The next day after our outreach climb, we were hyped to hike up Mt. Tabayoc. After an unfortunate incident at the DENR Range Station however, we decided to just hike up the Four Lakes of Kabayan.
Of course, the First Lake is Lake Tabeyo, where along its banks the Ballay Ranger Station is situated. According to the locals, the area around Lake Tabeyo/Tabayo, was previously covered by lush greenery. Trees supposedly dot the area, thereby adding that mystique to the quaint scenery. However, as vegetable gardens began to sprout, the trees were eventually cut.
As per the Ranger in Ballay, we were no longer required to present medical certificates. Nevertheless, we still had to undergo the mandatory briefing that was conducted at the Ranger Station.
From the Ranger Station, we rode the jeepney towards the trailhead leading to Lake Bulalacao / Ambulalakaw. From the concrete pavement, it was a relatively inclined hike through ladder steps that led us deeper into the jungle. As it was actually raining intermittently at that time, we enjoyed the colder surroundings. After about 10 minutes, we finally reached the apex of the climb and saw Lake Bulalacao. From there, we had to go down until we eventually reached the banks of Lake Bulalacao.
From Bulalacao Lake, we again had to backtrail towards the apex and from there, followed the trail to the left. It led us to a very slippery trail that twisted and turned through the forest. We would hold on through tree trunks and pass through the protruding roots of trees. The mossy forest here is really impressive and dense. It's really a different world out there. We even saw a trap meant for wild boars along the way.
After some time, we finally arrive at Lake Latepngapoh. There is that eerie and mystical feeling in this lake. The place really is eerily silent. The fallen trees and overgrown moss added that one of a kind aura to this place. It really is amazing how this body of water was formed on the top of the mountain.
We spent a considerable time in the place to enjoy the surrounding areas. We took pictures and selfies in protruding branches of trees that added mystique to this lake.
From Latepngapoh, we continued to negotiate the mossy forest, until we arrived at a clearing that is Lake Incolos. For me, this is the highlight of our hike. As Lake Incolos is actually covered by grass and moss, each step one makes would result to your feet getting submerge in water. With each step that you make, you will see water seeping through the grass. As such, caution must be made when negotiating the area as there are parts that resemble quicksand.
Nonetheless, the fun thing here is that this one of a kind lake also would create that illusion that one is floating in water (which actually is except that grass, moss, and dirt). We really enjoyed this lake and played like little kids.
From Lake Incolos, we then ascended to Junior Pulag. Junior Pulag is a gently-sloped peak / grassland. As it offers a scenic view of Mt. Pulag (in case there is a clearing), the boulders in the area made it more idyllic. While we were at Junior Pulag, strong winds came as the uber cold rain began to pour. Hence, we decided to descend back to the road where our monster jeep is waiting for us.
We followed the dirt path leading down to the road. Then came the concrete stairs that were actually more slippery owing to the rain that poured. After about thirty minutes of continuous hiking, we finally reached the road.
From the extraction point, we all went top loading as we made our way back to Lake Tabeyo. We all had fun, with the drizzle that soaked us wet, we seemed to have had participated in the once trending "ice bucket challenge". Ultimately, we arrived at Ballay Junction where our fellow volunteers were waiting for us.
Traipsing Chronicles 049
012.018.017
4 Lakes of Kabayan + Junior Pulag
Kabayan Benguet
Jump off point: Lake Tabayo / Tinaleb, Ballay, Kabayan, Benguet
Minor Climb: 2/10
Highlights: 4 Mystical Lakes, Mossy Forest, Views of Mt. Tabayoc, Mt. Pulag, and the rest of the Cordillera
As per the Ranger in Ballay, we were no longer required to present medical certificates. Nevertheless, we still had to undergo the mandatory briefing that was conducted at the Ranger Station.
From the Ranger Station, we rode the jeepney towards the trailhead leading to Lake Bulalacao / Ambulalakaw. From the concrete pavement, it was a relatively inclined hike through ladder steps that led us deeper into the jungle. As it was actually raining intermittently at that time, we enjoyed the colder surroundings. After about 10 minutes, we finally reached the apex of the climb and saw Lake Bulalacao. From there, we had to go down until we eventually reached the banks of Lake Bulalacao.
From Bulalacao Lake, we again had to backtrail towards the apex and from there, followed the trail to the left. It led us to a very slippery trail that twisted and turned through the forest. We would hold on through tree trunks and pass through the protruding roots of trees. The mossy forest here is really impressive and dense. It's really a different world out there. We even saw a trap meant for wild boars along the way.
After some time, we finally arrive at Lake Latepngapoh. There is that eerie and mystical feeling in this lake. The place really is eerily silent. The fallen trees and overgrown moss added that one of a kind aura to this place. It really is amazing how this body of water was formed on the top of the mountain.
We spent a considerable time in the place to enjoy the surrounding areas. We took pictures and selfies in protruding branches of trees that added mystique to this lake.
From Latepngapoh, we continued to negotiate the mossy forest, until we arrived at a clearing that is Lake Incolos. For me, this is the highlight of our hike. As Lake Incolos is actually covered by grass and moss, each step one makes would result to your feet getting submerge in water. With each step that you make, you will see water seeping through the grass. As such, caution must be made when negotiating the area as there are parts that resemble quicksand.
Nonetheless, the fun thing here is that this one of a kind lake also would create that illusion that one is floating in water (which actually is except that grass, moss, and dirt). We really enjoyed this lake and played like little kids.
From Lake Incolos, we then ascended to Junior Pulag. Junior Pulag is a gently-sloped peak / grassland. As it offers a scenic view of Mt. Pulag (in case there is a clearing), the boulders in the area made it more idyllic. While we were at Junior Pulag, strong winds came as the uber cold rain began to pour. Hence, we decided to descend back to the road where our monster jeep is waiting for us.
We followed the dirt path leading down to the road. Then came the concrete stairs that were actually more slippery owing to the rain that poured. After about thirty minutes of continuous hiking, we finally reached the road.
From the extraction point, we all went top loading as we made our way back to Lake Tabeyo. We all had fun, with the drizzle that soaked us wet, we seemed to have had participated in the once trending "ice bucket challenge". Ultimately, we arrived at Ballay Junction where our fellow volunteers were waiting for us.
Traipsing Chronicles 049
012.018.017
4 Lakes of Kabayan + Junior Pulag
Kabayan Benguet
Jump off point: Lake Tabayo / Tinaleb, Ballay, Kabayan, Benguet
Minor Climb: 2/10
Highlights: 4 Mystical Lakes, Mossy Forest, Views of Mt. Tabayoc, Mt. Pulag, and the rest of the Cordillera
