Mt. Pulag - Increase in Fees

As per the new directive issued by the Mt. Pulag National Park Superintendent Teber Dionisio, the is an increase in the fees collected from each hiker / climber, the details of which are as follows:

MT.PULAG NATIONAL PARK FEES:

a. Entrance fee:  

Php 175.00 per head for local
$15 or peso equivalent for foreigners

b. Camping fee: Php 50.00/head/night

LGU FEES: Php 150.00 per head

Akiki Trail JOP

GUIDE FEES:
a. Amba - amba = 1 night = Php 120.00 per head

b. Akiki - Amba = 1 to 2 nights = Php 1800 per 7 pax

c. For foreigners: Php 800 per 5 pax

PORTER GUIDE:
a. Amba - amba = 15 kg & below = Php 600
b. Akiki - amba = 15 kg. = Php 1500

Contact number of PASu Teber Dionisio = 09182960274

Pls. Contact PASu Teber between 8 am to 5 pm ONLY

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Mt. Pulag - Increase in Fees

National Mountain CleanUp Day 2017

The annual National Mountain Cleanup Day (as spearheaded by Dr. Gideon Lasco of pinoymountaineer.com) shall be held on July 8, 2017. We are thankful to Pinoy Mountaineer for braving the challenge and starting this noble activity that allows nature lovers like us to give something back to Mother Nature.

While we also believe in the idea that each climb should be a cleanup climb, the Skookum Mountaineers fully supports this project.

credits to Mr. Jeffrey Canizares and pinoymountaineer.com for the logo

For more details, you may consult the guiding document for this worthwhile event. You may likewise visit the Facebook page of NMCD 2017 and join the group for more details.

***Updated  list-of-participating-groups-in-the-2017-national-mountain-cleanup-day.

7 Leave No Trace Principles

In 1994, Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics, a non-profit organization also known as Leave No Trace, was established to educate people about their recreational impact on nature, much less, to advocate the dissemination of the principles of Leave No Trace to prevent, or at least, minimize such impacts.

Leaving no (or actually as little as possible) trace is everyone's responsibility. Everyone, not only the supposed hardcore mountaineers and climbers but including those who consider themselves as newbies, weekend / weekday warriors, joiners of organized climbs, and even occasional hikers, must take it upon themselves to be responsible in knowing by heart the 7 leave no trace principles of outdoor ethics.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare - Climb preparation is not limited to knowing where to go. It also requires preparing oneself, physically, mentally, and emotionally for all the rigors of the outdoor activity/ies that you are going to participate on.

Always keep in mind during the climb, be an asset, not a liability.

Mt. Pulag - Tramping Advisory - Weather Updates

From the Mt-Pulag-National-Park-Bulletin:

"Mt.Pulag weather update: February 18, 2017 6:00 am

It is raining in Mt.Pulag this morning. All trekkers are advised to CANCEL trip for the next day. Temperature drop is estimated at 3 degrees at the Babadak Ranger Station. Camping at grassland camp sites are NOT ALLOWED TODAY.

All trekkers at the Akiki trail shall camp at the Marlboro camp site. NO CAMPING AT THE SADDLE CAMP."

For more details and clarifications, you may contact any of these mobile phone numbers: 09291668864 or 09103010423. You may likewise click on this link Mt-Pulag-National-Park-Bulletin for further  details from the Facebook page of the Mt. Pulag National Park Management.

"My two-cents...just follow the advisory. I have personally experienced how the weather can be brutal even just in Babadak although it is calm and quiet at the DENR in Ambangeg."

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Mt. Pulag - Hiking / Camping Advisory - Weather Updates

Tarak Ridge / Mt. Pulag - Rescued Hikers (Typhoon Karen)

With Typhoon Karen wreaking havoc in Central and Northern Luzon this past weekend, news has it that there are some hikers who were rescued in mountains located in the different parts of the country.

According to news reports, 100 hikers were rescued in Tarak Ridge in Mariveles Bataan,

Tarak Ridge - Rescued Hikers

Meanwhile, 16 hikers were supposedly rescued in Mt. Pulag due to the inclement weather that was brought about by Typhoon Karen.

According to reports, theses hikers tried to fight the bad weather out and pushed the hike until Camp 3 at the Ambangeg Trail, to no avail.

There are also reports over the net and mountaineering group pages that mention of another group of hikers that were stranded at the Akiki Trail.

Mt. Pulag via the Ambangeg Trail

Mt. Pulag - Rescue
16 trekkers rescued in Mt. Pulag
Tarak / Pulag - (Typhoon Karen)

Mt. Pulag - All trails are temporarily closed!

