VISITORS INFORMATION KIT

           

1. VISITOR’S PERMIT

 

Ø      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.

Ø      All visitors are required fill and submit  reservation slip (Please see last page of this document)

Ø   The permitee shall submit a complete list of names of the members of the party visiting the PA, their proposed itineraries and duration of stay in the PA.

Ø      Prospective visitors are encouraged to register early.

 

2. ENTRY/CAMPING

 

Ø      All luggage and items brought by visitors are subject for inspection by the Protected Area Superintendent (PASU) or her/his duly authorized representatives.

Ø      All visitors are required to undergo an orientation/briefing at the visitor’s center/protected Area Office and CENRO Offices proceeding inside the PA.

Ø      All visitors shall take only the authorized entrance and exit points as well as the designated trails inside the PA.

Ø      All visitors are not allowed to carry firearms, explosives and prohibited drugs inside the PA.

Ø      All visitors are mandated to observe the sacredness of the PA hence; they should be sensitive enough to conform to the existing customs and traditions in the Area.

Ø      All visitors are mandated to observe all existing laws regarding prohibited acts inside the PA.

Ø      No permanent/temporary structure shall be constructed during the stay in the PA that will detract from or destroy its features.

Ø      Camping is allowed only in designated camp sites

Ø      Building of fire is strictly prohibited. Note that visitors should bring their own camping stoves and cooking utensils.

 

3. WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SANITATION                               

 

Ø      All visitors shall keep the PA clean and sanitary at all times. Visitors shall be responsible to bring their own trash and garbage whenever they leave the PA, garbage and other refuse that can not be packed out shall be disposed off properly.

Ø      All visitors shall discharge wastes in designated urinal and toilet areas to maintain sanitation in the PA.

 

4. ENTRANCE FEES/CAMPING FEES

 

Ø      All visitors are required to pay the entrance and camping fees.

 

                        ENTRANCE FEE:

                                    a.         Non-Philippine residents            -           US$ 15.00/person or

                                                                                                            Its Peso Equivalent

                                     b.         Philippine Residents                 -           P100.00/person

                 

                        CAMPING FEES

                                    a.         Non – Philippine residents         -           P50.00/person/day

                                    b.         Philippine residents                   -           P50.00/person/day

 

 Ø      Local residents from Kabayan, Bokod, Buguias municipalities of Benguet, Tinoc of Ifugao and Kayapa of Nueva Viscaya shall be exempted from paying entrance and camping fees upon presentation of any identifying documents to be validated by the PASu.

Ø      In addition, senior citizens (above 60 years old) shall also be exempted from paying the above fees.

 

5. TOUR GUIDES

Ø      All visitors are required to seek the assistance of legitimate/licensed and trained tour guides. This is to ensure the proper observance and enforcement of the PA policies on visitors’ management.

Ø      Standard   fees shall be collected in employing tour guides..

Ø      Local residents from Kabayan, Bokod, Buguias municipalities of Benguet, Tinoc of Ifugao and Kayapa of Nueva Viscaya shall be exempted from employing tour guides but Park rangers shall accompany them until their stay in the PA.

 

6.  CONTACT PERSONS:                                                   

 

    Protected Area Superintendent           Emerita A. Tamiray               

    Cell phone No.                         09196315402 

    Protected Area Office                   09203013932 

 

 TOUR GUIDE RATES: Tour Guides fees shall not go beyond the following rates:

(Students are entitled for a 10% discount. Provided that they will present their valid school ID’s for the present school term.)

