2024 Ultimate 2D1N Mt.Pulag Guide Akiki – Ambangeg
This was my first hiking trip in the Philippines, but not my first ever hike, as I am based abroad and have already hiked a few mountains before this. Yet, Mt. Pulag’s beauty surpasses that of the previous mountains I’ve experienced in Asia.
This is a guided trip, I joined a group hike arranged by a local travel agency recommended by a friend of mine. In this blog, I will also share you their contact details and the benefits of availing of their services.
So, buckle up for an adventure because, in this blog, I’m spilling all the beans on hiking Mt. Pulag via the Akiki Trail and Ambangeg. From what snacks to pack to where to catch the best sunrise, consider this your ultimate guide to conquering this natural wonder!
Mt. Pulag
Mt. Pulag National Park, 2,928 MASL, the third highest mountain in the Philippines, nestled in the beautiful provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya in the Philippines, is like nature’s playground for folks who love exploring.
Mount Pulag is renowned for its “sea of clouds” and its stunning view of the Milky Way Galaxy during dawn, drawing numerous tourists who seek to witness its otherworldly scenery.
The whole mountain is seen as the dwelling of the Tinmongao spirits and is revered as the sacred resting place for the souls of the Ibaloi people and other ethnic groups in the area. This is why Mt. Pulag is also known as the “Playground of Gods,” owing to its exceptional beauty.
Mt.Pulag Image Gallery
Trails of Mt. Pulag
There are 4 major trails that connects to the peak of Mt. Pulag
Ambangeg Trail
Also known as the “Artista Trail” it is the easiest and the safest trail to reach the peak of Mt.Pulag. It is a 7.3km one-way distance for about 3-4 hours moving time. There are two campsites along the Ambangeg Trail namely, Camp 1 and Camp 2. Camp 2, is most often packed with hikers as it is the nearest spot from the peak. If you want to witness the famous sunrise sea of clouds, you might want to camp at Camp 2 to be at the peak as early as possible before the sunrise.
Since the Ambangeg Trail is the easiest trail, it is also the most famous trail and most often overpopulated with hikers coming from different parts of the Philippines as well as foreign tourists. So, if I were you and planning to go through this trail, I would avoid scheduling my hike during weekends and holidays, or else you will witness a “Sea of Crowds”
Akiki Trail
Akiki trail also known as the “Killer Trail” is one of the hardest and deadliest trails of Mt. Pulag. It is an 8.6km one-way distance for about 6 to 8 hours of moving time. It is not the distance, but it is the combination of a 45-degree average elevation gradient for a distance of 5km that made it the killer trail. Additionally, it is a grassy forest that makes it vulnerable to forest fires. In fact, I’ve heard from my guide that there was a forest fire the day after my hike.
There are three campsites along the Akiki Trail, Eddet Camp Site, Marlboro Campsite, and Saddle Camp Site whereas Eddet and Marlboro Campsites have lodging. There are times that Eddet and/or Marlboro Campsites are fully occupied however, hikers can still pitch their tents around the lodging.
Tawangan Trail
Also known as the “Bloody Trail” because of the Limatik (blood leeches) that are notorious along the long-distance mossy forest of Tawangan Trail. The trail is 11.1km one-way distance to the peak and can be covered by an average moving time of 5 hours.
Ambaguio
With a 25km distance, the Ambaguio trail is the longest trail going to the peak of Mt.Pulag.
Why did I choose Akiki Trail?
So, why did I choose the Akiki Trail?
First, I am not a beginner hiker. Before climbing Mt.Pulag, I have already climbed a few mountains in Taiwan including the Jade Mountain or Yushan standing on top of 3,952 MASL.
Second, it was the holiday season when I scheduled my trip and you won’t believe me if I tell you that there were about 300 hikers on that day that attended the DENR’s mandatory seminar. Out of 300, only 6 of us dared to go through the Akiki Trail the rest went through the Ambangeg Trail. Imagine yourself on a trail with heavy foot traffic and arriving at the peak with the “Sea of Crowds”.
And so, I rather planned my trip to ascent from the Akiki Trail and descend through the Ambangeg Trail. It turned out great!
Hiking Requirements
Medical Certificate
This is a major requirement by the local DENR office of MT. Pulag, without it you are not allowed to hike. Before the hike, ask your organizer if they can take you to the clinic near the DENR office to obtain a medical certificate from a local doctor. Otherwise, if not available, you’ll need to get a medical certificate from any clinic before you travel to Kabayan.
DENR Orientation
Every morning, DENR hosts an orientation for all Mt. Pulag hikers, regardless of which trail they are taking. During this orientation, they introduce Mt. Pulag, its history, and heritage values, and provide guidelines on what to do and what not to do while on the mountain.
Trail Orientation
Lastly, before entering the trail, you’ll receive a brief introduction about the specific trail at the ranger station. Here, they will outline the trail’s characteristics, what to expect along the way, identify danger spots, highlight camp sites, and point out water supply locations.
Things to prepare
As a general rule of thumb in hiking, “pack light” which means bring as few items as you can but not bring a light (lol!). Of course, you have to bring a light. Joking aside, on this trip I did my best to bring as few items as I could and make my bag as light as it could.
However, it would be a problem if you are somebody like me who likes to bring your photography equipment like cameras and a drone. Those gadgets itself weighed 3kg in my bag! And including everything I’ve had a 12kg pack!
