When I think of hiking, Mt Pulag is the first thing that comes to mind.
Mt Pulag is widely known for being the third highest mountain in the Philippines and the highest in Luzon. It is famous for having a view of a sea of clouds.
Having it on my bucket list, my friends and I planned to climb it.
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How To Get There
*If you’re starting from Manila to Mt Pulag, simply ride any bus heading to Baguio.
Travel Tip: You can book Victory Liner tickets to Baguio online with 12Go Asia.
Ride a Van to Kabayan
First, from Baguio, we rode a van going to Kabayan for 120 pesos. On the way, we stopped by Jang Jang Eatery for breakfast and a much-needed bathroom break.
Behind the restaurant, we found this hanging bridge. Pretty awesome. Below is an almost dried-up river. We took hundreds of photos here. It’s one of those must-take-a-photo moments. Haha.
After a hearty meal, we went on our way. We stopped by Ambangeg and proceeded to the DENR office.
Go to DENR
Next, drop by DENR office for orientation. DENR collects a fee amounting to about 200 pesos per person. After paying, you will watch a video orientation regarding the do’s and don’ts in Mt Pulag.
Here, they sell souvenirs and shirts. If you want to wear that “I survived Mt Pulag” shirt for the photo shoot at the summit, go for it. My friends bought theirs and wore it to the peak.
If you don’t have tents, you can also rent some here.
READ: Mt. Kalugong Eco Park: Above the Valley
DENR Office
Reach the Ranger Station
Afterwards, we had to go to the Ranger Station to start the hike. Usually, you have to ride a habal-habal to bring you to there. The fare is 500 per person. (Update: I heard the fare now is at 250 pesos)
Since we were on a budget, we asked one van driver if he could bring us to the Ranger Station. Thankfully, he accepted since he was already on his way there to fetch some hikers. We paid him 350 pesos each. Yahoo!
Upon arrival at the Ranger Station, we hired a guide for 600 pesos.
Starting Line
After eating lunch, we started hiking. We chose the Ambangeg Trail since it’s easiest and shortest trail to the summit. Hike to Camp 2 will only take 2-4 hours while another 1-2 hours from Camp 2 to Mt Pulag’s summit.
There are two other trails namely Akiki Trail and Tawangan Trail. If you want more challenge try these.
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Ambangeg Trail Map
Starting Line
On the way, we passed by berries, saw vegetable terraces and tons of trees. As a girl who grew up in the mountains, I’d say the trail was pretty easy. (LOL)
Talking with our guide, we found out that most of the language spoken near Mt Pulag is Kalanguya, Kankanaey, and Ibaloi.
I only know how to speak Kankanaey so when I heard him talk to other guides in Kalanguya, I was in awe. It sounds a bit like a combination of Ibaloi and Kankanaey.
Rest in Camp 1
During the trek we noticed the sceneries changing, from pine trees to bonsai-shaped trees.
Our guide told us that we had entered the montane forest which has a collection of various flora, mosses, and the weirdly shaped trees. After two hours, we finally reached camp 1.
Camp 1
The plants here were so pretty, some I know of and some I’ve never seen before.
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Pink flowers known locally as “ayusep.”
While resting, we played some cards and moved on after 20 minutes of rest.
Enjoy the Trail
On the way to camp 2, we observed there were more mosses and bonsai-shaped trees.
We took a lot of photos, especially our male friends. Haha.
The landscapes were too good to pass. For all those Instagram worthy shots, here are some of the best places to take a picture.
Take Photos
a. Stony Path
This is probably the easiest background to take a photo. Just stand there, with your back facing the camera. Viola! Imagine. It gives off that unique vibe.
b. Tree Roots
There’s nothing better than taking a photo of these fantastic tree roots! Careful though, you might trip.
READ: Baguio City: 15 Free Things To Do
c. Horizontal Tree
I don’t even know how this tree survived growing in this position, but it rocks that enchanting, fairy-like feel. This kind of reminds me of the movie Bridge to Terabithia.
d. Oldest Moss Tree
See that tree behind us? It’s a moss tree, and it’s supposedly the oldest. How cool is that? It felt like taking a photo with a celebrity.
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e. Creepy Forest
For the horror-themed photo, try it here. It’s pretty creepy and beautiful at the same time.
I told you.
Camp 2
Moving on. For another two hours, we hiked to reach camp two. We decided to camp here for the night.
From here, you get a glimpse of the summit. There’s a nearby comfort room, latrine rather, and a water source.
