Mt Pulag Side Trip - Ambuklao Dam; Jangjang Hanging Bridge; Badekbek Sulfur Spring

Our latest Open Climb in Mt. Pulag (Ambangeg-Ambangeg) turned out to very fruitful. The participating climbers actually were employees of audit firm, Punongbayan & Araullo (P&A). Skookums Allan, Espi, and Oliver acted as Team Leaders and Organizer of the group. They were ably assisted by Ember, otherwise known as the Barack "Mr President" Obama of CB Richard Ellis Philippines.

The all-P&A team was composed by Marco Rivas, Yaz Recta, Rosanna Balotro, Frani Custodio, Jenica Angeles, Klein Cajucom,


THE SIDETRIP

Since we were scheduled to camp at the Ranger's Station in Babadak, we deemed it better for us to spend extra time on the road and visit nearby natural and/or man-made wonders in Bokod. We so thankful to Moi, the driver of the monster jeep that we rented in going to Bokod, Benguet from the City of Pines.

We were the 1st ones to arrive here

Agno River...at the back of Danao Eatery

Aside from the usual sidetrip to the Ambuklao Dam, we also were able to go to and cross the Jangjang Hanging Bridge and endured the rotting stench in Daclan Sulfur Spring.

After having breakfast at the Danao Rest Stop, we immediately went to the Ambuklao Dam, our first stop for the day. Built along the mighty Agno River, the Ambuklao Dam was once the biggest and highest dam in the Far East. Seems unbelievable, but it has been in operation since the 1950's.

We've just arrived

So this is the biggest dam in the Far East in the 50's

Ambuklao Lake

So, the water directly hits a mountain...

The Spillway

Rustic scene

Our second stop is the Jangjang Hanging Bridge (aka Jangjang-Balengasay Hanging Bridge). Located just at the back of the Jangjang Café, the hanging bridge is 290 meters long and to cross it would surely be a challenge for those who have acrophobia.

Jangjang Bridge

10 at a time please

It's a looonnggg way to go

The Hanging Bridge is at the back of this Eatery

Even Doggie wanted to cross to the other side.

Our next stop was the Daclan Sulfur Spring (aka Badekbek Sulfur Spring). It is actually a surprise that something like this is present in the area (so is it right for me to think that there is actually an unknown volcano within the vicinity?). As one approaches the area, it would really be a challenge to endure the stench emitted by the boiling sulfur. Smoke is literally billowing and the temperature there is a little bit warmer. There is a small pool at the top portion of the spring but it has now in a state of disrepair.

It spews steam...and is really smelly too.

So...is there a volcano nearby?

Maybe the Phivolcs need to study this...

Photo-ops

Tustadong Jumpshot

Team Leaders

Swimming Pool

O...oblation

so what's cooking there?

Patented...Skookum jump

want a hot bath?

It was actually thrilling for us to be able to drop by the abovementioned natural and man-made attractions especially that we are aware that the last two places that we visited are not usually part of the itinerary of hikers and climbers.


*Other posts related to Mt. Pulag

Mt. Pulag - The Awesome Sea of Clouds
www.skookummountaineers.blogspot.com/2014/10/mt-pulag-where-sea-of-clouds-welcomed.html