of being immersed in nature around the cityscapes of your home. The 37-tower development rising to more than 30 floors ensures you of the 'high' on a different level as you indulge yourself in the panoramic views of the verdant hills of Antipolo and the metropolitan skyline.

It's always nice to take the time off from work and emerge yourself in outdoor activities that can somehow be relaxing and thrilling at the same time. Imagine an easy trip, a wonderful scenery, an interaction with nature, and even sweating off those teeny-tiny flabs-- all with just a few minutes away from the comforts of your own home. What more can you ask for in a perfect place to live in?

To know more about Empire East Highland City, call +63(2) 810-3333,  visit www.empire-east.com, like and follow @empireeast and @empireeasthighlandcity on Facebook and Instagram.