Mt. Pulag Hike Guide (Ambangeg Trail)

Introduction

Mt. Pulag is the highest mountain in Luzon and one of the most beautiful mountains in the Philippines. Mt. Pulag has an elevation of 2922 meters above sea level or 9586 feet. It is a favorite hiking destination among beginners and experienced hikers. Also, it has one of the richest biodiversity in the country, having wide trails surrounded by pine trees, mossy forests, and grassland landscapes. Moreover, it is a mountain worth climbing, both for its challenging trails and its natural beauty. 

Mt. Pulag is located in Benguet and it borders the provinces of Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya. The mountain contains more than five hundred plant species. It also houses several endangered species of mammals. The native tribes say that Mt. Pulag is the playground of the gods. In the same way, it is literally the closest to heaven that hikers can get. 

Mt. Pulag is famous for its sea of clouds and the magnificent view of the Milky Way Galaxy on a clear night, which has attracted many local and foreign tourists who wish to experience and see this kind of scenery. Mt. Pulag has four different trails namely Ambangeg Trail, Akiki Trail, Tawangan Trail and Ambaguio Trail. Ambangeg Trail is the easiest and the most popular among the hikers while Ambaguio Trail is the longest and the hardest trail.

As of April 2022, Mt. Pulag is now considered a protected landscape. The former President Rodrigo Duterte inked Republic Acts (RAs) 11684, 11685, 11686, 11687, and 11688, adding Mt. Arayat in Pampanga, Mt. Pulag in Benguet, Naga-Kabasalan in Zamboanga Sibugay, Tirad Pass in Ilocos Sur, and Banao in Kalinga to the list of areas protected under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

According to the laws, the use and enjoyment of the protected landscapes must be consistent with the principles of biological diversity and sustainable development. The laws mandate the state to ensure the mobilization of resources for the institutional mechanisms, as well as the full scientific and technical support needed for the conservation of biodiversity and the integrity of the ecosystems, culture, and indigenous practices. Moreover, under the five Republic Acts, the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), upon the recommendation of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), may designate areas surrounding the protected areas for the purpose of providing an extra layer of protection where restrictions may be applied.

Name: Mt. Pulag
Difficulty: 4/9
Jump-Off: Ambangeg Ranger Station, Bokod, Benguet
Hours to summit: 4 to 5 hours
Features: Sea of clouds, grassland, mossy forest, pine forest and breathtaking view of Benguet mountains

My trip to Mt. Pulag

Mt. Pulag is my dream climb. It was in the month of December when I decided to join an organized tour going to Mt. Pulag via the easiest route – Ambangeg Trail. I considered it as my year-end hike. I am a solo joiner.

First, I followed the itinerary in our group chat and I arrived at 10 pm for the meet-up place in KFC Shopwise Cubao. Then we boarded the Victory Liner bus at Cubao going to Baguio City around 11 pm. It was the start of our long road trip going to Mt. Pulag. We took our opportunity to sleep on the bus.

After six hours of a bus road trip, we arrived in the cold and foggy weather of Baguio City at 5 am. We order taho in the street to heathen our bodies and later we transferred on our van going to DENR Pulag. For the most part, the road going to DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) Pulag is a zigzag road. It felt like we were on a roller coaster. We have our stopover and breakfast at the Jang-Jang restaurant. Then we reached the DENR Pulag at 7:30 am. We can see a lot of souvenir stores in the area. For this reason, some of the members buy a souvenir for remembrance.

We had our 45-minute orientation and briefing about Mt. Pulag at 8 am. After that, we depart from DENR Pulag going to Baban Homestay where we can check-in. The view on the road trip is simply amazing, it is a downward road then followed by a mostly uphill road towards our destination. As a result, we saw how beautiful the mountains are in Benguet and how close we are to the clouds above. Moreover, I feel like traveling to Mt. Pulag is already an adventure.

We arrived at Baban Homestay at 11:40 am and to my surprise, there is a good WiFi signal. I leave my belongings there and we explore the place and we have our hosted meal lunch later. On the whole, the place is quiet, clean, and comfortable, our group need not worry about rooms as they have fleece blankets that will make us warm as we take our rest. Moreover, the owners are generous and friendly too.

We spend the whole afternoon having a good time in Baban Homestay. Indeed, the view from Baban Homestay is mesmerizing. I feel like this is heaven already. It is so peaceful. As a result, it allows me to enjoy and embrace the awesome nature itself around the area. I take a lot of pictures at this beautiful place, especially in the afternoon. I can see the beautiful sea of clouds from a distance together with the stunning sunset, mountains, and valleys.

