Who would have thought that a tropical country had a place that would make you feel like you were in a cool non-tropical location. That is what Mr. Pulag National Park shall offer to its visitors, a place of mossy forest and vast rolling fields and a view that is worth every sweat.
It is quite hard to imagine that there is such a place here in the Philippines with temperatures averaging at 10degrees celsius and below. To those that have visited and stayed in Mt Pulag, they shall attest to this norm at its highest peak reaching as high up as 2,922 meters above sea level. Aside from the cold blast of air, you shall also be greeted by frost lining the grass and most everything outside.
Mt. Pulag, is not all about coldness though. It is home to over 528 different plant species such as the endemic Dwarf Bamboo that you can see after the mossy forest towards the saddle camp. There are also over 33 species of birds and several endangered mammals like the Philippine Brown Deer, Giant Bushy -Tailed Cloud Rat, and the Long Haired Fruit Bat, all of which can only be found here in Mt. Pulag's forest.
The Ibaloi and Kalanguya are the major tribes that reside in Mt. Pulag. They believe that the mountain is home to the spirits of their dead ancestors and the playground of their gods. This is the reason why the mountain is considered very sacred. Here you shall see how much closer you are to God and his creation as you get to see the spectacular view of the sunrise amidst the sea of clouds from the summit giving its visitors the impression that you have reached the heavens.
The beauty of the vast grassland at the saddle camp, reminiscent of green, wide fields contrasted against a blue sky would most definitely command respect from anyone. There are many trails to get to the summit of Mt. Pulag. The easier one is the Ambangeeg trail. Adventurous and well-trained hikers could opt to do the multi-day trek via the Akiki trail with a trip to the Eddet River with fresh, icy drinkable water, and stopping by Marlboro Country, which is the halfway mark towards the summit, the Tawangan trail from Benguet and the Ambaguio trail from Nueva Vizcaya. The mountain is a proclaimed National Park, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources manage the different trails and protect the area.
The best time to go to Mt. Pulag is during the summer months, where the chances of seeing a clear sunrise is better since fog and clouds during the rainy season can make visibility poor. It is best to go prepared as Mt Pulag is no ordinary hike - the threat of hypothermia is real especially for those that are unsuspecting.
To those that haven't seen and gone through the hike, the tiring trek and the cold climat is most definitely worth it as at the end of your journey you'll get to see the wondrous sight that awaits those who would make it to the top. Mt. Pulag shall definitely make you feel like you are truly in Heaven on Earth.
For more inquiries on Mt. Pulag:
DENR Mt Pulag National Park
(+63929) 166 8864
email: mossyorchid@yahoo.com
fax: +6374 444 2720
Check out Benguet's travel tips Prior to going to Mt. Pulag
Mt. Pulag Travel Tips
Also found a blogger that details the costings of the Mt. Pulag Adventure:
The Kayumanggi Trails: Pulag Particulars
Or check out this Mt. Pulag Tour Group
Mount Pulag Adventures
Happy Hiking
Till Next Time...
-Metz-
No comments:
Post a Comment