Mt. Timbak
traverse to Mt. Pulag (akiki jump off) Day Hike
Trail: KM. 55 traverse to Kabayan Central - Akiki Jump Off
Moving time and Da(ys): 5 Hours and 20 Minutes | 1 Day
July 7 2012
One month ago, I’ve successfully completed the 38KM. solo traverse from Mt.
Timbak to Mt. Pulag. For the second time around, I guided few hikers in the same
route. It is their first time in both mountains. The first day was a short hike
from KM. 55 Halsema Highway Atok, Beguet to Ma’am Josie’s house. Then, we took
a long break before we proceeded in the Mini Calvary / Mt. Timbak Summit.
Going
down to Kabayan Central, Benguet was a hurtful and knee breaking experience for
all of us. Sir Ric and Sir Mike visited the Timbak Mummies, but then again, I
didn’t visit the Timbac Cave. It was a clear, cool day and from afar Mt. Pulag
is waiting for us. We also visited the Tinongchol Cave. We took our
lunch+dinner at Kabayan Central. We were being late based on our itinerary but
it looks just right because we still have a long
day to spend. The back of my
left knee was in pain every time the trail is descending. I didn’t felt any
tiredness during our descent in Timbak, but my knee, legs and foot was
suffering from nonstop descent.
Mt. Pulag Akiki – Ambangeg Day Hike
Trail: Akiki – Ambangeg (Babadac)
Moving time and Day(s): 9 Hours and 10 Minutes | 1 Day
July 8 2012
We spent our night at the school in Akiki Jump off. It is late night but still
we don’t have any guide. It’s either we will push through or I will seek for
guide. If ever there will be no available guide, I’ll be their guide, but it is
not a good idea because my companions were all first timers in Mt. Pulag.
Luckily, I found a guide residing beside the school. We started our very early
trek at 0330H after taking light breakfast. Our guide stayed at the tail to
push Ma’am Bing (from Eddet River). I led the team all the way. We had our
heavy breakfast-lunch in Marlboro country and took the final rest. The clouds
infrequently covered the grassland and summit.
The grandest view of Mt. Pulag
can be slightly seen. We were in-between of clouds (above and below clouds)
that time. It is my 4th time in Pulag and my 3rd time not to visit the summit.
We agreed and decided to left Sir Ricky, Sir Mike and Ma’am Bing in the saddle
campsite. We all have commitment and time to chase. We’re being left behind in
our itinerary. We need to catch up to the other group and must try to hitch
going to Baguio. Unfortunately, only 1 group had been in Pulag and they were too
early to leave Babadac ranger station. We decided to take the Habal-habal to
DENR (Ambangeg Bontoc, Benguet). Then, we came up to three plans: (1) to hitch
with the other group; (2) to take habal-habal to DENR and take bus going to
baguio; (3) to stay and sleep in DENR and ride bus on the next day. We need to
get back in Baguio at anyway, anyhow. Our habal-habal driver told us that there
are vans going to Baguio in Guler Bontoc Benguet. Then, we headed quickly in
Guler. The last trip from Guler going to Baguio is 2200H and it only took one hour
to Baguio. While we were in Guler, the second batch of the team was already in
Babadac Ranger station, and that’s 1-2 hours gap. Finally, we get back in
Manila around 0100 and the 2nd batch arrived at 0300H.
 |
| Flora in Mt. Pulag |
I’m still curious about Ma’am Bing Igot’s age because at her age, I believe
that Ma’am Bing is the oldest (with respect and no offense) woman who have done
dayhike in Mt. Pulag via Akiki-Ambangeg and also traverse Mt. Timbak to Pulag.
So I asked her all over again, and then she replied:
“Mountain Climber/s,
Climbing is AGELESS.
Mountain Quest is in our Hands, anytime and anywhere with Faith in God,
Discipline and Determination.
Kidding aside, I forgot to count at twenty-five (25). “
And I congratulate all of you (first timer in both mountain) doing this ultimate hike.
