Mt. Pulag National Park - Ambangeg Trail

Philippines is so blessed to have many beautiful mountains, but only the braved and daring sees it. 

I am proud to say that I set foot in Mt. Pulag which is Luzon's highest peak with a towering height of 2922 MASL,(third in the Philippines after Mt Apo and Mt Dulang-Dulang). This was made possible with the help of Sir H of Kababayang Pinoy Mountaineering Society (KPMS). Those planning for a Pulag climb, make sure that you have contacted the Park Superintendent, Emerita Tamiray (09196315402) beforehand because the park could be jam-packed at times. Also so that you can verify for any changes of the fees.

Climbing Mt. Pulag is no joke. The jeepney fare rate alone ranges from 8,500 to 10,000 from Baguio City to the jump off point at Bokod, Benguet. I think the price is reasonable considering the kind of road in Benguet. A porter-guide is also required with a standard rate of 300 pesos regardless of the weight the porter will be carrying. Apart from that, you will also be paying for Green Fee + Entrance Fee + Camping Fee. The skyrocketing fees in Mt. Pulag is one of the reasons why my Pulag climb took some time before it was actualized.

There are four trails that would lead you to the summit of Mt. Pulag. The Ambangeg (easiest trail), Akiki (the steepest), Tawangan (the Limatik infected and equally as difficult as Akiki), and the longest Ambaguio trail in Nueva Vizcaya. Since this is my first climb to Pulag, I decided to try first the easiest trail which only requires 4-5 hours to the summit. 

The sea of clouds and almost freezing temperature is the highlight in climbing Mt. Pulag, therefore, drawing a lot of non-mountaineers visiting the place. Since Mt. Pulag is a protected area, Maam Emerita Tamiray is stern in implementing strict rules and regulation, by requiring the visitors to attend an orientation prior to the climb. Everyone climbing Mt. Pulag must learn to value the "LNT principle" to maintain the cleanliness and protect and preserved this mountain.

Here is our itinerary:

Day 0: February 24, 2012

2030 Assembly – GENESIS BUS LINE, New York, Cubao

2300 Take bus via Baguio City

Day 1: February 25, 2012

0500 ETA Baguio City

0600 Take chartered jeepney to Ambangeg

1000 ETA Visitors' Center / DENR

1130 Set out for Ranger Station

1230 ETA and lunch at Ranger Station

1300 Start trek

1430 ETA Camp 1

1600 ETA Camp 2

1800 Dinner at campsite / Socials

2400 Light Out 

Day 2: February 26, 2012

0330 Wake Up Call

0410 Early morning trek to summit for sunrise

0530 ETA Summit

0700 Start descent from summit

0800 Back at Camp 2

1000 Start Descent

1300 Back at Ranger

1430 Back at Visitors' Center / DENR 

1530 Head back to Baguio City

1830 ETA Baguio City

2200 Head back to Manila

Day 3: February 27, 2012

0500 ETA Manila

Essential Things to Bring: 

1.     Male   -         3 litters Water (trail water not included)

        Female     -       2 litters Water (trail water not included)

2. Lighter & wood matches

3. Head Lamp (w/ batteries PLEASE)

4. Trash Bags

5. Zip Lock/ Plastics

6. Bag cover

7. Jacket/ Extra Socks/ Slippers/ Sandals

8. Bonnet/ Cap/ Shades

9. Umbrella/ Raincoat / Poncho

10. Extra Shirt / Jogging Pants

11. Trail Food (jelly ace, chocolate, raisins, etc.)

12. Trail Water

13. Mini Towel

14. Warmer/ Arm Guard / Leggings

15. Insect repellent (off lotion)

16. Medicine Kit

a. Alcohol, Betadine, Ointment

b. Band Aid

c. Cotton

17. Mess Kit

a. Spoon & Fork

b. Tupperware

c. Tumbler/ Bottled Water/ Cup

18. Kikay Kit

a. Wet Wipes & Tissue

b. Moisturizer / Lotion

c. Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Mouth Wash

d. Make Up,  etc.

19. Camera (MOST IMPORTANT.. haha…)

20. Extra Money

21. ID/s (w/ pix please…) – for security purposes of your bags/things

22. Rice ¼ kilo

Proper attire:               Jogging pants and T-shirt

                                   Trek shoes (no wearing of slippers during trekking)

5 Layers of clothing is advisable (Camp Site)