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Above: View of Mount Pulag

Do you have that sense of adventure inserted in your bones? Do you have what it takes to make that walk and go beyond obstacles and unforeseen event that can occur anytime of the day? If you can ride with the play then so well be it, throw caution to the wind and let nature grab hold of you. It’s a walk you’ll never forget.

The place is not popular for some, but the experience is simply indescribable. Mount Pulag is the 2^nd Highest Mountain in Philippine land though Mount Apo is the highest mountain; the experience is more challenging than one would think. To reach the peak of Mount Apo, one can opt to take a couple of rides; its commercial value conceded its accessibility viable to many tourists. With Mount Pulag, it is the exact opposite.

Mount Pulag is standing 9609 ft above sea level in Benguet.

Below: ANother view of Mount Pulag

Let the Journey Begin

As you start at the bottom, you’ll see a store selling T-shirts saying “I survived Mount Pulag”. You would think that typical business goers would allow you to grab and buy some for souvenirs, but that’s not the case here, you are actually not allowed to buy these shirts before you make the climb. The sense of the message will only be attained when after having gone up, then you can you buy the shirt after you go down. In that station you will be briefed about the climb, there will be guides and tips.

It’s a long hike starting with a 4 hour hike to the Ranger station. The ride up hill is actually seldom so take this as an advantage that hiking is actually using your feet and not be on wheels. As it should be, you’ll encounter muddy pathways, and the higher you get the steeper the travel would be. It gets dark and the wind is cold. You’ll definitely would stop from time to time since it is a very high mountain and when you stop, make you sure that you tighten the laces of your shoes for a more comfortable walk the next streak. As the darkness takes over, you’ll be barely see anything but the flash lights and the leaves along side of your way, still you walk on until you reach the highest point. But still it was dark and you’re just happy that your there. So as you try to sneak a peak of the view, you’ll see silhouettes of slopes downhill. The place is dark and so is your site that you rest and close your eyes for the next day.

Above: Yet, another great view in Mount Pulag

You wake up and the sky is lit a little dimly however seeing the clouds that glide across the summit of other mountains in view, one would think if they’re in heaven being above the clouds passing by. Across the horizon there slowly comes the orangey feel of color mixing with the blue, sending out a light and producing more colors in the sky. Then you’ll finally realize that its more than just finishing the climb, it is the view that was all worth it. Simply heavenly and everything felt at peace.

Above: Biak na Bato Cave

Declared as a National Park by Manuel L. Quezon in 1937. Historians mentioned that there was a time where in these caves Emilio Aguinaldo himself found refuge while he fought his battles against the Spaniards.

The caves of Biak na Bato are not ordinary caves as everybody who’s been there says. The caves are naturally sculpted with huge stalactites and rock formation that hikers found to be simply fascinating. There are not just one or two caves to get into but so many caves to. There are over a hundred caves to explore in Biak na Bato.

Below: Bridge in Biak na Bato

Each cave has guides and you would be guided by Biak na Bato management and the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources). There’s a limit of 10 persons per guide and the tour prices range form 150 to 300 pesos.

Below : Biak na Bato Rocks

Ways to get there

Take the passage of North Luzon Tollway and make an exit in Sta. Rita/Baliuag. From the exit go north towards Plaridel, this highway is called the National Highway, that is about 28 kilometers. Take caution in driving, there are Y intersections along the way and watch out for signs to Biak na Bato as guide. Take a road on the right side and then around 1 km further, another intersection would appear and the road on the right side whish is eastward will lead you to Biak na Bato.

If you really want to enjoy this trip, it would be wise to avoid weekends and holidays, because the place will be packed with tourists and roaming excursionists. Have it on weekdays if possible.