If you are a mountaineer (or even non-mountaineer), and want to experience an extraordinary adventure in the Philippines, you must consider experiencing the beauty and adventure offered by Mt. Pulag--the third highest mountain in the Philippines and Luzon's highest peak, at 2,922 meters above sea level. Mt. Pulag is surrounded by the municipalities of provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya.
Having a contact number to locals there would help you settle a very convenient arrangement for jeepneys, which would take you from Baguio directly to the Badabak Ranger Station. Most of the jeepney drivers would allow tourists to go to Mt. Pulag to experience the top loading (ride on top of a Jeepney.) The Mt. Pulag adventure usually starts at the jeepney top loading, as it gives you a nice view already going to Mt. Pulag, as well as makes you experience the cold fresh breeze of Benguet.
The total travelling time to go there is 10 hours (from Manila to Baguio then Baguio to the jump-off area). Although it sounds a long travel, this freezing Mt. Pulag climbing experience makes it really worth it.
Mt. Pulag also has various trails that vary from the easiest to challenging -- these trails are the Ambangeg, Akiki, Tawangan and Ambaguio. Most mountaineers and/or those who want to try challenging trails can try to do traverse climbs while the others who only want to experience the wonder of Mt. Pulag in a not-so-challenging way would take the easiest trail which is the Ambangeg. These four major trails are managed by the Mt. Pulag National Park, under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. All tourists must register and take an orientation from their staff before starting the trek, which serves to brief them about the mountain and the dos and don'ts of going to Mt. Pulag
Climbing Mt. Pulag already starts you off from a high altitude. The cold weather is refreshing; however if you are unprepared in gearing, the weather will become a problem for you. After all, temperatures there have been recorded to reach subzero levels. Always prepare your gear for rain and cold. Make sure to water proof your bag; wear arm warmer/jacket, poncho/waterproof jacket, wear wind breaker and fleece jacket to keep you warm. Layering is very important!
There are a few campsites to choose from: Camp 1 is still within the mossy forest area; Camp 2 the grassland is just beginning (2600+ MASL). There is also Camp 3, which goes beyond the summit, on the way to the Akiki trail. This is the saddle campsite and is preferred by those who want close proximity to the summit. On these three campsites, Camp 2 is the most advisable, which is closer to water source, has many nice views, and has more manageable weather conditions.
Some of the highlights of Mt. Pulag climb include the dwarf bamboo (low growing bamboo species), Benguet pine trees, mossy forests, grassland summit and the breathtaking wonderful view of what they call of "Sea of Clouds."
For you to see this, you have to wake up early in the morning to trek (from campsite to summit) to witness the wonderful phenomenon of watching the sunrise above the sea of clouds.