Akiki Trail - Mount Pulag's Unforgiving "Killer" Trail | Ultimate Camping and Hiking Guide

Hi! My name is Mier, a computer engineer and digital nomad. In addition to typical travel, I’m actively conquering various summits in the Philippines. I’m also documenting my adventures for fellow mountaineers who enjoy hiking solo or as part of a group. If you have questions, feel free to message me on Facebook or Instagram

KASAKIT sa AKIKI!

Jump to: [Highlights] [Gears] [Useful Contacts]

Hiking Summary (3D2N)

Day 0:

1. Travel from Cebu to Clark via Airplane [Local Airlines]

2. Travel from Clark to Baguio via Carpool [check contacts] - 600 PHP

3. 11:00 am: Arrival at Baguio, Lunch at Good Taste Restaurant - 300 PHP

4. Roam around Baguio City - 500 PHP (average)

5. Bought Hiking Needs (trail food, water, etc) - 500 PHP (average)

6. Dinner at Mang Inasal - 200 PHP

7. Overnight stay at RL Royal Suites (shared) [Book Here] - 436 PHP

   
   

Day 1: Actual Climb - 4,600 PHP

1. 4:00 am: Van pick up from Baguio City for Mount Pulag's registration (DENR)

2. 7:00 am: Arrival at DENR for Medical Checkup - 150 PHP

3. 9:00 am: Start of orientation [ALERT! be sure to checkout tips section]

4. 11:00 am: Travel to Akiki Ranger Station

5. 12:00 nn: Lunch and final preparations (porter and guides)

6. 1:00 pm: Start Trek

7. 4:00 pm: Arrived at Edette River

8. 8:00 pm: Arrived at Marlboro Campsite

9. 9:00 pm: Dinner and lights off

   
   

Day 2:

1. 8:00 am: Break camp and breakfast

2. 9:00 am: Start Trek

3. 12:00 nn: Lunch at Mossy Forest water source

4. 3:00 pm: Summit

5. 5:00 pm: Arrived at Camp 2

6. 7:00 pm: Dinner, Socials and Lights Off

Day 3:

1. 4:00 am: Call time, Coffee

2. 4:30 am: Sunrise at Tower Peak

3. 8:00 am: Descend back to Camp 2

4. 9:00 am: Breakfast and prepare to descent

5. 10:00 am: Descend to Ambangeg Ranger Station

6. 12:00 nn: Arrival at Summit Gems Homestay, washup, lunch

7. 1:00 pm: Back to DENR

8. 3:00 pm: Arrival at DENR, Get Certificates and Pictorial - 50 PHP (certificate)

9. 6:00 pm: Arrival at Baguio City

10. 7:00 pm: Dinner at a local restaurant [Highly Recommended: Edsyl Canteen]

11. Overnight stay at RL Royal Suites (shared) [Book Here] - 436 PHP

Day 4:

1. 5:00 am: Travel back to Clark Airport via Carpool [check contacts section] - 700 PHP

2. Drive Through for Breakfast - 300 PHP

3. 9:00 am: Arrived at Clark Airport

4. Early light lunch at the Airport - 500 PHP (average)

5. 11:00 am: Travel back to Cebu

Total Expenses: 9,272 PHP (excluding plane ticket)

General Tips:

1. Orientation:The orientation session can last more than an hour and is conducted in batches, so it's crucial to have your organizer register your group as early as possible. Arriving late may mean waiting several hours—some hikers who arrive at 8 AM might not get their orientation until noon, leading to unnecessary delays. To maximize your hiking time, plan ahead and aim to be in an earlier batch.

2. Water Sources:There are plenty of water sources along the trail, so there's no need to carry excessive amounts. If you're not a heavy water drinker, bringing just 1 liter should be sufficient, as you can easily refill at the next available source.

3. Cold Weather:Mount Pulag can get extremely cold, especially at night. Proper layering is essential—bring insulated clothing, gloves, and a good-quality sleeping bag to stay warm and comfortable during your camp stay.

4. Best Spot for the Sea of Clouds:If you're lucky to have a clear morning, Tower Peak offers the most breathtaking view of Mount Pulag’s famous sea of clouds. This vantage point provides an unforgettable panorama, making it the best place to witness the golden sunrise above the rolling mist.

5. Monster Jeep Top-Load Ride:For an added thrill, you can experience a top-load ride on a monster jeep while traveling from DENR to the Ranger Station. Sitting on top of the jeep offers an exhilarating ride with unobstructed views of the mountainous terrain—just hold on tight and enjoy the adventure!

