Benguet

Mount Pulag

The Playground of the Gods

PUBLISHED November 18, 2016

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

Mount Pulag is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that connects individuals to the natural world and the rich cultural heritage of the Cordillera region. Whether you’re an avid mountaineer, a nature enthusiast, or someone seeking a deeper connection with the environment, Mount Pulag offers a journey that is both physically challenging and spiritually rewarding. As you stand atop the summit, surrounded by a sea of clouds and kissed by the first rays of the sun, you’ll understand why this mountain is truly the “Playground of the Gods.”

Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Mount Pulag with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!

Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Mount Pulag. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.

Luzon’s highest peak, the majestic Mount Pulag, proudly stands at an elevation of 9,606 feet above sea level in the province of Benguet. This impressive mountain holds the title of the Philippines‘ third-highest, following Mount Apo and Mount Dulang-Dulang, and globally ranks as the 26th tallest in its category. Often referred to as the “Playground of the Gods,” Mount Pulag is famed for its breathtaking sea of clouds, stunning sunrise views, and diverse ecosystem, making it a popular destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers alike.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.

Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.

A Sacred Landscape

Mount Pulag is more than just a natural wonder; it holds deep cultural significance for the indigenous people of the Cordilleras. Adding to the experience, there lies the opportunity to delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Ibaloi people of Benguet. To them, Mount Pulag is more than just a peak; it’s the sacred abode of their spirits—the “tinmongao”—residing in every nook and cranny of the mountain. Among its treasures are the mountain-high burial sites of the Ibaloi people, recognized as a national cultural treasure. In this age-old tradition, the deceased are mummified and laid to rest within the mountain’s caves. It’s crucial to honor and preserve these sacred gravesites, ensuring they remain undisturbed. The Ibaloi, Kalanguya, Ifugao, and Kankanaey tribes regard the mountain as sacred, believing it to be the final resting place of their ancestors. This reverence is evident in the way the locals treat the mountain—with utmost respect and care, following traditional practices to ensure the preservation of its pristine environment.

ABOVE: Mount Pulag, Luzon’s highest peak at 9,606 feet in Benguet, is famed as the “Playground of the Gods” for its sea of clouds, stunning sunrises, and diverse wildlife.

Biodiversity Hotspot

Mount Pulag is recognized as one of the Philippines’ crucial biodiversity hotspots, boasting some of the country’s highest biodiversity. The mountain is home to a wide array of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region. With an impressive count of 528 documented plant species, Mount Pulag features resilient dwarf bamboo and distinctive Benguet pine, easily observable amid lush forests adorned with vibrant ferns and lichens. The mountain’s unique biodiversity creates a truly remarkable experience for those who appreciate the beauty of nature.

ABOVE: Mount Pulag, with 528 plant species including dwarf bamboo and Benguet pine, offers a unique natural experience in lush forests with vibrant ferns and lichens.

Mount Pulag isn’t just a breathtaking summit; it’s a sanctuary for rare and endangered creatures like the Philippine deer, long-haired fruit bat, and four different cloud rat species. Bird enthusiasts can spot an impressive 33 species as well, including the Philippine eagle, the Luzon bleeding-heart, and the endemic Montane Racket-tail.

ABOVE: Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Ibaloi people of Benguet, who consider Mount Pulag a sacred dwelling place for spirits and a site of national cultural importance due to its mountain-high burial grounds.

The Climb

For those seeking adventure, there are various trails to the summit. The most popular ones, like Ambangeg, Akiki, and Tawangan, start from Benguet. If you’re coming from Nueva Vizcaya, the Ambaguio trail provides an alternative route to reach the summit. Each trail offers a unique experience, ranging from the more accessible Ambangeg Trail to the challenging Akiki Trail, often referred to as the “Killer Trail,” and the remote Tawangan Trail.

ABOVE: The park spans a vast 11,550 hectares (28,500 acres), offering hikers and other visitors numerous opportunities for adventure and exploration.

Upon reaching the summit of Mount Pulag, hikers are treated to breathtaking views, including an expansive sea of clouds that stretches as far as the eye can see. In the early morning hours, a captivating spectacle of the Milky Way Galaxy unfolds, adding a celestial touch to the already stunning panorama. As the first light breaks over the horizon, the sea of clouds below becomes illuminated, creating a surreal and ethereal experience that many describe as life-changing. The cold, crisp air at the peak, combined with the panoramic views of the Cordillera Mountains, makes the effort of the climb truly worthwhile.

ABOVE: At Mount Pulag’s summit, hikers enjoy stunning views of a sea of clouds, the Milky Way, and the Cordillera Mountains, making the climb truly worthwhile.

Environmental and Cultural Preservation

The remarkable connection between Mount Pulag’s natural beauty and cultural significance led to its recognition as a national park in 1987, declared by Presidential Proclamation. Encompassing an expansive area of 11,550 hectares (28,500 acres), the park offers observers an abundance of adventures and opportunities for exploration. Given its ecological and cultural importance, Mount Pulag is protected under the management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Conservation efforts are in place to maintain the delicate balance of its ecosystem, and visitors are encouraged to follow strict guidelines to minimize their impact. This includes adhering to the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, respecting the sacred sites, and participating in organized treks led by accredited guides.

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