Mount Mantalingahan, also known as Mantaling, is located in the southern part of Palawan Island. The summit of the mountain is the highest peak of the island at 2,100 metres. In addition, Mantaling is part of the Beaufort Ultramafix geological region and is part of the Mantalingahan Mountain Range National Park, established in 2009. The total area of the of the protected area is 120,457 hectares.
So far, on the territory of the mountain and in its vicinity, scientists have found new species of plants and animals, which speaks of the incredible ecological value of these places. Thus, in 2007, a new species of extremely rare insectivorous plants was discovered here, named after the mountain - Nepenthes mantalingayansis. According to the park should be protected from illegal logging and mining.
Mantalingahan is popular not only among scientists, but also among tourists - the mountain is is considered one of the most difficult mountains to climb. The usual route starts in Rizal town on the southwest coast of Palawan. It takes 3 days to climb, and another 2 days for the return trip.
Those who wish can stay at the summit for a day to explore the surrounding area. From here, one can enjoy stunning views of Southern Palawan, the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. The mountain is a real paradise for bird lovers: dozens of different species of birds live here, striking with their incredibly picturesque colours. On the way you can meet people from the Tau't Bato tribe - "stone people", who call Mantalingahan the "Mountain of God" and walk along the so-called "Knife tip" trail. Tourists also pass Mount Tulanggok, on the top of which you can witness an amazing natural phenomenon - here air masses brought by the wind from the South China Sea in the west and the Sulu Sea in the east collide, and at night this causes a peculiar howl to be heard.