The Office of the Mt. Pulag National Park Superintendent has recently issued a declaration about the temporary closure of all trails leading to Mt. Pulag until Thursday this week.

The public is advised accordingly.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/17/16/mt-pulag-trekking-trails-closed-temporarily

Pico de Loro - To be closed indefinitely starting October 1, 2016

As per the DENR-PAMB in Maragondon, Cavite, which also serves as the Jump Off Point (JOP) for hikes going to Pico de Loro, the mountain will be closed for all hiking activities starting October 1, 2016. This closure is supposedly being implemented to let the mountain heal due to the damage that was supposedly brought about by the chronic number of hikers who there especially during weekends and holidays.

Pico de Loro

The Monolith

Many are hopeful that this plan would finally push through since news of such closure has been around the mountaineering circles as early as the second quarter of this year, after the announcement of the closure of the Monolith to hiking activities (which was not followed by some climbers).

Updates will be posted here as soon as we receive the information.


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Pico de Loro - Indefinite Closure

Mt. Kanlaon, which is located in Negros Oriental has been put on Alert Level 1 status by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) because of a phreatic eruption that happened last June 18. Hence, the public is advised that entry within the 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone is prohibited.

Again, no hiking in Kanlaon for the meantime.

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Mt. Kanlaon - Phreatic Eruption
Mt. Kanlaon - Phivolcs
Kanlaon.18June2016

Mt. Bulusan - Tramping Advisory - Volcanic Eruption

One of the more active volcanoes in the Philippines, Mt. Bulusan has erupted Friday morning.

The Phivolcs has put Mt. Bulusan under Alert No. 1. In this regard, the public is advised that entrance to the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone is prohibited. Hikers/climbers/mountaineers may visit the Phivolcs website for future updates.

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Mount-Bulusan-erupts

San Jose Circuit - Tramping Advisory (Permit to Climb)

Mountaineers/Climbers/Hikers wishing to climb the mountains in the town of San Jose, Tarlac (San Jose Circuit) are now required to secure a permit from the Municipal Tourism Office. This policy has been enforced due to the untoward incident that happened last 2015 to a group of hikers that went on an Outreach Mission in Sitio Baag.

Mt. Tangisan

Mt. Matalaubaba

For more details, you may contact Engr. Ramil E. De Vera, the Municipal Tourism Officer / Municipal Engineer of San Jose at +63 908 881 9789. You may likewise send an email to him at redevera33@gmail.com


Should you wish to personally drop by the Municipal Tourism Office, it is located at the Municipal Hall Complex in Brgy. Villa Aglipay, San Jose, Tarlac.

Climbing Mt. Kawayan

Skookum Jump....with Mt. Ngile and the San Pedro River Valley in the background

***As I decided to go back to the San Jose Circuit for a dayhike up Mt. Tangisan last March 30, I was informed at the Registration Area that climbers / hikers are now mandated to secure a permit from the Municipal Tourism Office. Hence, I rushed back to the Municipal Hall and was so fortunate to have been permitted to climb despite the short notice. But I would recommend that you secure the permit or at least coordinate with the Municipal Tourism Office prior to the actual date of the climb.




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San Jose Circuit / San Jose Tarlac (Climbing Permit)

Pico de Loro / Mt. Palay-Palay - Tramping Advisory (Temporary closure of the Monolith)

***Please note that there are claims (still unverified) that the Monolith is still open since it is supposedly outside the jurisdiction of Cavite, and that one only needs to sign a waiver in case a hiker/climber wishes to scale the Monolith (as of March 23, 2016).




Pico de Loro is one of the most popular climbs in the entire Philippines. Aside from the challenging trails and magnificent views at the summit, it's Monolith is really one of a kind attraction. As such, climbing the Monolith has become a personal rite of passage to the daring.

The Monolith on the left....the Summit on the Right.

On the other hand, this popularity has likewise become Pico de Loro's curse. As the number of climbers scaling it has dramatically increased in recent years, considerable changes along the trail leading to its Summit, much less, the trail leading to the Monolith became more and more obvious.

The Monolith taken from the Summit

In this regard, the DENR-PENRO in Cavite issued an order temporarily barring mountaineers / hikers / climbers from climbing the Pico de Loro's Monolith starting March 15, 2016. The DENR-PENRo Cavite cited the supposed erosion of land and loss of vegetation at the base of the Monolith in issuing the directive.


