sea of clouds
DESCRIPTION
Interactive magazine on mt.PulagTRANSCRIPT
The Sea of CloudsMt.Pulag
FEATURINGexclusive video coverage andinterviews!
Learn all you need to know about
Mt.Pulag!
Take a journey with us up the
mountain!
Do you have what it takes to reach the tallest point in Luzon?
Welcome to The Sea of Clouds, an interactive magazine all about the tallest and one of the most beautiful mountains in Luzon, Mt.Pulag.
With interactive features that will help both climber and non climbers alike to experience the wonders of this mountain. Know everything you need to know about Mt.Pulag from the comfort of your own screen. From the journey to and on the mountain to the sites that you can see to the people involved with the mountain and so much more. So sit back and
relax as you prepare to take a ride to The Sea of Clouds!
INTRODUCTION
These are the 5 main parts of the magazine, feel free to jump to any portion that interests you using the buttons on the right side.
Table of Contents
THE JOURNEY H
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So how do we even begin going about taking a trip to the north,
with the possibility of getting lost or having a difficult time at one place or another? How do we get from there and back on both a budget and in time? Well before you get frantic; know that everything you need to know is right here. Ways to go, places to stop, roads to take, what to pack and bring and so much more. So don’t fret, just lay back and let us do the worrying. Let us help you get from your loca-tion to your destination. After all, an amazing journey lays ahead, one that you cannot afford to miss!
From Manila to Baguio and Beyond H
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There are 3 main ways to get to Baguio, the launch off point before heading up to
Pulag. From Manila, you can take a bus up to Baguio from various terminals, the most com-mon of which is Victory Liner. A trip will cost about 400 pesos for an air-conditioned bus, the ride is about 5-6 hours. There are also buses with lazy boy type seats available at most Victory Liner stations. At about 550 pesos, you get a comfy and fully reclinable seat all the way up to Baguio.
You can contact Victory Liner at the following numbers
(02) 361-1506 / (02) 361-1510 / (02) 364-2926
Or you can also visit their website to see an extensive list of their local and provincial stations as well as their contact details by clicking the URL.
http://www.victoryliner.com/contactus.
What to Ride H
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The second way to get up to Baguio is via a private vehicle. Any sedan that is capa-ble of a long ride should be able to make it up to Baguio but if you’re planning to
take your vehicle to Pulag itself, you will definitely need a 4x4 vehicle that is off-road worthy. The trip can take as long 4-6 hours depending on the speed and route you take and it will take quite a bit of gas as well, running more than half a tank to get up to Baguio. To add to that, you can also hire a jeep to take you up to the mountain from a meet up point within Baguio, you can contact the local DENR office for arrangements going up to the ranger station or Mang Roger one of the more experienced and known drivers who knows his way up and around the mountain.
DENR superintendent - 09203013932
Mang Roger - 09208068656
Click here to check out a blog of a group that roughed its way up the mountain!
http://mountpulagadventures.blogspot.com/
What to Ride H
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There are many paths up to Baguio after exiting SCTEX, some very direct, others not so. It can be easy to get lost or feel lost on the way. There are two ways, one very direct and as easy as 1-2-3 and the other can prove a faster route but you will need experienced navigational skills and quite some patience.
There is also a faster route going up Baguio featured in the Inquirer but it is quite a bit technical. You can view the Tulip diagram online. Just click on the links below. Note that this path is not meant to be taken
lightly as it is easy to become lost or to travel it at night. Best to study the directions beforehand and have a navigator along with you for the ride.
1From Manila, just get onto edsa and head north until you exit NLEX, straight on NLEX until exit 85, exit at 85 and then shift on to the SCTEX. Drive straight until you reach the Tarlac Exit. After you exit just
drive straight for about 10km more, following the road signs to MacArthur Highway.
2When you arrive at MacArthur Highway, turn right and pass through four towns in Tarlac and the length of Pangasinan province, making no turns until you arrive at Rosario, La Union.
3Turn right at the Rosario junction towards Kennon Road or if you want the more scenic and somewhat safer route, go straight a bit more and you will hit the new entrance to Marcos highway. Then just zig
and zag yourself all the way up to Baguio!
The Way Up H
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One of the places that is a definite delight is a little eatery near Ambuklao dam called JangJang Eat-
ery. They serve delicious homegrown Tilapia and fried chicken. About 1 hour from Baguio on the way to Pulag, you will see this little eatery and if you are in the mood for some karinderia style food, this is a definite must!
