Hiking Mt. Pulag (Ambangeg Trail)

Hiking Mt. Pulag (Ambangeg Trail) 

Today's adventure brings us to Luzon's highest peak, Mt. Pulag. This majestic mountain spans the provinces of Benguet, with sections extending into Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya. Overall, Mt. Pulag ranks as the third-highest peak in the Philippines.

Mt. Pulag

The name "Pulag" is a modernized version of the mountain's original name, "Pulog," which means "bare." This likely refers to the sparse shrubs that provide minimal cover for its peak.

Welcome to Mt. Pulag National Park

Mt. Pulag is among the most frequently climbed mountains in Luzon, likely because of its unique beauty and the unforgettable experience it offers to adventurers.

Swim in the sea of clouds

Mountaineers have a variety of trails to choose from. The easiest and most used trail is the Ambangeg Trail. Your trailhead is located in Babadak Ranger Station in Bokod, Benguet.

That's Babadak Ranger Station

Inside the ranger station

For those seeking a more challenging trek, the Akiki Trail might be the perfect choice. The trailhead begins in Barangay Doacan, Kabayan, Benguet.

Other trails worth exploring include the Tawangan Trail, Eddet Trail, and Ambaguio Trail, each offering its own unique adventure.

We're heading right!

Different plant life could be found on the mountain

Break time at Camp 1

You also have the choice to combine the trails that you would use on your ascent and descent of Mt. Pulag. If you want a challenging ascent and a less arduous descent, you might want to use the Akiki-Ambangeg Trail. The combination would be yours to decide, but if you're in a group (which I highly suggest), they would plan all of the details for you.

Camp 2

In my case, the group that I'm in discussed the matters with us. Since most of those who would participate are first-time climbers of Mt. Pulag, the organizers decided to use the Ambangeg trail for both the ascent and descent.

It was 8 degrees and dropping when we reached the peak 

Although we would use the easiest route up the mountain, there is still one tough challenge that we would face once we reach the top: survival.

The Travel League 

Check out the muddy trail going up the peak. 

Our climb was scheduled for December, as most of us are teachers free during the Christmas break. Known as the coldest month of the year, December lived up to its reputation when the temperature at the peak dropped to a chilling 8 degrees.

To make matters worse, we were met with relentless rain. What was initially planned as a 3-day, 2-night adventure turned into a 2-day, 1-night "vigil." Everyone in the group experienced mild hypothermia. Despite these challenges—soaked clothes and all—we persevered and made it to the summit. Afterward, we hurriedly packed our tents and made a swift descent back to base camp.

Let me introduce you to my fellow mountaineers

With Mr. Falcis and Mr, Banaag

with Mr. Madrigal

with Mr. Viernes

with Mr. Banaag

with Mr. Cabuang

with  Mr. Arias, Mr. Falcis, and Ms. Tarape

Although we almost failed to reach our goal and we encountered several setbacks, we all went home proud that we achieved what few have dared to do and conquer.

Mountain details: 

Height: 2,922 m
Major trailhead: Ambangeg Ranger Station, Bokod, Benguet
Climb Time: 1-2 days

Check out our ride!

Try riding on top of a jeepney!

Getting to Mt. Pulag:

From Manila, several bus companies offer daily trips directly to Baguio City, with fares ranging from ₱600 to ₱700.

Once in Baguio City, head to the jeepney terminal. It’s advisable to arrange a jeepney ride in advance, especially for large groups, as a bigger group means a smaller share of the payment for each person. 😄

Be prepared for a challenging 4-5 hour jeepney ride to the Visitors' Center.

Enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Benguet! 

Itinerary:

Day 0

12:00PM Departure from Manila to Baguio City

Day 1

6:00AM ETA Baguio City.
6:30AM Board a jeepney to Ambangeg.
9:00AM ETA Visitors' Center. Registration / Orientation
10:30AM Set out for Ranger Station
11:00AM Lunch / Final Preparations
12:00NN Start trek
2:30PM Camp 1
4:30PM Camp 2. Set up camp
6:00PM Bonding time / Prepare dinner
8:00PM Dinner
9:00PM Extra bonding time
10:00PM Off to bed

Day 2

4:00AM Camp 2 to the summit
5:30AM Sunrise at the summit
8:00AM  Descent from the summit
9:00AM ETA Camp 2/ breakfast
10:00AM Break camp/  Descent
12:00NN Back at Ranger; Settle guide fees; jeepney descent
1:00PM Back at Visitors' Center; tidy up and log out
1:30PM Head back to Baguio City
5:30PM ETA Baguio City. Dinner.
6:00PM Head back to Manila
11:00PM ETA Manila

Ratings:

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