MOUNT PULAG trip

One of the most well-maintained “premier” national parks in the country, it is home of the nation’s rare and endangered species of flora (like the dwarf bamboo) and fauna (e.g., the cloud rat, kock’s pita, serpent eagle, Philippine deer, Philippine pig, etc.). It is also home to some of North Luzon’s ethnic tribes; four of them actually reside within the park – Ibaloi, Kalanguya, Kankana-ey, and Ibanag, and most of them consider Mt. Pulag a sacred place not only because they consider it a resting place and playground of their gods but also a place where they bury their dead.

Mt. Pulag is located within the municipalities of Buguias, Kabayan and Bokod in Benguet, Tinoc in Ifugao and Kayapa in Nueva Vizcaya. Deep ravines, gorges and steep terrain characterize Mt. Pulag.

Ambangeg/Babadac Trail

This is the well established and considered the main trail going to Mt. Pulag. Vehicles can negotiate the trail all the way to the Ranger Station which is the entire Ambangeg Trail. Still others can choose to hike the entire trail.

The DENR office and the Ranger station are located along the trail, a few meters from the park entrance. From there, the Mt. Pulag base camp is a 4-km hike along the well-paved trails with a convenient rest stop waiting shed. From the base camp, the summit is just a 45-90 minute hike away.

I am way prepared to our trip as I completed all gears and apparels needed before reaching the summit. Two weeks before I have already purchased at lazada a tent and sleeping bag, borrowed winter jacket from a friend and gathered all my necessary wear and things to bring. The team fetch me at the house, left 11:30 am then on our half way to Baguio, I remember that I forgot my medical certificate but didn’t bother me. We are 12 in a van, can feel their excitement on this trip.

We arrived at Baguio 2 am, waited for organizer’s advise. Finally, our transportation came, set ourselves and put our bags full of things on the top of jeepney. Sleepless night of preparation and travel to Baguio made us worried especially me. As the jeep started, we could no longer steal a nap since the road is rough and it’s shaky inside. There’s 2 hours ride from Baguio to DENR for registration. A 1 hour ride from DENR to Bokod, Mt Ranger Station.

We had an orientation at DENR, marked us as a head count and I bought a gloves near the office for my additional warmth.