This is an account of our climb in Mt. Tapulao on March 28-30, 2014, when Skookum Mountaineers was still in its pre-formal stages. While we were already considering ourselves as Skookums at this time, we were yet to be formally inducted as part of the group.
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While our initial plan really was to do a
traverse of Mt. Ugo from Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya to Itogon, Benguet, conflicts in
the respective schedules of some of our friends and fellow Skookum, as well as
budgetary concerns constrained us to opt for Mt. Tapulao instead.
According to Allan, same with Mt. Ugo, Mt.
Tapulao is also famous for its pine forest and its trail that will surely test
the patience of even the most hardcore of mountaineers. As known in the world of mountaineering, Mt. Tapulao is also referred to as the "poor man's Pulag."
Just to illustrate, the jump-off point is at an elevation
a shade above 100MASL, whereas Mt. Tapulao’s summit is at 2037MASL. In other
words, it is a gain in altitude of about 1900MASL strewn over 18 kilometers of open,
rocky, rough, bouldery and 90% skyward trail.
As we really wanted to conquer
ourselves, we decided to give it a shot. There were five of us who took up the challenge namely: Bette,
Allan, Gani, Lennon, and Oliver.
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| Mt. Tapulao is the peak in the middle |
In anticipation of the weekend traffic, we arrived at
the Victory Liner Bus Terminal in Caloocan City at 2100 (March 28) or thirty minutes
prior to our intended departure time for Iba, Zambales. It was really a good
thing that we were there early since we never knew that there were actually two
terminals of Victory Liner in the area. One is located just beside the
Victory Mall (along Rizal Avenue), where we were actually waiting, and the other
at the back of the said mall, where the buses bound for Zambales are stationed.
So we again had to rush to the other end of the terminal or else our reserved
seats will be given to chance passengers.
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| All set... |
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| Pasimpleng Engr...chickababes ang seatmate hehe |
An hour and a half into the trip, we had a
stopover somewhere in Lubao, Pampanga where we bought snacks and some trail
food. Of course, with our favorite chicharon included. The food here is
actually better than in the subsequent bus stops, so better have your fill here
and then try to get as much sleep as you can for the rest of the trip.
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| stopover |
We subsequently arrived at the Victory Liner Terminal in Iba, Zambales at around 0230H (March 29). After trying in vain in looking for any available store where we can
buy rice, we boarded two tricycles that will take us to the jump-off point in
Sitio Dampay, Brgy. Salaza, Palauig, Zambales. We continued to breeze through
the Zambales-Pangasinan Highway for about 25 minutes before turning right
towards Sitio Dampay. While there were concrete portions, most parts of the
road were actually composed of gravel. So it is one jerky
and dusty ride.
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| From Iba to Palauig |
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| Repacking our things....with Lennon having his fill of caffeine. |
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| sleepy pa pero ready to go |
We arrived at the Registration Center at
around 0330H, when everybody seemed to be still in deep slumber. A few minutes
later, people that supervise and manage the facility arrived. While we were
waiting for the coffee and instant noodles that we ordered for breakfast, a
group of mountaineers who were actually habitual climbers of Mt. Tapulao turned
up.
At 0430H, we started to hike together with
our porter-guide Wilmer Ocampo.
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| trekking at dawn |
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| first glimpse of Mt. Tapulao |
From the registration center, the rise in
elevation already started as the concrete road leading up the trail is already
sloped. We passed by a few houses until we reached the dreaded mountain "lonely and endless trail"
leading to Mt. Tapulao.
We walked in the tranquillity of the night with a number of mango trees
bidding us farewell. Our feet can relatively feel the unevenness of the ground
as the stars gently twinkling up the clear sky accompanied us.
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| Wala pang araw mga pagod na...hehehe |
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| Number 1 |
While we maintained a respectable pace, the
sheer toughness of climbing at a constant gradient is really obvious as Wilmer
kept on repeating that we have not yet gotten past the 1-kilometer mark.
Consequently, we were so elated when we arrived at the 4-kilometer mark at
around 0630H because it really felt like that was the longest 4 kilometers
that we ever tramped. Good thing there were the glorious views of the West
Philippine Sea and the occasional glimpse of the grandness of High Peak.
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| ...the 1st kilometer post that I remembered seeing |
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| Bette: Sigurado ka ba Wilmer na kaya mo yan? Wilmer: Oo mam, sumakay ka pa. |
At this time, the sun is already over the horizon, the
good thing is that we were already more than halfway the open trail (cogon/small
bamboos) as we expect a little more cover just before the 1st water
source. We went past Camp 1 and formally entered the forested area of the trail
just within the 5-kilometer mark at around 0750H. We subsequently arrived at
the 1st water source at around 0830H.
