Mt. Pulag re-opens for tourist, midnight trekking prohibited

Kabayan, Benguet – Local tourists in the country can now visit Philippine’s third highest peak and Luzon’s highest peak for trekking activities, according to the management of Mt. Pulag.

The mountain, known as the 26th-highest peak on Earth, was closed to the public in 2020 due to the threat of Covid-19, but opened in March 2022 for nearby residents like Baguio-Benguet, Tinoc, Ifugao, and Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya.

In an announcement made Friday, June 10, the Mount Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) said that they are now allowing park guests from other regions, but will prioritize those who already paid their reservation before the pandemic.

“Weekdays are suggested for those who cannot be accommodated on weekends,” they added.

The management told tourists that reservations may be received through direct phone calls at the PAMO or thru online messaging during office hours.

Contact numbers, they said are sent through SMS.

Further, the management likewise reminded those wanting to visit Mt. Pulag that entrance fees and user fees are doubled during holidays and weekends.

Management’s advisory regarding trekking time

Trekkers are strongly advised to follow trekking time allowed. It said hikes on the easy trail or southern ingress should start early but not during midnight. For trekkers doing return journey (to the summit and back), 2AM departure is suggested.

“The trek may take about three to four hours on average from Babadak Ranger Station to the summit,” they said, adding that staying at the summit for more than an hour or more to wait for the sunrise may cause hypothermia to some individuals without proper clothing.

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