We have our dinner and socials at 5 PM. It was crowded there. Additionally, I see a lot of group hikers wanting to summit Mt. Pulag too. We go to bed and slept at 8 pm because early morning the next day is the wake-up call, we will start hiking. I’m so excited. I did not sleep that much.

We wake up at 1 am and we prepare our things. We pack light then we board a jeep going to the Ranger Station. From the Ranger Station to the summit is around 8 kilometers. We start the hike at 2 am. The trail is well established and gradually ascending. It is too dark but it was an easy hike on the pine-forested trail. We pass through a mossy forest and the rain starts to pour at 3:30 am but not for a long time, it only lasts 1 hour. The rain made some parts of the trail very muddy and slippery.

We eat our trail food during the rest period. Even though I have 3 layers of clothes, I still feel the cold going to the summit of Mt. Pulag. Obviously, I underestimate the chilly weather of Mt. Pulag. This is my mistake. I shiver in the cold and my hand stiffens as I continue to move forward. It was 5 am in the morning when we reached the grassland part of Mt. Pulag. In the entirety of the hike to the grassland, there’s only one moderately steep part, taking just a few hundred steps toward the summit. 

On our way to the summit, we can see the stars above and the lights coming from the flashlight/headlamps of the hikers. It is a superb view. At 5:30 am, we reach the summit of Mt. Pulag. It takes us 4 hours to reach the summit. The experience of reaching the summit is so fulfilling.

Mt. Pulag: Where the Earth meets the sky

We wait for the sunrise there. Then at 6 am I witnessed with my own eyes the most beautiful sunrise view in my life. It is priceless. The views are breathtaking. I don’t want to close my eyes. It is the most surreal summit I’ve been to. Also, it is covered with grass. Luckily our group, most of us are first-timers on Mt. Pulag but there is clearing immediately. On the other hand, I have read some stories that some people returned to Mt. Pulag three to four times but still no clearing, they didn’t see much of the beauty of Mt. Pulag.

I didn’t take photos until my eyes are full viewing this once-in-a-lifetime sunrise. We saw a sea of clouds from the distance. Without a doubt, the summit views of Mt. Pulag are amazing. Everywhere I look the views are magnificent: the sea of clouds, dwarf bamboo slopes, the soft grass, the cold breeze, the warm sun, the fog, views of the Benguet mountains, and the stunning sunrise. Overall, I can’t describe it in words.

I could stay lost in this moment forever. Furthermore, I saw other hikers who were really very happy and very stunned by what they witnessed. Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun. The weather is perfect. The journey and the long road trip are all worth it. We enjoy the moment. Moreover, we feel like we are in heaven already.

We are so blessed that the weather and nature cooperate with us to see this spectacular and out of the world view. It is a 360-degree view of the landscape. We can see from the summit, the mountains of the Cordilleras such as Mt. Amuyao, Mt. Tabayoc, and Mt. Ugo. Then we have our group pictures at the summit marker of Mt. Pulag which stands at 2922 meters above sea level. The dream climb has come true to me. It was first a fantasy but has now become a reality. I finally step on the highest mountain in Luzon.

It is really unforgettable. My lips are chapped, my hand can’t move because it’s so numb, I’m wearing gloves but it’s so wet because of the rain earlier, it’s so cold in my hand, the wind is too strong, I can’t walk, I can’t talk because of the extreme cold but I still tried to go down a little to the summit so I could take a picture of this beautiful view. Nevertheless, the chilly temperature didn’t stop us from taking pictures and videos. Although some hikers said it was 1-degree Celsius, other hikers said it was -4 to -6 degrees celsius. Indeed, it was very cold at the summit of Mt. Pulag. Nevertheless, we stay at the summit for nearly three hours.

We start our descent going back to the Ranger Station around 8:30 am and we can see how beautiful the trail is going up and going down from Mt. Pulag summit. As a result, we can’t stop taking pictures of the rolling grassland. Undoubtedly Mt. Pulag is never short of majestic views. The trail going down is very enjoyable and relaxing, with the cool weather, sea of clouds, and the encounter of various faces of the mountain such as grassland, mossy forest, and pine trees at the lower elevation of the mountain.

