Climb #10: Mt. Pulag (via Ambangeg-Ambangeg trail)

(Activity date: April 2-3 2011)
Jump-off point: Ambangeg, Bokod, Benguet

This is my 2nd Pulag assault and a rewarding come back indeed as I was able to have a glimpse of what heaven might look. I'm talking about the sea of clouds and nothing but pure beauty.

Panorama shot of heaven

 My friends, the L.O.B.O. Mountaineers opted to celebrate "Lady Dolly" and our friend Apol's birthday in Pulag since they both haven't been there. The "birthday climb" as we call it, has become a tradition of our group and brotherhood and had played a vital role in the birth of our group.


A joint effort of all our Mountaineering brothers and sisters made this birthday climb possible. I'm just glad that all of us especially Dolly and Apol were gifted by God this rare opportunity to experience the breath taking view on top of Mt. Pulag.


Going to Mt. Pulag via the so called "Executive Trail" is still a test of endurance for most first time hikers. Physical, Mental and Emotional preparation is a must, not just for Pulag but for every mountain you may want to hike. One should also be aware of the possibility of experiencing hypothermia and altitude sickness as these are some of the common yet serious conditions hikers may experience. 3-4 layers of clothes will help keep your blood warm allowing to flowing though your body :)


Anyway, here's the IT that we've followed. Hope this could be of help as I do wish you'll experience the sea of clouds as well. One request though, please do your part in preserving Pulag. The numerous traffic of people that visits this mountain does dramatic changes in its landscape. Irresponsible trekking will ruin this majestic mountain. We are all just passersby. The keyword that I was able to take with me during the DENR is this.. RESPECT. Please take it with you as well :)

Resting :)

Day 0
10pm - ETD from Victory Pasay (Our original plan was Victory Cubao. It's still best if you could make seat reservations)


Day 1

0400 - ETA Baguio City

0430 - ETD to Ranger Station
0530 - ETA Pingkan Jo's eatery. There's another popular eatery along the winding road going to DENR. They call it Jang-Jang eatery. But according to our Pulag contact, you need to inform this eatery if you opt to eat there since there may not be enough food for big groups. This of course was just a second hand info. Still worth noting. This is where we bought our packed lunch 

0630 - ETA Ambuklao Dam. Picture taking. The dam was almost dry when we got there. The last time we were in that Dam, water is rushing like crazy that they seem to form clouds at the bottom of the dam.
0700 - Resume Jeep Ride
0800 - ETA Ambangeg - Registration and DENR seminar
0900 - Resume jeep ride to Ranger Station, short stop over at Mam Gina's Place. We opted to leave our wash clothes here. Less load
1030 - ETA Ranger Station, arrange guide and Porter.
1100 - Start Trek with our guide (Ate Agot, Kuya Efren, +2 others)
1200 - ETA Waiting Shed, aka Camp 1. Lunch
1330 - Pulag GrassLand
1500 - ETA - Tawangan - Lusod Junction
1730 - ETA Pulag Saddle Campsite
1900 - Dinner/Socials
2300 - Lights out. Rest for sunrise viewing. Actually most of us dozed off at around 9pm due to the cold and 
          piercing wind :)

Grassland's super established trail

Day 2
0430 Wake up call
0500 Arrival at summit. Waited for the wonderful wonderful Mr. Sun to rise
0630 Back to Camp
0740 Breakfast
0800 Break Camp, picture taking
1000 Start Trek to ranger station
1100 ETA Camp 2
1230 ETA Camp 1
1400 ETA Ranger Station; end of Trek. Optional wash up for Lead group
1440 ETD Ambangeg, Lunch and wash up at Mam Ginia's place.
1530 ETA Ambangeg, sign out at DENR, resume jeepney ride to Baguio. This was the part that I forgot when I decided to go back to Pulag. The long and winding road to Baguio. I threw up on both jeepney stop over.. >_<
1800 ETA at Baguio. Bought tickets to manila.
2050 Head back to Manila. Victory Baguio seems to have a very busy schedule that day. Buses leaves every 10 minuites! The bus only took 1 stop over and I believe was driving really fast. The usual 6-7 hours was reduced to 5 hrs :D and this was just the ordinary fared bus. Bravo!!!


I'd like to note some of our trip's highlights:
1. One of our friend passed out during their late socials. Good thing most of us knew the symptoms of hypothermia and was able to respond quickly and revived our friend back.
 2. 2-3 had headache (I suspected this was brain freeze effect)

3. One lost his balance and almost fell down the trail while crossing the grassland.

4. One was thought to be lost. Turns out, he was just a fast trekker. "Flew" all the way to camp 1 passing by the lead group.

As for the expenses, here's the rough estimate of my personal expense:
Fare to Baguio - 460
Jeep Fare - 567 (2 jeeps were hired by our group. @8,500 per 16 seater jeep)
DENR Fee - 200
Guide - 100 per pax. Maximum of 10 person per guide
Others - 155 + 390 (I left my bag cover which is why I need to buy 1)
Duct Tape - 167
Foods and drugs expense estimate - 500
Fare to Cubao - 450
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Total: 2989 -> this includes the pre climb preparation expenses..