Are you planning a trek in Banaue and Batad and dreaming of climbing Mount Pulag, the third highest mountain in the Philippines? You’re in the right place! This guide covers everything you need to know about organizing a private Mount Pulag tour after your Banaue adventure, including transportation, itinerary, what to expect, and package options.
📅 Can I climb Mount Pulag right after my Banaue and Batad trek?
Yes, it’s very doable! If your Banaue/Batad trek ends in the afternoon of July 5, you can take a night bus to Baguio, then head to Kabayan the next morning and start your Mount Pulag hike the following day.
Suggested timeline:
- July 5 PM: Finish Batad trek → Travel back to Banaue → Take overnight bus to Baguio
- July 6 AM: Arrive in Baguio → Private transfer to Kabayan → Rest/acclimatize
- July 7 Early AM: Mount Pulag sunrise trek via Ambangeg Trail
- July 7 Noon/PM: Return to base → Optional trip back to Baguio
🚐 How do I get from Banaue to Mount Pulag?
Option 1: Banaue to Baguio (Night Bus)
- Bus lines: Ohayami Transit or Coda Lines
- Duration: 8–9 hours
- Departs: Around 6:30–8:00 PM
- Arrives: Early morning in Baguio
Option 2: Baguio to Mount Pulag (Kabayan/Bokod)
- Best done via private vehicle or pre-arranged transport
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Road conditions: Mostly paved with some narrow mountain roads
- Drop-off point: Near the Ranger Station in Kabayan, Benguet
🥾 What is the best trail for Mount Pulag for first-timers?
We highly recommend the Ambangeg Trail, the most popular and accessible route. It’s ideal for:
- First-time hikers
- Sunrise treks
- Short 1-day or 2-day itineraries
Other trails like Akiki and Tawangan are more challenging and require multi-day expeditions, not suitable if you’re on a tight schedule.
🌄 Why is Mount Pulag worth visiting?
Mount Pulag is famous for:
- Its “sea of clouds” view at sunrise
- Unique dwarf bamboo and pine forests
- Cooler climate (can drop below 10°C!)
- Cultural significance to indigenous Ibaloi and Kalanguya communities
It stands at 2,926 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Luzon and a must-climb for adventure seekers visiting the Philippines.
🧳 What’s included in your private Mount Pulag package?
You can get an all-inclusive, private Mount Pulag tour package that includes:
✅ Private 4×4 transport from Baguio to Kabayan and back
✅ Overnight stay at a local homestay or optional camping setup
✅ DENR climbing permit and orientation
✅ Licensed local guide and optional porter
✅ Entrance and environmental fees
✅ Meals: Dinner, early breakfast, and trail snacks
✅ Emergency medical clearance assistance if needed
💰 Price range: ₱6,800–₱9,500 per person
(Final cost depends on number of participants and camping/homestay preference.)
🌧️ Is it safe to climb Mount Pulag in July?
July is part of the rainy season, so here’s what to expect:
- Frequent fog and rainfall
- Colder summit temperatures
- Slippery trails – proper footwear is essential
- Occasional trail closures due to typhoons (we offer flexible rebooking/refund)
Despite the weather, Ambangeg Trail remains open most days, and with proper gear, it’s a magical experience.
📝 What documents or requirements do I need to join?
Before your climb, you will need:
- Valid ID or passport copy
- Completed DENR registration form
- A medical certificate (can be obtained in Baguio or online with our help)
- Signed waiver form
- Warm clothes, rain gear, hiking shoes
You can get assistance with all paperwork and permit processing.
🛌 Should I stay overnight in Kabayan before the trek?
Yes, and it’s required. All climbers must be at the Ranger Station the night before the climb for DENR orientation. The package includes:
- Homestay or bunkhouse lodging
- Hot meals
- Early lights out to prepare for the 1–2 AM trek start
🧭 Can I do a sunrise hike?
Absolutely! We recommend the sunrise summit climb, which typically starts around 1:30–2:00 AM from the Ranger Station. This allows you to:
- Reach the summit around 5:30 AM
- Witness the famous sea of clouds
- Avoid trekking during the hotter or wetter part of the day
🚗 What are my options after the climb?
After the hike, you can:
- Head back to Baguio for a restful evening
- Continue your adventure toward La Trinidad, Sagada, or Manila
- Spend another night in Kabayan to relax
Let us know your next destination—we’ll help coordinate onward travel.