Recommended Gears:

Camping:

1. Hiking Bag: Osprey Talon 36L

2. Super Lightweight Tent: Naturehike Cloud Up (2P)

3. Pillow: Naturehike Inflattable Pillow

4. Super Lightweight Chair: Naturehike Folding Chair

Gadgets:

1. Tech Bag: Cullen Wayne Commuter Backpack

2. Waterproof Bag: Naturehike 30L Bag

3. Drone: DJI Mini 4 Pro

4. Selfie Stick and Tripod: For insta 360 and Phone (needs holder)

Highlights:

DENR:

Every hiker heading to Mount Pulag must first make a mandatory stop at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) station for a medical check-up and orientation. Here, you’ll be briefed on the do’s and don’ts of the hike, safety guidelines, and the importance of preserving the mountain’s fragile ecosystem. However, be prepared for possible delays—waiting times can stretch longer than expected, especially during peak seasons. If you plan to take the Akiki Trail, an early arrival is highly recommended to maximize your daylight hours for the challenging trek ahead.

Akiki Ranger Station:

The Akiki Ranger Station marks the official jump-off point for the infamous "Killer Trail." The journey from DENR to this station takes about an hour, and half of it might be spent perched atop a roaring monster jeep, feeling the rush of wind as you traverse rugged roads. This ride is an adventure in itself, a thrilling precursor to the challenges ahead. The station is your last chance to double-check your gear, fill up on supplies, and mentally prepare for the grueling ascent awaiting you.

Edette River:

As you push forward, Edette River welcomes you with its pristine beauty—a first glimpse into Mount Pulag’s hidden wonders. The river provides a perfect resting spot before the arduous climb truly begins. Take a moment to soak in the serene atmosphere: the cool breeze, the gentle rustling of towering pine trees, and the calming symphony of flowing water. It’s a natural recharge station, offering hikers a peaceful interlude before the real test of endurance begins.

Assault:

This is where the real battle begins. The terrain steepens, the air gets thinner, and every step demands more energy. The climb is relentless, testing your stamina and mental grit. But with each difficult stride, the views grow increasingly rewarding, pushing you to conquer the unforgiving trail.

Marlboro Campsite:

After an exhausting day, Marlboro Campsite provides a much-needed respite for the night. Nestled among rolling hills and embraced by the cold mountain air, the campsite is a perfect place to share stories over a warm meal, gaze at the star-filled sky, and recharge for the next leg of the journey. The howling winds may keep you on edge, but the thrill of adventure lingers in the air.

Mossy Forest:

Entering the Mossy Forest feels like stepping into an enchanted realm. Ancient trees draped in thick moss create a mystical ambiance, while the filtered sunlight weaves golden patterns through the dense canopy. The air is damp and fresh, filled with the earthy scent of the forest floor. Every twist and turn reveals nature’s artistry, making this section of the trail a mesmerizing, if eerie, passage.

Grassland:

Beyond the forest, the landscape dramatically shifts into the vast, rolling Grasslands. Here, the sky opens up, and the horizon stretches endlessly. The iconic golden-brown terrain, swaying with the rhythm of the wind, is breathtaking, offering a stark contrast to the dense jungle left behind. This is the final stretch before reaching the summit, where exhaustion meets exhilaration.

Summit:

Reaching the summit of Mount Pulag is a moment of pure triumph. At 2,926 meters above sea level, you stand on Luzon’s highest peak, greeted by the legendary sea of clouds. The sunrise here is a spectacle like no other—soft hues of orange and pink painting the sky as the clouds roll below like waves in an endless ocean. It’s a humbling, awe-inspiring experience, making every step of the grueling trek worth it.

Camp 2:

Camp 2 is not as quiet as one might expect, but it is the perfect place to set up camp when planning to visit Tower Peak early the next morning. It is also the nearest campsite after the summit when taking the Akiki Trail, making it a strategic stop for those looking to rest before continuing their journey.

Tower Peak:

Tower Peak is a must-visit in the early morning, offering an even closer view of the breathtaking sea of clouds bathed in the golden hues of sunrise. This vantage point allows hikers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the heavens meeting the earth, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. The short trek to Tower Peak is well worth it for those seeking a magical and unforgettable start to the day.

Ambangeg Ranger Station:

The journey ends at the Ambangeg Ranger Station, a much gentler descent compared to Akiki’s demanding trails. Here, weary hikers can finally relax, celebrate their accomplishment, and savor their last moments on Mount Pulag. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on the journey—on the struggles endured, the friendships forged, and the raw beauty of the mountain that made it all worthwhile.

Recommended Gears:

Camping:

1. Hiking Bag: Osprey Talon 36L

2. Super Lightweight Tent: Naturehike Cloud Up (2P)

3. Pillow: Naturehike Inflattable Pillow

4. Super Lightweight Chair: Naturehike Folding Chair

Gadgets:

1. Tech Bag: Cullen Wayne Commuter Backpack

2. Waterproof Bag: Naturehike 30L Bag

3. Drone: DJI Mini 4 Pro

4. Selfie Stick and Tripod: For insta 360 and Phone (needs holder)

   
   

Useful Contacts:

1. Carpool (Baguio-Clark) Name: Sir Regie Number: 09128259133

2. Guide and Organizer FB: https://www.facebook.com/markjulius.sanjuan

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