READ: SAGADA: Camping at Kiltepan Peak
Setting up of tents
We set up our tents, ate some snacks and went on to find a right spot to watch the sunset. Just a few meters from the campsite, there is this part where the mossy forest meets the dwarf bamboos. It’s crazy.
Border between dwarf bamboos and mossy forest
Mt Pulag Peaks
We hiked a small hill to get a better view of the summit and there it is. A word to describe it? Bald. Any tree barely grows near the summit. Pulag came from the local term “Pul-ag” meaning bald.
A view of the Bald Mountain
While waiting for the sunset, a sea of clouds has gathered below the mountains. What a sight to see.
We were fortunate to have a glimpse of such a beauty. It got us even more excited for what the next day would bring.
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Afternoon Sea of Clouds
I’ve never seen such a beautiful sunset. It was fiery red. It looked like the world was on fire.
Fiery Red Sunset
Twighlight in Mt Pulag
Camping
That night, the temperature dropped to a freezing point. With all the layers of clothing, and the blanket covering me, I had a hard time sleeping.
The next morning, we woke up at 2 AM to prepare for the trek to the summit. We hurriedly fixed our bags, put on more clothes and got our flashlights ready.
Mt Pulag Summit
After walking for almost two hours, we finally reached the peak. The sun’s rays were beginning to show.
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Breaking Dawn
Sunrise
We can already see the sea of clouds.
Sunrise at Mt Pulag
What an achievement! We reached the summit and saw the famous sea of clouds. Crossed one stuff off my bucket list. Yehey.
Mt Pulag Summit
After taking a lot of photographs, enjoying the view and promising to return, we went back to camp, ate breakfast, packed and started the trek back to the ranger station.
READ: Cheap Camping Essentials for Budget Campers at Decathlon
Going back to the ranger station
We reached ranger station after almost 4 hours. Then after taking a rest, we said our goodbyes to our guide.
After hearing that the group that came before us rented a jeepney going back to Baguio, we asked them if they still had some space. They said yes, but their supposed departure was two hours later.
Because we got too impatient, we chose to walk down the road to the DENR. We’ll ride when the jeep passes by. But that didn’t happen.
Descent
Long story short, we walked for two hours hoping that we’d reach the office by then. We didn’t. We kept asking locals if the DENR office was near, each gave us different answers.
One said, “Yes, just 30 minutes more”. Another said, “You’d have to walk for another 2 hours”. Each of us got too tired and tried to hitchhike a private vehicle. A kind driver took pity on us and let us ride his van.
Salamat manong.
We tried giving some money for the gas as payment, but he declined. If we continued our descent to the DENR office, it might’ve been nightfall before we reached it.
READ: Seven Reasons Why You Should Try Camping
Overall
Our first climb to Luzon’s highest mountain will forever remain one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. With all our adventures combined, we spent a total of 1,210 pesos.
Our Expenses
- Medical Certificate 100 pesos
- Baguio to Ambangeg 120 pesos
- DENR Fees 200 pesos
- To Ranger Station 350 pesos
- Guide Fee 600 pesos / five persons
- Food 200
- Ranger Station to DENR free (hitchhiked)
- Ambangeg to Baguio 120
Update as of November 15, 2018:
Fees collected at Mt Pulag are as follows:
Entrance fee – 175 pesos per person
Camping fee – 100 pesos per person
Environmental fee – 150 pesos per person
Guide fee – 120 pesos per person
For updated rates, check out Mt Pulag National Park Facebook Page.
Sample Itinerary
For those coming from Manila to Mt Pulag, here’s a sample itinerary
Day 0
23:00 ETD from Bus Terminal
Day 1
05:00 ETA in Baguio City / Have breakfast
07:00 ETD from Baguio City via Van to Kabayan
(van terminal is in the slaughter area)
10:00 ETA DENR / Registration / Video Orientation
11:30 ETD from DENR to Ranger Station
12:30 ETA at Ranger Station / Lunch
13:00 Start trek
15:00 ETA Camp 1
17:00 ETA Camp 2 / Set up camp / View Sunset
18:30 Dinner / Socials
Day 2
02:30 Trek to Summit
05:30 ETA at Summit / View Sunrise
07:00 ETD to Campsite
08:00 ETA at Camp 2 / Breakfast
09:00 Pack / Start descent to Ranger Station
11:00 ETA at Ranger Station/ ETD to DENR
11:30 Back at DENR / Log out / Buy Souvenirs
12:00 Lunch
13:00 ETD to Baguio City
14:00 ETA in Baguio City / Buy Souvenirs / Wander around Baguio
16:30 Dinner
18:00 ETD to Manila
Tips and Reminders
- Recently, medical certificates are required to ensure that you are in good health before you can start hiking
- It gets colder as you reach the summit. Temperature can reach zero levels, especially from December to February. Bring a thick jacket. Layer your clothes.
