Nestled in the town of Kabayan, Benguet is the majestic playground of the gods, Mt. Pulag. It has become a favorite among many mountain climbers as it is undeniably one of the most beautiful peaks in the Philippines. Not just home to diverse flora and fauna, it is also famous for its ‘sea of clouds’ and its spectacular sunrise.
Here’s why you should make this part of your bucketlist.
1. Because it is where the best sunrise in the Philippines happens
I haven’t been half the archipelago to affirm what most mountaineers would claim but this is by far the most glorious sunrise my eyes have ever seen. Nothing beats the excitement you feel seeing the crack of dawn slowly brighten the world around you. You’d imagine how God flawlessly etches hues of orange, blue, and pink in what used to be a dark sky. Slowly the sun is waking up, stretching its rays halfway across the world. Then finally, the sunbeams kiss your cheeks a good morning. You can’t help but be moved just how amazing our God is.
2. Because you can do it.
Neophyte? Naah do not bother. The Ambangeg Trail specially caters to beginners in mountain climbing which is the same trail we tried during our climb. Never underestimate this trail, though. It will be a long walk up and gravity will be your greatest adversary. Heads up! Pack light, bring enough water, and carry a load of perseverance with you.
3. Because it gets you high
Literally! That’s 2922 masl up there.
4. Because it’s instagram worthy. lol
I mean it’s picturesque. Need I say more?
5. Because it will change your perception of strangers
Mom always reminded us not to talk to strangers but the hikers you meet along the way will definitely change that idea. They’ll serve you hellos and good morning greetings topped with a warm smile. You perhaps won’t remember their faces but you will always remember their hearts and the way they cheered on you, “Magandang buhay!” Aren’t they just the nicest people you meet?
6. Because it’s far, far better than your idea of 5-star accommodation
What could be better than sleeping under a canopy of a vast ebony sky adorned with a billion stars while being wrapped in a blanket of clouds?Talk about God’s version of luxury, He gives you better than the best. Now that’s what you call a 5-billion star accommodation (literally).
7. Because it will make you experience winter in the tropics
Who would have thought that a place that cold exists in the Philippines? I had four layers on but still felt very cold. You’d literally be chilling there. So plan your ootd well. Challenge here is to pack the thickest but lightest winter clothes.
8. Because it’s a different kind of achievement
So yea maybe you earned a degree in college, passed licensure exams, survived law school, made your parents proud. But imagine having conquered the highest peak in Luzon and the third highest in the Philippines- That’s meaningful beyond words could express! And you will only understand that feeling once you have finally conquered it. Just awesome.
9. Because it will help lives
Locals of Mt. Pulag are being discouraged from venturing into planting as livelihood since this will destroy the place’s natural balance. With this, locals are instead encouraged to become tour guides/porters for hikers. Not only are you having fun, but are able to extend help to them as well. 
10. Because it’s a real experience
You had a goal in mind. You endured the height and conquered it. You didn’t just visit the place to take fading photographs. You made memories. Fact is, you can travel to the most beautiful places and take as much pictures as you can. But real experiences aren’t captured by camera lenses. They’re captured only by the heart.
11 Because it gratifies the soul
Not all of our travels can gratify our soul. Some just make us feel it skin-deep. But the best travels are those that are most profound, those that satisfy our hearts. Yes you earned tired soles but never a tired soul.
12 Because it’s worth it
Your body will get tired. You’ll prolly be even worn out from hours of hiking and battling with gravity. 
You won’t be able to brush your teeth nor take a bath for 2 days. You won’t be able to sleep comfortably because of the freezing cold. You’ll wake up to back aches and muscle pains. You’ll be buried in a load of discomforts and you’ll prolly even ask why you waged yourself into this thing. But who cares when you gained a very fulfilling experience? From being sheltered with a beautiful night sky in your sleep up to witnessing the world change into a wonderful morning, God will leave you in awe of His greatness. It’s entirely rewarding.
~ While Mt. Pulag may be a bucketlist must-have, it is equally important that we are able to preserve its natural balance despite growing tourism in the locality. I believe that part of creation’s purpose is for us to experience its magnificence but in return, we should take care of it as well. May we truly understand the heart of mountaineering and carry with us the credo that it lives up to. As a way of giving back to what nature has selflessly given to us, may we become responsible hikers so that future generations may still be able to witness the same splendor Mt. Pulag has today.
Mt. Pulag awaits. Come but leave no trace. 🙂
– Lovell, Travel&TasteBuddy, Conquered Mt. Pulag
travelandfoodbuzz.wordpress.com 
Lovveeellll awesomeness! Already added to my bucketlist, still have to find companion hehe.. Keep exploring.. Really love reading your blog. Kakanosebleed hehe.