I knew the Philippines has some mighty mountains and I was content to leave it to experts or mountaineering fanatics for the longest time. But this year, I finally succumbed to the Mount Pulag craze out of curiosity and that voice in my head that says I need some exercise haha. I was there for a weekend to push my body to the limits and up to new heights. For once in my life, I climbed (and documented the arduous journey) as if this was going to be my last. Today, I'd like to show you the challenges I went through to get there through photos, as well as the Ambangeg Trail, comfort room situation and some nice things I found along the way =) The only Pulag photos I remember I saw before the trip were the poster views from the summit. Well, there's a whole Mt. Pulag National Park out there to explore and of course, people who will support you throughout the trip to capture! I've already told you about the very eventful morning before the climb on my last post. I believe that the afternoon that followed with the Pulag overnight camping deserves another post. When I was there, it felt like the longest day and weekend ever. Take note and be warned, I have mastered the art of slow trekking here hahaha. Whoever would want to race you to an elevated base camp is nuts ;) Even at my pace, I tell you, I was faced with altitude-sickness!
I like the way the chief kuya told me to enjoy the trek with just my walking stick and he'll take care of the rest hahaha.
I know this may not be how others roll or do hardcore trekking but I REALLY appreciated it as a first-timer. This way I was able to take more pictures,
appreciate the view
and concentrate on surviving the trail.
I know this may not be how others roll or do hardcore trekking but I REALLY appreciated it as a first-timer. This way I was able to take more pictures,
appreciate the view
and concentrate on surviving the trail.
The first part of the trail was filled with mixed vegetation.
Ideally, we should trek in single file.
Here's the gang, still fresh ahaha.
Do you see the trail below? =)
You'll come across porters carrying a ton of load and walking super fast.
This was one of my favorite areas with all those wild white flowers.
Sometimes, there's a narrow path with overgrown bushes of vegetation.
My least favorite part were these unstable makeshift tree trunks on the trail.
You'll notice the landscape change gradually
once you see these (mossy) trees.
We started to walk up instead of just straight.
There's this steep fork that will merge on top.
2:30 p.m.
After this first milestone, we've reached the first pitstop - Pulag Camp #1. It was also getting colder at this point.
I was glad for the break but I know this broke my pace for the past hour.
The trail got harder and narrower going up.
You'd notice the decrease in pictures because I was already struggling (without even carrying anything) haha. Maybe I was dehydrated or just hungry hehehe. By the way, there's no bathroom available from the time you leave the Ranger Station until you reach Camp #2!
I'd welcome brief stops and photo sessions anytime hahaha. Here's half of the langgam/pagong (ant/turtle) squad ahahaha. I'm really grateful that Jeff was with me all the way.
We began to turn left and by the time we reached this Spring Water potable drinking source, I eventually believed the manong porters I met (already going down the mountain) when they said, "Just 15 more minutes!" =)
When I saw this sign from a distance, I knew I had finally made it!
Just a few more steps and I can finally see the top! Hahaha. I'm sure I wasn't the only one haha.
4 p.m.
This was our camping ground - Pulag Camp #2!
The first thing I did was look for the restroom to pee hahaha. There's an arrow to the left.
Some were already done pitching their tents.
I made my way through a lot and the smell of their now-cooked food made me my tummy growl.
until I finally found the restroom!
Um possibly not a pretty sight but I really need to let you know. Obviously, you can't take a bath for the weekend and you really have to be careful here. One wrong step and you're done for!
I later found out that I have to climb some more since this site was already full and there's a restroom there as well.. Hay.. coz I ran off to find the CR! haha. From the left of the picture below, I walked all the way down the middle while our camp was up the opposite direction!
Porters talaga, my idols!
Effort to go up this grassland, FYI! haha.
Pretty nice view from our camp site for the night.
Tada! The campers down there (picture above) have to pass by our camp early next morning for the summit climb.
We had to set up here since there was apparently no more ground left with a flatter surface haha. Ever tried sleeping on an inclined tent?!
On the left like a mountain away is another makeshift hut/CR! Imagine needing to go to the toilet at night and passing through a lot of tents and bushes. The condition is way worse though (especially the next morning..).
Our family of porters were already pitching our tents by the time we got there.
I was already slumped on the grass. I've fallen and I can't get up from exhaustion. Boy, my body's really out of shape hihi.
It was also quite windy and getting dark already so our guides had a hard time starting the burners they brought. Dinner was already included in the Anywhere Philippines Mt. Pulag package. If only I was a little better, I could have eaten more of that Spicy Adobo!
The experience for the day was wonderful although I was beginning to feel the weight of it all before the sun came down. By nightfall, I felt like throwing up (without even eating anything) with a splitting headache and very, very cold with my bubble jacket, wind breaker, double socks and thermals.
It was another sleepless night, only tonight, I had made it to one of the highest points in my life. It was so overwhelming that I had a terrible headache and nausea hahaha.
Weekend Overnight Mount Pulag Tour by Anywhere Philippines
Anywhere Philippines Website
To reserve:
HOTLINE: 0917.518.TRIP (8747)
EMAIL: anywhere.phils@yahoo.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/anywherephilippines
If you're wondering how to prepare for this trek, read:
Mt. Pulag Adventure with Anywhere Philippines, The Journey Before Reaching the Start of the Trek!
For Anywhere Philippines GCs, click here!