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| Camp 1 |
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| Civet Coffee / Kape Alamid / Coffee Luwak |
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| Stone tower |
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| to the 1st water source |
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| the trail needs more of this... |
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| Lennon: Ganito ang kumuha ng selfie. Wilmer: Sige Sir smile tayo :) |
At 0905H, we arrived at the “viewdeck area”,
so-called due to the presence of a wooden chair and splendid views of the mountains
and the sea. We went past the 8-kilometer mark ten minutes later.
At this point, the trail became more punishing as it shifted to a
steeper angle and the rocks became bigger and plentiful. No wonder Wilmer
called this area “The Landslide”. What we thought was just a short ascent
turned out to be one endless assault. Nevertheless, we arrived at the 2nd
water source at the 10-kilometer mark at 1040H. We then decided to prepare for
lunch at the clearing past the little makeshift hut and wooden chair on the
opposite side of the road
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| This is what I am referring to as "The Viewdeck" |
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| We have already tramped for hours and yet we still have a lot of tramping for the day. |
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| lonesome climber |
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| And the landslide begins... |
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| ...and goes on...and on.. |
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| ...and on...and on... |
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| ...and on...and on... |
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| ...and on...until we were all dead tired...sleepyheads |
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| pit stop |
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| Masinloc Power Plant |
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| we own the trail |
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| The 2nd water source |
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| This is the area where we had our lunch and siesta. |
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| Cooking time...sleeping time |
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| tara...tulog na...hehe |
While we were already through having lunch, the forty
winks that we intended to have actually turned into a snooze. Thanks to the hot
rays of the sun and the ear-splitting uproar of motorcycles of a number of motocross enthusiasts, we
were roused from our deep slumber at around 1330H. We finally continued our push
for the bunkhouse 15 minutes later.
The trail continued to be the same punishing,
unrelenting and energy-sapping ascent. At 1410H, we finally arrived at that part
of the trail wherein the views of the surrounding mountain range is distinctly
magnificent. We spent a considerable amount of time here taking pictures. It is
also here where the pine forest begins.
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| uphill still... |
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| Pagod na si engr...ang pinakamalupit sa akyatan =) |
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| Rocky... |
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| Lennon |
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| Bette |
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| Oliver |
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| Allan |
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| Gani |
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| Motocross...it's not as easy as it looks |
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| The bend going to the drop and the pine forest... |
After the bend, there shall be a brief drop of
elevation in the trail. It was a very welcome respite from the incessant ascent that we have already conquered. Moreover, the pine trees around will surely encourage the
shutterbug in you. So we actually spent a lot of time in this part of the
trail.
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| This is my playground |
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| muni-muni muna |
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| Team Relax |
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| Stationary |
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| the pine and boulder in the bagtag that we bought... :) |
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| Daredevil |
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| engr...ayusin mo nga 'tong daan hehe |
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| the drop |
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| nangunguna sa akyatan |
The “drop” shall end just before the 12-kilometer post.
But after you get past through the small peak, you will encounter the longest
drop and flatland that you will encounter throughout the length of the trail.
In this area, the trail shall again become relatively open as only cogon grass
and patchy shades of trees will cover you from the harsh beams of the sun. Enjoy
the respite for as long as it lasts since another long, unremitting, and uphill
climb along a rocky/boulder trail will be next (this will actually continue
until the 16-kilometer mark).
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| flatland...much sought-after in Mt. Tapulao |
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| 12-km mark |
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| uphill...rocky...once more |
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| the Provincial Government is developing the trail to make it passable to the 4x4 of the Governor |
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| di talaga matapos-tapos |
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| this is the untouched portion of the trail |
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| one step at a time |
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| seriously...very rocky...uphill again until km-16 |
Just before the 14-kilometer mark, thick fog began to
shroud our surroundings (visibility actually was limited within 5 meters at one
point). Imagine walking with/in the clouds, yes that was really it. Good thing it
did not rain and at least, we had something to shield us from the heat of the
sun.
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| taking pictures in foggy surroundings |
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| foggy |
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| misty |
At 1620H, we arrived at the 14-kilometer mark. We then
saw one of the biggest concentrations of Chromite ore a few meters ahead. These
were actually crushed rocks that were supposed to be transported by trucks down
the mountain but were left behind when the mine was shut down. According to
Wilmer, chromite is used in making stainless steel.
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| Chromite Ore |
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| just after the piles and piles of chromite ore |
A few meters from there, we again entered the
comfortable embrace of the pine forest. The weather also became considerably
cooler. But then again, the trail remained rocky and uphill until we reached
the 16-kilometer mark, which incidentally is the so called “guardhouse area”.
The 16-kilometer mark likewise signifies that we are already through with
uphill climbs for the day.
