Mt. Pulag Travel Itinerary

2,922 m

Summit Elevation

Philippines' 3rd highest peak. Akiki Trail, Difficulty 7/9 (“The Killer Trail”). 10–11 hours of steep climbing through mossy forest.

Day	Date	Plan
Day 1	Mar 3 (Tue)	Fly CEB to CRK, bus to Baguio, check in, explore, rest
Day 2	Mar 4 (Wed)	Meet Manila team ~5 AM, travel to Pulag, Akiki Trail trek to camp
Day 3	Mar 5 (Thu)	Trek to summit (2,922 MASL), Camp 2 overnight
Day 4	Mar 6 (Fri)	Descend Pulag, travel back to Baguio, rest overnight
Day 5	Mar 7 (Sat)	Baguio city tour, organizer's van back to Manila (~3 PM departure)
Day 6	Mar 8 (Sun)	Manila day. Stay at Makati Diamond Residences
Day 7	Mar 9 (Mon)	Fly MNL to CEB 1:40 PM, arrive Cebu 3:10 PM

30°C+

Cebu (Departure)

2–5°C

Pulag Summit

From Cebu’s tropical heat to near-freezing summit temperatures. Recorded lows of -8°C with wind chill. NO COTTON. Layer up with moisture-wicking base, fleece mid-layer, and windproof shell.

Outbound Flight · March 3

CEB → CRK

Depart 6:20 AM · Arrive 7:45 AM
~1h 25m · Clark Terminal 2

Return Flight · March 9

MNL → CEB

Depart 1:40 PM · Arrive 3:10 PM
~1h 30m · Non-stop

Cebu Pacific → Terminal 3 · AirAsia → Terminal 2 · Philippine Airlines → Terminal 2. Confirm the airline terminal before heading to the airport on March 9.

Phase 1: Flight

Detail	Info
Route	CEB (Mactan-Cebu) → CRK (Clark International)
Departure	6:20 AM
Arrival	7:45 AM
Flight Time	~1 hour 25 minutes
Terminal	Clark Terminal 2

Be at Mactan-Cebu Airport by 4:30 AM (2 hours early). Leave Mandaue/Cebu by 3:45–4:00 AM. Bring a jacket/hoodie in carry-on. Eat breakfast at the airport or bring snacks.

Phase 2: Clark Airport → Bus to Baguio

Genesis Transport (JoyBus) operates direct buses from Clark Airport Terminal 2, Arrival Area Bus Station. No transfers needed.

7:45 AM	Land at Clark Airport Terminal 2
7:45 – 8:15 AM	Deplane, collect luggage, exit to Arrivals
8:15 – 8:30 AM	Walk to bus station at the Arrival Area
8:30 AM	Buy ticket for next available bus
9:30 AM	🚌 Board JoyBus Executive to Baguio

Clark Airport → Baguio Bus Schedule

Departure	Bus Type	Fare (each)
2:00 AM	Regular Aircon	₱450
4:00 AM	Regular Aircon	₱450
8:00 AM	JoyBus Premiere	₱670
9:30 AM 🌟	JoyBus Executive	₱620
11:00 AM	JoyBus Premiere	₱670
1:00 PM	JoyBus Deluxe	₱510
3:30 PM	Regular Aircon	₱450
5:30 PM	JoyBus Executive	₱620
7:30 PM	Regular Aircon	₱450

Source: Genesis Transport Service Inc., updated Sept 2025. Verify on their Facebook page before travel.

~1h 45min buffer after landing. 28 seats (2×1 config), onboard restroom, WiFi, wider legroom, water, snacks. Arrives Baguio ~12:30–1:30 PM. Book seats in advance, only 28 per bus.

Online (recommended): iwantseats.com or pinoytravel.com.ph. Book days before to guarantee seats. Walk-in: Clark Airport bus station (backup).

If buses are full: Grab/taxi from Clark Airport to Dau Terminal (~15–20 min, ~₱150–200). Victory Liner and Philippine Rabbit buses head to Baguio roughly every hour. Not P2P (stops along the way), ~4–5 hours travel time.

Phase 3: Arrival & Afternoon in Baguio

Bus drops off at 36 Governor Pack Road, right along Session Road and just below SM City Baguio.

12:30–1:30 PM	Arrive Baguio — Governor Pack Road Terminal
1:30 PM	Grab taxi to accommodation (~₱80–150)
2:00 PM	Check in to hotel / transient / Airbnb
2:00–3:00 PM	Lunch on Session Road
3:00–6:00 PM	Free time: Session Road, Burnham Park, Baguio Market
6:00–8:00 PM	Heavy dinner — carb-rich, last meal before the trail
8:00–9:00 PM	Prepare trekking gear for tomorrow
9:00–9:30 PM	Lights out

The Manila team doesn’t leave until midnight tonight and won’t arrive until ~5:00 AM March 4. Plenty of time to explore in the afternoon and get a full night of sleep.

Where to Stay in Baguio

Confirmed Accommodation · March 3 (1 night)

Cedar Peak by Awesome Stay

Property	Cedar Peak by Awesome Stay
Location	Baguio City
Status	Confirmed

Departure is at 4:00 AM to meet the Manila team. Confirm 24-hour reception is available and keep bags fully packed the night before.

Phase 4: Evening Preparation

Task	Details
Organize gear	Layers, headlamp, rain gear, snacks, water bottles
Split shared gear	Divide between 2 packs: first aid, extra snacks, etc.
Charge devices	Phones, headlamps, camera, drone, power banks
Set alarms	Set multiple alarms for 4:00 AM
Phone ringer on	In case Manila team updates on departure/ETA
Sleep by 9:30 PM	~6.5–7 hours of sleep before the trek

Manila Team’s Timeline

12:00 MN (Mar 3→4)	Team departs Manila
12:00–5:00 AM	~4–5 hours travel (nighttime, minimal traffic)
~4:30–5:30 AM	Team arrives in Baguio

Early Morning

4:00 AM	Wake up, freshen up
4:15 AM	Final check: bags packed, gear ready, check out
4:30 AM	Head to meeting point (taxi/walk)
~5:00 AM	🤝 Meet the Manila team!
~5:00–8:00 AM	Travel to Mt. Pulag DENR Office (~2–3 hrs via monster jeep)
~8:00–10:00 AM	DENR orientation, proceed to Akiki Trail jump-off
~10:00 AM+	Start the Akiki Trail trek to camp

Meeting Points by Bus Company

If They’re On…	They Arrive At…
Genesis / JoyBus	Governor Pack Road Terminal (near SM Baguio)
Victory Liner	Upper Session Road, Brgy. Marcoville
Solid North	Governor Pack Road

If the tour group has a designated pickup spot (e.g., Old Slaughterhouse Compound for the monster jeep), use that instead of waiting at the bus terminal.

2,922 m

Above Sea Level

The highest point of the journey. Sunrise above the sea of clouds at the Philippines' third highest peak.

Early AM	Begin summit push
Sunrise	Reach the summit (2,922 MASL) for the famous sea of clouds
Daytime	Summit photos, rest at the peak
Evening	Stay at Camp 2 overnight

Temperature at the summit: 2–5°C, recorded lows of -8°C. Wind chill makes it feel even colder. Keep camera and drone batteries warm inside jacket pockets. NO COTTON.

The sea of clouds is best at dawn. Have the camera ready before sunrise. Cold batteries drain fast: keep spares in an inner pocket close to body heat.

Morning	Break camp, begin descent from Mt. Pulag
Afternoon	Travel back to Baguio via monster jeep
Evening	Check in to Baguio accommodation, rest and recover

After 2 days on the trail, a hot shower and a real meal are well deserved. Baguio’s restaurants along Session Road are waiting. Rest well tonight for tomorrow’s city tour.

Where to Stay — Return Night

Confirmed Accommodation · March 6 (1 night)

Cedar Peak by Awesome Stay

Property	Cedar Peak by Awesome Stay
Location	Baguio City
Status	Confirmed

Cedar Peak is booked for both March 3 and March 6. Leave city bags there while on the hike — pick them up on return. Confirm luggage storage is available during the trek days.