You can also get food here if you need packed food for on the way up to Mt.Pulag, they can put your
food in plastic bags so you can bring it up with you.
The path to Baguio has become very clear cut since the connection of SCTEX to NLEX. It has made the trip very quick and easy. You no longer
have to pass through the hustle and bustle and the traffic of the various towns on the way. Unfortunately most of the places you will be able to stop by are in effect gas stations with restaurants like Max, Starbucks, Jollibee, McDonald’s and the like. But before going up to Baguio on Marcos Highway and especially on Kenon road, there are plenty of de-licious eateries that serve particularly good barbecue and halo-halo. If delicious homemade traditional food catches your fancy, definitely try one of these places before heading up to Baguio!
Where to Stop H
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On the way to the ranger station of Mt.Pulag you will eventually
cross a giant chasm in the middle of the mountain with a river at the bottom and a dam at one end. This is Ambuk-lao dam one of the four central dams in Luzon. There are many viewing areas on the road and you can take any one of them for a marvelous view of one of the major producers of electricity in northern Luzon. If the dam is running one runway at full capacity you’ll be lucky enough to see the ice cream effect wherein the water spills over creating a white mist curved mist resembling that of a scoop of ice cream.
If you plan on climbing the mountain, you definitely need to stop by the Mt.Pulag visitor’s center. Here you will be
briefed on the procedures, precautions rules of the moun-tain. If you are lucky enough to meet Mering Albas, she will be more than glad to answer any questions about the moun-tain. Otherwise, the park rangers can help you with any of your needs. You can also final check your equipment here and purchase any additional thing you may need. Finally when you’re all set and ready to go, just sign in on the log-book as you the rangers clear you for the ride to the ranger station where you’re journey up the mountain begins!
Where to Stop H
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There are a myriad of places to stay in Baguio ranging from simple and affordable to the absolute classiest of 5 star hotels. Whatever tickles your fancy, there are numerous places
in Baguio to stay and I will recommend the best for those on a budget, those willing to spend a bit and those who want the best!
For the budget conscious there is Baguio Village Inn on 356 Magsaysay Ave. A single room without a bathroom will run you about 300 pesos per night while a double with bathroom
is more or less 800 pesos. This cozy little inn is themed after the cozy pinewood houses of the Sagada region. Nothing super great but it will do for a night before you’re trip to Pulag.
You can contact 442-3901 for reservations.
For the midrange Burnham Hotel would definitely have to be your first choice. In the middle of Burnham Park located
at 20 Calderon st. You can also visit their site below for more details or call 074-442-2331. This old fashioned hotel is dec-orated with many indigenous wooden antiques, handicrafts and photos. Costing about 1000 pesos per night, this nice and cozy hotel is perfect for the weary traveler.
For a more extensive list of hotel and lodging in Baguio as well as contact numbers, just click the following link! http://www.gobaguio.com/bbd-hotels.html
Where to Stay H
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Now if you want the best of the best when it comes to hotel than there would be no other choice in Baguio but Manor. This is the
largest hotel in Baguio located at Camp John Hay and is also the classiest around. Amidst the peaceful camp and full access to all kinds of amenities as well as a golf course, this is the place to go if you want the royal treatment in Baguio. Rooms will cost roughly 5200 pesos per
night, you can contact the hotel at (6374) 424-0931 to 43, (6374) 424-0945 or visit their web site at
Another option is also to bypass Baguio completely and continue straight on to
Ambuklao and towards the ranger station on Mt.Pulag. Here you can rent rooms overnight for 100 pesos per person in a shared living quarter with bunk beds. The amenities are ba-sic, a bed, common bathroom and eating area as well as a small lounge. This is a convenient option as when you wake up the next morning, you’re at the foot of Mt.Pulag!
For more inquiries or
reservations, you can con-tact the head park ranger Mering Albas
at 0919
6315402
Click here to read more about places to stay and hotel reviews in Baguio!
Where to Stay H
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THE MOUNTAIN H
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Mount Pulag is the second highest mountain in the Philippines next to Mount Apo, with an eleva-tion of 2,922 meters above sea level; It is the highest mountain in Luzon. The borders between
the regions of Benguet, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya meet at the mountain’s peak. The local tribes are composed of the Kalanguya, Ibaloi and Kankana-ey living at the foot of Mt. Pulag serve as the pro-tectors of the mountain. Many believe the mountain to be sacred as that is where the gods dwell and the so-called sea of clouds is also the playground of the gods. There is also a prevalent belief that when you die the soul will finally meet Kabunian, the supreme being of the Cordilleras. The mountain is full of roll-ing hills of grasslands, three major lakes and a vast variety of plant and animal species as well.