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| wacky |
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| just keep pushing |
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| Hanging by a moment |
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| Lightning-struck |
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| Km-16...the guardhouse is located here |
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| pine trees everywhere |
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| a kilometer of winding terrain |
Of course, we spent time there for photo-ops and conferring
whether we should camp at the clearing above the guardhouse or proceed to the
bunkhouse. We chose the latter because the water source is closer to the
bunkhouse.
It was an easy hike on a rolling and
winding terrain until we reached the bunkhouse at 1720 where we were greeted by
other mountaineers.
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| the Guardhouse |
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| We are nearing the bunkhouse |
After setting up camp, we prepared and had beef tapa; sardines; and beef
mushroom for dinner. While we were able to enjoy dinner under the stars,
thunderstorms came as we were merrily having our socials. We then called it a
night at 2130H.
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| the Bunkhouse |
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| Dinner |
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| Beef with mushroom |
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| mangan tayo apo |
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| Pitching the tent |
***Traipsing Chronicles 003
Mt. Tapulao (aka High Peak)
2037MASL
Major Climb:7/10
Jump-off Point: Sitio Dampay, Brgy. Salaza, Palauig, Zambales
Highlights: Chromite Ore; Pine Forest; View of Zambales and West Philippine Sea; Sea of Clouds; "Big Bonsai Tree" at the summit.
Itinerary
2130 - ETD from Victory Liner Caloocan City Terminal (Part of Day 0)
0230 - Arrival at Victory Liner Iba Terminal
0245 - ETD for Sitio Dampay, Salaza, Palauig, Zambales
0330 - Arrival at the Registration Center / Jump-off Point
0430 - Departure from Registration Center / Jump-off Point
0630 - Arrival at the 4-kilometer mark
0830 - Arrival at the 1st water source
0905 - Arrival at the view deck area
1040 - Arrival at the 10-kilometer mark / 2nd water source
Lunch time / Siesta
1330 - Pack things
1345 - Departure from the 2nd water source / 10-kilometer mark
1440 - Arrival at the 1st Pine Forest
1500 - Arrival at the 12-kilometer mark
1620 - Arrival at the 14-kilometer mark
1720 - Arrival at the guardhouse
1840 - Arrival at the bunkhouse
2000 - Dinner
2130 - Lights out
Mt. Tapulao also known as High Peak, towers
at 2037MASL (6,683ft.). It is the highest mountain in all of Central Luzon. Its
name Tapulao was actually derived from the pine trees that are prevalent in the
area. It is a good alternative to the mountains of the Cordillera should you
wish to experience the beauty of pine forests and an equally challenging trail.
Trail. The trail actually was once used by
a mining company that extracted chromite from the bowels of Mt. Tapulao.
However, such activity was stopped according to Wilmer because of its adverse
effects to the environment.
Traverse and Dayhike. It is possible to do
a traverse of Mt. Tapulao. The jump-off than point according to Wilmer (and to
other bloggers) is in Mayantoc Tarlac and the hike would end at Dampay-Salaza.
It is also possible to do a dayhike of Mt. Tapulao but one should start the
trek earlier than 0400 and expect it to last until dusk or early evening.
Night trek. There are hikers who prefer to do a night trek in order to escape the extreme heat that one shall encounter throughout the trail.
Guides and Porters. While the trail is
really not confusing as it is practically established, the Barangay Council of
Salaza has made it mandatory for hikers to secure the services of a guide. On
the other hand, porters are optional. As for us, Wilmer acted as our
porter-guide for P700.00. We see this as fairly reasonable since we are also
helping the locals earn a living.
We highly recommend Wilmer as porter-guide. We never had problems with and never heard any complains from him. We considered him as our friend and he treated us the same in return. However, Wilmer mentioned that they are usually assigned to climbers by rotation.
Water source. The 1st water source is just
after Camp 1 within the 6-kilometer mark. While other blogs that I read
mentioned that the water from this source is not potable, we went on to fill in
our containers, drank the same as trail water and did not have loose bowels. This water source is not readily visible from the trail as it is located about 10 meters from the trail. The 2nd is at the 10-kilometer mark and is just along the trail. The 3rd water source
is near the bunkhouses that is why many hikers choose to camp here.
Tricycles. Although we chose to get off the bus at Iba Terminal and
hired tricycles to bring us to the jump-off point, you may choose to continue
riding the bus (if it is bound for Sta. Cruz) until the intersection going to
Sitio Dampay, Brgy. Salaza in the town of Palauig. Just inform the conductor in
advance that you are alighting at the said intersection or that you are going
to Mt. Tapulao. We were informed that tricycles are waiting there for would-be
passengers throughout the night
***
Credits to Allan, Gani, Lennon, Bette and Oliver for the pictures
Related Links:
http://skookummountaineers.blogspot.com/2014/06/mt-tapulao-3-bunkhouse-to-dampay-salaza.html
http://skookummountaineers.blogspot.com/2014/06/mt-tapulao.html
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