We trail run during our descent. I feel like I’m in another country and every moment I spent with this mountain is a moment I treasure. In addition, there are a lot of good views, sceneries, and flora that are worth taking pictures of. Also, there are a few tents that I saw from Camp 1 to Camp 2. Before I went to the mossy forest trail, I have my last glance of Mt. Pulag peak for the last time. The elevation is so high.

We enter a mossy forest trail and the view is scenic too. It is an enchanting forest because it is mostly covered by lichens, ferns, and moss. We can see also a lot of rare species in the trail. We didn’t see it when we hiked at dawn because it was too dark. However, we appreciate the montane forest as we go down the mountain. Later, our group reached the pine-forested trail which marks the end of our Mt. Pulag hike.

We arrived at the Ranger Station at 11 am. There is a water source there and we refill our bottle. Then we take our lunch there. Then we go back to Baban Homestay and we wash up. Undoubtedly, it is the most memorable shower I had. It was freaking cold.

At 2 pm we depart from Baban Homestay going to our side trip which is the Hanging Bridge. The view from the van is incredible, mountains after mountains with sunset later and roads after roads. I don’t want to fall asleep and I don’t want to miss a thing because of the super nice view. Benguet province is so blessed to have this kind of place. Benguet now is my favorite province in the Philippines after the Mt. Pulag hike.

We arrived at Baguio city at 6 pm and we have our dinner at 50’s Diner restaurant in Baguio City.

We boarded the Victory Liner Bus going to Manila around 9:30 pm. Then we come back home safely and sound after a long road trip going back to Manila. I’m so happy because I survived the hike despite the extremely cold weather conditions at the top of the mountain. Thanks be to God.  

To conclude, hiking Mt. Pulag has been one of the best trips in my life. It was a fun and enjoyable hike with the fun organized tour I joined – Yes to Adventures. I wish I can go back to this mountain again via a different trail. Special thanks to Jebb for taking awesome pictures of me during the hike.

Things to bring on your visit to Mt. Pulag Ambangeg Trail:

Fit to climb medical certificate
Tent if you will do overnight camp
Trail food and 2 to 3 liters of water (depends on your consumption)
Utensils/mess kit – (food container for packed breakfast, spoon, fork, cup)
Sleeping bag or thermal clothing, socks, gloves
Headlamp or flashlight
3 to 5 layers of clothing
Extra clothes, raincoat to rain-proof everything
A good pair of trekking shoes, sandals, slippers
Sun protection (arm sleeves, sunblock)
Trek pole (optional)
Camera
Jacket
Bonnet, scarf, and anything to heat you up.
Garbage bag
Extra footwear like slippers
Personal first-aid kit and medicine
Toiletries like tissue, towel, wet wipes, and toothbrush
One valid ID
Vaccination Card
Face mask
Extra money for personal expenses

How to Go to Mt. Pulag Ambangeg Trail

1. Ride a Victory Liner bus in Cubao bus station going to Baguio City. 
2. From Baguio City, you can hire and ride a monster jeep that takes you to the Ranger station. Another option is you can hire a van that takes you from Baguio to the Ranger station directly.

I highly recommend getting a packaged tour when you plan to visit Mt. Pulag for ease and convenience. Included in the Mt. Pulag packaged tour is a bus or van roundtrip transfer (Manila – Baguio – Manila), monster jeep or van roundtrip transfer (Baguio – Pulag – Baguio), DENR fee, cultural fee, local guide fee, coordinators fee, registration fee, hosted meal depending on the tour package you avail and and one accommodation at a homestay (4 to 6 people in a room with simple beds and bunkers). Excluded in the package tour are personal food, porter fees, gear rental, climb certificate and restroom fees.

Sample 2 Day itinerary to Mt. Pulag Ambangeg Trail

Day 0
11PM – Assembly at a designated location
Day 1
12AM – ETD from Manila going to Baguio City
5AM – ETA Baguio, transfer to the monster jeep or van.
5AM – Depart to DENR Pulag
7AM – Breakfast at Jang-Jang restaurant
8AM – ETA DENR Pulag, register, attend orientation and briefing of Mt. Pulag
11AM – Depart to Ranger Station
12PM – Arrival at Ranger Station, check-in at Baban Homestay and take lunch
2PM – Open time, explore the place
6PM – Dinner and socials
8PM – Lights off, sleeping time