 

A. Ranger Station - Grassland

Number of Tour Guides	Number of visitors	Corresponding Amount in Philippine Peso	Duration of stay
1	1-7	500.00	2 days and 1 night
1	8	800.00	-do-
1	9	900.00	-do-
1	10	1,000.00	-do-
2	11	1,100.00	-do-
2	12	1,200.00	-do-
2	13	1,300.00	-do-
2	14	1,400.00	-do-
2	15	1,500.00	-do-
2	16	1,600.00	-do-
2	17	1,700.00	-do-
2	18	1,800.00	-do-
2	19	1,900.00	-do-
2	20	2,000.00	-do-

 

B. Akiki Trail

Number Of Tour Guides	Number Of visitors	Corresponding Amount in Philippine Peso	Route	Duration of stay
1	1-7	1,800.00	Ranger Station-Grassland-Akiki	2 nights
1	1-7	1,800.00	Akiki-Grassland-Ranger Station	2 nights
1	1-7	3,000.00	Akiki-Grassland-Akiki	3 nights
1	8	1,600.00	Ranger station-grassland-Akiki	3 nights
		2,100.00	Akiki-grassland-Ranger station	2 nights
		3,100.00	Akiki—grassland-Akiki	2 nights
			Akiki-grassland-Balete	3 nights

NOTE: Additional of PhP 100.00 per person to a maximum of 10 visitors per tour guide and PhP 300.00 per group for every one (1) nigh extension.

 

C. Ballay-Tawangan-Grassland

No. of tour guide	Number of Visitors	Amount	Durations of stay
1	1-7	2,500.00	3 days, 2 nights
		3,000.00	4 days, 3 nights
1	8	2,600.00	3 days, 2 nights
		3,100.00	4 days, 3 nights
1	9	2,700.00	3 days, 2 nights
		3,200.00	4 days, 3 nights
1	10	2,800.00	3 days, 2 nights
		3,300.00	4 days, 3 nights

Note: Additional PhP 300.00 to a maximum of 10 visitors for every one night extension.

 

D. Grassland – Tinoc (via Tawangan)

No. of tour guide	Number of Visitors	Amount	Durations of stay
1	1-7	2,500.00	3 days, 2 nights

 

E. Balete, Kayapa-Ranger Station-Grassland

No. of tour guide	Number of Visitors	Amount	Durations of stay
1	1-7	2,500.00	3 days, 2 nights

 

Porter Rates

Route	Corresponding amount in Peso
Ranger Station-Grassland	250.00
Ambangeg – Ranger Station	400.00
Akiki Jump off-Grassland	1,200.00
Ballay – Tawangan – Grassland	2,500.00-3,000.00
Grassland - Ballay	2,500.00-3,000.00

 

 

6. CONDUCT OF RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTARY IN THE PA

 

Ø      All researchers and outside entities who want to conduct researchers, documentaries and movies inside the PA shall seek permission from the PAMB before any undertaking as prescribed under EO 247, DAO 96 – 20 Implementing Rules and Regulations on the Prospecting of Biological and Genetic Resources.

Ø      Any information prior to publication or dissemination of researchers, documentaries, movies, etc. must be reviewed and approved by the PAMB.

 

7. TRANSPORTATION

 

Ø      All vehicles allowed to ferry visitors inside the park shall have an accreditation from the PAMB through the PASu. Vehicles apply for accreditation with existing DOT guidelines shall meet the following requirements;

Ø      Registered vehicles with passenger insurance                       

Ø      Licensed drivers

Ø      At least vehicles with four-wheel drive capability               

Ø      All vehicles ferrying visitors shall be allowed only up to the Ranger Station in Babadak.

 

PUBLIC UTILITY VEHICLES     Fare = PhP 75.00 / passenger

 

BAGUIO CITY TO AMBANGEG, DACLAN, BOKOD AND KABAYAN, BENGUET

TIME	TYPE OF VEHICLE	STATION
9:00 AM	NORTON BUS	SLAUGHTERCOMPOUND MAGSAYSAYAVE.BAGUIO CITY
10:00 AM	NORTON BUS	SLAUGHTER COMPOUND
12:00 NN	NORTON BUS	SLAUGHTER COMPOUND
1:00-1:30 PM	PUJ (BOKOD)	DANGWA TERMINAL
1:00-1:30 PM	AJ COASTER (BOKOD)	DANGWA
2:00 PM	TERMINAL NORTON BUS	SLAUGHTER COMPOUND

 

