Playground of the Gods (April 2016)
Known for its majestic
"sea of clouds", Mt. Pulag at 2,922 masl (meters above sea
level) is the highest peak in Luzon and the third highest mountain in the
Philippines. It has four trails going up to the summit, but among
those, it is Akiki Trail and Ambangeg Trail that are usually taken by
mountaineers. My first visit here via Ambangeg Trail was October of last
year with Jp, my hiking buddy; unfortunately, there was no clearing at that
time.
Sir Duane of Pinoy
Outdoor Trip told me that they will be having another event that will fall on
weekdays (April 2016) to avoid traffic of hikers on weekends. That's why
I told my hiking buddies that maybe this time around; we can join the event
together and have that second chance for the sea of clouds.
The event fee was
P2800.00; P1000.00 down payment that you may deposit through their BPI account
as soon as you have committed to join the said event. It is
nonrefundable, but transferable to new participants. A pre-climb meeting
is a MUST especially for first timers since this
is a major climb; usually held at Sili Labuyo (Greenfield District).
Since I still have to go
to work on Tuesday from 11-9:00 p.m., I already bring my things at the clinic
to make sure that I can make it on time at Victory Terminal in Cubao, thanks to
MRT. We left in Cubao at exactly 10:00 p.m. and arrived in Baguio City at
4:00 a.m.
As soon as our rented
jeep of Kuya Gerry arrived, we then head to Pinkajo Eatery for breakfast (not
included in the event fee). After which, we proceed to the DENR
Visitors Center for the orientation. The background of the park with
the do's and don'ts were discussed here for about 20-30 minutes.
Our Team with Sir Ronnel of Pinoy Outdoor Trip.
It was already 10:30 a.m.
when we arrived at Babadak Ranger Station and majority of us took our early
lunch before starting the trek. I and my friends rented tents for P250.00,
which is good for two to three persons and sleeping bag (150.00)/each.
After settling down, we started the trek going to Camp 2 and divided into
groups to avoid traffic along the trail with our designated guides.
Since this is the last
hike that Paul (wearing blue t-shirt and black cap below) will be joining
us before he leaves for a job abroad, me and Jp (wearing red t-shirt beside
me), served as his buddies. We let them enjoy every part of the park
while most of the re-takers advanced to Camp 1 to have a break and shared their
trail foods to everyone.
Take 5 at the Park's Mossy Forest.
Finally at the camp site
after 3 1/2 hours or so, a bit earlier than on our first attempt last
year. We pitched our tent so that we can have a powernap before
anything else. Some proceed to Camp 3 for photo ops; most of us stayed at
the campsite for the sunset. We gathered at the kitchen area, set up by
the organizers, after sundown while waiting for dinner. Those black
garbage bags served as our mat at the dining area and so the socials started at
once. We also had the chance to get to
know the other participants, sharing our mother mountains, the struggles we
encountered, and the fulfillment that we had every time we reach the summit.
Our place for the night.
Sunset at Camp 2.
Why so serious Sir Ronnel?
Our call time was 3:00 a.m.
and so we commence the trek after having coffee. The trail going to the
summit consists of rolling hills and mostly assault. As we push
through, Mr. Sun is already glowing with the sea of clouds, the reason why
a lot of hikers are so in love with that they've always wanted to catch it each
time. Sir Ronnel also told me that the sea of clouds has different level
of thickness and that they've once captured a thick one at Camp 2.
According to our local
tour guides, it is almost a week that there's no clearing at the summit.
We are fortunate enough that we were able to have one beautiful morning for our
second time here. We ditched the photo ops (first time) along our way to
the summit and reserved the camera batteries for the sea of clouds, hopefully.
Just in time for sunrise.
Simply beautiful.
Trails for breakfast, anyone?
See you then, Mt. Pulag!
The Good Company's Bunny Pose!
After almost an hour at
the summit, everybody went back to the campsite with big smiles, a surreal
feeling within, a once in a lifetime experience of having Mt. Pulag’s Sea of
Clouds.
Another summit off of my
bucket list! Special thanks to Pinoy
Outdoor Trip! We are looking forward for more events with you. See you
along the trails!
Essentials:
- Head Lamp
- Gloves
- Trek pole(optional)
- Tent/Sleeping Bag
- Jacket (important)
- Mess Kit (Spork/Cup/Plate)
- Thermal Wear
- Toiletries
- Personal med kit
- Rain gear
- Slippers
- Garbage Bag
- Camera/Power Bank (optional)
- Manila-Baguio (back and forth)
- Baguio-Kabayan Ranger Station (back and forth)
- DENR Registration Fee
- Camping Fee
- Local Guide Fee
- 2 meals (2 viands per meal): Dinner Day 1, Beakfast Day 2
- Lunch
- Medical Certificate
- Tent (P250/each)
- Sleeping Bag (P150/each)
- Breakfast/Lunch Day 1
