MT. PULAG

Mount Pulag (or sometimes Mount Pulog) is the second-highest mountain in the Philippines. It is Luzon’s highest peak at 2,922 meters above sea level, and it’s only some meters lower than the highest peak of the Philippines – Mt. Apo (2954 m). The borders between the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya meet at the mountain's peak.
Because of its high elevation, the climate on Mt. Pulag is temperate with rains predominating the whole year. Rainfall on the mountain averages 4,489 mm yearly with August being the wettest month with an average rainfall of 1,135 mm.

The mountain hosts 528 documented plant species. It is the natural habitat of the endemic dwarf bamboo, (Yushania niitakayamensis) and the Benguet pine (Pinus insularis). Among its native wildlife are 33 bird species and several threatened mammals such as Philippine deer, giant bushy-tailed cloud rat, “bowet,” and long-haired fruit bat. Mt. Pulag is the only place that hosts the 4 cloud rat species. It has one of the most diverse biodiversity of the Philippines, with the newly found (since 1896) 185 grams dwarf cloud rat, Carpomys melanurus, a rare breed (endemic to the Cordillera) and the Koch pitta bird among its endangered denizens.
A large part of the mountain is designated as a National Park. The aim is to preserve the environment around the mountain due to threats from increased development such as conversion to agricultural lands, timber production, hunting, and increased tourism.

The indigenous people of Benguet consider the mountain to be a sacred place.

All visitors are required to secure permit from Mt. Pulag National Park Protected Area Office at Ambangeg,Daclan, Bokod, Benguet. Early coordination could also be made at the Protected Area and Wildlife Division, DENR-CAR Regional Office and CENRO Baguio.

All visitors are required to undergo an orientation/briefing at the visitor’s center/protected Area Office. It takes approximately 2 hours. Without this it’s not allowed to enter the National Park.

Camping is allowed only in designated camp sites. Building of fire is strictly prohibited. Note that visitors should bring their own camping stoves and cooking utensils. Building of fire is strictly prohibited. Note that visitors should bring their own camping stoves and cooking utensils. All visitors shall keep the park area clean and sanitary at all times. Visitors shall be responsible to bring their own trash and garbage whenever they leave the park area, garbage and other refuse that can not be packed out shall be disposed off properly. All visitors shall use designated urinal and toilet areas to maintain sanitation in the park area.