Daytime: Baguio Exploration

City tour until around 3:00 PM. Burnham Park, Mines View Park, The Mansion, BenCab Museum, Tam-awan Village, Camp John Hay, Baguio Market, ukay-ukay shopping.

Afternoon: Van to Manila

Tour organizer provides the van back to Manila. Departs ~3:30 PM, arriving Makati area around 8:30–9:30 PM.

Transport back to Manila is arranged through the tour organizer. Confirm the exact pickup point and departure time with them before Day 5.

Day 5 Timeline

8:00 AM	Wake up, breakfast
9:00 AM–3:00 PM	Baguio city tour: explore, shop, eat
~3:00 PM	Tour wraps up
~3:30 PM	🚐 Board organizer's van to Manila
~8:30–9:30 PM	Arrive Manila (Makati area)
~9:30 PM	Grab/taxi to Makati Diamond Residences, check in

Full day to explore Manila. No rush: the flight isn’t until the next afternoon.

Confirmed Accommodation · March 7–9 · 2 Nights

Makati Diamond Residences

Location	Legazpi Village, Makati City
Room	41sqm Studio (Room Only)
Check-in	Saturday, 07 Mar 2026 (~9:30–10:00 PM)
Check-out	Monday, 09 Mar 2026
Nights	2 nights
Total Cost	₱15,470 (confirmed)
Booking Ref	9455
Airport Access	~30–45 min to NAIA via Grab/taxi

Legazpi Village, Makati. Walkable to restaurants, malls (Greenbelt, Glorietta), and nightlife along Poblacion. Easy Grab access to NAIA the next day.

Detail	Info
Route	MNL (NAIA) → CEB (Mactan-Cebu)
Departure	1:40 PM
Arrival	3:10 PM
Flight Time	~1 hour 30 minutes
Type	Non-stop

Day 7 Timeline

8:00–9:00 AM	Wake up, breakfast at Makati Diamond Residences
9:00–10:30 AM	Pack up, check out, last-minute Manila time
10:30–11:00 AM	Head to NAIA from Makati (~30–45 min via Grab/taxi)
11:00–11:40 AM	Arrive at airport (~2 hours before flight)
11:40 AM–1:40 PM	Check in, security, boarding
1:40 PM	🛫 Depart Manila
3:10 PM	🏠 Land in Cebu — welcome home!

Cebu Pacific → Terminal 3 · AirAsia → Terminal 2 · Philippine Airlines → Terminal 2

2 passengers. Travel and accommodation only (excludes flights and Mt. Pulag tour fees).

Item	Cost (2 pax)
Bus Clark → Baguio (JoyBus Executive)	₱1,240
Cedar Peak by Awesome Stay — March 3 (1 night)	₱1,200 – ₱1,800
Cedar Peak by Awesome Stay — March 6 (1 night)	₱1,200 – ₱1,800
Baguio → Manila (organizer's van, March 7)	Included with tour
Makati Diamond Residences — March 7–9 (2 nights, ref: 9455)	₱15,470
Taxis / Grab rides (Baguio + Manila)	₱500 – ₱1,000
Meals (March 3, 7, 8, 9 — non-trek days)	₱2,000 – ₱4,000
Subtotal (excl. flights, Pulag tour fees)	~₱21,610 – ₱25,310

Not included: CEB→CRK flights, MNL→CEB flights, Mt. Pulag tour package/fees, trek meals/supplies.

Buffer between landing (7:45 AM) and the 9:30 AM bus is 1 hour 45 minutes.

Mitigation: Book 9:30 AM online in advance. If delayed, next buses are 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Genesis/JoyBus is the only direct bus from Clark Airport to Baguio. Seats are limited.

Mitigation: Book online at iwantseats.com days in advance. Backup: Grab to Dau Terminal.

DENR requires a medical certificate from a licensed physician for every hiker. No cert = no climb.

Mitigation: Get medical certificates in Cebu before March 3.

Akiki is the "Killer Trail" — Difficulty 7/9, 10–11 hours of steep climbing.

Mitigation: Full night's sleep in Baguio before trek. Don't overexplore March 3. Sleep by 9:30 PM.