Food
When hiking, it’s essential to pack snacks that are lightweight, nutritious, and easy to eat on the go. Some recommended snacks for hiking include:
- Trail mix: A mix of nuts, dried fruits, and seeds provides energy and essential nutrients.
- Energy bars: Choose bars high in protein and fiber to keep you fueled throughout the hike.
- Fresh fruits: Apples, oranges, bananas, and berries are easy to carry and provide hydration and natural sugars.
- Jerky: Lean protein like beef or turkey jerky is a portable and satisfying snack.
- Nut butter packets: Individual servings of peanut butter or almond butter offer a quick protein boost.
- Granola or cereal bars: Look for bars with whole grains and minimal added sugars for sustained energy.
- Rice cakes or crackers: These provide carbohydrates for quick energy and can be paired with nut butter or cheese for a balanced snack.
- Dark chocolate: A small piece of dark chocolate can satisfy sweet cravings and provide antioxidants.
Since it was an organized hiking trip, our organizer prepared food for us at the campsite and the lodging at the end of the hike. Because of this, I only brought snacks that are easy to eat on the go and will keep me energized.
Hiking Gears
Here is the essential hiking gear I brought during the hike to Mt. Pulag:
- Bubble Jacket: This is very important when you are going to high-altitude mountains. Not only does it provide protection, but it is also lightweight.
- Water-Resistant and Windbreaker Jacket: I use the one I bought from UNIQLO; it is very reliable and has easy-access pockets outside and inside.
- Hiking Shorts/Pants: I prefer wearing shorts when hiking Mt. Pulag because I expect it to be hot, and wearing shorts makes it more comfortable and easier to move. However, using pants will provide more protection from scratches, especially on the grassy Akiki Trail.
- Hiking Shoes: I used Quenchua hiking boots I bought from Decathlon. It is sturdy and comfortable and it has been my only hiking shoes ever since I started my hiking journey until now! And yes, it doesn’t have any damage yet given that I have already conquered the highest mountain in Taiwan.
- Hiking Backpack: I highly recommend investing in a good hiking backpack because it carries your belongings all the time, and it shouldn’t cause you more problems than its function. You can find a cheap and decent hiking backpack at Decathlon.
- Hiking Stick: While not necessary in most cases, it’s still helpful to distribute your weight and utilize your arms by using a hiking stick. It also serves as a safety tool for me, allowing me to test the ground before taking each step.
- Headlamp: Because you are aiming for the sea of clouds, you have to start your hike as early as possible. Using a headlight is so much better than a flashlight or your phone light.
- First Aid Kit: bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers.
- Sleeping Bag: This is crucial, especially if you plan to camp overnight, as temperatures during midnight can drop to 0 degrees Celsius or even lower. However, I didn’t bring a sleeping bag with me. Instead, I packed three jackets and a lightweight blanket, which I wore all at once to keep warm.
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Packing Tips
You may be wondering “Why are there two bags of clothing?”
One 3kg bag for hiking and another 3kg for regular clothing. As mentioned, this trip was made very convenient by our organizers. I could separate my load into hiking essentials and non-essentials, leaving unnecessary items in our van while we were on the hike.
Here are some of my packing tips for you:
- Check the Weather
Before packing, check the weather forecast for your hiking destination. Pack appropriate clothing and gear based on the expected conditions. - Choose the Right Footwear
Wear sturdy and comfortable hiking boots or shoes with good traction and ankle support. Break them in before your hike to avoid blisters. - Pack Essentials
Include navigation tools (map, compass, GPS), a first aid kit, headlamp or flashlight, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and a multi-tool or knife. For navigation, I use multiple mobile apps such as Google Maps, Strava, and AnyTrails. - Hydration
Although there is spring water in Eddet Camp, I still recommend carrying enough water and/or a water filtration system or purification tablets to stay hydrated. Consider a hydration pack or water bottles. - Nutrition
Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and dried fruits. Include meals if your hike requires overnight camping.= - Emergency Gear
Bring a whistle, emergency shelter (such as a lightweight bivy or space blanket), a fire starter, and a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger for emergencies. - Pack Light
One of the most important things, avoid overpacking by bringing only essential items. Opt for lightweight and compact gear whenever possible. - Test Your Gear and Charge Your Gadgets
Before your hike, test all your gear to ensure everything works properly and fits comfortably. This includes your backpack, footwear, clothing layers, and any electronic devices.
Hike Itinerary
Day One
07:00 ETA at Kabayan
08:00 Side trip while waiting for the DENR and Clinic to open
09:00 Head to clinic to get your medical certificate
09:30 Head to DENR for registration and orientation
10:30 Head to the Ranger Station
11:00 Arrive at the Ranger Station, Baggage Preparation, Trail Orientation
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Depart at the Akiki Trail Head
14:00 Arrive at Eddet Camp Site, Rest
14:15 Head for Marlboro Campsite
17:00 Arrive at Marlboro Campsite
17:10 Set-up Camp
18:00 Dinner
19:00 Rest
Day Two
02:00 Wake-up Call, Preparation
02:30 Depart from Marlboro Campsite
04:00 Arrive at the Grassland
05:00 Arrive at the Saddle Camp
06:00 Summit
08:00 Depart from Summit, Descent at Ambangeg Trail
09:00 Arrive at Camp 2
10:00 Arrive at Camp 1
10:30 Arrive at Ambangeg Trail head
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