About Mt. 387
Nestled in Nueva Ecija, Mt. 387 — famously called the “Chocolate Hills of the North”—is a rising hiking destination that rewards adventurers with panoramic views of lush hills and mountains. The trail is moderately challenging but beginner-friendly, making it ideal for weekend hikers who crave both adventure and relaxation. At the end of the trek, a refreshing dip awaits at Aloha Falls, a serene natural cascade hidden within the forest, offering the perfect cool down after the climb. Together, Mt. 387 and Aloha Falls create a unique blend of mountain and waterfall experience in one trip.
How to Get Here
Instead of commuting, we chartered a van to the jump-off.
By Bus: Ride a bus bound for Cabanatuan City (Five Star, Baliwag, or Genesis). Travel time is around 3–4 hours. From Cabanatuan Terminal, take a jeepney or van bound for Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. Travel time is around 1.5–2 hours. Ask to be dropped off at Barangay Puncan, near Iglesia ni Kristo. Then, a walk to the jump-off point for Mt. 387.
Hike Itinerary
Every hiker and visitor must register at the jump-off or the registration area. Aside from that, there is always a short briefing before the ascent. It is a must to properly educate all the hikers what are the DO’S and DONT’S on the trails and the summit, the LNT Principles must be applied. In addition, parts of the briefing are the trail description and the historical background of Mt. 387 and its significance in Nueva Ecija and in the Philippines. After that, and before we started our ascent, we picked a bottle of water to water a few of the plants by the trail – that’s how they preserve the beauty of nature.
Trails and Difficulty
Our hike was Mt. 387 Traverse, and our ascent was at 1500. Most of the trail is uphill with a terrain that is covered with grass and shrubs. With due fairness, the trail type and the trail class are a bit relaxed – according to the rating provided, it’s 2 to 3 out of 9. Some parts are open or view decks with spectacular views of the mountain ranges and rice fields from afar. Not only that, the air is fresh and the breeze of the wind is cool, not sure if it’s normal or because of the Hanging Amihan that affects Luzon. There were a lot of Take Fives. We just can’t stop ourselves from doing so because the weather and the surroundings are so inviting.
Summit and Campsite
Based on my camera time stamp, we reached the summit at around 1740. Then, proceeded to the campsite, a 5-10 minute walk from the summit, at a lower altitude. The campsite is a broad and open space surrounded by grass and shrubs; it is also the spot where the Lover’s tree is situated. The area is clean and organized because it is well-maintained by the guides. The wind is strong and cold; thus, jackets and fleeces are necessary. For stoves and burners, a windscreen is a must! There is a bahay kubo that serves as a resting place for the guides, and a toilet is available for a fee.
Upon arrival at the campsite, the sun had already set, so we pitched our tents in our respective areas while our lights were on. Then, a dinner preparation and of course, the most awaited part - The DINNER! Our dinner became special because of the colorful and sparkling lights from afar, and there were millions of stars shining brightly like diamonds in the sky. There were rice, sinigang, corned beef, and corned tuna. The most special “turkey” suited in virgin coconut oil and mixed with the 7 herbs and spices from the Himalayas Mountains was served during our Socials – proper.
After dinner was the remarkable Social. This was the part where we were able to build more connections with the people in the group. There were a lot of personal stories that were shared, there were deep emotions that were shown (she just can’t hide it!), and most of the time, laughter! For that single night, we just shared countless and priceless happiness. Well, who can’t forget the 25%????? As far as I can remember, the lights went off at 0107, and there were a total of five groups.
Mt. 387 Photos
Kkkkkrrrnnngggg! It was Rachel’s alarm that woke me up early in the morning. It was very loud and it was placed right beside my ear. It was past four in the morning when I opened my tent’s door to prepare our breakfast. The scene was amazing because it was still dark, and the stars in the sky were still shining. But my hands were uncontrollably closing the tent’s door because the wind was strong and very cold, which made my hands freeze for a second. Below are the stunning photos taken on the trails:
Aloha Falls
We had a small amount of water left; thus, we weren’t able to prepare our breakfast. We chose to leave the camp early and prepare everything by the falls, which was a good decision. The traverse is a bit difficult because of the narrow and steeper downhill trails. From the campsite, the terrain is still clear, open, and sloppy; however, next is the challenging part. The trail is narrow, but it’s getting steeper and steeper up to Aloha Falls; I think it can only accommodate a single lane of hikers. Also, there were parts where the trails were surrounded by tall grass and trees (photo above).
After the challenging trails, we finally reached the relaxing waterfalls. ETA: 0719. Aloha Falls is surrounded by greens, such as trees and flowers, while the gigantic boulders are perfect for framing. What makes the ambiance in the area relaxing? It’s the sound of the rushing water and the lullabies from the birds singing. The crystal clear water is very cold and fresh, while the pressure of the water falling is perfect for your tired muscles. We stayed by the Aloha Falls for almost two hours.
Then, after Aloha Falls was walking on the trails by the river. But, there were parts where river crossing is a must; better if you wear sleepers or sandals. Then, a two-kilometer 4X4 ride to the jump-off.
Groups were having a break upon our arrival at the registration area. ETA: 10:20 AM. Rested for a few minutes. Settled the guide fees and other fees and tidied up. By the way, food and drink are available, or you can make paluto din. Please note that toilets and baths are available for 20 pesos. When everything was okay, we headed back to Manila.
Summary
Whether you’re seeking a scenic climb, breathtaking landscapes, or a refreshing waterfall escape, Mt. 387 and Aloha Falls deliver the best of both worlds. This eco-adventure spot in Nueva Ecija is not only perfect for hikers and nature lovers but also a great place to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors. A day spent here promises memories of stunning views, thrilling hikes, and a relaxing finale by the falls—making it a must-visit for every traveler exploring Central Luzon. As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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