Hiking Mt. Pulag (Ambangeg Trail)

Our adventure today takes us to the highest peak of Luzon. Mt. Pulag is located in the provinces of Benguet with parts found in Ifugao, and Nueva Viscaya. Overall Mt. Pulag is the third highest peak in the Philippines.

Mt. Pulag

The name Pulag was the improved name for pulog, the old name of the mountain, which means bare. This might be because of the shrubs that barely cover its peak.

Welcome folks

Mt. Pulag is one of the most climbed mountains in Luzon. This could be due to the unique beauty and experience that the mountain offers.

Swim in the sea of clouds

Mountaineers have a variety of trails to choose from. The easiest and most used trail is the Ambangeg Trail. Your trailhead is located in Babadak Ranger Station in Bokod, Benguet.

That's Babadak Ranger Station

Inside the ranger station

If you want a much challenging trail Akiki Trail might be the one for you. Your trailhead is located in Barangay Doacan, Kabayan Benguet.

There are other trails that you could also try out like; Tawangan Trail, Eddet Trail, and Ambaguio Trail.

We're heading right!

Different plant life could be found on the mountain

Snack time at Camp 1

You also have the choice to combine the trails that you would use on your ascent and descent of Mt. Pulag. If you want a challenging ascent and a less arduous descent, you might want to use the Akiki-Ambangeg Trail. The combination would be yours to decide, but if you're in a group (which I highly suggest) they would plan all of the details for you.

Camp 2

In my case, the group that I'm in discussed the matters with us. Since most of those who would participate are first-time climbers of Mt. Pulag, the organizers decided to use the Ambangeg trail for both the ascent and descent.

It was 8 degrees and dropping when we reached the peak 

Although we would use the easiest route up the mountain, there is still one tough challenge that we would face once we reach the top -survival.

The Travel League 

Check out the muddy trail going up the peak. 

Our climb was scheduled for the month of December because most of us are teachers who are free during the Christmas break. As we all know December is considered the coldest month of the year. It was no surprise when the temperature on the peak dipped to a freaking 8 degrees. Another misfortune that we encountered is the continuous rain. Our 3-day 2-night plan was cut short to a 2-day 1-night "vigil". Everybody in the group suffered from mild hypothermia. Faced with all these challenges (plus wet clothes and all) we still managed to reach the peak. Afterward, we quickly packed our tents and rapidly descended to base camp.

Let me introduce you to my fellow mountaineers

With Mr. Falcis and Mr, Banaag

with Mr. Madrigal

with Mr. Viernes

with Mr. Banaag

with Mr. Cabuang

with  Mr. Arias, Mr. Falcis, and Ms. Tarape

And the forever alone guy...

Although we almost failed to reach our goal and we encountered several setbacks, we all went home proud that we achieved what few have dared to do and conquer.

Mountain details: 
Height: 2,922 m
Major trailhead: Ambangeg Ranger Station, Bokod, Benguet
Climb Time: 1-2 days

Check out our ride!

Try riding on top of a jeepney!

Getting there:

From Manila, there are several bus companies that offer daily trips directly to Baguio City. 
bus fare: P350-450.
From Baguio City, proceed to jeepney terminal (it would be better if you have a pre-arranged jeepney ride, Keep in mind that the larger your group the smaller your payment share. :p)
Prepare for a grueling 4-5 hour jeepney ride to the Visitors' Center

Enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Benguet! 

Itinerary:
Day 0
12:00PM Departure from Manila to Baguio City
bus fare: P350-400

Day 1
6:00AM ETA Baguio City.
6:30AM Board a jeepney to Ambangeg.
9:00AM ETA Visitors' Center. Registration / Orientation
10:30AM Set out for Ranger Station
11:00AM Lunch / Final Preparations
12:00NN Start trek
2:30PM Camp 1
4:30PM Camp 2. Set up camp
6:00PM Bonding time / Prepare dinner
8:00PM Dinner
9:00PM Extra bonding time
10:00PM Off to bed

Day 2
4:00AM Camp 2 to the summit
5:30AM Sunrise at the summit
8:00AM  Descent from the summit
9:00AM ETA Camp 2/ breakfast
10:00AM Break camp/  Descent
12:00NN Back at Ranger; Settle guide fees; jeepney descent
1:00PM Back at Visitors' Center; tidy up and log out
1:30PM Head back to Baguio City
5:30PM ETA Baguio City. Dinner.
6:00PM Head back to Manila
11:00PM ETA Manila

Estimated budget: P4000 all in

Ratings:

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating