Discovering the Beauty of Mt. Pulag
I deliberated extensively before penning this blog, torn between keeping Mt. Pulag a secret and sharing its wonders. However, nature's beauty is meant to be appreciated and experienced by all. My hope is that by sharing this journey, more people will be inspired to venture into nature and reap its health benefits.
My quest began in October, driven by a longing to climb. It had been eight months since my last ascent, and the call of the mountains was undeniable. With December flights being pricey, I sought a nearby mountain and stumbled upon Mt. Pulag, a UNESCO site boasting the highest peak in Luzon and the mesmerising sea of clouds. The allure was irresistible. Short flight from Singapore - check. Breathtaking views - check. Idyllic grassland summit - double check. A quick browse on YouTube revealed mostly local-made videos, sparking my curiosity about this potentially undiscovered gem.
Although none of my friends had visited, I was fortunate to have a Filipino client who shared valuable insights and advice, having frequented Mt. Pulag for photography. His enthusiasm further fueled my excitement. Convinced, I booked my flight to Clark and arranged a hiking tour through a local agency.
The journey commenced with an early flight, smoothly landing at the picturesque Clark Airport, a testament to its beauty and efficiency. After a brief exploration of the city, complete with indulging in a cup of coffee and last-minute hiking gear shopping at Decathlon, we embarked on the trek.
The hike kicked off at 1:30 am from Dua Bus Terminal’s Jollibee, a van packed with eager climbers. The six-hour journey to the trailhead proved challenging, exacerbated by the lack of neck pillows and motion sickness. Nonetheless, we pressed on, fueled by anticipation.
Upon arrival, a mandatory medical checkup ensured our fitness for the hike, a unique requirement by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Following a hearty breakfast, we received a thorough briefing and bid farewell to civilization's comforts, venturing into the wilderness.
Ban Ban Homestay, our basecamp, offered a tranquil respite amidst verdant farmlands. Surrounded by nature's serenity, devoid of distractions, I revelled in the simplicity of the moment, realising the profound impact of disconnecting from the digital world.
After a leisurely lunch and exploration of the surrounding farms, we rested until midnight, gearing up for the ascent. The journey began under the moonlit sky, with each step bringing us closer to the summit and the breathtaking sunrise awaiting us.
As dawn broke, the famed 'Sea of Clouds' unfolded before our eyes, a sight beyond words. Captivated by nature's splendour, we savoured the moment, reluctant to leave. Descending, we embraced the scenery anew, marvelling at the beauty concealed by darkness during our ascent.
Upon returning to civilization, the trip concluded with a shower, packing, and a sense of fulfilment. Reflecting on the experience, I realised the transformative power of nature and the importance of savouring its wonders.
In sharing this journey, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own adventures and discover the unparalleled beauty of Mt. Pulag—a mountain worth sharing and preserving for generations to come.
So would you take the next step?
Packing list
Clothes
Long sleeve t-shirt
Hiking pants (long)
Compression tights (long)
windproof/waterproof jacket (used only at the top)
Fleece jacket (did not use)
Cap
Neck warmer
Thin gloves
Thicker gloves ( unused)
Footwear
Old army boots
Other hiking equipment
backpack 30litres (can go smaller)
Trekking pole x1
Headlamp
Casio Protrek watch
Water bottle x2 (1 litre and 700ml)
Food
Dried mango x1 packet
Granola snack
Nuts
Energy gel (unused)