Recently the mountain has experienced massive degradation due to illegal logging and massive
vegetable planting. This has led to the weakening of the soil as these activities loosen the soil and make it frail, in effect; the mountain is literally falling apart with landslides happening on a regular basis. Many of the locals are affected as and life on the mountain is threatened and will continue to disappear if this trend continues. While efforts are be-ing taken by park rangers and some NGO’s, it seems that it is not enough if the mountain and its in-habitants are to be saved.
History H
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The variety of plants and animal species on Mt.Pulag is what many scientists call astounding. These are distributed
among 3 vegetation zones; the pine forest, mossy forest, and the mountain top grassland. Five out of the six life types were observed to occur in the region; namely colonists, fugitives, an-nual shuttle species, long lived shuttle species, and perennials. There are many species of stunted or dwarf bamboo plants
here as well. The Fauna is very interesting as well; endemic to this region are the Philippine Brown Deer, Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat and the Luzon Pygmy Fruit Bat. The Cloud Rat was recently discovered by scientists to be living in the region in 1992, before this many believed the species had gone extinct and not Mt.Pulag is the only home housing this species. All these species are under threat as well due to the degradation happening on the mountain.
Flora and Fauna H
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Mt.Pulag is essentially comprised of 3 main levels, each with its own unique and beautiful char-acteristics. The first is the pine forest, on most of your trip to the ranger station and the first
hour of climbing, this level consists mostly of what the name suggests, pine trees. Aside from this, there are numerous mini yellow colored sunflower plants as well. The next level is the mossy forest; this dense and thick brush of trees is full of all kinds of life. Numerous flowers of different colors and varieties grow here as well as many different types of berries. This level is also where many animals live such as the cloud rat, one of the animals that the mountain is unique and known for having. Fi-nally the top most portion of the mountain is the grasslands. Here the dwarf bamboo dominates and can be found growing everywhere. The lack of oxygen due to altitude prevents life from thriving as much as on lower levels and only the strongest of trees survive at this level. Many people also experience difficulty breathing at this level, especially while assaulting the summit due to the low levels of oxygen. Mt.Pulag is one of the only mountains in the Philippines which feature such a diverse and breathtaking landscape.
Going Up H
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As with any mountain, there are many stories that exist along with it. While Mt.Pulag is the playground of the Gods and the area you will meet Kabunian, the Supreme Being of the Cordilleras when you die. There
are also creatures that protect the mountain. The locals have a lot of respect for the mountain and are very cautious about their actions when they are there. Some of the most disrespectful things are public displays of affection, peeing in undesignated areas and making lots of noise. There are spirits who protect the mountain and will do undesir-able things to those who dare to disrespect it. Many creatures protect the mountain ac-cording to the locals. One of which is a na-ked woman who bathes under a waterfall, approaching her will make you feel weak to the point of death. Another story involves a small child playing in the forest, the natives of the mountain say never to follow this child because if you do, you will lose track of your way and you will end up going in circles and never finding a path that leads to anywhere except getting you more and more lost, the story sounds similar to our Filipino Tiyanak and is probably derived from common mis-haps or happenings. Another protector is the Nuno sa Punso, an odd looking and small old man. Smoking a cigar and bent over resembling a pygmy-like body. Usually found on small hills or at the base of trees. They protect natural nature and if disrespected, they can bring sickness to you. Usually appeased by saying Makiraan Lang po or May I pass?
Myth and Legend H
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PEOPLE OF PULAG H
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Ms. Albas is the park ranger in charge of Pulag. She lives on the mountain itself and is in charge of not only tourist activity but she also takes care
of conserving and caring for the mountain as well. Her stories show a woman of great character as she has faced numerous challenges for the sake of the mountain. Hav-ing to deal with tribal conflicts, politics, illegal operations and preservation on the mountain. Her job is no easy task, in this interview; we learn what she thinks of the mountain as well as its importance to all of us in the bigger picture. Some of the locals call her the protec-tor of the mountain as she deals with things that the locals cannot. She has re-ally and literally given her life up for the mountain.