Mountaineers / hikers / climbers, please be advised accordingly. Let us help the mountain heal itself.

***credits to the owner of this photo that I got from the net

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Pico de Loro / Mt. Palay-Palay (Temporary Closure of Monolith)

Mt. Daraitan - Tramping Advisory (300 hikers)

As part of the efforts in regulating the influx of mountaineers, occasional hikers, weekend warriors, and tourist, the local leaders of Brgy. Daraitan in Tanay, Rizal, have implemented the rule that starting  January 30, 2016, only 300 hikers per day shall be allowed access into the summit of Mt. Daraitan.

While this rule is also subject to certain adjustments, as chance summiteers may take the risk of waiting for the possibility of being allowed to proceed to the summit once the condition of the foot traffic there improves, there are other alternative activities that are available for those who will not be included in the daily quota. These include the Maytuntong Cave, enjoy the cool and clear waters of the Tinipak River, or hike up to the summit of the recently-opened Mt. Marara.

So in case you wish to go to the summit, make adjustments to your schedule and go there as early as possible.

Happy Hiking! Seize the trails!



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Mt. Daraitan - 300 Hikers to Summit

Mt. Pulag - Tramping Advisory (Reservation Fees)

As the process of making prior reservations with the DENR has been abused by unscrupulous and insensitive organizers, the Mt. Pulag National Park Management has issued an advisory today mandating climb organizers with monthly and/or weekly reservations to pay the corresponding registration fees of all the slots they have reserved at the Visitors Center and Protected Area Office prior to the actual date of the supposed climbs / hikes.

Mt. Pulag's Summit is teeming with hikers and mountaineers every weekend.

Sea of Clouds

Failure to pay the aforementioned reservation fees shall forfeit the supposed slots reserved by the aforesaid climb organizers. Moreover, reservation shall be non-transferable and non-refundable.

With this, the Park Management aims to address the disadvantage and prejudice caused by the indiscriminate practice of some climb organizers to monopolize the limited slots allotted for weekend climbs in Mt. Pulag via the Ambangeg Trail.

Mt. Pulag is in everybody's mountaineering bucket list.

For more details and clarifications, you may contact any of these mobile phone numbers: 09291668864 or 09103010423. You may likewise click on this link Mt-Pulag-National-Park-Bulletin for further  details from the Facebook page of the Mt. Pulag National Park Management.

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Mt. Pulag - Reservation Fees

***It is emphasized that this declaration covers only climb organizers who have weekly and/or monthly scheduled climbs in Mt. Pulag. In other words, mountaineering groups and walk-in hikers are not covered by this directive.

#MtPulag #SeaofClouds

Mt. Kanlaon - Tramping Advisory (Alert Level 1 due to volcanic unrest)

Mt. Kanlaon, one of the most active volcanoes here in the Philippines has been put on Alert Level 1 status by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) because of volcanic earthquakes and moderate emission of white steam and plumes at least 150 meters above its summit crater.

Alert Level 1 means that Mt. Kanlaon is at an abnormal condition and is in a period of current unrest.

 

The Phivolcs further stressed that entry into Kanlaon's 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited because of the possible occurrence of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions. In other words, hiking up this venerable peak in the Visayas is banned until further notice by the authorities.

Please refer to the website of the Phivolcs or to its Facebook.PHIVOLCS page for further updates.

*Credits to the Phivolcs for the photos / or to the owner if there is one.



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Mt. Kanlaon - Alert Level 1

Mt. Pulag - Tramping Advisory (Medical Clearance / Certificate as a mandatory requirement for climbing)

The Office of the Mt. Pulag National Park Superintendent issued a directive mandating climbers/hikers/mountaineers to secure a medical clearance/certificate from a licensed physician before being allowed to hike up Luzon's highest peak, which incidentally is also one of the most famous tramping grounds here in the Philippines.

*** As per the Park Superintendent, personal waivers (such as those being required by some climb organizers) will not suffice for the purpose for which the medical certificate is mandated.

For more updated information, you may access the Facebook Account of the Mt. Pulag National Park / Mt-Pulag-National-Park-Bulletin or call Sir Roy at +63 929 166 8864


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Medical Clearance/Certificate


***Update as of 012.013.015

As personally confirmed during our Outreach Climb, there is a doctor near the Ranger Station in Bokod, Benguet who issues medical certificates for PhP50.00. However, a lot of would-be climbers usually line up just to get one.