Day 2 – (Climb Proper)
1AM – Wake up call. Prepare day pack.
1:30AM – Start trek
5:30AM – ETA summit of Mt. Pulag. Sunrise viewing and photo-ops
8AM – Start to descend, arrival at Camp 2 and Camp 1
11AM – ETA Ranger Station. Back at the homestay and wash up
12PM – Take lunch, check-out
2PM – ETD from Baban Homestay going to the side trip (Ambuklao Dam or Hanging Bridge)
5:30PM – ETA Baguio City
6PM – Dinner at Baguio
8PM – ETD going back to Manila
1AM – ETA Manila

Reminders and Tips:

• If you go to Mt. Pulag, don’t visit on weekends because it’s overcrowded there, I suggest you go on weekdays. My group went there on a Sunday-Monday schedule, where Monday is the summit day on Mt. Pulag. It’s not overcrowded at the summit.  

• Mt. Pulag is a major climb with a combination of exposed and covered trails with a few steep segments, so you need to be physically fit and mentally ready prior to the climb. Prepare and submit medical certificates because no med cert is no climb. Please secure the fit to climb certificate at least a week before your climb to avoid delays. 

• Bring your own garbage bag. Do not leave your trash. Respect the place and the locals. Always be a responsible hiker/camper, and bring your own trash when u go down. Please always follow the Leave No Trace principle at all times. We are only there to visit the mountain. Keep the mountain clean. 

• Plan ahead and prepare for the climb. No picking of flowers and do not litter. Respect wildlife animals and leave what you find.

• Pack light going to the summit but have the right things on your backpack. 

• Make sure to bring your own flashlights/headlamps as you will hike in the early morning.

• Be ready with appropriate and comfortable clothing if ever you plan on staying overnight at Mt. Pulag campsite because it’s very cold there and the temperature drops. Don’t underestimate the cold up there, be sure to prepare yourself. This is very important. Bring 3-5 layers of jacket/t-shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of pants, and double your socks. Wear shoes that are good for hiking. 

• You can go overnight camping at Mt. Pulag campsite but bring your own tent. Tents may also be rented from the park. Bring your own camping stoves and cooking utensils. Camping is only allowed on designated campsites. It is important to remember that the temperature on Mt. Pulag campsite can drop to less than zero degrees Celsius. So prepare your body and wear appropriate hiking gear.

• Homestays are available at Baban’s Homestay, they offer homestays for Mt. Pulag climbers in affordable price. Contact info – 09367037749

• Mt. Pulag Ambangeg Trail is good for beginners. It has a total trail length of 16 kilometers.

• Don’t forget the golden rule of traveling – Leave No Trace (LNT) principle. It’s good to keep the mountain clean. Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, keep nothing but memories. 

• The building of fire inside the mountain is strictly prohibited. 

• Parking spaces, wash area and restrooms are available at the jump-off point.

• The best month to climb Mt. Pulag is during the month of December to April. However, you can visit this mountain any month you want and if you’re lucky you can have nice weather even in the rainy season of June to October.

• Pre-booking is mandatory to ensure slots because of the limited number of people allowed per day. Only one hundred tourism arrivals are allowed daily.

• Body temperature checks using thermal scanners are to be undertaken for all visitors.

• The guide fee is 1200 pesos and it’s good only for 5 people. There will be an additional 240 pesos fee per head if more than five people.

• The heritage fee is 150 pesos and the entrance fee in Mt. Pulag is 175 pesos. On the other hand, the homestay is 500 pesos per head.

• It is advised that all Mt. Pulag climbers and visitors should drop at the protected area office visitor center for briefing and registration.

• Please do not proceed if Mt. Pulag has under zero visibility because of strong rains. It is not advisable to climb during that time.

• As of June 2022, Mt. Pulag is now open for all mountaineers and residents coming from Metro Manila and other provinces.
  
  
  
  

I can’t please everyone but I can still motivate others to do hiking and see how great is our God. Hike with respect because time is never wasted with nature. I hope you find this travel and hiking guide to Mt. Pulag Ambangeg Trail helpful for your reference. In general, hiking to the summit of the third highest mountain in the Philippines is such an achievement. Once you go up there, you’ll see and realize that no matter how hard or easy the trail is, it was all worth it. The camera lenses can’t capture how beautiful the sky, the clouds, the mountain, the feeling, and the surroundings but the memory can. Without a doubt, it all goes in the memory.

Moreover, don’t forget to share this with your groups, friends, companions, loved ones, and families if ever you plan on doing Mt. Pulag hike too. I wish to see you on the trail. God bless you in all your future travels and hiking adventures. Thanks for reading.