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Mount Pulag

Mount Pulag is the highest peak in Luzon and the third-highest mountain in the Philippines, rising to an elevation of 2,922 meters above sea level.^[1]^[2] Located in the Cordillera Central mountain range of northern Luzon, it forms the centerpiece of Mount Pulag National Park, a protected area proclaimed in 1987 that spans 11,550 hectares across the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya.^[1] The mountain's summit features expansive montane grasslands dominated by dwarf bamboo (Yushania niitakayamensis), transitioning into mossy forests and pine woodlands at lower elevations, supporting a rich biodiversity that includes approximately 800 vascular plant species and various endemic fauna such as the Philippine deer (Rusa marianna), long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), and giant bushy-tailed cloud rat (Carpomys melanurus).^[3]^[4] The park is recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area due to its unique ecosystems, which harbor threatened species and serve as a critical habitat in the face of climate change and habitat loss.^[3] Culturally, Mount Pulag holds profound significance for indigenous groups including the Ibaloi, Kankanaey, and Kalanguya peoples, who regard it as the "Playground of the Gods" (Kabunian), a sacred abode of spirits and ancestral souls where traditional rituals and mummification practices have occurred for centuries.^[4] Popular among hikers for its accessible trails and stunning views of the "sea of clouds" at dawn, the site attracts thousands of visitors annually, though access is regulated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to preserve its ecological and cultural integrity.^[5]

Geography and Environment

Location and Topography

Mount Pulag is situated in the Cordillera Central mountain range of northern Luzon, Philippines, at the tripoint where the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya converge. Its summit coordinates are approximately 16°35′52″N 120°53′56″E. The mountain rises to an elevation of 2,922 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Luzon and the third-highest in the entire Philippines, surpassed only by Mount Apo (2,954 m) and Mount Dulang-dulang (2,938 m). Nearby peaks, such as Mount Data at 2,310 m in Benguet and Mountain Province, highlight Pulag's dominance in the regional topography. Geologically, Mount Pulag formed through tectonic uplift rather than volcanic activity, with its core consisting of sedimentary rocks originating from marine deposits during the Cretaceous period. These rocks, part of the broader ophiolitic basement of the Central Cordillera dating from Cretaceous to Eocene ages, have been shaped by millions of years of tectonic forces associated with the Philippine Mobile Belt. Unlike volcanic peaks, Pulag lacks igneous origins, and its structure reflects compressional tectonics from subduction along the Manila Trench to the west and the East Luzon Trough to the east. The surrounding landscape features rugged terrain with steep slopes, prominent ridges, and deep valleys carved by long-term erosion processes. Mount Pulag National Park encompasses 11,550 hectares of this diverse topography, primarily within the municipalities of Kabayan and Bokod in Benguet province. This elevation gradient creates distinct zones that support biodiversity hotspots, from montane forests at lower elevations to mossy cloud forests near the summit.

Climate

Mount Pulag exhibits a cool highland climate influenced by its elevation, characterized by high humidity and significant precipitation. The surrounding Benguet Province, encompassing the mountain, receives a mean annual rainfall of 3,921 mm, with variations ranging from 2,617 mm to 4,968 mm based on historical data from 1988 to 1999.^[6] Mean annual temperatures decrease with altitude, averaging 16 °C at 2,000 m above sea level, 14 °C at 2,300 m, and 12 °C at 2,800 m.^[7] Overall, summit temperatures typically fluctuate between near-freezing lows and highs of 15–20 °C, establishing Mount Pulag as the coldest location in the Philippines.^[8] The mountain experiences distinct seasonal patterns, with a dry season from November to April featuring frequent fog, occasional frost, and lower precipitation, particularly from December to February.^[6] In contrast, the wet season spans May to October, dominated by heavy monsoon rains that peak in July through September. Rare frost events occur during the coldest dry months, contributing to hypothermia risks for visitors. The lowest recorded temperature was -2 °C at the summit in December 2015.^[8] Elevation-driven microclimates create diverse atmospheric conditions, including persistent cloud belts in the mossy forests above 2,200 m that generate the iconic "sea of clouds" phenomenon, most visible during dry-season mornings when low-lying fog blankets the landscape below.^[9] These variations shape local biodiversity adaptations and pose challenges for hiking, such as reduced visibility from fog and sudden drops in temperature that demand proper gear for safety.^[6]