📞 How do I book this Mount Pulag private package?
Easy! You would usually send the following:
- Your full name and nationality
- A photo or scan of your ID
- Your arrival time in Baguio (or request help booking the night bus from Banaue)
- Your homestay or camping preference
- Any food allergies or health notes
You’ll be confirmed availability and sent the full itinerary with payment details.
📍Plan Your Mount Pulag Adventure with Confidence
Whether you’re finishing your Banaue Rice Terraces hike or simply exploring Luzon’s best mountain peaks, a private Mount Pulag tour is the perfect way to wrap up your northern Luzon adventure.
Book your spot today—permits and slots are limited, especially during July!
📩 We do not offer this in our tours yet so we have left some useful contacts below, in the meantime you may contact us if anything was not answered on this page.
🇵🇭 Local Licensed and Private Tour Operators
1. TRIPinas Travel & Tours
– Offers private or joiner packages from Baguio (or Manila/Baguio) to Pulag via Ambangeg Trail. Includes guides, transport, homestay/camping, permits, meals. Prices start around ₱2,300/person (Baguio pickup) tripadvisor.com+12tripinas.com.ph+12traveltripsters.com+12.
2. e‑Philippines Adventure Travel & Destinations
– 2D/1N Pulag summit adventure from Manila via private van (~₱6,925). Includes transport, camp meals, private coordinator, homestay or camping e-philippines.com.ph.
3. Trail Adventours
– Dedicated mountain trek operator offering Pulag climbs (along with other Philippines peaks) tripadvisor.com.sg+13trailadventours.com+13tripinas.com.ph+13.
4. Guide to the Philippines
– Private Ambangeg Trail hikes (2–3 days) from Manila or Baguio, with homestay, meals, guide, transport, climb certificate, side trip options thegeestravel.com+6guidetothephilippines.ph+6guidetothephilippines.ph+6.
5. The Gees Travel
– Offers Pulag hiking package with private transport from Baguio to Kabayan tripadvisor.com+15thegeestravel.com+15tripinas.com.ph+15.
🌄 Facebook & Joiner/Private Hybrid Groups
6. Mt. Pulag Tour Package (FB group/page)
– Joiner-style Pulag hikes via Ambangeg trail for ₱3,799/pax. Custom private arrangements possible traveltripsters.com+4facebook.com+4guidetothephilippines.ph+4.
7. Mt. Pulag Dreamscapers Tour Services
– DOT-accredited local guide group operating Pulag treks facebook.com.
8. Mt. Pulag Freesia Tours
– Local, community-driven, DOT-accredited provider focused on Pulag experiences facebook.com.
🌐 Bookable Platforms & Larger Tours
9. Klook
– 2-day Mt. Pulag hike packages with both joiner and private group booking options. Includes everything from transport to camping tripadvisor.com.sg+14klook.com+14guidetothephilippines.ph+14.
10. TripAdvisor “Mt. Pulag Private Tour Night Travel from Manila”
– 3-day private tour for up to 6 travelers with pick-up from Manila tripadvisor.com+1tripadvisor.com.sg+1.
11. Insights Travel & Tours (via Baguio)
– 2D/1N Pulag package with private and joiner rates (private from 2–12+ persons). Includes transport, camping/homestay, meals, guide, permit, certificates.
📊 Comparison Table
| Provider | Route | Price Range (est) | Group Size | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRIPinas | Baguio → Pulag | ₱2,300+/pax | Private/Shared | Transport, guide, homestay, permits, meals |
| e‑Philippines | Manila → Pulag | ₱6,925+/pax | Private/Small | Van, meals, camping, coordinator |
| Trail Adventours | Baguio → Pulag | Varies | Private/Group | Trekking-focused gear & guide |
| Guide to the Philippines | Manila/Baguio → Pulag | Varies | Private | Guide, homestay, meals, side-trip |
| The Gees Travel | Baguio → Pulag | Varies | Private | Private transport, base camp |
| Facebook providers (Tour Package, Dreamscapers, Freesia) | Ambangeg Trail | ₱3,800–4,500+ | Joiner/Private hybrid | Local guides, permits |
| Klook | Baguio → Pulag | Market-based | Joiner/Private | Hike package, camping, meals, certs |
| TripAdvisor private tour | Manila → Pulag | Market-based | Up to 6 travelers | 3-day itinerary, private |
| Insights Travel & Tours | Baguio → Pulag | ₱3,299–6,599+ (private) | Private groups | Transport, camping/homestay, meals, guide |
✅ Best Fit for Your Itinerary
- For perfect timing (Banaue → Baguio on July 6 → climb July 7):
Choose a Baguio-based provider with private transport and flexible pick-up (TRIPinas, Guide to the Philippines, The Gees, Insights). - For a premium private experience:
Consider e-Philippines or TripAdvisor private tour, especially if coming from Manila. - For community-focused and local insight:
Dreamscapers and Freesia provide authentic regional connections and DOT-accreditation. - For online booking convenience:
Both Klook and TripAdvisor offer secure reservation systems and flexible group options.
