We were already on our way back to Manila from our hike but I still couldn’t believe that it happened. Everything felt as if I were in a fantasy novel. Very surreal.
🇵🇭MT. PULAG ADVENTURE PRIMER🇵🇭
✈🛳🚌 How to get to Mt. Pulag:
⏺ Ride a bus from Metro Manila to Baguio City (e.g. Victory Liner in Cubao or Pasay; travel time is 5 – 7 hours depending on traffic condition and number/duration of stop-overs).
⏺ Hail a taxi to get to Old Slaughterhouse in Magsaysay.
⏺ Ride the public van en route to Kabayan, Benguet.
⏺ Alight at the DENR office for registration and orientation.
⏺ Charter a motorcycle to reach Ranger station (Ambangeg trail).
⏺ Register and secure guide/s.
⏺ If traveling with a group, it is much better to rent a jeepney from Baguio City to get to Ranger station to save on time.
Our climb transpired in April 2015 with my friends. We scaled the dreaded Akiki Trail of Mt. Pulag. By the way, the dog’s name is Choco. He is owned by one of the local tour guides and he usually goes to the summit to guide hikers as well.Even if you are not lucky to witness the sea of clouds, Mt. Pulag is still picture-perfect because of its verdant grasslands and dwarf bamboo grass endemic to the mountain.
⏰⏳ SAMPLE ITINERARY:
DAY 0
10:00 PM Assembly
11:00 PM ETD for Baguio City
DAY 1
5:00 AM ETA Baguio City
6:00 AM ETD for DENR (breakfast along the way)
8:00 AM Registration and orientation
10:00 AM ETA Ranger station / pitch tents or check-in
11:00 AM Early Lunch / free time
4:00 PM Early dinner
6:00 PM Lights out
DAY 2
12:00 AM Wake-up call
12:30 AM Commence hike
5:00 AM ETA Summit
7:00 AM Start descent
10:00 AM Wash up / check-out
11:00 AM ETD for Baguio City
4:00 PM ETA Baguio City / free time
6:00 PM ETD for Manila
💰💶 ESTIMATED BUDGET (for a solo joiner of an organized hiking event): Php 4,000 – Php 5,000 (inclusive of event fee + food)
***Expenses may vary depending on organized event fee and personal consumption of food and other necessities.
In my opinion, I think Mt. Pulag is the most sought peak by experienced hikers and beginners alike. It may be a mainstream hiking destination due to the number of hikers visiting it especially during weekends but its sea of clouds tinged by the golden sunrise (if you’re lucky to witness it) is totally beautiful.According to some climbers, the best time to see the sea of clouds is during “ber” months. But there is still no assurance that you will see its famed clouds during this season. This photo was taken during my first time of hiking Mt. Pulag. It was November but the sea of clouds wasn’t as fluffy and solid as compared to my first photo. What we saw back then was more like of a cloud waterfall.This was the moment when I asked Choco to pose with his back to the camera (kidding! He just did that as if knowing I wanted us to pose for an “emo” shot). And sorry for the quality of my pictures. These were taken with my cheap action camera and I hadn’t invested in any good camera back then. After all, I never thought I would eventually have that desire to learn the basics of photography (***insert facepalm).The truth is, our group was the last to descend from the summit that morning. The sun was already up but we just couldn’t help ourselves but continue taking photos. It was an unbelievable experience. I know that views of clouds are very typical when you’re on a plane ride but seeing it on top of a mountain is definitely a unique experience.
📜✏ Tips/Reminders:
📌Ambangeg trail is the trail advisable for beginners as it is the easiest. The hike to the summit takes about 3 – 5 hours depending on your pace. You will be spending the night at a homestay or at the campsite in Ranger station.
📌Inform the DENR office beforehand of the dates of your climb.
📌You can join organized hiking events online to save on time and cut on costs.
📌If you opt to hike other trails of Mt. Pulag such as Akiki, Tawangan or Ambaguio, it is much advisable if you are travelling with a group so you can rent a jeepney.
📌Don’t forget your hiking essentials especially the ones to keep you warm such as thermal blankets, jackets, windbreakers, sleeping bags, earthpads, beanies, socks and gloves.
📌Waterproof your belongings as weather in Mt. Pulag is unpredictable. It is usually raining during the monsoon season (June-February). Best time to hike Mt. Pulag to catch the sea of clouds is summer (March- May).
📌Bring enough hydration. There are also available water sources along the trail.
📌Always observe the LNT principles.
☎ Contacts:
📌For available jeepneys for rent: Ms. Gina Epe (09198169234)
📌Mt. Pulag Facebook Page for reservations
Climbing Mt. Pulag via Ambangeg is very easy. This manicured trail is also called “celebrity trail”. It’s as if you’re just walking inside the mall or walking on the runway for a fashion show.Once at the mountain’s peak, you are in three different provinces all at the same time since the borders of Benguet, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya meet at the summit. This grassland view from the top pretty much looks like a painting not just in photos but even in person.I have scaled Mt. Pulag thrice. The first time turned out okay but the cloud waterfall was not what I was expecting compared to the photos I usually see in the internet. The second was a nightmare. I’d say it was my worst climb so far. It was raining throughout our hike. It was February and the cold made it worse. It felt like I wasted money, time and effort just to drown my tent and hiking gears in mud. The third time was perfect, even one of my best hikes ever. And this photo would attest to that.I haven’t had the chance to go back. I’m pretty sure that I’ll bring home quality photos once I visit this mountain again by doing long exposure photography in the morning. Besides, Mt. Pulag still offers the best sunrise and sea of clouds. For me, its golden hour view is still incomparable to any mountain I have climbed.
***For more photos of Mt. Pulag, please click this link. For other destinations in Benguet and Cordillera, you may visit this link.