Biodiversity

Mount Pulag National Park harbors a rich array of flora and fauna, making it a significant biodiversity hotspot in the Philippine Cordillera. The park supports approximately 800 vascular plant species, many of which are local endemics with affinities to temperate floras, contributing to its recognition as a center of plant diversity.^[3] A historical survey documented 528 plant species in the mossy forests alone, highlighting the area's long-standing botanical importance.^[10] Prominent among the flora are endemic species adapted to the park's varied elevations, such as the dwarf bamboo Yushania niitakayamensis, which dominates the summit grasslands, and the Benguet pine Pinus kesiya, a key component of the lower montane forests. The mossy forests, characterized by epiphytic lichens and bryophytes, host diverse understory plants including ferns, orchids, and rhododendrons, with moss collections alone comprising 58 species across 28 families. These plant communities underscore the park's role in preserving unique montane ecosystems.^[11]^[3] The fauna of Mount Pulag is equally notable, with 13 recorded mammal species, including four endemic cloud rats that are exclusively found in the park's high-elevation forests. These include the northern Luzon giant cloud rat (Phloeomys pallidus, vulnerable per IUCN), the bushy-tailed cloud rat (Crateromys schadenbergi, endangered), and the greater dwarf cloud rat (Carpomys melanurus, vulnerable), all inhabiting the mossy forests above 2,000 meters. Other mammals, such as the Philippine warty pig (Sus philippensis) and Philippine brown deer (Rusa marianna), occupy the pine forests below 2,000 meters but face threats from hunting.^[12] Avian diversity includes numerous restricted-range species of the Luzon Endemic Bird Area, with examples such as the flame-breasted fruit-dove (Ptilinopus marchei, vulnerable), whiskered pitta (Erythropitta caerulescens, vulnerable), and Luzon water-redstart (Rhyacornis bicolor, vulnerable), all reliant on the mossy and pine forest habitats. The Luzon hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni, critically endangered) also occurs here, emphasizing the park's importance for threatened birds. These species distributions are influenced by the altitudinal zonation, with pine forests supporting lower-elevation generalists and mossy forests providing specialized refugia above 1,500 meters.^[3] Mount Pulag's biodiversity holds global ecological significance, recognized as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site since 2006 for its outstanding natural value in conserving endemic and threatened species across distinct habitat zones. The park's ecosystems, from pine-dominated lower slopes to lichen-rich mossy canopies, support high levels of endemism and serve as critical refuges for IUCN-listed taxa amid broader habitat pressures.^[1]^[3]