AMBANGEG, DACLAN, BOKOD TO BAGUIO CITY                                       

TIME	TYPE OF VEHICLE	STATION
6:30-7:00 AM	PUJ-NICKO AND RAMPAGE	AMBANGEG
6:30-7:00 AM	NORTON BUS	FROM KABAYAN
9:00 AM	NORTON BUS	FROM KABAYAN
9:30-10:00 AM	NORTON BUS	FROM KABAYAN
1:30-2:00 PM	NORTON BUS	FROM KABAYAN

                                                                                                    

NOTICE

For visitors in need of transportation to Mt. Pulag National Park, the Park Management recommends the following mountain driver for security reasons and based on his performance, readiness to answer calls, cheaper rate of hiring as well as how he handles the visitors. He also coordinates with other credible drivers when needed.

 

Name of driver              :           Roger Guzman

Cellphone                     :           09208068656

 

 8. OTHERS

 

Ø      The Protected Area Office/DENR is not liable for any loss or damage on the Personal properties/belongings or injury or death due to accident that may happen to any members of the group during the duration of the visit of the PA>

Ø      Violations of any of the above-mentioned terms and conditions herein stipulated will be sufficient ground for the cancellation of this permit. The permitte/permitees shall be held liable to the penalties provided for under existing laws (NIPAS Act/RA 7586; EO 247, PD 705 and other existing laws), rules and regulations of the DENR/NIPAP.

 

PROHOBITED ACTS

 Hunting, destroying, disturbing or mere possession of any plant or animal or products    derived therefrom without a permit, specifically authorizing such activity, from           the        Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).

 

Dumping or otherwise disposing or any waste products detrimental to the protected area             to the plants and animals or inhabitants therein:

 

Use of any motorized equipment without a permit:

 

Mutilating, defacing or destroying objects or natural beauty, or burial grounds, religious   sites, artifacts or other objects belonging to cultural communities;

 

Damaging and leaving roads and trails in damaged condition;

 

Squatting, mineral exploration, or otherwise illegally occupying any land:

 

Constructing or maintaining any kind of structure, fence or enclosure and conducting any business enterprise without a permit;

 

Leaving in exposed or unsanitary condition, refuse or debris, or disposing wastes in bodies of water:

 

Altering, removing, destroying or defacing boundary marks or signs.

 

Bringing in of prohibited drugs, hard liquors and gambling are not allowed within the park.

 

 

THINGS NOT ALLOWED IN MT. PULAG NATIONAL PARK

 

1. Bringing in of domestic or exotic animals

 

Domestic and exotic animals ( animals taken from other places) are potential carriers of disease that could upset the wildlife, vegetation and the indigenous people in the park’s surroundings.

 

2. Taking a bath and washing in the park’s spring waters.

 

Bathing and washing using soaps and chemicals is detrimental to the park’s vegetation and wildlife. The soap/chemicals can poison the microscopic organisms in park as well as the wildlife that could possibly drink the contaminated water. It could also contaminate the water springs of the local communities using it.

 

3. Introduction or bringing in of exotic plants/plants taken outside the park

 

Introduction of exotics can possibly destroy the native or endemic species in the park that could lead to extinction. Some exotics are invasive such that it can wipe out the original species in the park.

 

4. Smoking in the grassland

 

The grassland covers about 804 hectares and it is highly susceptible to fire. Cigarette smoking poses danger to the grassland ecosystem

 

5. Urinating and defecating in the park without using the comfort rooms.

 

Visitors must use the comfort rooms provided in the Camp Site to avoid contamination and desecration of the sacred ground. Those traveling from the Akiki Trail must use cathole at least 200 meters away from water bodies. The depth of the cathole must be 8-12 inches.

    

6. Leaving of biodegradable and non –biodegradable materials in the park.

 

Leaving the biodegradable materials in the park will contaminate the park and can poison the wildlife who could possibly ingest the left-overs.

 

Fruits and other spoiled foods left in the park can kill some endemic species. All biodegradable materials should be brought out of the park and be turned over at the Babadak Ranger Station for proper disposal.

