MARCH 05, 2020 / / CASTRO, JEAN CYRILLE
MOUNTAINS IN LUZON
MT. PULAG
SEA OF CLOUDS
This is an extremely popular mountain to climb,
even for people who aren’t hikers or mountaineers,
for one reason only: the sea of clouds!
Famed for being the “Playground of the Gods,”
Mount Pulag is the only mountain in the
Philippines where you literally walk through this
sea of clouds. If that’s not cool enough (which it
totally is), this hike also takes you through a range
of vegetation, from pine and mossy forests to vast
and open grasslands at the summit. With stunning
360-degree views of the Cordillera to finish, it is
worth the climb up,
What travelers are saying
“Contrary to what others have said, Ambangeg
trail might be the easiest of all the trails when it
comes to level of difficulty, but I guess, it was one
of the most draining trail because of the distance .”
“Temperature: drops between 1-5 degrees celcius
Luzon’s 2nd highest mountain  Features: mossy
forest, grass land, sea of clouds, great sunrise Hike
up: 4-5 hours Hike down: 4-5 hours.”
MT. DAGULDUL
MT. DAGULDOL — A SUMMIT TO SEE EXPERIENCE
Mt. Daguldol has really established its position
as one of the best mountains to go to if you
aren’t just for treks and trails, but also for
basking in the sun while swimming in the sea.
Mt. Daguldol brings both feelings of grandeur
and suspense. Standing at 670 meters above sea
level, Mt. Daguldol doesn’t just have great
trails; it also has a lot of streams and waterfalls
that are perfect for visitors who want to cool
off. In fact, on the initial trail to the mountain,
hikers will be greeted by the unique and calming
sea. Mt. Daguldol is one of the country’s most
popular destinations if you are after
mountaineering and the beach.
Mount Daguldol hike is considered an easy
climb or a level one scale. Most of the trails
you will encounter are forest path where trees
give enough shade during your hike. There are
only a few hard trails or slippery footpath
especially when it rains.
A good view of the sea is noticeable at the
early part of the trail, which is a nice place to
have your picture taken (a seascape
background).
Along the trail, there are resting shelters for
hikers to have a few minutes break. A good
thing for newbies who are not used for a long
walk.
PAGE 1
 DATE / / 05 / / CASTRO, JEAN CYRILLE
MOUNTAINS
IN LUZON

MT. ULAP

MINI “MOUNT UGO”

Showcases the best of what

the Cordilleras has to offer: Pine and
grassland ridges with stunning views of
the mountains, and even a glimpse of
culture with villages, burial caves, and
hanging bridges.

Mt. Ulap’s trails are surprisingly very

easy and the ascents are pretty much MT. BATULAO
gradual. Probably you could finish the
entire climb in 3 hours total MT. BATULAO — WAS ONCE AN ACTIVE VOLCANO
(considering photoshoots!). What
amazes me the most though is that the
view was super! It’s like a window to The landscapes of Batulao are quite With this popularity, of course,
every area in the Cordilleras. A lush remarkable; and although the view comes the challenge of
green grassland and an iconic stone remains basically the same throughout maintaining the cleanliness of the
photo shoot (you’ll know it when the trek, the rolling slopes, through mountain, as well as a local
you’re there). which trail pass by, and the new variety economy of kid guides and buco
afforded by two major trails – the “Old juice stalls. Over a hundred
What travelers are saying Trail” and the “New Trail”, makes campers’ troop to Batulao on
Batulao one of the most popular weekends, making it a good
“The trail has everything; open grasslands, dayhikes or near-Manila hikes. It is option for crowd-seekers but not
pine forests, narrow ridges, rock formations, favored not only for the pleasantness of for those looking for some
grand view of the cordillera’s etc. our guide
the hike, but also because it makes for mountain peace and quiet.
even took us away from the regular path and
brought us to an ancient burial cave where
a very good training climb.
there were indeed some skulls and bones
inside. It’s a wonderful day hike from Baguio
which you could do in 4 to 6 hours depending
on your fitness level. Good work out. Albeit
enjoyable and easy, you will still feel the burn
in your legs afterwards!