Cultural and Historical Significance

Indigenous Cultural Role

Mount Pulag holds profound sacred status in Ibaloi cosmology, revered as the "Playground of the Gods" and the abode of Kabunian, the supreme deity, along with the tinmongao spirits that inhabit its caves, trees, and stones.^[13]^[14] These malevolent yet protective entities are believed to guard the mountain's natural features, enforcing respect from intruders through illness or disorientation if their dwellings are disturbed.^[14] The mountain serves as the final resting place for Ibaloi souls, where spirits rejoin ancestors in a realm of eternal kinship and moral continuity.^[15]^[16] The mountain also holds deep significance for the Kankanaey and Kalanguya peoples. For the Kankanaey, Mount Pulag is sacred, with rituals such as anawang performed to ensure harmony and health, reflecting their spiritual connection to the landscape.^[15] Among the Kalanguya, the mountain features in origin myths where it sheltered the primordial couple Kabigat and Bugan during a great flood sent by the deities, from whom the tribe descends, establishing Pulag as a place of ancestral protection and resilience.^[17]^[18] Historically, Mount Pulag and its surrounding slopes, including the Kabayan caves, functioned as a burial ground for mummified Ibaloi ancestors, with remains preserved through fire-smoking techniques dating back to around 200 BCE.^[19] These Ibaloi mummies, known as "fire mummies" or "meking," were interred in over 200 man-made caves, symbolizing the community's reverence for the dead and their connection to the sacred landscape; the sites were designated National Cultural Treasures in 1973 via Presidential Decree No. 260.^[19] The mummification process, involving dehydration over smoke and salt ingestion, was reserved for community leaders, underscoring the mountain's role in preserving ancestral legacy.^[14] Ibaloi cultural practices revolve around rituals honoring the mountain's spirits, led by mambunong or emambunong (indigenous priests) who perform offerings like animal sacrifices—often paired pigs or horses—to seek permission for entry or ensure harmony.^[16]^[13] Traditional paths, such as those used in death ceremonies like the nine-day aramag wake, facilitate pilgrimages to the peak for adoration and soul guidance, with post-burial rites like sabusab restoring communal balance.^[16] Ibaloi communities maintain ongoing guardianship roles, monitoring the sacred site to prevent desecration and integrating these duties into modern conservation efforts within the national park boundaries.^[13] Local folklore portrays Mount Pulag as a protector of the Cordillera region, exemplified in myths where it sheltered the primordial couple Wa-a and Gomiya during a great flood sent by Kabunian, from whom the Ibaloi and neighboring tribes descend.^[13] Tales of guardian spirits like amdag punishing disrespectful visitors reinforce the mountain's role as a moral sentinel, ensuring the well-being of the indigenous peoples tied to its slopes.^[13] These narratives, passed through oral traditions, emphasize themes of resilience, ancestry, and the mountain's enduring spiritual guardianship over the Cordillera.^[15]

Historical Designations and Events

Mount Pulag has long been integral to the pre-colonial settlements of the Ibaloi people, who inhabited the surrounding highlands of Benguet Province and utilized the mountain's slopes for habitation, agriculture, and spiritual practices. Archaeological evidence indicates that the Ibaloi established communities in the area dating back thousands of years, with nearby Kabayan serving as a key site for their unique mummification traditions, where bodies were preserved through smoking and burial in natural rock shelters, reflecting deep cultural ties to the landscape.^[20] A pivotal historical designation occurred on February 20, 1987, when President Corazon C. Aquino issued Proclamation No. 75, establishing Mount Pulag National Park and withdrawing 11,550 hectares of land in Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya provinces from public sale or settlement to preserve its ecological and cultural value.^[21] This proclamation marked the first formal legal recognition of the area as a protected national park, encompassing diverse ecosystems and indigenous territories.^[22] By 2000, efforts to enhance management led to the development of a general management plan under the National Integrated Protected Areas Programme (NIPAP), which proposed zoning to address encroachment and promote sustainable use, effectively expanding the framework for protection without altering the core area boundaries.^[23] This initiative built on the 1987 designation by integrating community involvement and biodiversity conservation strategies.^[24] Mount Pulag's international recognition advanced with its inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List in 2006, proposed as a natural site under criteria (ix) and (x) for its ongoing ecological processes and biodiversity; this emphasizes its role as a cultural landscape intertwined with indigenous heritage.^[1]^[25]

Conservation and Management

Protected Status

Mount Pulag is designated as the Mount Pulag Protected Landscape (MPPL), a protected area spanning 11,602 hectares across the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya, under Republic Act No. 11685, enacted in 2022. This legislation classifies MPPL as a protected landscape and integrates it into the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) established by Republic Act No. 7586, emphasizing the preservation of its biological diversity, unique landscapes, and cultural significance. Management is overseen by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), chaired by the Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR), with participation from local government units, indigenous peoples' representatives, and non-governmental organizations; day-to-day operations are handled by the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) led by a Protected Area Superintendent.^[26] MPPL forms part of the broader Cordillera protected areas network within the NIPAS framework, contributing to regional ecological connectivity in northern Luzon. Its protection underscores the mountain's role in maintaining essential ecological processes and habitats, as recognized through participatory management that aligns with ancestral domain claims of indigenous cultural communities.^[27]^[28] On the international level, Mount Pulag National Park was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List in 2006 under natural criteria (ix) for outstanding examples of ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems, and (x) for containing the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity. This recognition highlights its global value as a center of plant endemism in the Cordillera highlands.^[1] The administrative framework divides MPPL into core zones for strict protection, where human activities are limited to conservation and research to safeguard sensitive ecosystems like mossy forests and grasslands, and buffer zones surrounding the core area to allow sustainable resource use, such as limited traditional farming and ecotourism, while providing additional layers of environmental security. These zones are delineated by the DENR Secretary based on PAMB recommendations, ensuring balanced conservation and community involvement.^[26]

