Mount Malarayat
The J. Michael Poellot group laid out twenty seven holes at Mount Malarayat in the hills above Lipa, three par 36 nines named for the peaks that ring them, Lobo, Makulot and Malipunyo. A cool, scenic mountain layout a couple of hours south of Manila.
Photo: Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club via Google.
The verdict
Mount Malarayat is one of the most scenic golf destinations within easy reach of Manila, a twenty seven hole layout by the J. Michael Poellot Golf Design Group spread across the foothills of the Malarayat range above Lipa, in Batangas. The three nines, Mount Lobo, Mount Makulot and Mount Malipunyo, each play to a par of 36 and combine into a par 72 eighteen in any pairing.
The draw is the setting, cool mountain air, dramatic elevation changes and views to the surrounding peaks on almost every hole. It is a members club that welcomes guests and pairs naturally with a stay in Lipa or Tagaytay, an easy and rewarding addition to a Philippine golf trip for the travelling golfer based in or around Manila.
Mount Malarayat at a glance
- Holes
- 27 (three nines)
- Designer
- J. Michael Poellot group
- Type
- Mountain parkland
- Par
- 72 (any 18)
- Each nine
- Par 36
- Green fee
- Indicative (2026)
Designer, layout and par verified June 2026 from Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club and leading course databases. The club was designed by the J. Michael Poellot Golf Design Group as twenty seven holes, three nines named Mount Lobo, Mount Makulot and Mount Malipunyo, each a par 36 that combines into a par 72 eighteen. Green fees vary by day and guest status; an indicative weekday rate applied in 2026. Always confirm current rates, access and tee times directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The golf at Mount Malarayat is defined by elevation. The three nines climb and tumble through the foothills, so judging the uphill and downhill yardages is half the battle, and the mountain backdrop is a constant. Mount Makulot is the pick of the trio, its short seventh a much photographed downhill hole that has drawn international notice.
The fairways are generous by mountain standards but the slopes feed errant shots away from the short grass, and the greens are quick enough to demand respect on the downhill putts. Cool air at altitude makes for comfortable golf even above the tropical lowland heat.
Any two of the three nines make a satisfying par 72 round, and the variety between Lobo, Makulot and Malipunyo keeps a multi day visit fresh. It is the views and the setting, as much as the test, that make Mount Malarayat worth the drive from Manila.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Members club that welcomes guests and visitors; tee times arranged through the club or a golf tour operator |
| Green fee | Weekday and weekend guest rates apply, with caddie and cart additional (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Reserve in advance, especially at weekends and holidays when member demand is high |
| On the day | Caddies are standard and recommended on the hilly layout; carts available; smart golf wear |
| Getting there | Lipa City, Batangas, about two hours south of Manila by the SLEX and STAR tollway |
| Best months | November to May, the cooler, drier season, for the most reliable mountain golf |
Access and indicative green fees verified June 2026 from Mount Malarayat and leading databases; guest rates vary by day, so always confirm current pricing and tee availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Many golfers play Mount Malarayat as a day trip from Manila, but the club and the nearby city of Lipa have comfortable hotels for those who want to play more than one of the three nines at leisure. The cool uplands of Batangas make a pleasant base away from the heat of the capital.
The resort town of Tagaytay, with its ridge top hotels and views over Taal, sits within reach and adds a second golf and leisure option to a Batangas trip. It is an easy region to combine into a short Philippine golf escape built around Manila.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Mount Malarayat.
Build a Philippines golf trip
We arrange tee times at Mount Malarayat and the best of Luzon, and book the lodging around your rounds. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Mount Malarayat questions
Who designed Mount Malarayat and how many holes are there?
Mount Malarayat was designed by the J. Michael Poellot Golf Design Group as a twenty seven hole layout, three nines named Mount Lobo, Mount Makulot and Mount Malipunyo, in the hills above Lipa, Batangas.
What is the par at Mount Malarayat?
Each of the three nines plays to a par of 36, so any pairing of two nines makes a par 72 eighteen hole round.
Can visitors play Mount Malarayat?
Yes. Mount Malarayat is a members club that welcomes guests and visitors, with tee times arranged through the club or a golf tour operator. Always confirm access before travelling.
How far is Mount Malarayat from Manila?
The club is in Lipa City, Batangas, about two hours south of Manila by the SLEX and STAR tollway, making it a popular day trip or short golf break.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.