Mt. Pulag, Benguet 2

posted on Sunday May 7, 2023

Same date, same mountain 13 years after.

After our fateful first meeting via Mt. Pulag’s Ambangeg trail during a Labor Day hike in 2010---it’s time Ling and I return where everything started. Only this time, via the mountain’s killer Akiki trail with 7 out of 9 level of difficulty. Excitement filled my days prior to our most awaited major climb. Mt. Pulag is Luzon’s tallest peak soaring at 2922 MASL and it is also the country’s third highest mountain. No matter how many mountains Ling and I scale twogether, this playground of the Gods will always be special.

Ling and I joined the iCLIMBmountain organizer for the fee of P4,800 per person. It is inclusive of private van transpo, registration, guide and environmental fees plus five meals. There were 10 of us in the group and we were off to Kabayan, Benguet past 11:00 pm. Don’t forget to bring a medical certificate as it is one of the requirements in hiking Mt. Pulag.

After breakfast and registration, we lined up to attend the orientation. Like what we did 13 years ago, we also made it a point to place our Horizon Extreme Adventure Team printout in the ranger station’s legendary hall. Hoping Ling and I can see this again on our return. *wink*

By 12 noon, we were off to Eddet River. It took us two hours to reach the campsite. We started trek past 7am the following day. The second day of hike made us understand why the Akiki trail has been dubbed as Mt. Pulag’s killer trail. The steep slopes are endless! But I was blown away by its scenic pine-covered paths. And oh, the Marlboro Country was beyond stunning. We had lunch while appreciating this overlooking landscape.

The real challenge began when we passed through the mossy forest. We were already warned that rains pour every afternoon. Little did we know that the heavens would rock our trail with strong rains and thunder...to the point that Ling and I questioned the reason we hike. Haha

It took us 5 hours and 30 minutes to reach the saddle campsite. And Mt. Pulag surprisingly gave us more reasons to carry on---a rainbow and an impressive sunrise with superb clearing when we reached the summit. Oh, Mt. Pulag, we will no doubt be back!

For joiner climbs, you can contact iCLIMBmountain thru Alfred Asan: 0905-707-0178.

See also our climb up Mt. Apo, Mt. Pulag via Ambaguio-Tawangan traverse, Mt. Napulauan, Kibungan Cross Country, Tarak Ridge, Mt. Ugo, Mt. Pulag via Ambangeg Trail, Mt. Arayat, Mt. Balagbag, Mt. Amuyao, Mt. Pigingan, Mt. Purgatory Traverse, and Mt. Timbak.