Efforts and Challenges

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has implemented several conservation programs in Mount Pulag National Park, including the National Integrated Protected Areas Programme (NIPAP), which established ranger stations and strengthened enforcement to protect biodiversity.^[1] Following the 2018 grassfire that damaged approximately 6 hectares of grassland and vegetation, the DENR enforced temporary closures of affected trails to facilitate natural rehabilitation and initiated measures under the Expanded National Greening Program to restore impacted areas, though specific reforestation with native pine species has been part of broader efforts to revive the park's pine forests.^[29] Community-based monitoring is integrated through collaboration with indigenous Ibaloi groups, who participate in the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and utilize traditional councils of elders (Tongtong) to oversee resource use, resolve disputes, and report violations such as poaching.^[5]^[30] Key challenges to conservation include illegal logging, driven by economic pressures leading locals to clear forests for commercial agriculture, and poaching of wildlife.^[30]^[5] Climate change exacerbates threats to the fragile mossy forests through altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures, contributing to habitat degradation and biodiversity loss in this high-elevation ecosystem.^[31] Overtourism poses additional strain, with visitor numbers increasing steadily pre-2020, leading to crowding at the summit during peak seasons (December to March) and exceeding recommended carrying capacities, which diminishes ecological integrity and visitor satisfaction.^[32] As of February 2025, garbage accumulation from visitors has overwhelmed campsites, prompting temporary shutdowns for clean-up and rehabilitation.^[33]^[34] Ongoing efforts include enhanced ranger patrols to curb illegal activities, eco-education campaigns for sustainable practices, and site assessments, such as the DENR-CAR ground evaluation in April 2025.^[35] While Mount Pulag remains on UNESCO's Tentative List for potential World Heritage status, ongoing national-level monitoring through DENR continues without major international updates.^[1] Success in post-fire recovery includes partial rehabilitation of burned grasslands through enforced closures and natural regeneration, though full restoration of the affected biodiversity hotspots remains ongoing.^[29]

Recreation and Access

Hiking Trails

Mount Pulag offers several established hiking routes to its summit, each varying in difficulty, length, and scenic highlights, all managed under the oversight of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The primary trails include the Ambangeg route from Bokod in Benguet, the challenging Akiki-Ambangeg traverse starting from Kabayan in Benguet, the Tawangan trail from Ifugao, and the Ambaguio route from Nueva Vizcaya.^[36]^[37] The Ambangeg trail, considered the easiest and most accessible for beginners, covers about 10 kilometers roundtrip with an elevation gain of approximately 500 meters and typically takes 4-6 hours for the ascent from the ranger station at 2,400 meters.^[38]^[39] In contrast, the Akiki-Ambangeg route is a more demanding two-day traverse spanning approximately 20 kilometers total, featuring steep ascents through pine and mossy forests, often dubbed the "killer trail" due to its physical intensity.^[40]^[41] The Tawangan and Ambaguio trails provide alternative paths with similar elevation challenges but longer durations, often requiring overnight stays and suitable for experienced hikers seeking less crowded experiences.^[42]^[36] Key features along these trails include designated campsites such as Camp Gulod at around 2,600 meters, which serves as a popular overnight stop for multi-day hikes and offers panoramic viewpoints.^[43] Hikers frequently encounter stunning natural phenomena, including the renowned "sea of clouds" formation visible from elevated ridges during early mornings and clear night skies ideal for Milky Way viewing at higher elevations above 2,800 meters.^[44]^[45] Access to all trails requires mandatory permits from the DENR's Mount Pulag Protected Area Management Office, with fees of ₱250 (weekdays) to ₱350 (weekends/holidays) for Philippine nationals and ₱850 for foreign nationals, as of 2025;^[46] Local guides are required for all climbs, costing ₱1,500 for groups of 1-5 persons on easier trails like Ambangeg, with additional guides needed for more remote routes such as Akiki or Ambaguio, as of 2025.^[46] Trails are accessible year-round, but the dry season from December to May is recommended. Climbing during the rainy season from June to November is discouraged due to risks from heavy rains and typhoons.^[44]^[45] The Ambangeg trail holds historical significance as the oldest formally maintained path, developed and improved by DENR starting around 2000 to accommodate increasing tourist traffic while preserving the ecosystem.^[47]^[48]

