Philippines : Benguet, Mt. Pulag

Mt Pulag is every mountaineer's dream destination in Luzon. Hailed as the third highest peak in the country, its high altitude and dropping temperature makes it challenging to climb, especially to first-time hikers. Though it might look intimidating, Mt. Pulag can be a good starting point for newbies, with a mossy forest and lots of grasslands, it is a friendly mountain to start your hiking hobby.

The main attraction of Mt Pulag is witnessing the sea of clouds at the Summit. It is a lot stunning and dramatic than the sea of clouds of Mt Kiltepan in Sagada. The wide grassland and three summits give us an amazing view worthy of our labor.

Here are some tips if your planning to climb :

I suggest that if you are planning to climb it, you go and take a group and organized tour package. I highly recommend Travel Factor Agency ( www.travelfactor.org ). They got well-experienced tour leaders and complete survival kit. Why go on a tour package? It is basically to save you from the hassle of pursuing your hiking permit from DENR and the burden of cooking your food during camping.

Take note that those with a permit to climb the mountain can start hiking at 1AM and those without permits are only allowed to climb starting 6AM. If you are after the sea of clouds, the 1AM schedule is the best time, just make sure to ask this particular information to your tour guide.

The temperature drops drastically, enough to freeze the water on the glass, so make sure to bring thermal jackets and thick clothing.

Bring your own headlamp and gloves. If you don't have one, you can rent it at the ranger station at 50 pesos for the headlamp and 10 pesos for the walking stick, no gloves for rent.

Bring at least 2 liters of water. You will trek for 4 hours going up and 2-3 hours going down, you need a lot of water.

Bring your own snacks, food might be a little shorty since it is hard to cook decent food in a freezing place, so bring some sandwiches and lots of nuts if possible.

Get your medical certification in Manila, it saves you a lot of time from waiting on the local health clinic.

Estimated Cost: Around 3,000-4,000 per head, depending on the number of persons on a group.

If you DIY is your thing, you can ride a bus going Baguio, then rent a taxi or jeepney in Baguio going Rangers Camp Mt Pulag, roughly 2 hours.

Most important tip, bring your charm and luck when climbing Mt Pulag for not every day the sea of clouds can be seen. :)

//somewhereira.