Mt. Pulag - Climb Advisory (Typhoon Lando / Koppu)

With the impending effects of Typhoon Lando (International Name Koppu) in Northern Luzon this coming weekend (October 16,17 and18), the Office of the Mount Pulag National Park Superintendent has issued a directive declaring that Mt. Pulag National Park will be closed to hikers on the said dates. The Park Management likewise emphasized the dangers of travelling in the Cordilleras during stormy weather.

Previously, an advisory dissuading all climbers from pushing through their scheduled climbs.

As per Weather Advisory No. 3 issued early today at 11:00AM, Tropical Storm Koppu is still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is estimated to be 1,515km east of Luzon (15.8°N, 135.7°E) with maximum winds of 65kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80kph, and is moving west at 22kph.

Typhoon Lando is expected to be at 990km east of Luzon by Thursday morning, 560km east northeast of Baler, Aurora by Friday morning, and 310km northeast of Baler on Saturday. On Sunday, it is estimated to be at 40km north of Aparri, Cagayan, and 180km northwest of Calayan Island by Monday morning. (As posted in Mt. Pulag National Park Bulletin Facebook Page).

Please be advised accordingly.

A copy of the Warning Advisory issued by the Office of Civil Defense (taken from the Mt. Pulag National Park Bulletin Facebook Page) is reproduced below.

 

For more updated information, you may access the Facebook Account of the Mt. Pulag National Park / Mt-Pulag-National-Park-Bulletin or call Sir Roy at +63 929 166 8864


***Credits to the owners of the photos used...PAGASA and Mt. Pulag National Park Bulletin.

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Typhoon Lando - Northern Luzon

Mt. Apo - MANP-PAMB issues new Trekking Policy

Climbing Mt. Apo has been in the bucket list of every Filipino Mountaineer. Mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts, especially those coming from Luzon, would literally need months to organize a climb in Mt. Apo. Most would likewise tighten their belts in a bid to finance this so-called climb of a lifetime.

Just recently, climbers and mountaineers went abuzz in popular social media sites, decrying the drastic increase of Entrance/Exit and Guide Fees. The main object of their distaste is Resolution No. 2015-01 that was promulgated and issued by the Mt. Apo Natural Park - Protected Area Management Bureau (MANP-PAMB).

This is issue on fees that hikers are being made to pay is already nothing new. This has been a perennial problem by mountaineers, but I must admit that the PAMB in Mt. Apo has really taken this issue to unprecedented levels. Imagine a climber/hiker who is from Luzon like me would need to shell at least PhP7,000.00 up to P10,000.00 just to be able to climb the Philippines' highest point (...of course this includes airfare already and other transportation expenses...and meals...).

For example, a sample computation of expenses (based on my crude estimate) by a hiker from Luzon is provided below:

Promo Airfare = PhP1,500.00
Guide = PhP1,000.00 per day X 3days = PhP3,000.00 / 5 pax = PhP600.00
Porter = PhP500 per day X 3days = PhP1,500.00
Entrance Fee = PhP1,000.00
Exit Fee = PhP1,000.00
Transportation = PhP500.00
Food = PhP1,000.00

Total (Estimate) = P7,100.00


Other important matters that hikers/climbers ought to remember include the following:

1. Walk-in Trekkers are strictly prohibited. Pre-booking with the applicable Local Government Unit (LGU)s

2. Cooking shall be done only through portable burners. Use of firewood is prohibited.

3. Smoking is strictly prohibited.

4. All trails are closed during the dry season and when there is an absence of rain for the past two (2) months.

5. There are also other prohibited practices such as vandalism, collection of flora and fauna, bringing knives more than 3 inches in length, and indecent practices. Penalty is PhP2,000.00, and possible blacklisting of the offender.

For more information, you may refer to the pictures below.


***Credit goes to the owner of the pictures used below as these were shared by different people in Facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

There are a number of trails to choose from in climbing Mt. Apo. And should you wish to climb via the Sta. Cruz Trail,  you can visit the Tourism Office of Sta. Cruz (Davao del Sur) or contact the personnel in-charge through telephone number 082-2720741 or mobile number 09208567991.

 

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Mt. Apo Climb Rules and Regulations

Mt. Pulag - Weather Advisory (Typhoon Ineng)

In view of the impending effects of Typhoon Ineng in Northern Luzon this coming long-weekend (August 21-23), the Office of the Mount Pulag National Park Superintendent has issued an advisory dissuading all trekkers from pushing through their scheduled climbs on the abovementioned dates.

Please be advised accordingly.