Visitor Guidelines and Tourism Impact

Visitors to Mount Pulag must adhere to strict regulations enforced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to protect the park's fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage. All hikes require advance registration through the DENR office or authorized tour operators, with slots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to manage capacity.^[49] Groups are limited to a maximum of 20 participants per hike to ensure safety and minimize environmental strain, though smaller groups of fewer than 10 are encouraged to support local guides and porters.^[49] Waste management follows the Leave No Trace principle, mandating that hikers pack out all trash, including human waste where facilities are unavailable, to prevent pollution in this sensitive highland area.^[50] Additionally, cultural respect is paramount, as the mountain is sacred to indigenous groups like the Ibaloi; photography is prohibited in designated spiritual sites to honor ancestral traditions and avoid disturbing burial grounds.^[51] Tourism to Mount Pulag has experienced significant growth, contributing economically to local Ibaloi and other indigenous communities through homestays, guiding services, and related enterprises. Visitor numbers have risen steadily, reflecting the mountain's appeal as a premier ecotourism destination, with annual treks supporting livelihoods via fees averaging PHP 2,000 to 4,000 per hiker for guides, accommodations, and transport.^[32] This influx generates revenue for conservation efforts, funding park maintenance and community development programs. However, tourism's expansion has dual impacts on the park. Positively, entrance fees and related income bolster protected area management, enabling habitat restoration and biodiversity monitoring. Negatively, increased foot traffic has led to trail erosion from overuse and waste accumulation, prompting the temporary closure of Campsites 1 and 2 in February 2025 for cleanup operations.^[34] Following COVID-19 restrictions, visitor recovery has been managed with a daily cap of 500 hikers to balance access and sustainability.^[43] Best practices for responsible visitation include scheduling off-season trips during the rainy months (June to October) to avoid peak crowds and reduce pressure on trails, while prioritizing indigenous-led tours that promote authentic cultural exchange and equitable economic benefits for local communities.^[52]^[44]