Mering Albas H
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Perino Bugnay is one of the locals of Mt.Pulag who lives at Balay, Kabayan, one of the towns on Mt.Pulag at a very high elevation. Aside
from being the Barangay Kagawad of the area he is also a guide who is especially knowledgeable on the lakes around the area. Even as a local who lives off tourism and more particularly vegetable planting, Mr.Bugnay also realizes the degradation and ecological imbalance happening on the
mountain. He enjoys a simple life on the mountain but as the same time is very much concerned about the situation of the mountain. He realizes the importance of the region and hopes that somehow, people realize and act to protect the mountain and preserve and protect it.
Perino Bugnay H
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Lster Susi is an experienced climber who has climbed and visited Mt.Pulag numerous times. He enjoys the mountain very much due to its unique grasslands which are so abundant on the
mountain. He believes that nobody should touch the mountain because it is sacred in its own regard. We should not take and we should not add, just leave it as it is and enjoy it as it is. That is the way nature should be, you can clearly see this in his habits as he truly leaves no trace wherever he goes and even picks up the garbage of other people. He has great respect for nature and is saddened to see what is happening on Mt.Pulag, he hopes that people will learn to leave the mountain alone and let it heal before it is too late.
Lester Susi H
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Collectively, the people of the Benguet region are known as the Ifugao. The local tribes are composed of the Kalanguya, Ibaloi and Kankana-ey living at the foot of and around Mt. Pulag. The Ibaloi are
a tribe in the southeast regions while the Kankana-ey are dominant in the northwest regions of Benguet. Each tribe has its own language but their traditions are very similar as well as their beliefs. All the tribes around the area revere Mt.Pulag as a very powerful place where the Gods reside and they have the utmost respect for the mountain. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to take photos or meet the tribes but I was able to stay with some of the people by Lake Tabeyo. Although more modernized than their ethnic relatives, they practiced more or less the same beliefs and traditions. They’re houses are simple made of sheets of steel and concrete for insulation against the cold and their main source of livelihood is vegetable planting wherein the area I has stayed in, the whole mountain face was stripped to make way for high yield crop production.
The Locals H
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CLIMBING BEAUTY H
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Climbing always entails rigorous preparation and preparing for Mt.Pulag is no exception. It will definitely be hard if you are not used to climbing and anytime of the year, it will be very cold,
some months colder than others. So if you plan on climbing the mountain, be sure to prepare well, train at least a month before with cardiovascular activity like jogging, swimming and stairs are excellent ways to train for a climb. Another important facet that you just cannot forget is equipment. Preparation of equipment is so essential because if you forget one important thing, a fun trip can turn into a hassle. So here are two short lists that can help you remember the essentials to bring. An individual list and a group list of shared equipment. While this is a list of only the essentials, you can bring additional items for your comfort but remember, the more you bring, the more you have to carry!
For more information on climbing equipment,
check out these links!
Getting Ready H
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Now climbing the mountain is by all
means technically a walk in the park being Mt.Pulag National Park but by no means is it an easy walk. Each trail features a different ter-rain that is both unique and challenging. This map shows these trails, just mouse over certain areas to see pictures of these areas to get a general idea of what it is like. The following pages will showcase the two main trails on the mountain so come on and climb with us on this exclusive journey up to the summit of the tallest point in Luzon!
Step by Step H
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Ambangeg / Babadac Trail
This is the most popular and well established trail going to the summit of Mt.Pulag. 4x4 vehicles can navigate the terrain all the way to the ranger station which is
far up the Ambangeg trail already. It is also possible to hire a jeep to take you up because the road can become very bad especially when there is wet weather. From the ranger station, there are accommodations where you can rest and prepare for the hike up the mountain. The base camp is about a four kilometer hike along very decently paved trails and with convenient rest stops in-between. The camp site has many areas for different groups as you are no longer allowed to camp on the pla-teau of the mountain. The area has a carrying capacity of about 100-150 people, the number cannot exceed this so you had better make reservations beforehand. A hike up this trail should take no more than 4-6 hours at an easy pace.
