The summit of Mt Pulag is vegetated with grass. It is a mossy forest. Trees are pushed
down the slope. The tree line is made of gnarled shrubs perpetually dwarfened by wind.
Mt. Pulag is considered the 2nd highest mountain in the Philippines, next to Mt. Apo. Mt.
Pulag is typically different from the rainforest mountains. At its height at nearly three
kilometers (2923 meters) it assumes a semi-temperate climate and an alpine biome.
Mt. Pulag is one of the most beautiful and sought after mountain trekking spots in the Philippines.
The mountain was declared as a National Park in order to protect the diversity and the inhabiting
wild animal species in the area. You can find many wild exotic bird species in the dense forests
along the trail to Mt. Pulag. There are about 33 bird species which can be found in this area.
From the start off point, it may take about 5 days and 4 nights of trekking expedition to reach the
peaks of Mt. Pulag. There are many suitable camping sites along the trail where you can
comfortably set up your tent to get a good rest and relax. Though the Philippine terrain is in a
tropical region, the temperature in getting near or being at the peak may go as low as 0oC. It is
advised to bring appropriate thermals and wind breakers for cold and freezing protection.
It is considered as one of the most beautiful National Parks in the Cordillera Area. Mt. Pulag is
typically different from the rainforest mountains in the Philippines because of its open area
(no trees mountain). It also has its distinct characteristics of changing color on different occasions
and season. During the dry season, Mt. Pulag is brown similar to the chocolate Hills of Bohol.
During the Rainy Monsoon season, it will vary from light green to rich dark green rolling plains,
almost similar to a well maintained golf course. Local People believed that is was, and is a play
ground of the gods.
One of the foremost adventure destinations in Northern Luzon, Philippines - Mount Pulag is in many
Filipino and international mountain climbers' must-do list or bucket list, if you will. Standing at 2922
meters above sea level (MASL), Mount Pulag is the highest peak in Luzon, the second highest in the
Philippines. In any case, Mount Pulag is first-rate in giving the novice, the uninitiated, the newbie in
mountaineering, hiking or trekking as much adventure and as much awe and wonder as the seasoned
mountaineer.
How to get there
The trip to Pulag usually starts from the 8-hour bus trip from Manila to Baguio. This can be
best done overnight so that you can rest throughout the entire trip. The bus that leaves Manila
by 10-12 PM is the best trip to take. Arrange your transportation by hiring a jeepney parked
along the Caltex station near Burnham park and Session road or by taking the Norton buses
(Northern Transit Terminal Station at the top of Magsaysay Avenue) bound for Kabayan Benguet.
There are three established trail for Mt. Pulag namely the Ambangeg (Babadac), Ellet (Eddet)
and Kabayan (Akiki or Killer Trail). Another trail goes directly to Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya which
is known as the Lusod trail.