Mt. Pulag - Where the Sea of Clouds welcomed us to the Playground of the Gods

***This is a narrative of our friendly-climb in Mt. Pulag last February 15-16, 2014, before Skookum Mountaineers was established.

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Climbing Mt. Pulag which, certainly includes experiencing its very cold weather and witnessing the magnificent sea of clouds is a must for every Filipino mountaineer. May it be through the gentle Ambangeg, the mysterious Tawangan, the challenging Ambaguio, or the "killer trail" Akiki, conquering Mt. Pulag provides that fulfillment that outdoor-lovers crave for.

Mt. Pulag

The tower of the Cordilleras

So when an invitation came for us to hike up Luzon's highest (and supposedly the Philippines' 3rd), we immediately answered in the affirmative. As it was the peak season, we were then forced to avail of the services of a local tour operator. Among the would-be Skookums in our group that time included Allan, Lennon, Gani, Bogs, Jaime and Bette.

We left the urban jungle that is Metro Manila on Valentines Day, which incidentally was also a"payday Friday", so we really had to scamper to the Victory Liner Bus Station in Cubao for the 9:30PM trip to Baguio City. As fate would have it, we were delayed by an hour as it was already 2230H when we left Cubao for Baguio City.

With only the 15-minute stops that the bus made in Tarlac City and in Sison, Pangasinan, we were able to reach the City of Pines at 0330H of the following day.

We were then directed to ride one of the monster jeeps waiting at the Caltex Gas Station near the bus Terminal. Before we headed for higher ground in Bokod, Benguet, we also bought additional provisions at the nearby 7-11 convenience store. It was already 0440H when we left Baguio City.

While all of us desperately tried to get some additional sleep, the tortuous and meandering Ambuklao Road (also referred to as the Baguio-Nueva Vizcaya Highway) initially made it really difficult for us to decently get a shuteye. Nevertheless, the drowsiness that followed may have perhaps caused most of us to snooze. All I know is that we arrived at the roadside eatery just before daybreak.

While we were one of the first jeepneys to arrive, we were actually the last to depart for the Ranger Station in Bokod as most of us decided to "go to the john".

After breakfast...before proceeding to the DENR

At the DENR, we were all required to register and attend the briefing regarding the rules and regulations that needs to be adhered to at the Mt. Pulag National Park. Discussions on the basics of mountaineering and even survival were likewise made. At the end of the lecture, the Park Ranger further showed us a video documentary about Mt. Pulag.

Mt. Pulag National Park (DENR)

Attending the briefing

It was already 1100H when we left the DENR for the Ranger Station. We went through a series of twists and turns as we further elevated into higher ground. We finally arrived at the Ranger Station at 1200H. Hence, we immediately settled at one area to eat lunch. It is here at the Ranger Station where the monster jeeps are parked. It is also here where guides and porters are secured. In other words, it serves as the main jump-off point of hikers who will be using the Ambangeg Trail in going up Mt. Pulag.

We started to trek at 1245H. The trail actually started as a concrete-paved road and a few minutes into the hike, we passed by vegetable gardens and terraces. The pavement then gave way to a dirt path as we entered the pine forest.

Rarin' to go...

One more time...

Vegetable gardens

We then arrived at Camp 1 at 1345H. We decided to have an extended rest here and wait for the remaining members of our group.

Long rest at Camp 1

The mossy forest then greeted us just after Camp 1. Since we have finally decided to spend the night at Camp 2 Extension instead of the saddle camp, we took it easy on the trail. The trails are actually established, even as there are portions where stones are carefully placed on the ground.

At 1515H, we passed by the junction where the trail on the right leads to Lusod village and ten minutes later we were already at the Camp 2 Extension. We were so glad to finally make it and we were simply amazed by the dwarf bamboo that teem in the area.

The "junction"

Camp 2

going to Camp 2 extension

As some of us decided to rest, some went on to spend our free time taking pictures of the beautiful surroundings.

Camp 2 Extension

Since we all knew that the weather will be excruciatingly colder than what we are used to here in the tropics, we had dinner at around 1730H (just before sunset). At 2100H, when the temperature outside our tents already started to become unbearable, we hit the sack for us to regain some strength for the dawn trek up to the summit.

kaya daw nila ang lamig...brrrrr...brrrr

Traipsing Chronicles 011
002.015-016.014

Mt. Pulag - via Ambangeg Trail
Kabayan, Benguet - 2922 MASL
Jump off point: Ranger Station, Bokod Benguet
Major Climb: 3/9 (not so much of the hike but because of the extreme weather conditions)

Highlights: Luzon's highest peak; the venerable sea of clouds; 360°view at the summit; Pine forest and mossy forest; dwarf bamboos; cold weather

Actual Itinerary - (until Camp 2 Extension)

Day 0

2130H - Departure from Victory Liner Cubao Terminal to Baguio City

Day 1

0330H - Arrival in Baguio City

0440H - Depart Baguio City for the DENR in Bokod, Benguet

0600H - Arrival at the roadside eatery - Breakfast

0710H - Proceed travel to the DENR

0800H - Arrival at the DENR - wait for the other groups headed by the climb organizer

1000H - Attend the scheduled briefing 

1100H - Departure from the DENR to the Ranger Station

1200H - Arrival at the Ranger Station - Lunch / Secure Guide and Porter

1240H - Commence hike to Camp 2 Extension

1345H - Arrival at Camp 1

1515H - Arrival at the junction going to Lusod (take the trail on the left)

1520H - Arrival at Camp 2

1525H - Arrival at Camp 2 Extension

Rest / Break / Photo Ops

1730H - Dinner

1800H - Socials

2100H - Lights out

Guides/Porters. While it is mandatory to secure the services of guides, porters are just optional. The fee being charged by porters is limited to loads up to 15 kilos only.

Ambangeg. In view of its relative undemanding trail, Ambangeg is also referred to as the "Executive Trail".

Extra convenience. There are motorcycles ("habal-habal") that hikers may hire for P150.00 per person (one-way) to take them deeper into the trail (actually near the gorge before you climb the ascent approaching Camp 1).

Camp Sites. Most campers/hikers (especially those who climb with tour operators) set up camp either at Camp 2 or Camp 2 Extension. There are latrines in the area and of course, a nearby water source.

On the other hand, the more experienced hikers usually set up camp at the saddle campsite. For those climbing via the Ambangeg Trail, you need to hike for another hour up the summit of Mt. Pulag, and then descend to the saddle campsite for 30 minutes.

The Saddle Campsite as taken from the Summit

You may likewise find interesting the related link below:

 Mt. Pulag - The Awesome Sea of Clouds