 

The non-biodegradable materials brought in the park should be taken out by all visitors in the park and be returned to its point of origin.

 

7. Spitting in the park

 

Spitting is one way of spreading disease. It can also contaminate the water springs of the indigenous communities where they derive water. The grassland and mossy forest is high such that during the rainy season the water drains from the grassland downhill and joins the natural springs where the indigenous communities directly derive their water.

 

8. Campfire in the park

 

Building campfire in the park will upset the vegetation in the park hence all visitors must have their own cook sets. Visitors with no cook sets are advised to stay at the Babadak Ranger Station where they can cook food.

 

ADVISORY

 

TO ALL MT. PULAG NATIONAL PARK CLIMBERS AND VISITORS:

 

TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE AND VISITOR MANAGEMENT OF THE PARK, PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL CLIMBERS/VISITORS SHOULD MAKE EARLY RESERVATION TO THE PROTECTED AREA OFFICE AT AMBANGEG, DACLAN, BOKOD, BENGUET. THIS IS TO MAINTAIN THE REQUIRED CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE CAMPING GROUNDS AND THE REFUGE BUILDINGS AT THE BABADAK RANGER STATION IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER OR THUNDER STORMS.

 

ALL CLIMBERS/MOUNTAINEERS OR VISITORS ARE REQUIRED TO OBSERVE THE FF:

 

AMBANGEG-BABADAK ROUTE IS ADVISABLE TO AMATEUR CLIMBERS WHILE AKIKI TRAIL IS FOR SEASONED CLIMBERS.

 

ALL VISITORS/CLIMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A BRIEFING AT THE PROTECTED AREA OFFICE/VISITORS CENTER AT AMBANGEG, DACLAN, BOKOD, BENGUET BEFORE ASCENDING THE GRASSLAND SUMMIT/SACRED GROUND OR PARK;

 

ALL VISITORS/CLIMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO PAY THE USER FEES. AFTER PAYMENT, OFFICIAL RECEIPTS INCLUDING THE VISITOR’S PERMIT.

 

DURING THE COLDEST MONTHS, THE GRASSLAND AND BABADAK AREA      EXPERIENCE FROST THUS ALL VISITORS/CLIMBERS MUST COME WITH PROPER CLOTHING.

 

CLIMBERS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN CAMPING GEARS, COOK SET AND     OTHER PROVISIONS. CAMP FIRE IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE PARK.

 

ALL CLIMBERS/VISITORS SHOULD BE ESCORTED BY TOUR GUIDES FROM    THE MT. PULAG INDIGENOUS TOUR GUIDE ASSOCIATION (MPITGA). THE GUIDING FEE HOWEVER COULD BE NEGOTIATED WITH THE ACCREDITED MPITGA MEMBERS IN THE PARK.

 

RESERVATIONS SHOULD INCLUDE THE IDENTITY OR ORGANIZATION OF        THE VISITING PARTY, PURPOSE OF TRAVEL, ITINERARY OF TRAVEL, NUMBER OF VISITORS COMING AND THE DURATION OF TRAVEL.

If you are planning to bring kids with you, it is okay provided you use the easy trail or Option 1.  You must however bring with you thick clothes whether its summer or not. December to February is the coldest months.  Morning frosts occur in the morning in the park.  Just imagine that you are entering the lower compartment of a refrigerator.

As for food provisions, you must bring some with you as their are limited goods near the park. Mini-stores are found near the Babadak Ranger Station but there are no fruits. Bigger groups are advised to purchase in Baguio City as the stores cannot cater to bigger groups.

The Ranger Station can accommodate about 15-20 persons depending on the time of your visits.  Other visitors might use it too you must inform us if you want to sleep at the Ranger Station.  You must also contribute for the maintenance and upkeep of the Station since most of the guides are the ones maintaining it.  If you want to use their LPG tank make sure you leave some amount to the guides since they contribute for the kitchen consumption.

