Mount Pulag - via Ambangeg Trail

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.

Mount Pulag (taken from the Ambangeg Trail)

 

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.

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 1^st 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.

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.

Sleepy

Just in time for breakfast

Agno River

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.

Ambuklao Dam

Ambuklao Lake

Agno River

DENR

L to R: Hunny, Gani and Bogs

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.

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.

For guides and porters

Ready to Rumble...

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.

And the trek started...

Just after the residential area

Dirt Road

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.

The trail goes up and then down...and then up again until you reach Camp 1

Pine Forest

Camp 1

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.

Mossy Forest

Water Source near Camp 1

Bonsai Garden

 

Don't know what that peak is...

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 2^nd 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.

Camp 2

On to Camp 2 Extension

We are going higher

Camp 2 Extension

The mountains teem with dwarf bamboo

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”.

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.

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’ 3^rd 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.