As a classified major mountain in the Philippines, we did not really let skip a 2 weeks vacations without unlocking one of the travel bucket lists in doing a first mountaineering experience at Mount Pulag in Bokod, Benguet.
Mount Pulag (Ilocano: Bantay Pulag; Filipino: Bundok Pulag) It is Luzon’s highest peak at 2,926 metres (9,600 ft) above sea level.The borders between the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya meet at the mountain's peak.
It is the third highest mountain in the Philippines, next to Mount Apo and Mount Dulang-dulang.
Mount Pulag is famous for its "sea of clouds" and the view of the Milky Way Galaxy at dawn, which has attracted many tourists who wish to see the "other-worldly" scenery. via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Pulag
Climbing at Mount Pulag?
As the highest mountain in Luzon, Mount Pulag attracts a lot of mountain climbers. Highlights of the climb include the montane forests and the grassland summit with its "sea of clouds" phenomenon. There are four major trails up the summit: the Ambangeg, Akiki, and Tawangan trails from Benguet and the Ambaguio trail from Nueva Vizcaya. These trails are managed by the Mount Pulag National Park, under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Ambangeg Trail is the easiest trail and good for those first time in climbing.
Trivia:
Did you know?
The natives say that Mt. Pulag is the “playground of the gods.” It has the highest peak in
Luzon and is the third highest mountain in the Philippines
Reminder:
Please be informed that a Medical Certificate is a must for all hikers as a policy by the DENR.
How to get there?
There's a lot of package tour that you can found in social media and organized by many tourist agencies with the price range of 3000-5000 pesos.
DIY or Joiners, is the cheapest price that you may avail because it includes only with the van rental and other environmental fees.
What to prepare before climbing at Mt.Pulag?
Sleeping Bags and Sleeping Mat
To protect you from the cold and to give you comfort from the hard ground
Water Bottles
2-3 liters per person should be enough. (Bring more of course if you get thirsty very quickly).
Flashlights or Headlights
Backpack
If you don’t have a rain-proof one, then make sure to wrap your things inside in plastic; just in case!
Snacks for the hike
Lots of it! Don’t be shy!
Gloves, scarf, bonnet/cap
…anything to heat you up! They weren’t kidding when they said that it’s gonna be chilly up in Pulag, and I tell you, it was MORE than chilly. It was ice cold!! (I’ll tell you more about this later on.)
Clothes for Layering. Clothes.
Preferably rain-proof jacket, rainproof pants, RAIN-PROOF EVERYTHING.
Socks
Rain Gear
Again, another just in case, and definitely no umbrellas. If you don’t have ‘rain gear’, you can use trash bags.
First Aid and Medicines
If you have frequent motion sickness or whatever, best to pack up Bonamine. I’ll tell you why later on.
Hiking Shoes
…and hiking poles if you have those. Not really required; only for your ease.
Extra Footwear
A light one; a slipper for example. Just in case your shoes accidentally get ruined.
Lots of Plastic
To put your trash into, clothes, etc. etc. Don’t throw any of these away in that mountain of course!
Toiletries
Eating Utensils
Camera
It is better to go with a group so that you can have "kulitan moments" during hiking so that everyone is happy.
My Experience?
"Feels like heaven" with overflowing enjoyment and really amazed with the greatness of our creators that he let us experience how magnificent is he even very cold in the midnight at 4-7 degree celsius at camp 2 and while passing the mossy forest is like you are in a movie. At the summit, you will feel at fantasy especially during the sunrise so all climbers took the chance to have their photos and videos.
And most important things this is one of the best adventure memories with my wife.
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