🏝️Haynon Hills
About this place
In Sitio Haynon, Malbog, Buenavista, Haynon Hills is one of Marinduque's most distinctive natural landscapes — a stretch of rolling hills nicknamed the "Chocolate Hills of Marinduque," geologically classified as part of the Gasan Formation from the Tertiary Period Upper Miocene epoch. For travelers wanting hiking, photography, and a perspective on Mount Malindig, this is one of the more underrated stops on the island.
The Geology
Haynon's character comes from a real geological pedigree. The hills are:
- Composed of Tertiary Period Upper Miocene epoch rock - Classified as part of the Gasan Formation - Shaped over millions of years into the rolling, undulating profile that earns the Chocolate Hills comparison
Like Bohol's more famous version, Haynon's appearance changes color with the seasons — green in the wet months, browning toward gold in the dry stretch.
What Visitors Do
Haynon Hills works for:
- Hiking — picturesque trails through the hills - Photography — vast undulating landscape, signature angle is the hills against Mount Malindig - Day trips — most visitors come for a few hours rather than overnighting - Mt. Malindig views — the hills offer one of the best wide-angle perspectives of Marinduque's highest peak
Practical Info
- Hours: Open 24 hours (per Instagram location tag) - Day-tour fee: PHP 70 per head (per a Facebook post — verify before visiting)
Getting There
Haynon is in Sitio Haynon, Malbog, Buenavista — same area as the Malbog Sulfuric Hotspring and Marinduque Hot Spring Resort. That makes a Buenavista day trip natural: a morning at the hot springs, lunch in town, an afternoon walking the hills.
For coordination with local guides, the Buenavista Tourism Office is the typical first stop — they know which barangay-side trails are open and can advise on guide availability.
What to Bring
Standard nature-day kit:
- Sturdy walking shoes with grip - Sun protection — the hills are largely open with limited tree cover - Drinking water and snacks — no on-site stores - Camera — wide-angle lens recommended - Light layers — wind picks up at elevation - Trash bag for pack-in / pack-out
Why It's Worth the Stop
Marinduque has plenty of beaches and a few caves. Distinctive land formations like Haynon are the rarer addition to a Marinduque trip. For visitors wanting a half-day break from the coast, paired with the Malbog Hot Springs or as a morning warm-up before a Mt. Malindig hike, the Chocolate Hills of Marinduque hold their own.
Best Time to Visit
Mornings for the clearest views before midday haze. Dry season (November–May) is essential — the access road gets ugly in heavy rain. Sunset is photographic; plan your return so you're not stranded after dark.
What to Bring
How to Get Here
Haynon Hills sits on the boundary area between Buenavista and Torrijos. From either Centro, hire a tricycle and tell the driver "Haynon Hills." Confirm the round-trip price; the access road has elevation and not all drivers will take it.
Local routes, fares, and ferry schedules can shift without notice — and travel times depend on weather, traffic, and tide. Confirm fares and timing with the driver or locals before you set out.
Contact & Links
Local Verification
For questions about access, local advisories, or whether this place is currently operating, contact the local LGU before you go.
Email listed in the source directory may be from a prior term.