PULAG (AMBANGEG TRAIL)
Bokod, Benguet
Major jump-off: Ambangeg Ranger Station, Bokod, Benguet
LLA: 16°34’58″N 120°53’15″E, 2922 MASL (#3)
Days required / Hours to summit: 4-5 hours / 1-2 days
Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-2
Trail system: Grand Cordillera Trail, Section 3
Features: Sea of clouds, dwarf bamboo slopes, pine forests
*from Pinoy Mountaineer
March 17-18, 2017
Mt. Pulag is known to be the highest mountain in Luzon and also the third highest mountain in the Philippines. It is also a destination to hikers of all kinds: seasoned, experienced or beginners. Several hiking trails are in store in Mt. Pulag: Tawangan – Ambangeg Trail, Ambaguio – Ambangeg Trail, Akiki – Ambangeg Trail and Ambangeg – Ambangeg Trail. The latter is the easiest and most convenient trail of all: our trail to the summit.
Itinerary
March 16, 2017
10:00pm – Meet up at Victory Pasay
11:00pm – Departure to Baguio
March 17, 2017
04:00am – Arrival at Victory Terminal Baguio
05:00am – Departure to Bokod, Benguet
07:00am – Arrival at DENR Office: introduction and briefing
08:00am – Departure to Ambangeg Ranger Station
09:00am – Arrival at Ambangeg Ranger Station, breakfast at one carenderia
11:00am – Set-up tent, prepare lunch
01:00pm – Lunch, socials, photo ops
05:00pm – Sunset at the hill near ranger station
06:00pm – Early dinner
08:00pm – Lights off
March 18, 2017
12:00mn – Wake-up call, prep for hiking
01:00am – Start trek
05:00am – Arrive at Summit, sunrise and sea of clouds viewing
07:00am – Start Descend
11:00am – Arrival at Campsite, prepare lunch, break camp
02:00pm – Departure to Baguio
04:00pm – Arrival at Baguio Guesthouse (Loakan), rest
06:00pm – Dinner, socials
10:00pm – Lights off
March 19, 2017
07:00am – Wake-up call
08:30am – Sunday Mass
11:00am – Early Lunch, final packing before departure
01:40pm – Departure from Victory Baguio
08:00pm – Arrival in Manila
We are 10 in the group and I am the last invite by Vijay. I only know 2 (Vijay and Qitter) however; most of the participants also speak my language. Surprisingly, Beth and Haidee lives near my hometown. Matt and Fred are from Davao and Ronnie (organizer) is from Bohol too. Marie and Marbie are both from Manila. This is the best part of each event; you have come to know new friends.
At the DENR Office, they require all climbers to register and attend the briefing and introduction conducted by DENR Officers. Upon registration, they will also ask the physically fit medical certificate of each climbers. Failure to present one will mean rejection of climbing permit.
While in the jeepney going to DENR, we are playing category game as part of getting to know each other. Instead of giving a consequence, we are sharing trivia’s about ourselves. One trivia from Vijay and Marbie, they are not eating vegetables, yet at our campsite, we have them eat vegetable Ukoy. Simple delicious! We also come to know that Marie has a twin sister.
Utilizing four tents, Matt and Fred shares one. I and Marbie also on Vijay’s tent. All girls Beth, Marie and Haidee at Qitter’s tent while Ronnie, Vijay and Qitter at Ronnie’s tent. Oh by the way, we also have to note that there is a liquor ban at the Ranger Station (new regulations – we don’t have any idea on this), you cannot buy any. At our cottage, there is this half bottle of Ginebra Cuatro Cantos that we don’t know who owns it, we drink it (naughty of us) while waiting for the sunset and preparing dinner and snacks (sandwiches) for the trek.
Set an early lights off for an early wake-up call also. While we doze off, we’re awaken by Fred’s shout “ay ay ay” at 10pm. From then, we’re not able to sleep; we just wait for 12mn to prepare ourselves for the hike. At 12:45am, we are all set for the cold long hike.
At DENR Station, they tell us that the hike will take us 4 hours the fastest. The trail is somewhat easy and about 8 km long one-way. Also an important reminder to stay quiet while at the mountains so as they say, we cannot have the sea of clouds that we are wanting if we will be loud and noisy. Respect their mountain as they believe that it’s the final resting place of the their ancestors.
Even though we are hiking in the dark, I can just imagine the pine forest and the mossy forest. As it is still dawn, I can really feel the cold that I have to cover my ears and nose and eventually blow on my hands to keep it warm. As for the trail, I can say it is also manageable and for sure beginners can handle.
After Camp 2, the group split into two in which I, Qitter, Haidee, Beth, Matt and Fred move ahead. While our guide, Ronnie, Marie, Vijay and Marbie go slower. The first group arrives the summit as early as 4am.
At the summit we are worried seeing the black clouds forming and blowing towards us. The wind chill is also freezing. We are thankful for the dwarf bamboos around for us to hide from direct wind blows. I also take out my poncho and wrap it around me to keep myself warm though we are all wearing thermal jackets already. The struggle is real for an hour before the sunrise.
Finally, the wait is over as the summit clears from dark clouds and the sun appears from afar. Truly is an amazing beauty. As first-timers, we are so lucky to experience the sunrise and sea of clouds at Mt. Pulag. I can just remember a friend of mine climbs three times just to witness its magnificence. The beauty is indescribable. I am also in awe upon seeing the orange sun above the flat white clouds. Thank God for your gift.
As we feast on the beautiful view, we part-take our snacks too while others are busy with their selfies. We also have to queue at the Mt. Pulag marker for photo opportunities, proof of really reaching the summit.
Shortly after all of us have our turn to pose at the marker; we start hiking back to the campsite. Slow hike, now enjoying the wonderful view that’s earlier hidden in the darkness. At Camp 2, a short restroom break and photo ops for all of us. We are also trying to finish our snacks. Camp 2 is also the start of the mossy forest. The mossy forest is remarkable. Diverse flora in a cool environment is one hell of a treasure in Mt. Pulag.
Back to our campsite, we have adobo and sausages for a quick lunch. We also break our camp and prepare ourselves for Baguio. Since we have our accommodation in Baguio, we choose to freshen ourselves there.
Our Baguio accommodation is in Loakan, in front of the airport. We have sinigang for dinner and finally have our real socials (empi lights and wine session) after dinner. After socials, Ronnie, Vijay and Fred went downtown to check on the Ukay-ukay while we choose to stay home to rest. The following morning, we also go on a Sunday Mass at the church near our accommodation after our breakfast. Then prepare for departure in the afternoon. We arrive in Manila at 8pm.
Overall, the climb is all worth it. We see what we want to see, we also experienced what we want to experience. We are really thankful to God for granting our heart’s desire during this climb. I also thank Ronnie for organizing this event, also to Vijay for the last minute invitation. I also thank everyone for the warm friendship, fun and laughter. Cheers to our next bonding!
With me:
- Ronald Oracion
- Vijay Indefenso
- Haidee Toledo
- Beth Castro
- Qitter
- Matt Ponlawon
- Fred
- Marbino Calaste
- Marie Amarra
Climb Date: March 16-19, 2017
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