Last weekend (Nov 21) I 've finally decided to push through with my plans of climbing Mt. Pulag, the third highest mountain in the Philippines and the highest in Luzon. Ever since i've heard about how majestic the mountain is, i've made it to the point to be part of my bucket list. And true enough, it did not disappoint me.
I've decided to join a tour group this time. I've learned my lessons with my spontaneous Sagada adventure last year and I don't want it to happen again. Besides, I think It'll be difficult for me to make it a solo DIY climb. Reminders from the tour group were also helpful on how to prepare for the climb. Aside from that, the group will also try to do some sidetrips in addition to the actually climb. About two weeks before, I engaged myself in cardiotraining everyday just to prepare for the climb. Considering my lifestyle, I know I will have a difficult time climbing the mountain. I also did my research on stuff I should wear and bring. Unfortunately, due to tight budget, I had to maximise the stuff that I have in my closet (note: I suggest that you REALLY prepare and invest for your warmers).
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| Ambuklao Dam |
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| our Homestay |
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| Summit View |
Our group left friday night in manila and arrived in baguio, sat around 4 am. From the bus terminal, we took a jeepney ride going to Bokod, Benguet. We stopped over to ambuklao dam, a hydroelectric power plant that supplies power and water in the area. We also visited and crossover the Jangjang hanging bridge, a 290 m hanging bridge, located in sitio Jangjang. We also stopped over a municipal hospital for us to get a medical clearance prior to the climb. Unfortunately, casualties have been reported in the past due to health related reasons and since then, they're requiring medical clearance for mountaineers making sure they're fit to the climb. We dropped by the DENR office for orientation prior to the climb. They made us watch a video regarding Mt. Pulag's terrain, flora and fauna and what to expect during the climb. A short lecture followed after. We learned that there are several established trails going to the Summit and we'll be doing the easiest trail (thank God!). After the side trips, we straight to our home stays, where we will be spending the rest of the day and prepare for the climb
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| At the Ranger Station 12:40 am |
Our group's call time is 11:30 pm, Sat. We took a jeepney to the ranger station, our starting point. At exactly 12:40 am, our group start our assault to Mt. Pulag. The park can almost be divided into three areas, the pine forest, the moss and oak forest and grasslands. There are a total of two campsites and three peaks in all with steep areas but mostly since it's the "easiest" trail, will be straight paths. We passed by the camp site near the ranger station. Everyone is lighting our way and cheering for us as we start our journey to the summit. Pine forest area is arguably easy. Very few steep areas with mostly flat paths. What made it challenging is that it was dark and hardly we see the path that we are traversing. Our guide is nice enough to wait for us and give us rest stations since most of us in our group are first timers. On the first campsite, we then saw the next group of campers. There's a pit toilet here but i saw no water source nearby. After resting here for few minutes, we then continue our climb.
After the first campsite, you will now enter the mossy and oak area. You will notice the change of plants and trees in this area. Aside from that, there are spring waters here that's why the path is slippery, wet and muddy. This is also where areas of steep and slopes can be found so be ready. Just move forward and rest if you need to. You'll eventually find yourself in the second campsite. There's not much difference here from the first camp site just be sure to take a rest here because the next area is much longer. Grassland area is I think much longer than the other areas, probably because it has many steep areas so I had to stop many times. It is also the area where you can now feel the cold temperature. My hands are freezing for I forgot to bring gloves. My water supply is almost depleted at this point and it's like it was taken straight from a freezer. From here on, there there will be two peaks we need to get pass to reach the summit.
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summit, 4:50 am
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After more than four hours of trekking, we arrived at the summit. True enough, it was majestic! it was cold. Really, really cold. I had difficulty in taking pictures though because it is causing moisture in my camera lens. Aside from that it was difficult to stick out my hands aside my jacket because of the cold. I can't even feel my face anymore because of the temperature. It was one of the best sunrises I've seen in my life. Too bad it was too foggy for us to see the sea of clouds completely on glimpse of it. When I saw everything, I can't help but praise God how great He is and how wonderful He is. It was priceless and totally worth the 4 hour climb.
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