I was very excited, and I must admit anxious, for this date to arrive. Surviving Mt. Pulag was something I thought would be excruciating. I had episodes of serious asthma attacks and had no idea if I would be able to go through the 4-5 hour trail. Mt. Pulag is Luzon’s highest mountain with 2,922 meters above sea level and with such information alone, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “kaya mo ba talaga?”
The trail to Mt. Pulag via Ambangeg is recommended for the first timers since this is the easiest trail made available. Personally, whichever route you wish to take, it’s still a given fact the journey to Mt. Pulag is no walk in the park.
Armed with my bag of essentials, we travelled through Victory Liner Cubao bus headed to Baguio which, at that time, was bearably cool. But for someone who gets cold easily like me, fleece jacket (and Carmex, my favorite lipbalm) was indeed a best friend.
In Baguio bus terminal, after getting our extra stuffs from the bus’ luggage compartment, we headed to the terminal lobby to settle down and took some time prepping for our 3 hour private jeepney ride to Department and Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office. While waiting for our jeep’s arrival, we managed to attend a mass in Baguio Cathedral for the Feast of Immaculate Concepcion (December 8). Thereafter, we had breakfast at nearby fast food and bought some hoodies and mittens along Session Road.
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| Ambuklao Dam |
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| outside DENR office |
We started our 3 hour journey at around 9:00AM and reached DENR office at past 12NN. We registered in the office and immediately oriented by c/o Mrs. Tamiray of DENR for Pulag 101. The briefing was truly informative and enlightening to newbies like me.
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| ranger station |
From the DENR office, we travelled again via jeepney to the Ranger Station which took us another 1 ½ hour. At the Ranger Station, we prepared ourselves for the trek proper.
With rain showers and ghastly wind, we continued our journey to the summit. In less than an hour from the Campsite, I was 2,922 meters above sea level. I did it! Yes, I reached the summit! All the hardships that we have been through was worth it.
My grateful heart goes out to my dear friend and colleague Katie B. (you go, girl!) and her mountaineering group P.A.C.K.E.R.S who paved way to make this trip possible. It was extra fun and encouraging with them around. Thank you for arranging this tour for us.
ITINERARY
Day 0
22:00 Meet up
23:00 Depart Metro Manila
Day 1
05:00 ETA Baguio; prepare stuff and eat breakfast
06:00 Load and take chartered jeepney to Ambangeg
09:00 ETA Visitors’ Center; register, settle fees and attend the orientation (Php100.00 entrance fee, Php50.00 camping fee and Php50.00 green fee)
10:30 Depart for Babadak Ranger Station
11:30 ETA Ranger Station; lunch
13:00 Start trek
14:30 ETA Camp 1
16:00 ETA Camp 2; set up camp (optional summit assault)
18:00 Dinner and socials
Day 2
04:30 Trek to summit
05:30 ETA summit; sunrise viewing and photo ops
07:00 Resume trek
07:45 ETA Camp 2; breakfast and break camp
09:00 Start descent to Ranger Station
11:30 ETA Ranger Station
12:30 ETA Visitors’ Center; lunch and wash up
14:00 Depart for Baguio City
17:00 ETA Baguio City; dinner
19:00 Depart for Metro Manila
More photos following below by Elbert Malonzo who did an amazing job chasing the clouds (ha-ha-ha). We were informed that Typhoon Pablo bounced back to the Philippines and hit typhoon signal number 1 in Benguet. It was really a challenge bringing a DSLR during a tough weather like what we had in Pulag . I personally chose to warm myself up first than took pictures! ;p
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| With P.A.C.K.E.R.S and Czechs climbers |
And to cap of, thank you my dear buddy for the patient endurance with me during this trip. It was indeed extra special with you around *mushy*. We will definitely visit again to see clearer view of the magnificent Mr. Pulag!
True!
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