MT. PULAG via AMBANGEG TRAIL (Playground of the Gods)

Mt. Pulag is one of the most-sought after mountains in the Philippines. Standing 2,922 MASL, it is the highest peak in Luzon and now considered the third (3^rd) highest mountain in the country. It is even considered as the “Playground of the Gods” because of its unique beauty, sceneries and its popular “Sea of clouds” view.

View from Peak 4.

Sunrise is more fun in Pulag.

Located within the vicinity of Bokod, Kabayan and Buguias Benguet, Tinoc in Ifugao and Kayapa in Nueva Vizcaya, it is one of the most maintained natural parks in the country, being the home of different flora and fauna, (from dwarf bamboos, cloud rats, kock’s pita, etc.) and a home to some of the ethnic tribes residing within the periphery of the mountains. The Ibaloys, Kankana-eys, Kalanguya and Ibanags, consider the mountain as a sacred place. It is believed that the spirits of their loved ones still resides in the mountains, and the resting place of Gods.

We have planned to go to Mt. Pulag and scheduled our climb in time for Valentines Day (#HugotClimb2015) not just to let our couple participants spend a romantic date above the clouds, but also to make sure that our single participants will have their most chilling group date with the entire group.

We left Manila at around 1:00 am (due to some delays) and arrived at Baguio at around 7:00am. From Baguio, it is 3-4 hours drive to DENR Ambangeg Office for registration and orientation about the mountain’s background, history and some simple rules and regulations. Make sure you secure your medical certificate prior to your climb, since this is now required to assure that you are physically fit and in good medical condition to avoid problems along the way.

Selfie with Kim, and a newfound friends- Mommy. :)

Make sure that before you head straight to DENR, have a stopover at Jang Jang’s Eatery for a heavy breakfast. You can also try and experience the hanging bridge located at the back of the eatery and do some photo ops.

From the barker/driver seat.

Inside the monster jeep on the way to Benguet. 

Jang Jang Eatery: one of the famoust stop-overs on the way to Mt. Pulag.

The famous hanging-bridge at the back of the eatery. *this is for free.

Photo ops with the group. 

Precious checking out if its safe to cross the bridge. Aha!

Halfway through the bridge. 

Just arrived at DENR Office for some orientation prior to climb.

The power girls of the group: Kathrin, Ija, Kim, Wendy, Prex, Rizza, Karen, Kimara, Rhea and Davez.

The hunks of the group: with Earl, David, Niko, Jhong, Daniel, Tristan, Daryl. 

The successful climbers of Mt, Pulag. You can leave your remembrance on the DENR Office Hall of Successful climbers. 

A 1-hour orientation prior to climb which will give you an overview and some rules and regulations. Please guys, don't sleep. 

DENR now giving stamps as a proof of registration.

We arrived at the ranger station at around 3:00 pm and start setting out our camp. There’s a little community within the station and for lunch, there are various stores to choose from. You can also try one of their specialties: the Okoy (made from fresh vegetables harvested on the mountains itself). Vegetables were also sold in cheap prices way more cheaper than the price here in Manila, as well as other last minute items: scarfs, second hand fleece and thermal jackets, headlamps and other climb necessities.

Arrived at the ranger station. 

Vegetables are way cheaper than in Manila. Make sure to buy some: they're fresh from the mountains.

The Carrera's (and partners) enjoyed the vegetable okoy of the locals. #TaongOkoy

A view from the campsite.

Taking some groupie with late lunch buddies Jonel, Kim, Tristan, Daryl and Davez.

Selfie with the local kids. They deserve some candies. #LoveLocal

What happened to Ija? You can easily spot Ija in this pic. 

For our dinner, our host and coordinator (Travel Tipid) prepared kaldereta and tinolang manok. Before we sleep, we made sure to spend some socials so the group can know more about each other before the climb. Just make sure to wear your attire: from fleece jackets, windbreaker, thermal pants and gloves, bonnets, scarfs and layers of socks because the temperature is freezing cold. A good tent and a sleeping bag are also a big help in conquering the night.

Sunset from the campsite. Can you spot the sea?

Lovers in Pulags: my bestfriends Jonel and Kim.

Campsite birthday selfie. 

My bestfriends and co-organizers for this climb: Jonel and Jhong. #MakitheGreatwithtwoothers

With the gang.

We woke up at around 1:00am to prepare for the hike. It is a night-trek and we’re scheduled to leave at 2:30am. Bring only the necessities: water, trail foods, camera and other personal items. Carrying heavy loads will cause you some delays (and Take 5 preferably), and you must avoid constant stop overs to reach Peak 4 or summit before the sun rises.

