Mt. Tapulao (Birthday Climb, Training Climb and Friendship Climb) – Mar. 08, 2014 (Palauig, Zambales)

@ the entrance of 'mossy forest' going to KM18 (Summit)

SALTIK and STOIC Mountaineers @ jump-off

Century tree @ KM18 (Summit)

Mt. Tapualo climb was first intended to be our trail run training, but we decided to make it both (My training buddy Melvin) as our “Birthday Climb and Training Climb with a bonus of meeting other group mountaineers. As my first time to this mountain, I can say that this was really tough (MACHO CLIMB as other says) given its big loose rockiest trail in about 15km all uphill.

Here’s my itinerary for the overnight climb:

Overall performance: 36km in 2 days – 8hrs ascend; 1.5hr back en fort bunker to summit (KM18) and 4.25hrs descend.

Day 1

02:10 Leave Cubao - via rented jeep (425 per pax)

08:25 Arrived at jump-off point; register at welcome center (P30), final preparation.

09:15 Start trek

12:30 Arrived at first water source

13:30 Arrived at second water source lunch

18:35 Arrived at Campsite “Bunker”

Day 2

07:00 Start trek to summit

07:45 Arrived summit (KM18)

08:40 back to campsite

12:00 Start descend

16:15 Arrived at jump-off – End of Climb/Training J

For more detailed itinerary go here ->> Mt. Tapulao - Itinerary