Hello wholesome reader!
As promised in my previous post, I’m ecstatic to share our actual climb to Mt. Pulag’s summit. Come and join me!
Our Journey Began at Midnight
When the clock struck 12, our alarms started screaming. Unlike other days, I didn’t snooze my alarm. Adrenaline surged through me as I jumped straight out of bed.
The most awaited day had finally come!
Our organizer prepared a light breakfast to energize us for the climb. Personally, I avoid eating too much before a hike to prevent feeling heavy on the trail. But knowing we’d be walking for at least five hours, I ate a little more than usual.
The day before the hike, we had already packed a small bag to bring along. Inside were trail snacks, an emergency blanket, extra batteries for our headlamps, ponchos, and balaclavas. Everything was prepped to avoid leaving any essentials behind.
By around 1:30 AM, we were already waiting for the jeepney to take us to the Ranger Station, the jump-off point of our hike. Upon arrival, we had a quick orientation, followed by a prayer for a safe climb.
A New Hiking Experience Unlocked!
Our hike officially started around 2:00 AM, a little behind schedule (we were supposed to begin at 1:00 AM to catch the sunrise at the summit).
We were informed that the trail included two stopovers, Camp 1 and Camp 2, before reaching the top. Both camps had CRs in case anyone needed them.
This was my first time trekking at midnight, and it was so different from any dayhike I’d done. I loved the cool breeze and the absence of the sun’s scorching heat. Most parts of the hike were genuinely enjoyable.
Although the Ambangeg Trail is known to be beginner-friendly, one segment was slightly more challenging. Camp 1 marked the end of that segment, and surprisingly, we reached it in less than an hour. We rested there for about 5–10 minutes.
Another hour of hiking took us to Camp 2. By then, I could definitely feel the cold, it was like walking inside a giant refrigerator! An hour and a half more walking, and we finally reached the summit.
The Famous Sea of Clouds
As we arrived at the summit, the sky was already beginning to light up. Soft orange hues appeared before our eyes. The air was freezing, it really was as cold as the blogs said!
According to the locals, there's a myth: the gods decide the weather based on the hikers’ behavior. If the group is loud and disrespectful, the weather turns bad. But if the hikers are well-mannered, the gods reward them with beautiful views. Thankfully, we were among the respectful ones and were blessed with clear skies, a glowing sunrise, and the iconic sea of clouds.
It was one of those moments that made me feel deeply grateful to be alive and to have legs that carried me to such a view. Watching the sunlight slowly spread across the sky filled me with hope.
We sat there at the summit, waiting for the sun to fully rise. I silently wished the golden hour would come faster, just to warm us up a bit. Despite the cold, we enjoyed taking photos with the sunrise and the sea of clouds.
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Playground of the Gods
On our way down, we truly got to appreciate Mt. Pulag’s extraordinary landscapes. With daylight on our side, we gasped multiple times at the views around us. We could finally distinguish the different terrains of the mountain.
The topmost part of Mt. Pulag is the Grassland, where short Chinese bamboo shoots grow and shape the stunning, rolling hills. The view was surreal especially when the sunlight hit parts of the land, creating shadows that looked almost otherworldly.
Below the Grassland lies the Mossy Forest, my first time walking through one! It felt like stepping into a fairytale. Trees were cloaked in moss, and the temperature remained low. This section might have been the longest in terms of distance, but I didn’t mind at all. The dew-covered leaves sparkling in the light were a sight to behold.
We knew we were nearing the end when we entered the Pine Forest. The temperature noticeably rose as we descended to a lower altitude. I took a habal-habal (motorcycle) back to our homestay, while my boyfriend (somehow still full of energy) chose to run the rest of the way back, which, by the way, wasn’t a short distance at all!
Climbing Mt. Pulag was more than just a physical journey, it was a soul-nourishing experience. From the midnight trek under the stars to the majestic sunrise above the sea of clouds, every moment reminded me of nature’s quiet power and beauty. This adventure taught me to embrace discomfort, cherish simple joys, and respect the world around us. If you're ever given the chance, go see it for yourself. Mt. Pulag truly lives up to its title: the Playground of the Gods.
Thank you for reading my post up to this point. I hope you have a great time ahead!
I'll take delight in writing for you again soon.
Love,
Sam ♡
Part 1 | Part 2
Hello, in case you have not read my intro post, my name is Samantha. You may call me Sam for short. I am from Cebu, a beautiful island in the Philippines. I created this space in an attempt to put all the good things in one place, thus, my blog name @wholesamdiaries.
Let's connect! I'd be glad to discover more amazing people here. Thank you once again and see you around! ♡