Mt. Pulag via Ambangeg Trail
Kabayan, Benguet
Moving Time and Day(s): 2 Hours and 40
Minutes | 2 Days
February 22-23 2013
I grabbed the chance to
join a climb to the Philippines’ third highest peak. The tour was organized by Sir
Peter Paccarangan and Eugene Chiu, both founders of Summit Inspired Mountain Adventures (SIMA) and later on became Sari-sari’s
Tour. They offered me the trip for free.
A wise rule limiting
the numbers of hikers in Mt. Pulag was implemented. So, reservation was made 1 month
prior to climb and jeep reservation was also done. All are settled and ready
for Mt. Pulag trip.
Day 0-1
Rain had been pouring
since the night we leave Manila until we arrived in Baguio. I know the weather
in Mt. Pulag is more intense but I’m still hopping the weather will improve. We took our breakfast in a restaurant along
the way then a quick stop in Ambuklao dam for some photo op. Another stop at
DENR visitor office where all visitors are required to register before
proceeding to the climb, attend orientation/briefing, confirmation of
reservation, and securing permit. Protected Area Superintendent (PASU) Emerita
Tamiray also known as Ma’am Mereng warned us that the weather in Mt. Pulag is
brutally devastating.
After some sort of tips
and jokes from Ma’am Mereng, we leave DENR at around 1000H. A final preparation
and quick meal took at Ma’am Gina Epe’s place. We have been notified by our
jeep driver that we need to transfer to another jeep because of an impassable
road. The rough road was slippery and muddy due to road widening project and
rain continuously pouring. We trekked through impenetrable terrain then, we transferred
to another jeep joined with other group. I, Toper, Peter and Eugene ride on the
roof of jeep. We experienced a rough and chilly ride as the rain continuously pouring.
We were shivering from
colds when we arrived at Babadac ranger station. The temperature was roughly 11
degrees Celsius. We agreed to regroup at the first campsite; we will continue
trekking if weather permits. We started our hike at exactly 1430H led by our
assigned guide followed by me, Toper, Sir Ish Samaniego and his girlfriend. This
was my first ascent via ambangeg trail and my 5th time in Mt. Pulag.
The trail in ambangeg is relatively easy all the way to the summit. The first
face was on a wide rough road, farmlands, gentle slope and pine forest to a
single file trail.
After a steep ascent in mossy forest area, we reached the
first campsite at exactly 1510H. As we wait for the others, the weather seems
to be inviting. The mist suddenly disappeared and revealed the rolling
grassland and peaks of Mt. Pulag.
When the last batch
came, we agreed to push on and stay in camp 2 extension. I took the lead so
that I can reserved and choose a better campsite. Some trail runners who've joined the hundred miles competition passed by. I trek hastily over the winding
path, flat trail and mossy forest of Mt. Pulag. After 30 minutes of trekking, I
arrived at Camp 2. The weather was slightly awful.
I head to camp 2 extension
and find a better place for tent. Camp 2 extension is exposed and open to the
elements like in saddle campsite. As I pitch the tents, the weather was getting
worst. Cold penetrated into my body but still tolerable as long as I keep my
body dry. We stayed on our tent, changed our clothes, and kept our body warm.
As the day light folds
and darkness loomed, colds is more terrible but I’m prepared and ready for the worst
scenario like this. The temperature dropped to shaking 1.3 degree Celsius. My
tent (silangan outdoor) didn’t disappoint me; it kept me warm and dry all-night.
Sir Eugene cooked our sinigang na baboy,
the best meal in the world that night, quoted by our guests, and I also agree.
The evening was
shivering as the rain continues pouring and strong wind hammering our tent. Clouds
and mist covered the entire mountain but moonlight brightens the darkness. I
know the weather will not improve, not the best luck for me because I didn't go
to the summit for the 4th time.
We woke up early, still
no improvements of weather. Guest already descended ahead of us. We have enough
time to savor a cup of hot soup before we break camp. At exactly 0840H, I started my
descent.
Despite of bad weather, I just enjoyed the trail, moments and the people
we accompanied. After 1 hour of trekking, I arrived at Babadac ranger station,
the weather was slightly better than in Mt. Pulag. The number of hikers became
triple regardless of bad weather. Sir Renan Toledo and his group also came, we
advise him to stay in Camp 1 because of bad weather.
We took our lunch and bath
at Ma’am Gina’s place. From there, the sky is clear; view is more relaxing; Mt.
Pulag is mysterious, beautiful and has its own way of dealing with people.
Supposedly, I will be climbing Mt. Guiting-guiting on the
same date but because of unwanted event, I postponed it.. Wanna join my G2 Traverse day hike? Email me at
info.fullpacked.com or info@fullpacked.com.
The author himself organize Mt. Pulag hike.
