Mount Banahaw

Mount Banahaw (alternatively Banáhao) is a dormant volcano located on the boundary of Majayjay, Laguna and Lucban, Quezon in Luzon, Philippines. It is considered to be sacred by the local residents. It is adjacent to another mountain named Mount Banahaw de Lucban.

Mt. Banahaw stands 2,158 m above sea level. Its volcanic crater is 210 m deep and is breached by 1.5 km x 3.5 km at its southern rim. Its major adjacent volcanic edifices are: Mount San Cristobal at the western slope, Mount Banahaw de Lucban at the northeastern slope, the Buho Masalakot Domes at the southwestern slope, and Mount Mayabobo.

The area contains Lake Dagatan and Lake Ticab, as well as several thermal springs: Tiaong (San Pablo hot/warm springs), Bakia (warm/cold springs), Sampaloc (warm springs), Mainit (hot/warm springs), and Cagsiay (hot/warm springs).

The composition of the volcano's lava is andesitic.

Mt. Banahaw is one of the most frequented hiking destinations and pilgrimage sites in the Philippines. It has been gaining attractions not only for its natural beauty but also for its religious and cultural significance to Filipinos.

A significant number of tourists and religious devotees increase visits to Mt. Banahaw usually during the Lenten season. A climb to Mt. Banahaw takes a 2-3-day trek with different waterfalls and caves en route to the summit. There are at least four different trails from Dolores, Sariaya, and nearby towns of Quezon. Pilgrims and hikers usually take the trail of Cristalino and of Tatlong Tangke from Brgy. Kinabuhayan, Dolores reaching the Durungawan I, II, and III viewpoints atop the summit.

Among the popular destinations in Mt. Banahaw include "Kalbaryo" (Calvary), "Kweba ng Diyos Ama" (Cave of God the Father), "Husgado" (Cave of Judgement), and the allegedly curative spring at Brgy. Kinabuhayan. Aside from the three Durungawan viewpoints at the summit, hikers can also explore the cave and the crater view overlooking Guis-guis and Tubig ng Gatas and Tubig ng Dugo rivers.

Along the length of Cristalino trail are some attractions such as Cristalino Falls, Suplina Falls, Salamin Bubog, Kweba ng Diyos Ama, Pintong Lihim (Sacred Door), and Niluhuran. On the other hand, the trail of Tatlong Tangke passes by the Kapatagan (plains) and the three natural water tanks.

Found within the Kinabuhayan area are the Bakas (Christ’s foot print), Santo Calbaryo (Calvary), Tres Personas, Ilog ng Landas, Ina ng Awa, Husgado Cave, Kweba ni San Pedro, Kweba ni San Pablo, Prisintahan, Dolorosa, Piedra Mental, Ciudad Mystica, Buhok ng Birhen, and Nunong Lalake.