🛠 Next Steps
- Decide on your preferred route: starting point (Baguio vs Manila), group size, camping vs homestay.
- Reach out to 2–3 providers to compare availability for July 6–7, services, and exact pricing.
- Confirm transport coordination—especially Banaue → Baguio night bus arrive timings.
- Secure permits promptly—July is peak wet season, and slots fill fast.
Booking - Private Tours
We are a family operation and would love to show you around our beautiful country. We primarily focus on private tours catering to clients interested in a custom and unique experience. Otherwise we offer lots of free information on these pages for budget travelers. Feel free to contact us so we can design the perfect package for you!
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Good recommandation for the overnight stay.
The crew was very helpful
and they prepared very nice meals for us.
Strongly recommended
I wanted to surprise my girlfriend with a special engagement in beautiful El Nido!!
Melasel arranged everything for me and had so many great suggestions and knowledge of how to make this a magical day! I was super worried because it is difficult to arrange such an important event when you live on the other side of the world! But Mel was amazing and understood exactly what I wanted! And went out of her way to accommodate all my requests!
She even had a clever story to tell my girlfriend to cover the photographer being with us all day!
On the day the weather was very rainy with many showers. Mel and Rene were in constant contact with me with plan B and even contacted our hotel to discuss options of hosting the proposal there. Completely above and beyond what I paid for.
Luckily in the end the weather gave us a small window and Mel set everything up beautifully on a sand bar floating in the middle of crystal clear waters surrounded by limestone islands with stunning rocky formations.
Island Hopping in the Philippines somehow peered into my brain and delivered a perfect replica of the proposal I had in my head.
It was simply perfect down to the smallest detail! Thank you so much, I cannot recommend you guys enough!!
As most of people usually feel, once your money has been transferred out to someone you do not know, you probably frustrated that your money would not be able to be refunded.
But not in my experience. I dont need to be worry, the owner refunded me the money he has received (minus the bank fees). He promised to refund me and he did it. It was around 18.700 Pesos.
So, eventhough i didn't manage to go with the tour, but i am really satisfied with their legitimate and great business practice. Hopefully, people will try their services and not worry about their legit business!
Thanks a lot!
First of all the booking part was really simple. I organized this trip to the Philippines last minute for my family (my parents and my uncles) but Karel answered all my questions very quickly and really made everything easier for me. It was an incredible experience. Albert, our tour leader, is a wonderful guy, always smiling and ready to help us. They assisted us in everything and really took care of making everything go smoothly. The accommodation on the islands is as spartan as you expect but the location of each hut alone is worth the trip. The wonder of nature was then added to the goodness of cuisine. It's really difficult to argue how you can cook all that goodness on a boat.
If you are looking for an authentic experience, in contact with nature, off the beaten track, this company's private expedition is certainly for you.
Super ultimate tour is the best with Kayangan and barracuda lake, twin lagoons (my favorite), coral garden (blue fabulous coral) were the best. It’s really worth it to pay for private tour (3500 to 4000 PHP). You will also have to pay for entrance fees (150 to 200PHP by location) and eventually shopping at the market - must do (count 300 for 2 for fish, pork, fruits and vegetables, water).
Based on the comments, I contacted Mel.
Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization.
The on-board staff were very friendly and very helpful.
And I'm not even talking about the meal on board...a marvel.
In all fairness, this excursion will remain an excellent memory and I cannot recommend Mel and his team highly enough.
A big thank-you.
If you love camping this is definitely a tout you should do, it has been the highlight of our trip!!
We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.