Mount Pulag

Philippines

Mount Pulag: The Third Highest Filipino Peak and “Playground of the Gods”

Mount Pulag, Philippines via Ronald Ladines on Unsplash
Natural Height
Hiking Period
Terrain
Weather
Equipment
Rest Stops & Facilities
Guides & Porters
Location
Safety
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Summary Mount Pulag Philippines - Summary

Pulag has been used as a burial place for thousands of years by the Ibaloi people of Benguet. Here they mummify their dead and place them in caverns within the mountain. The burial caves, are now one of the main attractions of this site and are considered Philippine national cultural treasures.

Mount Pulag is also famous for its “sea of clouds” and the view of the Milky Way Galaxy at dawn, attracting numerous tourists every year hoping to catch a glimpse of this sunrise scenery.

Climbing Mount Pulag Philippines - Height and Distance

Natural Mount Pulag Philippines - Natural Height

Summits Index:
4 / 10 (2,001m - 3,000m)

2,926 m (9,600 ft)

Natural Mount Pulag Philippines - Hiking Period

Summits Index:
3 / 10 (2 days)

There are four major trails up the summit:

Ambangeg:

This is the easiest and most popular route, especially amongst beginners. It takes about two days to complete.

Akiki:

This is a 3-day long, advanced-level hike.

Tawangan trails from Benguet:

This trail takes about 9 hours to reach the summit and descent via the Ambangeg trail takes roughly 4.5 hours. If you start before sunrise the trek can be done in one day, arriving back in the evening.

Ambaguio trail from Nueva Vizcaya:

It takes roughly 3 days to reach the summit using this trail.

If you want to catch the sunrise at the peak, you’ll most likely have to start your trek around 03:00-04:00 AM on Day 2.

Difficulty Mount Pulag Philippines - Hiking Difficulty

Difficulty Mount Pulag Philippines - Terrain

Summits Index:
4 / 10 (Generally mild, though may be challenging in some parts)

This is a climb that boasts a huge variety of trees and flora and fauna with a lot of mossy trees, grass and dwarf bamboo along the way.

The final climb to the peak may be quite steep and tough, sometimes requiring some scrambling.

Difficulty Mount Pulag Philippines - Weather

Summits Index:
6 / 10 (Unfriendly during parts of the year, but trail remains open throughout)

Because of its high elevation, the climate on Mount Pulag is temperate with rains predominating the whole year. August is the wettest month of the year.

Snow has not fallen on its top in over 100 years, however, there have been mild flurries on the mountain, especially during the winter months of December, January and February.

The best time to climb Pulag would be during the summer months of March to May.

Difficulty Mount Pulag Philippines - Equipment

Summits Index:
4 / 10 (Poles for support and / or gloves and clothes for cold, wet, or windy weather)

Quality hiking boots are recommended for this hike and it is advisable that hikers pack and wear attire fit for the freezing temperatures that can cause discomfort, especially during the night.

Facilities Mount Pulag Philippines - Support Facilities

Facilities Mount Pulag Philippines - Rest Stops & Facilities

Summits Index:
6 / 10 (Simple but sufficient facilities; regular rest stops, but no food and water)

At the trailhead, you’ll find a registration kiosk and toilets/bathrooms.

Along the trail food and water is mainly only available from guides/porters, though there is a potable water source in the first few kilometres of the trail. However, it is still recommended to treat this water if you choose to use it as drinking water.

The summit base camp offers shelters for overnight rest.

Facilities Mount Pulag Philippines - Guides and Porters

Summits Index:
4 / 10 (Recommended, or required by regulation even though technically may not be necessary; reliable and affordable easily available)

This is an okay hike for solo travellers, however taking a guide from the ranger station is a requirement. Porters are also recommended but optional.

Accessibility Mount Pulag Philippines - Accessibility and Safety

Accessibility Mount Pulag Philippines - Location

Summits Index:
7 / 10 (Need at least a week to plan)

The trip by private vehicle to Baguio from Manila should take around 4 hours. However, some buses start from Cubao as well.

The Manila International Airport is the nearest airport for travellers from across the seas.

Accessibility Mount Pulag Philippines - Safety

Summits Index:
4 / 10 (Little risk of injuries, but not recommended for single travelers)

Insects and wildlife:

There are many plants and some say leeches and various other insects and rodents too so it’s best to dress appropriately to avoid any hazards.

Climbing safety:

There may be some scrambling towards the peak of this trek as well so prepare for any scrambling.

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