The sun and the moon at Mount Pulag

MOUNT PULAG, Philippines – It’s the dwelling place of the gods.

One of the highest peaks in the Philippines, Mount Pulag is a popular choice for adventurers looking for a challenge, and it’s also become quite a tourist spot over the years. 

The mountain is bounded by 3 provinces – Benguet, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya – and many visitors would opt to stay in the Kabayan, Benguet area. 

Both beginners and more advanced trekkers are drawn to Mount Pulag’s mystical features, from its mossy and pristine rain forest to its sunny, sometimes foggy weather and lush grassland. An annual average of 4,000 outdoor enthusiasts trek to the Mt. Pulag camping grounds, peaking during the summer and Christmas.

During a visit to the poblacion in Kabayan, trekkers can explore the culture of the indigenous people who inhabit the area. There are also the stoned-carved rice and vegetable terraces, and mountain vistas laden with pine trees.

Visitors should also not miss the lakes in Kabayan. Lakes Tabeyeo and Bulalakaw are accessible via a day’s trekking around Poblacion Kabayan.

A visit to the Timbac Caves is a must, where the mummified remains of the ancestors of the people now living in the area were laid to rest in carved-out caves and stone mountain walls. 

Trekking to Mount Pulag can be done via different routes involving a hard to moderate climb for those adventurous outdoor hobbyists.

The Akiki route, starting from Kabayan Poblacion, is considered the most difficult route as it involves an uphill trekking course suited for more experienced trekkers. The Ambangeg Babadak route is more of a gradual inclined slow climb usually favored by majority of climbers due to its slower pace. (READ: Climbing Mt. Pulag’s Akiki trail)

Everyone in most age groups and with different levels of fitness can have access to and experience the thrill of the outdoors. Just don’t push it too hard. Take your sweet time trekking, stop and smell the roses, and commune with Mother Nature. – Rappler.com