Scaling the summit Mt. Pulag has been in my
bucket list even way before I seriously ventured in mountaineering. Stories
about the legendary sea of clouds and virtually freezing temperatures made me
more determined to climb Luzon’s highest peak.
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| Mount Pulag (taken from the Ambangeg Trail) |
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| Mount Pulag |
Honestly, the thought of finally summiting
Mount Pulag this 2014 never entered my mind until Allan broached the idea to
schedule a Valentine’s Day Climb. The inquisitive part of me made me research
about the Mountain and the different trails that lead to its summit. Good
thing, we were scheduled to negotiate the Ambangeg Trail in going up Mt.
Pulag.
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| Summit Marker |
Since it was peak season, our efforts to
reserve slots at the DENR went for naught. We were informed that all of the
available slots for the period January until the 1st week of March
were already reserved by tour operators who cash in on the immense popularity
of the mountain. In that case, we were not spared and were consequently forced
to avail the services of a travel operator, lest we wanted to decimate the
excitement and anticipation that were brewing within us.
So Valentine’s Day came, and our meeting point is at the Victory Liner
in Cubao, Quezon City. Since we were scheduled to leave for Baguio City at
9:30PM, we had to rendezvous 30 minutes before the said expected date of
departure.
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| Inside the Victory Liner bus |
Considering that it was my first time to ride a bus
for a long trip in a long while (or was it the thrill and anticipation of what
is in store for us?) it was really an effort for me to get some sleep. There
were 15-minute stopovers in Tarlac City and Sison, Pangasinan, and we finally
arrived in the City of Pines at 3:30AM.
Still feeling some drowsiness, we were next
herded to the jeepney that will take us to and from the jump-off point in Bokod,
Benguet. These jeepneys heading to Mt. Pulag are visible at the gas station at
the back of the Victory Liner Terminal, there is also a convenience store
(7-11) in the area. I am not aware if it is true but we were told that the
jeepneys are allowed to carry 15 passengers only.
It was already 4:30 when we left Baguio and headed to Bokod. While I
knew that we shall negotiate the fabled Ambuklao Road, I was still surprised by
the rollercoaster ride that came next. We were like literally tumbling like
bowling pins for about an hour. I felt some relief when we finally arrived at
the roadside canteen where we are scheduled to have our breakfast.
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| Sleepy |
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| Just in time for breakfast |
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| Agno River |
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| One of the 1st batches to arrive...morning is yet to break in |
After spending an hour at the rest stop, we went on our way. The
mighty Agno River ushered us deeper into the grand Cordillera. We passed by the
impressive Ambuklao Dam, and after about thirty minutes, we finally arrived at
the DENR Station.
As it was peak season, the mandatory briefing was conducted by the DENR
Ranger in batches. Everyone is required to register here and to listen to the
lecture about topics that shifted from the rules and regulations in the Mt.
Pulag National Park; to the harsh environs up the mountains; to the basics of
mountaineering. There is also an informative video after the lecture.
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| Ambuklao Dam |
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| Ambuklao Lake |
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| Agno River |
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| DENR |
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| L to R: Hunny, Gani and Bogs |
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| Briefing at the DENR |
We were again up and about in no time, riding the very
same jeepney that negotiated its way to higher ground. Although the roads from
the DENR to the Ranger Station were so steep, it nevertheless presents a chance
for some top-loading, like some of our companions did. Splendid views continued
to greet us until we arrived at the Ranger Station after more or less 45
minutes. It was already 12:15 noon when we arrived at the Ranger Station so we
dig in for lunch.
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| Jump off Point / Ranger Station / Parking Area for the Jeepneys |
At the ranger station, one is required to secure the
services of guides. Porters are also available but are optional. Incidentally,
the Ambangeg Trail is known as the easiest of all the trails leading to Mt.
Pulag. This is probably a very good explanation why more and more people (not
really hikers or mountaineers) climb Mt. Pulag. This likewise resulted to a lot
of tour operators who organize such climb.
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| For guides and porters |
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| Ready to Rumble... |
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| L to R: Jaime, Allan, Lennon, Bogs, Ais, Me, Gani, Paul |
We started to trek at around 1:15PM. At first, the
road is well-paved concrete but as we pass by the vegetable terraces of Bokod,
it soon gave way to a dirt trail. In this area, the view is already
breathtaking. It is also here that you will find the pine forest. Arguably,
this is also the hardest part of the Trail
Some hikers particularly those who do not want to exert much effort hire motorcycles (habal-habal) that would take them deeper into the trail. The cost is P150.00 per person/one-way.
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| And the trek started... |
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| Just after the residential area |
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| Dirt Road |
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| The Jump off Point deeper into the trail |
After an hour and 20 minutes, we finally reached Camp
1 (2:35PM). This is a very good place to rest. There is also a nearby water
source should you wish to refill your water bottles.
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| The trail goes up and then down...and then up again until you reach Camp 1 |
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| Pine Forest |
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| Camp 1 |
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| L to R: Jaime, Allan, Bogs, Lennon, Gani, Bobby |
After Camp 1, the mossy forest starts. The trees in
this part of the trail are more like lifesized bonsais. With the heavy packs
that we carry, coupled with the thinning air as we get higher in altitude, we
decided to take it easy and be true to our tag as “Team Relax”. Besides, we decided
that we are going to settle at Cam 2 instead of the Saddle Camp considering
that most of us are novice climbers. At least we have all the opportunity to
take photos as we rest along the trail.
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| Mossy Forest |
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| Water Source near Camp 1 |
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| Bonsai Garden |
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| Don't know what that peak is... |
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| This is how defined the Ambangeg Trail has become...even the locals use the trail in going from one Barangay to another |
After 45 minutes, we passed by the 2nd
water source. The temperature here is considerably lower as the cool wind
breezes past the mossy forest. After 10 minutes, we finally arrived at Camp 2
Extension.
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| Camp 2 |
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| On to Camp 2 Extension |
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| We are going higher |
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| Camp 2 Extension |
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| The mountains teem with dwarf bamboo |
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| The structures in the far middle part of the photo are the latrines. |
Incidentally the summit of Mt. Pulag is still a 1-hour
hike from Camp 2. It is likewise not visible at Camp 2 as there are other peaks
that block the view. Nevertheless, there are other things campers may do like
give in to the tempting hike offered by the nearby peak referred to as “Baby
Pulag”.
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| Happy Shiny People Laughing.... |
As for us, we just enjoyed the scenery. We even explored the other side of the campsite. For now, I will leave you with photos of some of the interesting flora that we saw along the way.
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| Eggplant at the DENR |
Tramping Diaries 004 (002.014-015.014)
Mt. Pulag (Ambangeg Trail)
2922
MASL
Jump-off
Point: Ranger Station, Bokod, Benguet
Major
Climb: 3/9 (not so much of the hike but because of the weather conditions)
Highlights:
Luzon’s highest and Philippines’ 3rd highest; Sea of Clouds;
subtropical weather conditions, pine and mossy forests
*History. Mt. Pulag was once known as Mt. Pulog.
*Trails. Ambangeg is sometimes referred to as the “Executive
Trail” to Mount Pulag. Other trails include the Ambaguio Trail, Tawangan Trail and
the Akiki Trail, which is also known as the dreaded “Killer Trail”. There is
this Eddet Trail which would ultimately overlap with the Akiki Trail.