The bus do not enter park.  The road going to the Ranger Station is challengingly rough and leads consistently uphill and very narrow that we need well conditioned vehicles and experienced mountain drivers to traverse the road.   The passengers need to hire vehicles from Ambangeg to Ranger Station but most of the vehicles in
the area are not well conditioned and have no franchise.  At times there are no available vehicles during holidays.  Most of the vehicles in the area are used to transport vegetables. 

During the peak season too, the buses cannot accommodate all visitors too  thus I usually advise bigger groups to hire vehicles in Baguio City who can  fetch them from the terminal to the Ranger Station and fetch them again on their way home.  We can recommend some credible mountain drivers who can assist you if you want.  He usually transports most of the visitors in the park.

The round trip hire of jitney range from P7500-P9000 depending on the load and number of passengers.   We have no cut from the prices.  We just make arrangements to ensure the security of visitors.  I was constrained to search for contacts in Baguio City when I have heard complaints from other climbers.  Some drivers are collecting exorbitant charges while the rest collect cuts from other drivers they contact.  Some charge too low but the vehicle is not well conditioned for long trips while the rest do not know the area thus trouble sets in when they will not agree on the change of prices midway.  Some drivers also change mind midway when they realize the going is rough.

It would be better for you to get in touch with the recommended driver personally so that you can discuss the price.  We have chosen him since he charges lower than the other drivers and that he is an operator/driver who can make outright decisions.

If you prefer to ride a bus and hire vehicle in Ambangeg, we can arrange that but I cannot assure you on the condition of the vehicles there.  We also need days to arrange.We have 1-2 jeeps that can go there.  There are heavy duty jitneys but it is open with no seats that are not advisable for kids.

Four Wheel Drive Vehicles and jitneys can go directly to the Ranger Station but during the rainy season it is quite difficult for any type of vehicle.  From Baguio City to the jump off point it is so dusty nowadays so you need something to cover your head, face and nose for protection.

Mt. Pulag is one of the unique mountains in the Philippines.  It you are a nature lover you will love the place.  Mountain climbers keep coming every year.  Some even come more than twice a year.  It portrays a unique types of ecosystems - the pine, the mossy, mountain lakes and the grassland that is dominated by dwarf bamboos.

During summer, we receive so many visitors that we usually reschedule other climbers to avoid overcrowding of the camp sites.  We need to consider also the carrying capacity of the trails, latrines and the summit.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.

PRE-CAMPING CHECKLIST

 

This checklist is not necessarily in order. It will however serve as a reminder before the hike/climb.

 

• FIRST AID KIT-TRIANGULAR BANDAGE; MEDICINE
• SLEEPING BAG/BLANKETS
• TENTS THAT COULD WITHSTAND STRONG RAIN OR THUNDERSTORM
• BODY WARMERS – MUFFLERS, GLOVES, JACKETS, SOCKS, ETC.
• HIKING SHOES IDEAL FOR MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
• COOK SETS/KNIFE, UTENSILS, SWISS KNIFE ETC.
• FOOD PROVISIONS
• MAPS/BROCHURE
• BINOCULARS FOR BIRD WARCHING
• COMPASS OR GPS
• ADJUSTABLE WALKING CANE
• CIMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT (CELL PHONE, HANDHELD RADIO)
• GARBAGE BAGS
• PLASTIC BAGS FOR WRAPPING THINGS DURING RAINY DAYS
• CANTEENS OR WATER CONTAINER
• CAMERA AND FILMS
• DESIGNATION OF COMMITTEE – LEADMAN, SWEEPER, SCRIBE. FIRST AIDER
• MONEY FOR ENTRANCE FEE, CAMPING FEE AND TOUR GUIDE FEE
• FLASH LIGHTS WITH NEW BATTERIES – AT LEAST 2 WITH BACK UP
• RAIN GEAR
• MATCH/LIGHTERS (FOR STOVE ONLY)
• ROUTE PLAN OR ITINERARY FOR PRESENTATION AT THE PROTECTED AREA OFFICE

 

WARNING

 

• WE DISCOURAGE BRINGING IN OF STYROFOAMS OR MATERIALS MADE OF OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES