Mt. PULAG
Benguet - 2922 meters asl
Hours/ Day to Summit: 10-12 Hours/ 2 days via Akiki Trail (Acsent)
3-4 Hours/ 1 day via Ambangeg Trail (Descent)
Date Climbed: October 21-23 2006
Way back in 2006, classes was over and the plan had been settled to climb Mt. Pulag on October 21-23 2006. My first ever Major Climb. I’m too curious about Mt. Pulag so I get all the information. I prepared and trained for it. I’m getting too much excited to go there. Knowing that Mt. Pulag were rich and abundant in biodiversity. Mt. Pulag rise for about 2922 meters above sea level and the highest peak in Luzon island and 3rd in Philippines.
Travel: Approximately 5-6 hours bus ride from Manila to Baguio. Chartered jeep brought us safely to our destination. Jeep ride was 3-4 hours exciting rough, zigzag road and top load experience. We stopped in Ambuclao dam for 30 minutes. Then, registered and had a short briefing in DENR. It took almost 1 hour ride to akikki trail jump off from DENR. We registered again in akikki jump off and secured a guide.
Trekking (Ascent): First day has a total of 6 hours trekking. 2 hours trek to Eddet River. Another 3-4 hours steep ascent to Marlboro country, we camp there. Pine trees covered the area. The Next day has a total of 5-6hours trek. 1-2 hours trek up to the last water source. We cooked spaghetti for our lunch. Trekking in mossy forest was much cooler and relaxing. Flora and fauna are present proving that Mt. Pulag has rich biodiversity. Clouds welcomed us as we reach the grassland.
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| Marlboro Country |
Camp Site: We camp at saddle. It is just like a golf course from above. 2 mountaineers and us occupied the campsite and no other group climbed that time.
Summit: Dwarf bamboo can be seen in the grassland area especially at the summit. We woke up as early of 0430H to catch up the sun rise. The temperature dropped at 2 degrees Celsius. It was freezing. We are blessed to have a wonderful gifts: spectacular views, white cotton candy clouds (sea of clouds), good weather, great friends (UEM) and safe climb.
Trekking (Descent): 3-4 hours trek via ambangeg trail. It was gradual and easy. We arrived in ranger station safe but already hungry.
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| Ambangeg Trail |
Side Trip: We go back in DENR station and buy souvenir shirt. We stay in Baguio for 1 night and 1 day.