Cebu 30°C+ → Pulag summit 2–5°C (recorded lows -8°C). Wind chill makes it worse.

Mitigation: Proper layering. NO COTTON. Keep batteries warm in jacket pockets.

March is dry season but Pulag creates its own weather. Akiki is extremely slippery when wet.

Mitigation: Waterproof everything. Trekking poles recommended.

DENR bans Camp 2 camping Fri–Sun. The Camp 2 night = March 5 (Thursday) = OK.

Mitigation: Confirm with tour organizer.

Missing this flight means missing the entire trip.

Mitigation: Arrange transport the night before. Alarms at 3:00–3:15 AM. Leave by 3:45–4:00 AM.

Get medical certificates — licensed doctor in Cebu, certifying fitness for strenuous activity
Book seats: 9:30 AM March 3 Clark→Baguio bus — iwantseats.com
Confirm van departure time and pickup point with tour organizer for March 7 return to Manila
Confirm with tour organizer: DENR reservation confirmed? Camp 2 slot March 5 cleared? Pickup point March 4? What gear is provided?
Ask the team: What bus from Manila? Exact meeting/pickup point in Baguio?
Arrange Mactan Airport transport for 4:00 AM on March 3
Confirm drone rules at Mt. Pulag — DENR may restrict drone use in the national park
Charge all batteries — camera (2+), drone, power banks, phones
Format SD cards — camera + drone
Download offline maps — Google Maps / maps.me for Baguio & Benguet area

Day 1: Trek to Camp 2 (Akiki Trail)

Full day hike through pine forest, steep ascent, ~7-9 hours

Moisture-wicking t-shirt
Trekking pants (quick-dry, not jeans)
Mid layer fleece (put on as altitude rises)
Wind/rain shell jacket (afternoon rain likely)
Underwear & hiking socks (merino/synthetic)
Buff / bandana (sun + sweat)
Hat / cap (sun protection)

Trekking boots (broken in, ankle support)
Trekking poles (essential for Akiki's steep sections)
Backpack (40-50L with rain cover)
Water bottles (2-3 liters capacity)
Trail snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate)
Packed lunch
Electrolyte packets

Day 2: Summit Push (2,922m)

Pre-dawn start, summit at sunrise, extreme cold (2-5°C), wind chill near 0°C

Base layer top + bottom (thermal, moisture-wicking)
Mid layer fleece
Down / insulated jacket (critical for summit)
Wind/rain shell (outer layer)
Trekking pants
Thermal socks
Bonnet / beanie
Buff / balaclava (face protection from wind)
Gloves (liner + outer pair)

Camera + lens (Sony a7C2 + 28-200mm)
Camera batteries (2-3, keep warm in inner pocket)
SD cards (formatted, multiple)
Tripod / mini-pod (for astrophotography)
Drone + batteries (if allowed by DENR)
Headlamp + spare batteries (pre-dawn start)
Sunglasses (bright at altitude)

Day 3: Descent via Ambangeg

Break camp, descend to Ranger Station, return to Baguio

Moisture-wicking t-shirt (fresh change)
Trekking pants
Mid layer (morning is still cold, shed as descending)
Rain shell (keep accessible)
Clean socks
Camp shoes / sandals (for after the hike)

Camping Gear

For Camp 2 overnight (confirm with tour organizer what’s provided)

Sleeping bag (rated for 0-5°C)
Sleeping pad / mat
Tent (confirm if provided by tour)
Pack towel

Water purification tablets / filter
Instant coffee / hot chocolate sachets
Extra trail snacks (for camp evening)
Reusable utensils

Toiletries & Essentials

Carry throughout the trek

Medical certificate (required for DENR)
Valid ID
Personal first aid kit
Bonamine / motion sickness meds
Sunscreen SPF 50+
Lip balm with SPF
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Wet wipes
Tissue / toilet paper
Hand sanitizer
Insect repellent

Headlamp + spare batteries
Power bank(s)
Phone charger + cable
Dry bags / zip-locks (for electronics + clothes)
Trash bags (leave no trace)
Whistle (emergency signal)
Pocket knife / multi-tool
Cash (small bills for guides, stores)

Clothing and essentials for the 4 non-hiking days. Pack these in a separate compartment or packing cube so they stay clean during the trek.

