Climbing mountains isn't just about reaching the peak; it's a journey of self-discovery, testing one's limits, embracing nature in its rawest form, or perhaps an act of letting go.
Climbing Mount Pulag was one of the best decisions I made this year. It is the third highest mountain in the Philippines and the tallest in Luzon, standing at 2,626 masl.
It is situated on the boundaries of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya. The ascent begins at the ranger station, where DENR officials make climbers watch films about Mt. Pulag and inform them of the do's and don'ts of climbing the mountain.
The rise to the top starts at the ranger station where DENR officials make climbers watch films about Mt. Pulag and the do's and donts in climbing the mountain.
Mt. Pulag have 4 trails namely:
Ambangeg Trail (Babadac Trail):
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Most recommended for beginners.
Description: The Ambangeg Trail is the most established and the easiest among all the trails to Mount Pulag. It usually starts with a ride to the Ranger Station, followed by a trek to the grassland summit. This trail offers beautiful views of the mossy forest before reaching the grassland peak.
Duration: 3-4 hours to reach the summit.
Akiki Trail (Killer Trail):
Difficulty: Challenging. Often referred to as the "Killer Trail" because of its steep slopes.
Description: This trail provides a longer and more challenging route, giving trekkers scenic views of waterfalls, dense forests, and vast grasslands. The Eddet River is a popular campsite along this trail.
Duration: 10-11 hours to reach the summit.
Tawangan Trail:
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
Description: This trail offers an immersive experience within the lush forests of Mt. Pulag. Starting from Kabayan, Benguet, it passes through traditional villages, giving trekkers a unique cultural immersion. This path is less frequented compared to Ambangeg and Akiki, offering a more serene experience.
Duration: 9-10 hours to reach the summit.
Ambaguio Trail:
Difficulty: Challenging.
Description: This trail begins in Nueva Vizcaya and is one of the least chosen routes to Mt. Pulag, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and a genuine wilderness experience. Along the way, trekkers pass through beautiful mossy forests and encounter stunning wildlife.
Duration: Approximately 2 days to reach the summit.
For this climb, I chose the Ambangeg trail since I had work commitments upon returning to Manila. The other trails are more time-consuming, and one must be physically prepared. The Tawangan and Ambaguio trails are also prone to leeches.
We began our trek at exactly 1 am, with the surrounding world cloaked in darkness, our path illuminated only by our headlamps. The crisp breeze, the rhythmic sound of our footsteps, and the anticipation of what lay ahead made each moment unforgettable. We trekked under a canopy of stars with the mountain's silhouette looming majestically in the background.
As we approached the summit, the first hints of dawn painted the sky in shades of purple and gold. After 4 hours of trekking, we reached the summit, where the temperature was a chilling 0 degrees Celsius. We awaited the sunrise and the sea of clouds. Even though the coveted sea of clouds eluded us due to the weather, I witnessed a heartwarming proposal. One of our companions asked his girlfriend to marry him, but, humorously, instead of a yes, she urged him to slide the ring on quickly because of the cold. This lighthearted moment came shortly after she had quizzed him about their future together.
The scene had me wondering: if I ever find someone special, could I borrow a line from "Fullmetal Alchemist" and, instead of asking "Will you marry me?", pose the question "Equivalent exchange: I'll offer you half of my life if you offer half of yours. Do you agree?" Just a playful thought lol
At Luzon Highest Point (2926 MASL)
Quite odd that before this the guy asked the girl if they could go back in Pulag and the girl said "Are we still together by then? then moments later he proposed 😅😅😅
Our descent, though physically easier, felt meditative. Mount Pulag, now illuminated by daylight,showcased its splendor, from the expansive grasslands to the dense woods.
Back at the base, nursing my tired legs and reflecting on the journey, I came to a realization. The mountain had taught me a lesson: it's not always about the destination but every step taken, every challenge confronted, and every cherished moment along the way. The mountain might not help you release your burdens, but it helps you accept that sometimes things don't go your way—and that's okay. I hope to return to this mountain, perhaps tackling the Akiki route, and let another epiphany touch my heart and soul.
Babalikan kita Pulag!
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