Incidents and Safety

Notable Incidents

One of the most tragic incidents at Mount Pulag occurred on April 7, 2009, when a Philippine Air Force Bell 412 presidential helicopter crashed into a heavily forested area along the mountain's range due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions.^[53]^[54] The aircraft, part of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing, was en route to Ifugao carrying eight aides of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, including key officials such as Press Undersecretary Jose Capadocia and Presidential Management Staff Undersecretary Marilou de la Fuente.^[55] All aboard perished in the crash at approximately 6,900 feet (2,100 meters) elevation, with rescue efforts complicated by the rugged terrain and dense vegetation near the Benguet-Ifugao boundary. The incident prompted an investigation by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which attributed the cause primarily to bad weather, leading to enhanced aviation safety protocols for operations in the Cordillera region.^[54] Environmental incidents have also posed significant challenges, most notably the forest fire on January 20, 2018, ignited by a portable butane gas stove used by a group of hikers from Cebu City near Camp 2 on the Akiki Trail.^[29]^[56] The blaze scorched approximately 5.9 hectares of grassland and forest cover, endangering nearby trekkers and prompting an immediate evacuation of the area.^[57] The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) estimated damages at around PHP 2.36 million, including loss of vegetation and ecosystem services in this key biodiversity area.^[56] In response, the DENR launched an investigation, filed criminal charges against the seven responsible hikers under the Revised Forestry Code for arson and environmental destruction, and imposed a temporary closure of all trails and campsites for about three months to assess and mitigate risks.^[58]^[59] This event led to policy updates, including stricter enforcement of no-cook zones and bans on open flames during dry seasons to prevent recurrence.^[60] Other notable events include a smaller grassfire in November 2018, caused by another hiker's stove and affecting about six hectares along a popular trail, which briefly suspended access but was contained quickly without injuries.^[61] In February 2020, an eight-day wildfire burned 191.54 hectares, destroying over 160,000 trees and saplings, though no human casualties were reported; the DENR again investigated and reinforced fire prevention measures.^[62] A forest fire broke out on the Akiki Trail on February 12, 2024, leading to the temporary closure of the trail and disruption of trekking activities. The cause was under investigation by the Bureau of Fire Protection, with firefighters and rangers working to suppress the blaze amid challenges. Visitors were diverted to alternative trails like Ambangeg, and the DENR monitored the situation to assess impacts, though no fatalities or specific damage estimates were reported.^[63]^[64] In February 2025, Campsites 1 and 2 were temporarily closed for rehabilitation due to excessive littering by visitors, despite clean-up efforts by park staff. This incident underscored ongoing environmental management challenges, with authorities urging adherence to Leave No Trace principles to prevent further degradation. Reports in July 2025 highlighted broader concerns of neglect and mismanagement at the park, sparking public outrage among environmental advocates.^[65]^[66] Hiking-related accidents have been less frequent but include injuries from falls, such as a trekker who slipped and sustained serious wounds in January 2018, and a group of six tourists hurt when their vehicle plunged into a 50-meter ravine near the mountain in November 2017.^[67]^[68] No major incidents involving fatalities or large-scale environmental damage have been recorded at Mount Pulag since early 2025, as of November 2025, reflecting continued efforts in monitoring and visitor regulations.

Safety Measures and Risks

Visiting Mount Pulag involves several inherent risks due to its high elevation and variable weather conditions. Hypothermia is a primary concern, as temperatures can plummet to 2-4°C or lower, even during the day, leading to symptoms like shivering, confusion, and loss of coordination if unprepared hikers are exposed without adequate protection.^[69] Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), affects individuals ascending above 2,500 meters, with Mount Pulag's summit at 2,922 meters; common symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, which can escalate to severe forms like pulmonary or cerebral edema in rare cases.^[70] Trails also become slippery and muddy during rain, increasing the risk of slips, falls, and injuries, particularly on steeper sections.^[44] To mitigate these hazards, hikers are strongly advised to undergo acclimatization by spending 1-2 hours at the DENR ranger station at 2,300 meters elevation before starting the ascent, allowing the body to adjust to lower oxygen levels and reducing AMS incidence.^[71] Essential gear includes layered waterproof clothing, thermal base layers, gloves, beanies, sturdy trekking poles for stability on uneven terrain, and high-traction hiking boots to prevent slips.^[51] All visitors must attend mandatory DENR orientation briefings at the registration office, which cover weather awareness, trail etiquette, and emergency response procedures, ensuring informed participation.^[72] A medical certificate confirming fitness to hike, required since 2015 and emphasized post-COVID for underlying health vulnerabilities, must be presented during registration.^[73] Hiking with certified local guides is recommended, as they undergo DENR training on first aid, navigation, and risk assessment, with first-aid kits available at trailheads for immediate response to minor injuries or illnesses.^[51] In emergencies, protocols involve alerting guides or rangers for coordinated evacuation, though helicopter rescues are infrequent due to terrain challenges and are reserved for life-threatening situations.^[74] Hikers should monitor weather forecasts via PAGASA and avoid climbing during typhoon season (June to November) when risks intensify.^[44]