Step by Step H
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Step by Step H
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Kabyan (Akiki or Killer Trail)
This trail derived its name from the sheer difficulty of its terrain. It is extremely steep and continuous and while most hikers take this trail downwards from Ambangeg, some
adventurous people climb this trail upward towards the summit. Yet despite the difficulty, the payoff is that you are able to see majestic views of rolling hills and mountains along with rivers and valleys. The camp area is by Edet, a beautiful river with flat terrain, many people like to call this trail Marlboro country reminiscent of the Marlboro scenery from the cigarette commercials. Hiking this trail will take about two to three days depending on your pace and it has a very high difficulty with technical terrain. It is only recommend-ed for experienced climbers as the ground is usually very lose and difficult to manage. Landslides can also happen especially during the rainier seasons.
Step by Step H
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Step by Step H
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The summit of Mt.Pulag is an absolutely breathtaking experience both figu-
ratively and literally. At 2922 meters or about 9586.6 feet, oxygen becomes thin and it can become difficult to breathe es-pecially when you are exerting yourself. During the final ascent to the summit, you will experience shortness of breath which makes this last part a challenge. Yet it is manageable as long as you take short rests once you begin to feel tired. On the way up to the summit you will already receive a taste of the breathtaking view of the so-called Sea of Clouds, at about 9000 feet you are crossing the cloud level and as you reach the summit. You are greeted by a flat surface with what seem to look like little stunted forests and a marvelous view. At this altitude you are just a few hundred feet above the lower cloud level,
Up, Up and Away H
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-the view is that of being on a boat in a Sea of Clouds. This is the highest point in Luzon and the second highest in the Philippines, surely an experience you cannot afford to miss!
Up, Up and AwayH
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Aside from climbing the mountain, Mount Pulag features beautiful lakes. One of which is the popular Bulalakao lake known for being the cleanest inland body of water in the
Philippines. There are four major lakes which make the area a very important watershed in the northern regions. These are Tabeyo, Bulalakao, Taew and Lebang Lake, these lakes are very essential as a source of water and power because these lakes run down towards Ambuk-lao dam. These lakes are under threat due to vegetable planting and illegal logging which is causing the soil to loosen and landslides to occur. If the land continues to degrade, the lake will eventually run off and spill out and we will not only lose a wonder of nature but also a major economic factor in the region as well.
Bulalacao means shooting star in the local language and they named the
lake as such because they believe that once a shooting star landed here and the hole filled up with water. That is why there is such a large crater in the middle of the lake, the lake is a source of good luck as long as it kept clean and beautiful and the people around the region respect the lake highly as a source of life.
A Trip to the Lake H
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REFLECTIONS H
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Read the words of people who have found inspiration from Mt.Pulag. Words inspired by the peaks and rolling hills as the mountain lives on in these works of literature.
Sometimes We Thinkby Marlene Sy
Sometimes we think we can’tWhen in fact we can.
Sometimes we think it’s farWhen in fact we’ve gone that far
Sometimes we think we’re too weak to finish.When in fact we’ve just looked at what we accomplished.
Sometimes we think it’s too hardWhen in fact it’s too blurred.
Sometimes we think it’s too heavyWhen in fact we just have to be steady.
Sometimes we think it’s too coldWhen in fact just have to be bold.
Sometimes we think we canWhen in fact we can – always.
Sometimes we feel we have become so tired and weakWhen in fact we’re already at the peak!
More poems about Mt.Pulag can be found by clicking the
link below
KapaligiranPulag
by Raul Funila
Sa paglitaw ng bukang liwaywayNanulay ang pagsilay ng araw,ilaw kang tumanglaw at nasilawMoa ang lantay ng rabaw ng
buhay.
Disyemebre 3, 2005Bundok ng Susong Dalaga
Posted: Dec.8, 2005
http://www.angelfire.com/pe/nuel/Bisip.htm
Words of Wisdom H
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Mount Pulag Sunriseby Lepan
Winners of Mount Pulagphoto contest
They say a picture is worth one thousand words and there are many paintings and pictures which say so much about the mountain so let’s take a moment to see what these pictures
have to say about Mt.Pulag and what it means to all of us.
A Thousand WordsH
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As the sun sets on our journey, we hoped that we have helped you get to know and maybe even get to love Mt.Pulag. Helped you on your way there or at least showed you what this mountain in the north is all about, there are more adventures to be had and this is just the beggining of many. It was a good journey for us and I hope it was a good journey for you too, until the next adventure!
For more information about Mt.Pulag, click the links below
http://www.iapad.org/publications/profiles/pro-
http://mountpulagadventures.blogspot.
http://www.peakbagging.com/Philippines/Mt%20Pulag.html
http://www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/38303another journey unfolds.
GoodnightH
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