Mount Makiling, Laguna, Philippines (folk tale)

The Guardian of Mount Makiling

Folklore — not a documented case

Mount Makiling in Laguna is said to be the home of Maria Makiling, a diwata (nature spirit) who protects the forest and its people, and those who take from the mountain without leave are said to lose their way.

Mount Makiling, a dormant volcano in Laguna province south of Manila, is identified with Maria Makiling, the best-known diwata of Philippine mythology. Seen from afar, the mountain's silhouette is said to resemble a reclining woman, and that woman is said to be Makiling herself.

🔒 The rest of this story is in Premium

Unlock the full story, the worldwide paranormal map and ad-free reading with Premium.

Read in the app

The stories in this section are folk tales and legends; they are not verified, real events and should not be confused with the rest of the archive.

From the same region

Baguio, Philippines (alleged events)The Diplomat Hotel›Philippines, the Capiz region (folk tale)The Aswang Belief›Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia (folk belief)Kinabalu: Mountain of Spirits›Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam (folk tale)The Lake of the Returned Sword›Kampot, Cambodia (urban legend)The Abandoned Hill Station of Bokor›Phon Phisai, Nong Khai, Thailand (folk belief)The Naga Fireballs of the Mekong›