 

For more updated information, you may access the Facebook Account of the Mt. Pulag National Park / Mt-Pulag-National-Park-Bulletin or call Sir Roy at +63 929 166 8864

 

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Typhoon Ineng - Northern Luzon

Climbing in Tanay, Rizal? - Read This....

The Tanay Tourism Office recently issued a list of guidelines that climbers / hikers / mountaineers should comply. This was posted on the Facebook page of Tanay Tourism and has caused a stir because of the controversial requirement of submitting a medical certificate as proof of one's physical fitness.

Mt. Batolusong's Rangyas Peak and Mapatag Plateau

As copied verbatim from the post in Tanay Tourism Facebook page, the mandatory requirements before climbing include:

"REQUIREMENTS FOR MOUNTAIN CLIMBING/MOUNTAINEERS:
1. Permit/clearance to climb from the municipality of Tanay (and the concerned barangay);

 2. Email your request to climb to jeffpino@gmail.com and/or jeffpino@yahoo.com (please address your letter to Hon. Rafael A. Tanjuatco, attention to Engr. Carlos E. Inofre, Environment Officer, and Mr. Jeffrey M. Pino, Tourism Officer ;

 3. List of persons participating the climb, with complete address and contact numbers and copy of ID's s...hould be provided/attached to the letter;

4. Itinerary of the activity should be attached to the letter/email;

5. Climbing gear and paraphernalia must be provided by the mountaineer;

6. Medical certificate from a competent physician, certifying that the mountaineer is physically fit and medically fit to do such activity must be presented to Tanay Tourism or Barangay Chairman before the mountain climbing activity. No medical certificate – no climb. Medical certificate may also be secured from the Rural Health Unit of Tanay or Barangay Sampaloc;

7. Must register at Barangay Hall, attend a short briefing and orientation, pay required fees, and tour guide assignment;

8. Must comply with the municipality’s ordinance on plastic/styro ban;

9. No alcoholic beverage is to be consumed during the mountain climbing activity;

10. Local tour guide is a MUST;

For further info/inquiry please contact 0917.5229024 / 0936.2284173 / 7361059 or 0998.9881590"


While I believe that the local tourism office only has the best of interests in setting the aforementioned mandatory requirements, submitting a medical certificate as proof of physical fitness will make a lot of mountaineers shy away from climbing in Tanay, Rizal. Among the popular climbs in the area are Mt. Irid, Mt. Batolusong, and Mt. Daraitan.

Filipinos are known for their aversion of going to the doctor since many view it as an added and unnecessary expense. Also most mountaineers are actually trying to enjoy the outdoors while  possibly having the least spending. And whatever happened to the good old waiver? Isn't the waiver also a declaration that one is fit enough to climb mountains? And I remember, we had to sign a waiver when we climbed Mt. Batolusong twice earlier this year. Just my two cents though.

In view of the foregoing, mountaineers and occasional hikers should be aware of the rules that are being implemented in Tanay and coordinate with the authorities prior to their scheduled climb.

*There are claims that hikers without medical certificates are allowed to proceed as long as they sign a waiver at the jumpoff

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Medical Certificate - Tanay, Rizal

Pico de Loro - New Rules implemented by the PAMB (No Overnight Camping Allowed)

As one of the most popular climbs here in the Philippines, Pico de Loro/Mt. Palay-Palay has indeed suffered a lot. From the improper disposal of garbage, especially in Camp 2, to the vandalism of the monolith and the degradation of the sloping trail leading to the summit, the concerned government offices has finally decided to act to at least preserve and protect this national treasure.

"The Parrot's Beak"

"The Monolith" is Pico de Loro's greatest attraction

In its meeting on March 27, 2014, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) has resolved to strictly implement the following rules in Pico de Loro / Mt. Palay-Palay starting March 28, 2015:

     1. Visit time is from 4:00am to 3:00pm only. Strictly no overnight stay in Camp Site 2.

     2. Strictly no collection of wildlife.

     3. Minimize noise. Keep in mind that each wildlife has its own activity and need not to be disturbed. All musical instruments are not allowed.

     4. Leave no trace. Anything brought up should be brought down.

     5. Do not vandalize.

     6. Strictly no cooking inside the Protected Area, only prepared food is allowed.

     7. Strictly no drinking of alcoholic beverages inside the Protected Area.

     8. No smoking.

The aforementioned rules were duly noted and approved by Engr. Rolinio P. Pozas, the PENRO of Cavite and concurrent Protected Area Superintendent.


Other Links related to this post:

Pico de Loro - New Trail / DENR Trail
Pico de Loro - Scaling the Parrot's Beak

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