Facts
- Elevation: 2,926 m (9,600 ft)
- Prominence: 2,926 m
- Ribu category:
Tinggi Sedang - Region:
Luzon - Coordinates: 16.5975, 120.8992
- Rating:
(1 votes) Add your rating
Loading... - Other names: Bundok Pulag
- World Ribus ID: 69502
Photos
Bagging It!
Mount Pulag is Luzon’s highest mountain and the second-most prominent peak in the Philippines. Due to the extensive grassland and dwarf bamboo at the top it’s a fabulous viewpoint, particularly at first light. Unsurprisingly it is very popular and there are several routes up. It has been a national park since 1987 and probably climbed by local Ibaloi tribespeople for thousands of years.
The main trails are Ambangeg (SW), Akiki (NW), Tawangan (N) and Ambaguio (S). Ambangeg is the shortest, easiest and by far the most popular, starting at the Babadak Ranger Station to the south-west of the summit and already well over 2,400 metres above sea level. It passes by Camp 1 (around 2,550m) and Camp 2 (around 2,690m just before the Radio Tower). There’s also a Saddle Camp (at around 2,800m) just west of the summit. This route can be regarded as beginner-friendly and the only reason that hikers on that trail bother to camp near the summit is because the views are best at sunrise. Really fast hikers could be up and down within 4 hours, but most require longer at a more leisurely pace.
The Akiki, Tawangan and Ambaguio trails are more complex and need more advance planning with an experienced local guide. The Akiki route is probably the second most popular, starting at around 1,250m and requiring one night camping, either at Eddet River or Marlboro Camp. The Ambaguio route is the longest, a multi-day hike from the south via Balete.
Practicalities
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- Getting there: This is often hiked a weekends by large groups from Manila. It usually involves a bus journey to the pleasant mountain town of Baguio (the first hill station to be built by the Americans in 1900), then jeepney to the Ambangeg trailhead and one night camping below the summit. There are several homestays near the Ambangeg trailhead.
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- Permits: Required. Register at Daclan (1,300m) for the Ambangeg trail and prepare a health certificate. You also have to watch a video about park regulations, presumably due to irresponsible behaviour and littering in the past.
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- Water sources: Take sufficient bottled water with you for the Ambangeg trail, according to whether you are camping and cooking or not. Available at Eddet River campsite on the Akiki route. Unknown for the other routes.
Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Manila) 
Location
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Origins and Meaning
Mount Pulag’s name is said to mean “bald” or “bald head” in the local languages, possibly referring to the mountain’s grassland summit which lacks trees.
Joined a group tour from Manila with return transports and one night stay at the mountain dorm. I am the only foreigner and the locals are very friendly and help with translation. We took the Ambangeg trail to Pulag summit. For those who hike regularly, this trail is quite easy especially when you are in big group with slower pace. Due to the long driving distances, requirement of permit and health check, I think joining a tour (group or private) is most practical.