Day 1: Cebu → Clark → Baguio

Early flight, 4-5 hour bus ride, cool Baguio evening (18-22°C)

Comfortable jeans or travel pants
T-shirt or casual top
Hoodie or light jacket (cold plane + Baguio evening)
Sneakers or walking shoes
Comfortable socks

Valid ID + boarding pass
Earphones / earbuds
Neck pillow (long bus ride)
Snacks + water
Power bank + cable
Light reading / downloaded content

Day 5: Baguio City Tour & Van to Manila

City tour until ~3 PM, then organizer's van to Manila (15-22°C in Baguio)

Fresh t-shirt or casual top
Jeans or casual pants
Light jacket or hoodie (Baguio is cool + bus AC)
Comfortable walking shoes
Clean socks & underwear

Small daypack / crossbody bag
Camera (Baguio has great views)
Sunscreen
Umbrella or rain jacket
Neck pillow + eye mask (van ride)
Light jacket (van AC)

Day 6: Manila Exploration

Full day in the city, hot and humid (28-34°C), hotel stay at night

Light t-shirt or polo
Shorts or light pants
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
Light socks & underwear
Sleepwear (hotel night)

Sunscreen + hat (Manila sun is intense)
Umbrella (rain or shade)
Water bottle
Small crossbody bag
Camera
Cash + cards (some places are cash-only)

Day 7: Fly Home

Check out from hotel, airport transfer, afternoon flight

Comfortable travel outfit (same style as Day 1)
Hoodie or jacket (airport AC)
Sneakers
All chargers and electronics packed
Check hotel room: nothing left behind
Boarding pass + valid ID

Packing Tips

How to organize for a 7-day trip with a 3-day hike in the middle

Main backpack (40-50L) for the hike
Small duffel or packing cube for city clothes (leave at Baguio hotel or van)
Daypack for city days
Dirty clothes bag (plastic or laundry sack)

Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles
Wear the bulkiest items on travel days (boots, jacket)
Keep trek gear separate from city clothes
Laundry in Baguio: drop off Day 4 evening, pick up Day 5 morning
Reuse the Day 1 outfit for Day 7 (it stays clean)

What	Contact
Genesis Transport (JoyBus)	Facebook: /GenesisTransportInc
Genesis Mobile	+63 999 221 9767
Clark Garage (Genesis)	0919-072-2911
Baguio Terminal (Genesis)	074-422-7763 / 0933-852-7648
Online Booking	iwantseats.com / pinoytravel.com.ph
Clark Airport Info	clarkinternationalairport.com
Clark Airport Trunkline	+63 (45) 598-3120
Victory Liner (backup)	+63 998 591 5102 / Viber: 0917-842-5463
Dau Terminal Dispatcher	0918-519-0878

Full Itinerary at a Glance

Flight Details

Cebu → Clark → Baguio

Clark Airport → Baguio Bus Schedule

Where to Stay in Baguio

Meet Team & Head to Mt. Pulag

Meeting Points by Bus Company

Summit Day

Descend & Return to Baguio

Where to Stay — Return Night

Baguio City Tour & Van to Manila

Manila Day

Fly Home to Cebu

Budget Estimate

What Could Go Wrong

Flight Delay → Missed Bus

Bus Sells Out — Only 28 Seats

Medical Certificate — Non-Negotiable

Akiki Trail Physical Demand

Summit Cold — Near Freezing

Rain & Unpredictable Weather

Weekend Camping Ban at Camp 2

Missing 6:20 AM Cebu Flight

Pre-Trip Actions Checklist

Gear Checklist

Clothing

Footwear & Gear

Clothing

Camera & Summit Gear

Clothing

Shelter & Sleep

Food & Water

Health & Toiletries

Lights & Misc

Packing Guide

Outfit

Carry-on Essentials

Outfit

Day Pack

Outfit

Day Essentials

Outfit & Essentials

Bag Strategy

Pro Tips

Important Contacts & Links