You will reach Camp 1 from the jump-off in 30-45 minutes depending on your phasing. Along the trail, there are constant changes of temperature as you go higher, and a different one if you’re along the mossy forest part. There are also portions where the oxygen level drops low (according to some since they had difficulty breathing). It is really recommended to condition yourself: even a jogging will be a good head start to strengthen your cardio prior the climb.

We arrived at Camp 2 at around 4:00 am (almost 1 hour trek from Camp 1). We stayed there a little longer so the others can refill their bottles from the water source. There’s also a toilet on Camp 2. We headed straight to Peak 4 where we can have a better amazing view of the sunrise and the sea of clouds. Luckily we made it on time (after constant breaks and stop overs).

Breaking dawn from Peak 4. 

When the sun is coming up from the horizon. The Gods are starting to play. 

Above the horizon.

Reaching the Peak 4, we waited until the sun rises above the horizon. Then the rest is history on the 3 years of my mountaineering. There’s a big question on each of us why we climb mountains, and I realized the answer while watching the spectacular view. Now I understood why Mt. Pulag was called the “Playground of the Gods”.

Valentune sunrise! 

With colleagues and mountain buddies Earl and Ija. Third-wheeling on Peak 4.

With Prex, Wendy, Rizza and Daryl.

Congrats Prex on your second summit with the group! :)

Ija enjoying her second time in Pulag.

After some photo ops, we headed straight to the summit. It is 30 minutes from Peak 4, and didn’t stay for so long because the cold temperature started to wear off. We even removed our jackets as we head off to the ranger station.

Summit picture with Batch 1: Rizza, Kim, Tristan, Daniel, Prex, Charmie, Kimara, Nikko, Rhea and Jonel.

Summit picture with Batch 2: Charmie (again), Ija, Earl, Kathrin, David, Wendy and Jhong.

3rd highest point of the Philippines: 2,922 MASL. Conquering the summit. 

You will appreciate more the scenery as you go back which we missed on the night trek heading to summit. You will have a better view of the grassland along the trail until you reach Camp 2. It reminds me of Mt. Batulao on a higher range.

View as we descend from the summit.

Sea of fogs and mountains on the background.

Earl and Ija taking some rest.

It's colorful, isn't it? Wish you were here.

Camp 2. 

With the two local guides. 

From Camp 2, you will enter the mossy forest where the temperature is quite different from the grass land despite the striking sun. Be careful on your way since some parts are slippery.

Upon entry at the mossy forest. 

The temperature is quitre cold compared to grassland area.

The tree still fighting for survival on Luzon's coldest peak.

Upon arriving at the Camp 1 on my way back to Ranger Station.

The BIG 4: with Charmie, Prex and Daryl.

Fresh vegetables for just a cheap price. 

Sharing some jelly ace with the kids.

We arrived at the ranger station at around 12:00nn. We headed to Baguio for dinner and bought some “Pasalubong” at the Market.

Summing up this experience, Mt. Pulag is one of the best mountains in the country. Its uniqueness make this mountain stand out compared to others. It is indeed the playground of the Gods.

Shoutout to the entire group who have shared this Valentine and Birthday climb with me: my bestfriends Jonel, Jhong and Kim- this is a dream come true for us. My regular climb buddies: Wendy, Charmie, Karen, Prex, Davez, Ija and Earl for another conquered summit. And for the new found friends and new members of the group: Kimara, Rhea, Niko, Tristan, Daryl, Daniel, David, Rizza and Kathrin. Hope this event opened new doors for new friends and adventures. Special shoutout to Travel Tipid Ace Modar and Rainier Mina: apir for a successful event despite the problems along the way.

Hanggang sa uulitin! Apir! J

ITINERARY

DAY "0" Feb. 12 (FRIDAY)
10:00Pm Meet-up At Mcdonalds Panay infront of centris 
10:30pm ETD to Baguio

Day "1" Feb. 13 (SATURDAY)
0500 ETA Baguio City. Breakfast then proceed to jeepney terminal/chartered jeep.
0700 Take chartered jeepney to Ambangeg.
1000 ETA Visitors' Center. Registration / Orientation
1130 Set out for Ranger Station
1230 ETA and lunch at Ranger.
1300 Start trek ( if DENR Permit ) if not Camp at Ranger Station
1430 ETA Camp 1
1600 ETA Camp 2. Set up camp
1800 Dinner at campsite; socials

Day "2" Feb. 14 ( SUNDAY )
0430 Early morning trek to summit for sunrise
0545 Arrival at summit just in time for sunrise
0700 Start descent from summit
0800 Back at Camp 2; heavy breakfast
0900 Decamp; start descent to Ranger Station
1130 Back at Ranger; Settle guide fees; jeepney descent
1230 Back at Visitors' Center; tidy up and log out
1400 Head back to Baguio City
1700 ETA Baguio City. Dinner.
2100 Head back to Manila