Mt. Pulag: What to Bring & Reminders as you Gear up for the Climb

When in Manila, the scorching heat is no stranger to us and one thing will always be absolutely true: our extreme weather could be one heck of a formidable enemy! Now I don’t know about you, but the heat these past days has been cuh-raaazy! It’s ridiculous, really. No wonder Manila has been recently mentioned as one of the cities in the world that is most vulnerable to the effects of climate change! Whew!

So here’s what I’ve got to say: “ENOUGH!” Go pack your bags homies, and let’s head out–where else–but to the cold mountains!

_{*Cue in ‘Misty Mountains’ song*}

Okay, maybe I should have been clearer: “mountain” and not mountains, because thanks to Byaheng Victory (a partnership between Travel Factor and Victory Liner), When in Manila will be heading out on an adventure this weekend to conquer Luzon’s highest peak: Mt. Pulag!

I really hope I’d conquer it because I’ve NEVER climbed a mountain (yet) and they do say that mountain climbing is no piece of cake… Maybe throw me a mountain of problems, I can take that on! But a real mountain? Oh boy. I can’t say anything yet for that, but hey, I’m not one to say no to a ‘challenge’.

Now Mt. Pulag may have an easy trail (apart from its other trails that are more for pro mountain climbers) but some still say that it can be hard. But I’m not gonna let those comments scare me, nor will I let it make me back down because I am gonna make sure that I get to see this view:

If that sea of clouds didn’t excite you yet, then let me throw in a video below! 

Now that’s what I’m talking about!

A lot of travelers who have been to Pulag are usually greeted with rain so they wouldn’t usually enjoy the kind of views that you have just seen above–but given the recent weather, I have my hopes up for a sunny trek! (And a cold one still too, because it’s always gonna be cold up there!)

Towering 2,922 meters above sea level, Mt. Pulag (like I said) is the highest peak in Luzon and the 3rd highest mountain in the country. There are 4 major trails to the summit, namely for Benguet: the Ambangeg (for beginners), Akiki, and Tawangan, and from Nueva Vizcaya, the Ambaguio trail.

I’m not really sure yet about the trail that we will be going through–though I do know some of the specifics. But… I think I’ll save that for my post-trip post, so you better watch out for my update next week! An account of a first-timer! 😛

For the mean time, I’ll be showing you the things that I’ll be bringing–a list I’ve made after reading through several bloggers’ posts on the internet.

If you happen to be a pro or if you have already been to Pulag, then please don’t hesitate to throw in a comment or two to this post if you want to correct me, help me, or whatever. (You might just save my life! Imagine that! -le gasp- LOLJK)

TO-BRING

• Sleeping Bags
• Water Bottles
  – They said that 3 liters per person would be enough for a one way trip. Apparently, there would be a spring up in those mountains where you could get water. But if you don’t want that then bring more H2O.
• Flashlights or Head Lights
• Backpacks
  – If you don’t have a rain-proof one, then make sure to wrap your things inside in plastic. Just in case it rains!
• Snacks for the hike
• Gloves, scarf, bonnet/cap – anything to heat you up!
• Clothes for Layering. Clothes.
  – Preferably rain-proof jacket, rain-proof pants, RAIN-PROOF EVERYTHING.
• Lots of socks.
  – They said they weren’t kidding when they said that it’s gonna be chilly up in Pulag. So, better take them up for their word.
• Rain Gear
  – Definitely, no umbrellas. But yeah. If you don’t have one, you can use trash bags.
• First Aid & Medicines
  – If you have frequent motion sickness or whatever, best to pack up Bonamine.
• Lots of Plastic
  – To put your trash into, etc. etc. Don’t throw any of these away in that mountain of course!
• Toiletries
• Eating Utensils
• Camera

As you might have noticed in my list, I did NOT include a tent nor did I include the need for us to buy meals. Why? Because I’m travelling in style! If you book with Byaheng Victory (their website cited below this post), certain things will already be included in the package!

For Mt. Pulag that includes  the round-trip, bus/jeep fare, meals, insurance, tent, and more! 

So When in Manila,  you better join the bandwagon of wanderlust sprees! AND! Searches for colder settings in our own country! So book with Byaheng Victory and travel away! Try Mt. Pulag for a start; or you could opt for Mt. Pinatubo and more!

Byaheng Victory is a partnership between Travel Factor (the country’s leading adventure travel company) and Victory Liner (the country’s premier bus transportation company.) They offer a LOT of group tours to different North Luzon destinations that can be reached by Victory Liner. I have got to say that their group trips are often sold out quickly; but no worries because you could also have the comfort of creating your own tour! (More details on their website).

 

Stay tuned for my post-adventure article next week!