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Ambangeg Trail to Pulag, Benguet, Philippines - 85 Reviews, Map
Rating 4.8 (85) Top trails nearby ; Mount Pulag · 10.9 mi·Est. 7–7.5 hr ; Mount Pulag via Balena · 10.6 mi·Est. 8.5–9.5 hr ; Akiki Trail · 11.9 mi·Est. 12–13 hr ; Marlboro Campsite.Missing: primary details
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https://www.facebook.com/DENRCAROfficial/posts/denr-car-regional-executive-director-personally-leads-ground-assessment-in-mt-pu/1136280795208396/
[36]
Mt. Pulag via Akiki Trail | The Killer Playground of the Gods
May 4, 2023 · The trail is known for its “killer” steep pine forests which are at par with Mt. Purgatory and Mt. Ugo. Moreover, wondrous landmarks within the trail include ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
[37]
Mount Pulag via Tawangan, Ifugao, Philippines - Map, Guide - AllTrails
Mount Pulag via Tawangan is an out-and-back trail that covers 13.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 5,833 ft. It takes about 10.5–11.5 hr to complete. Out-and-back ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[38]
A First-Timer's D.I.Y. Guide to Mt. Pulag - Ambangeg Trail
Oct 18, 2019 · Pulag is temperate with rains predominating the whole year. December, January, and February are the coldest but the peak season, meaning hordes ...
[39]
Mount Pulag Hiking Guide 2025: Sea of Clouds, Trails & Complete ...
While it's not yet a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its outstanding value is recognized – it's officially on the Philippines' Tentative List for UNESCO ...
[40]
Mt. Pulag: 2-day Itinerary via Ambangeg Trail (2025) - Project Gora
Jan 29, 2024 · Round trip private vehicle (Cubao to Baguio vv); Registration fees, DENR fees, and other applicable fees; Processing of permits; Adventure ...
[41]
Ultimate Guide to Mount Pulag - SMR Homestay
Get your DENR climbing Registrations · DENR Fee: P250/person weekday (P350 weekend/Holiday) for Philippine nationals. · Admin Fee: P25/person weekdays (P50 ...
[42]
Adventures Above the Clouds: The FAQs - Mount Pulag
Pulag is a National Integrated Protected Areas Programme (NIPAP) site. The Protected Areas Office of the DENR where you register before taking a hike collects ...
[43]
Opinion: Mt. Pulag then and now - Pinoy Mountaineer
Jan 28, 2016 · Thank you Pinoy Mountaineer, for opening up concerns and suggestions on what to do in the destruction of Mt. Pulag in the name of ecotourism and ancestral ...
[44]
mt pulag ambangeg trail: a walk in the park - Lantaw
Jun 18, 2013 · The Ambangeg trail is one of the 4 major trails managed by Mt. Pulag National Park administration (Pulag was proclaimed a national park in 1987 ...Missing: history maintained 2000
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DENR imposes stricter rules for Mt Pulag trekkers - Rappler
Feb 13, 2016 · Groups with less than 10 members could be accommodated to provide social assistance to community guides and porters, the park management said.Missing: size | Show results with:size<|separator|>
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Mt. Pulag campsites closed temporarily due to excessive trash
Feb 21, 2025 · Mount Pulag's Campsites 1 and 2 were closed temporarily after authorities found the areas overwhelmed by garbage.
[47]
Mt. Pulag is actually sacred grounds, so here are a few rules to ...
Apr 24, 2019 · Mt. Pulag, located in Kabayan Benguet, is actually sacred grounds. Because the mountain is so high up (926.04 meters above sea level) and near the heavens.
[48]
Mt. Pulag campsites on temporary shutdown for clean-up
Feb 20, 2025 · The management of Mt. Pulag National Park in Kabayan, Benguet announced in a public advisory that it is temporarily closing two campsites for rehabilitation ...
[49]
Mt Pulag Hike: What to Bring, Do, See, and Expect (Travel Guide)
» Best Season to Do Mt Pulag Hike It's highly recommended to do your hike around November to March, a season wherein there is less rain.Missing: indigenous- led
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Top Arroyo aides feared dead in helicopter crash - Taipei Times
Apr 9, 2009 · The wreckage of the Bell 412 aircraft was found in a wooded section on Mount Pulag, the country's third highest peak, in the Cordillera mountain ...
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Bad weather caused Bell 412 crash - PAF - Philstar.com
