Travel in the Philippines
Mt. Pulag
Mt. Pulag is one of the most beautiful and sought after mountain trekking spots in the Philippines. It is considered as the second highest mountain peak in the country, next to Mt. Apo which is in Mindanao. The peak is 2,992 feet elevation above sea level. The majestic provinces of Ifugao, Benguet, and Nueva Vizcaya are joined together in forming the mountain range, which may cover up to 11, 550 hectares of land area. Many locals and tourist from all over the world come and visit the peak to witness the vibrant sunrise and the famous dramatic sunset.
The mountain was declared as a National Park in order to protect the diversity and the inhabiting wild animal species in the area. You can find many wild exotic bird species in the dense forests along the trail to Mt. Pulag. There are about 33 bird species which can be found in this area.
From the start off point, it may take about 5 days and 4 nights of trekking expedition to reach the peaks of Mt. Pulag. There are many suitable camping sites along the trail where you can comfortably set up your tent to get a good rest and relax. Though the Philippine terrain is in a tropical region, the temperature in getting near or being at the peak may go as low as 0oC. It is advised to bring appropriate thermals and wind breakers for cold and freezing protection.
Mt. Apo
Hailed as the highest mountain peak in entire beautiful archipelago of the Philippines, Mt. Apo is one of the most sought after and most climbed mountain in the country. It has an elevation of 2, 954 from sea level. The scenic location is between the two provinces of Davao City and Davao del Sur. There are many starting off trails leading to the summit; coming from North Cotabato and Davao provinces.
The panoramic view and the stunning nature's beauty which mountaineers can find at the peak is just one of a kind. This mountain is also considered as one of the many dormant volcanoes in the Philippines. Overlooking from the peak, you can get a good view of the entire Davao City in the northeast, Digos City in the southeast and Kidapawan City in the west.The mini-plateau top of the mountain, about 500 meter wide has a small crater lake.
It takes about two trekking days to reach the Mt. Apo peak. The mountain is rich with wild life diversity. There are over 272 species of wild birds inhabiting the place, 111 of the species are endemic to the area. The forest surrounding Mt. Apo is also the home of the famous Philippine national bird, the Philippine Eagle.
Mt. Dulang Dulang
With an elevation of 2, 938 meters from sea level, Mt. Dulang-Dulang or commonly called "D2" among Mountaineers. It is the second highest peak next to Mt. Apo in the island of Mindanao. Climbing to the peak is considered a major climb, with a difficulty of 6/9.
The long hiking travel to the peak will be forgotten with the stunning landscapes, centuries old tries and comely grasslands that mountaineers meet along the way. At the dense jungle and on the higher grounds, the temperature is typically low even at daytime.
Just like the other mountains in the Kitanglad Range, the area of Mt. Dulang Dulang is luxurious with the diverse flora and fauna. It is also a territory of more than 58 mammal species including squirrels, bats, monkeys, flying lemurs, shrews, wild boars, and deer.
Mt. kitanglad
Mt. Kitanglad is the fourth highest mountain peak in the Philippines. The way going to the peak has been established since there are many bunkhouses and presence of electricity supply present at the summit. However, even if the trail has been established, it is still a challenge in reaching the peak. The wondrous landscapes, tough adventure and the unique scenic views that capture the eyes are entirely one of a kind.
Hiking Mt. Kitanglad is considered a major climb with a difficulty of 6/9. It is advised for newcomers to bring a map. There are so many visible places atop: Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin Island at the northern part, Balatucan Mountains, Mt. Ragang, Mt. Dulang Dulang and other various mountains of Mindanao.
Mt. Tabayoc
Considered as the second highest mountain peak in Luzon, and the fifth highest peak in the Philippines, Mt. Tabayoc is also one of the most sought after must climb summits in the country.
The gigantic trees are almost coated with moss and the misty forest is partly cloudy all over even during the heights of daytime. This characteristic adds to the ancient aura that could be felt in the dense jungles. In the forest of Mt. Tabayoc, you can find many of the rare species of flowers and orchids specific to a tropical region. It is also a habitat to most endemic and endangered bird species.
The peak of Mt. Tabayoc offers a breathtaking open grassland summit. The tantalizing views that surrounds mountain top creates a feeling the hiker has finally conquered the world. The pristine characteristic of the mountain and the unfamiliar beauty adds to its mystifying charm.
Most trails going to Mt. Tabayoc remains unknown up to this time. It is advised that mountaineers get a local guide to assist them in getting to the summit. Some preparations must also be made before setting a trek schedule. The best time to visit the summit is during the summer season. During the rainy days, many trails are slippery and the rivers may be flooding and the current may be strong, making it quite impossible to cross.