- There are a lot of hikers during the weekends and holidays. It is better to hike during weekdays when there are fewer people.
- Plan ahead. Often the mountain is fully booked due to its popularity, contact PASU to reserve your slots.
Call Mt Pulag National Park Management on the following numbers: 09199951316, 09196315402, 09103010423
- Take your trash with you. Don’t litter. Pick up trash along the way. Help preserve this majestic mountain.
- Most times, it rains. Be ready and bring with you your raincoat and zip locks for your gadgets.
READ: Where to Camp Near and Around Baguio for Less Than 250 Pesos
What to Bring
- Flashlight and Extra Batteries
- Tent
- Tissues
- Medical Certificate
- Cook set and butane
- Gloves
- Trash Bag
- 1-2 Liters of water
- Kitchen Utensils
- Trail Snacks
- Raincoat
- Ziploc bags
Our Camera Gear
- Mirrorless Camera: Fujifilm XT3
- Lenses: Fujifilm Fujinon kit lens (18-55mm) | Fujinon 35mm f2 | Fujinon 50mm f2
- Drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- GoPro: GoPro Hero Black 7
- Power Bank: Romoss Powerbank
- Camera Backpack: Case Logic Camera and Laptop Backpack
- Monopod: Ifootage Cobra 2 a180
- Mic: Rode VideoMicro
- Gimbal: Zhiyun Weebill-S
You might also like…
- Mt Timbak Travel Guide: Hiking to See the Sea of Clouds
- 15 Things To Do in Baguio City, Philippines (for Free)
- Weekend Getaways Near Baguio Under 500 Pesos
- Mt Ulap in Itogon, Benguet: The Ultimate 2020 DIY Travel Guide
- Mt Timbak Travel Guide: Hiking to See the Sea of Clouds
- Mt Kalugong Eco Park : Above the Valley
Hello Johanes!
You have such a great blog. I will be following your adventures.
Thank you for reading my blog https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/
I hope we could work together on a project one day!
More power!
Thank you for checking my blog! Really appreciate it. Feel free to contact me when something comes up. God bless! 😀
Hello Johanes!
Thank you for this! Out of all the Mt. Pulag guides I’ve read, I think this is the most helpful and straight to the point. May I ask several questions? I am a first time hiker and am currently deciding with 4 other friends if we should DIY or if we should get a tour.
1.) We are going there via private van with driver. What time do you think we should depart Manila?
2.) How much food did you bring and what meals did you cook yourselves/buy?
3.) Are the guides/ porters easily available at DENR or Ranger’s Station? Should we buy/cook food for them as well?
Hope to hear from you soon! Thank you!
Hi Diane! Thanks for taking the time to read my blog 🙂
1. If you’re coming from Manila, it’s best to start early. Around 12-1 AM will do, so you can begin hiking early to Pulag.
2. Haha. Good question. My friends and I bought cup noodles. We brought some baon for the first day, bread and budget meals. On the second day, we simply poured hot water into the cups.
3. Guides and porters are available at the Ranger’s station. There’s no need to buy/cook food for them, but there’s nothing wrong with sharing, too. 🙂
Hi. I’m planning to do a DIY climp too. Your blog is a huge help.I’d like to ask if there’s a nearby clinic from the DENR Office where I can have my physical exam for the medcert? Thanks a lot. 🙂
Hi Gerone, I’m not sure if there’s a nearby clinic. It’s best if you get your medcert before going to Mt Pulag.
hello, I just like to clarify if camping is allowed in mt pulag? I thought they banned camping at mt pulag due to environmental reasons?
thank you
Hi Ms. Johanes. Itatanung ko lang po kung magkanu po ang rental ng tent sakaling wala kaming dalang tent at kung meron din po bang narerent na cooking set po doon? Salamat po.
Yes. Last time na pumunta kami, may rent ng tent. Price is depende sa size. I think 300 and above ung rentals. Sa cooking set naman, I’m not sure kung merong for rent. 🙂
>hi maam. Diba pwde ka rin mag home stay sa ranger station.. Instead of pitching a tent.. May idea po kau magkano room dun.? Tnx
hi! thanks for the informative blog. may i ask how much yung rent ng jeep papuntang ranger station?meron bang rent for two way ride? and how much? thanks in advance!
Look at those sea of clouds! I’d love to visit Mt Pulag sometime.
just wanna ask about med cert na 100? iba pa un sa papagawa mo here in manila or yung mga pupunta dun na walng med cert?