Apr 17, 2009 · Bad weather caused the presidential Bell 412 helicopter to crash, killing all eight passengers, who were all President Arroyo's close aides.
[52]
President Arroyo pays tribute to 8 aides killed in chopper crash
Apr 9, 2009 · Killed in the crash were Press Undersecretary Jose Capadocia, Presidential Management Staff (PMS) undersecretary Marilou Frostrom, senior ...
[53]
Mount Pulag - Wikipedia
Mount Pulag is Luzon's highest peak at 2,928 metres (9,606 ft) above sea level, third-highest mountain in the Philippines, and the 26th-highest peak of an ...History · Geography · Hiking activity · Incidents
[54]
Cebuano hiker charged for Mt. Pulag fire - SunStar
May 20, 2018 · The incident on January 20, 2018 burned about 23,600 hectares of grassland in Mount Pulag, destroyed around P2.36 million worth of forest ...
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P16-M fine, prison time for trekkers in Mount Pulag fire | Inquirer News
The mountain trekkers who triggered the fire on Jan. 20 that damaged 5.9 hectares of grassland at Mount Pulag may end up ...
[56]
Mt Pulag fire: Hikers face imprisonment, P18-M fine - Rappler
Feb 14, 2018 · BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The 7 hikers who went up Mt Pulag last January 20 and caused a grass fire that damaged about 6 hectares of the ...
[57]
DENR to sue 7 hikers from Cebu over Mt. Pulag blaze - ABS-CBN
Jan 24, 2018 · A group of hikers from Cebu will be sued for causing the blaze inside the Mt. Pulag National Park in Benguet that "endangered" people and ...
[58]
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/196072-mount-pulag-hikers-imprisonment-over-fire/
[59]
Fire hits popular Mt. Pulag trail - Philstar.com
Nov 15, 2018 · The fire, caused by a hiker's portable gas stove, damaged around six hectares of the grasslands on Pulag. Mt. Pulag, the highest peak in Luzon ...
[60]
Fire destroys trees, saplings at Mount Pulag - AngMinero
Feb 28, 2020 · An-eight day forest fire at Mount Pulag destroyed 191.54 hectares of land, covering approximately 160,547 trees and saplings, ...Missing: native 2018
[61]
Trekker hurt in fall on Mt. Pulag - Philstar.com
Jan 23, 2018 · A woman suffered serious injuries when she slipped while trekking on Mt. Pulag in Itogon, Benguet on Sunday.Missing: incidents | Show results with:incidents
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6 tourists survive fall in ravine on Mount Pulag - News - Inquirer.net
Nov 25, 2017 · Six tourists were hurt as their car fell down a 50-meter-deep ravine on their way home after visiting Mount Pulag in Bokod town, Benguet province on Friday ...Missing: incidents | Show results with:incidents
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Fire on Mt. Pulag disrupts trekking activities | ABS-CBN News
Feb 13, 2024 · Climbers at Mt. Pulag had their trek up the country's third highest peak disrupted after a forest fire on one of the trails.
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Tourists urged to take precautions as Mt. Pulag's temperatures drop ...
Jan 10, 2024 · Alarming reports surfaced regarding the onset of frost due to temperatures plummeting to a chilling two to four degrees Celsius.Missing: DENR | Show results with:DENR<|control11|><|separator|>
[65]
Altitude sickness in Philippine mountains
Aug 1, 2008 · This is why a lot of people climb Mt. Pulag without feeling anything. At the mild level of AMS, the following symptoms are experienced: ...
[66]
Mount Pulag, Benguet, Philippines - 37 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Rating 4.8 (37) Mount Pulag is the third highest mountain, next to Mount Apo and Dulang-Dulang. It borders the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya.Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
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MT. PULAG: THE FIRST HIKE AFTER TWO YEARS OF ISOLATION
Apr 2, 2022 · Since 2015, the DENR requires all hikers to Mt. Pulag to secure medical certificate stating they are fit to hike. You can get your medical ...
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Mountain News: New Mt. Pulag rules limit groups to 20 participants
Feb 15, 2016 · The Mt. Pulag National Park has issued an advisory limiting the number of participants to 20 per group “to give chance to others climbers to trek the park”.Missing: DENR size