PAGE 2
 DATE / / 05 / / CASTRO, JEAN CYRILLE
MT. IRAYA
BASCO, BATANES
The northerly mountain of the
Philippines, standing
majestically in the enchanting
islands of Batanes, the
“mountain of winds”. Its
position at the northern part
of Batan island gives its
summit a commanding view
of the northernmost parts of
the country, and the ocean.
This view, however, is made
elusive by the perpetual cloud
cover that only gives way to a
full view of the mountain on
rare occasions.
Mt. Iraya is a very important
landmark for the Ivatans, and
is steeped in legend. Elder
Ivatan folk say that whenever
someone dear to the people
departs, a ring of clouds
forms around the mountain.
Also, the elders speak of old
eruption of Iraya, and points
to the holes near the summit
as the crater from which lava
and steam spewed out.
The best time to climb Iraya
is during the ‘mini-summer’
in September — the only time
when Mt. Iraya is devoid of
clouds.
MOUNTAINS
IN LUZON
MT. PICO DE LORO
‘PARROT’S PEAK’
Mt. Pico de Loro, also
known as the “Parrot’s
Peak”, is a popular
destination for
mountaineers throughout
the country. Many people
are curious to witness for
themselves the iconic rock
peak. Mt. Pico de Loro is
the highest point in Cavite.
From here, one can see the
wide plains of Cavite and
MT. IRAYA the South China Sea.
At the summit,
mountaineers can see the
Parrot’s Peak and even
climb it if daring enough.
It’s definitely worth to
climb the peak just for the
sights alone. The breeze
from the sea is carried all
the way to the summit, so
it’s always a refreshing
experience even during hot
or dry days.
MT. PICO DE LORO
The trek is not as difficult
to seasoned mountaineers
but will pose a challenge
for beginners, which
makes Mt. Pico de Loro a
popular spot to new hikers
and to those looking for an
adventure.
PAGE 3
 DATE / / 05 / / CASTRO, JEAN CYRILLE
MT. KABUNIAN
BAKUN, BENGUET
An emerging destination in
the Cordilleras are three of the
peaks in Bakun, Benguet. As
the three most commonly
climbed mountains in the
town, they are fondly called
‘Bakun Trio’ and are usually
climbed in one trip to
maximize the journey.
Mount Kabunian, is named
after the highest deity in the
mythology of the Kankana-
eys. As the local people
believe that Kabunian resides
in this mountain, it is
considered a very sacred
place. You will get a sense of
this holiness as you walk the
trails and you will see wooden
coffins hanging from the
summit walls as you approach
the peak. The views from the
trails are expansive, so you
get amazing panoramic views
all the way up to the summit.
When you reach the summit,
you will be rewarded with
even more incredible views
with a feeling that you’re
touching the heavens.
Height: 1,400 meters
Time to Summit: 3-4
hours
Difficulty: Medium
MOUNTAINS
IN LUZON
MT. MAKILING
BATANGAS, LAGUNA
Makiling has plenty of
surprises in store for
hikers of every
background. The trail goes
through well-preserved
forests teeming with
wildlife, including plenty
of limatik (leeches) that
make the hike interesting.
Parts of the trail are very
narrow and can be
described as “obstacle
courses” that force you to
MT. KABUNIAN do a bit of stretching and
contorting. The most
challenging portion is the
steep ascent up Melkas
Ridge that requires hikers
to grab on to fixed ropes
and loose branches in
order to help
themselves up.
After climbing Makiling’s
twin peaks, the descent
down the other side of
the mountain provides a
glimpse of Los Banos and
the nearby towns, as well
MT. MAKILING as of Laguna Lake. Near
the bottom is the Makiling
nursery where tired hikers
can buy refreshments such
as fresh buko juice. You
can also relax at the
mudsprings heated by
Makiling’s sulfuric vents.
PAGE 4
DATE / / 05 / / CASTRO, JEAN CYRILLE
MOUNTAINS
IN LUZON

PAGE 5
DATE / / 05 / / CASTRO, JEAN CYRILLE
MT. BULUSAN
BULUSAN, SORSOGON
Between the Ranger Station and Lake
Aguingay, the trail gets somewhat narrower
and steeper. Limatik (blood leeches) have
sometimes been reported in this area, and
there are some precautionary ropes. Before
reaching Lake Aguingay, “Mini-Lake
Bulusan” can be seen – today it is a tiny basin
full of ferns and lush greenery. Altogether,
the trek to the campsite takes 3-5 hours.
Lake Aguingay (~890 MASL) is a beautiful
plain surrounded by two peaks: the “Sharp
Peak” to the south and Mt. Bulusan’s Summit
to the north. It can be likened to Margaha
Valley of Mt. Kanlaon, and parallels can be
drawn beween Bulusan’s two peaks and
Kanlaon’s main crater and Makawiwili Peak.
The waters of Aguingay recede to just a small
portion of the plain, though it is said to swell
during the rainy season. The campsite is
located at the mouth of the trail coming from
Lake Bulusan.
SUBMITTED TO: MR. ERIC PAULO MENDOZA
MOUNTAINS
IN LUZON
MOUNT JUMBO
LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET
Mt. Jambo/Mt.Jumbo/Mt.Yangbew is
located at Barangay Tawang in La
Trinidad Benguet which is just about 2
kilometers away from Baguio City.
According to the locals, it was
called ‘Jambo’, because during the
American era, this place was used for
the National Scout Jamboree. This is an
event or gathering of thousands of
members of the Boy Scouts of America.
The summit is a vast, rolling grassland
with a smattering of rock formations
where you can take selfies while
appreciating the spectacular views of La
Trinidad and nearby mountains in
Benguet.
It is also dubbed "Little Mt. Pulag"
of the municipality. The hike to
the summit will take
approximately 30 minutes to an
hour depending on your pace and
your experience as a hiker. For our
case it took us an hour because we
do not usually do hikes and we
kept on stopping trying to catch
our breath, hydrate and took
photos.
What travelers are saying
“I recommend going early in
the morning as the colors of
the sky are beautiful at that
time.”
“It's perfect to go during sunset
to make sure you witness this
scenery.”
PAGE 6