Mt Tapulao: Poor Man's Pulag

Mt Tapulao Palauig, Zambales

Jump-off: Sitio Dampay, Brgy. Dampay-Salaza, Palauig
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 6-12 hours
Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 6/9
MASL: 2037

Mt. Tapulao stands at 2037 MASL and is the highest peak among the Zambales Mountains which includes the famous Mt. Pinatubo. It is also known as the High Peak, but is most commonly known to mountaineers as the Poor Man's Pulag due to it's pine trees and chilly weather, similar to that of Mt. Pulag in Benguet.

Mt. Tapulao is located in Palauig, Zambales and it's seemingly endless trail of stones are due to a previous chromite mining operation. To date, you can still see tracks of heavy equipment, embedded in some parts of the trail. Having said that, the trails are wide and open, making hikers directly exposed to the heat of the sun. Only after going past the 10 KM point, is where the weather starts to cool, and the scenery begins to gradually change.

Panoramic image of one of the scenic trails in Mt. Tapulao

The trek from the jump-off to the summit is an 18 KM hike with about 85-90% being inclined. It becomes even more difficult on a rainy day as the water flows freely trough the wide trail creating deep puddles of mud, with some trails opening up to a shallow crevice. Stone markers are set up every 2 KM which allows you to pinpoint your distance to the summit and back.

Mt. Tapulao's trail is not at all confusing. From the jump-off, you'll be passing by a few houses and then veering right on to the mining road which marks the start of the trail. The only fork you'll encounter next is close to the 6 KM point where a road to the left goes to PAGPAI campsite and nursery (See first photo below). Take the road straight ahead, keeping right, and in a few meters, you'll reach the first water source.

 The sudden downpour spared us from the heat,

but created an obstacle of muddy trails and slippery rocks.

Notes

• Jump-off and registration is from the Dampay resettlement area in Brgy. Salaza in Palauig

• Water Sources are located in the 6 KM, 10 KM and at 16KM points.
• The water source at the 16 KM point is located at the Bunker Houses, which is approximately another 300 meters of trek from camp site 2.

• Bunker houses can be used if you are hiking in a group of 1-3 persons only. However, it is not advisable to camp at the bunker house during bad weather as the foundations of this bunkers are no longer trustworthy.

 Water source signage at the site of the old mining bunker houses.

 An old that's rusty and forgotten.

Getting to Tapulao

• Take the night trip of Victory Liner to Sta Cruz, Zambales. approximate cost for a one way trip is 350 pesos.

• Ask the driver to drop you off at Dampay-Salaza. From the main road, you will get off on a rough road to your right. This road is located in the opposite side of a power pylon. So look for a power pylon to the left, opposite a dirt road to the right. Tricyles usually await hikers on this dirt road.

• Take a 45 minute tricycle ride towards the jump-off. That should be approximately cost 200-250 pesos.

• For the return trip, make sure to ask the trike driver to pick you up at the jump-off. From jump-off to Iba bus terminal will cost approximately 300-400 pesos.

* Ensure that you're able to take note of the bus schedule for the return trip to prevent delays.

Left: Heaps of Chromites are left abandoned since the cessation of the 
mining operations in Mt. Tapulao. Right: Sunset at Mt. Tapulao

Tapulao Itinerary

Day 0

11:00 PM - ETD Sta. Cruz-bound Victory Liner bus from Caloocan terminal.
+: Alternatively, Iba-bound buses are also possible, however, will require you to take a trike from the terminal up to the jump-off, instead of taking the trike from Dampay-Salaza.

Day 1

03:30 AM - ETA Dampay-Salaza. Arrange for tricycle to jump-off.
0:500 AM - ETA jump-off point. Register at the Welcome Center, start trek.
0:900 AM - ETA first water source
12:00 NN - ETA second water source. Lunch
05:30 PM - ETA ‘Bunker’, set up camp at campsite of choice
06:00 PM - Dinner, socials

* you may extend climbing time indefinitely as night trek is possible

Day 2

05:10 AM - Start trek to summit
06:00 AM - ETA summit
06:30 AM - Back to campsite
07:30 AM - Breakfast, break camp
08:30 AM - Start descent
12:00 NN - ETA second water source. Lunch
02:00 PM - ETA first water source
05:00 PM - Back at jump-off point. Take tricycle back to Iba
06:00 PM - Take bus to Manila
11:00 PM - ETA Manila

Expenses

• Bus: 2-way - Approx. 700 PHP
• Trike from Dampay Salaza: 1-way - Approx. 200-250 PHP / 3-4 pax
• +: Trike from Iba Bus Terminal: 1-way - Approx. 400-450 PHP / 3-4 pax 
• Registration Fee: 30 PHP
• Guide: 700 PHP

Special Concerns

• During the day, the open trails can leave one prone to sunburn and other heat related concerns. On the other hand, nights at Mt Tapulao can be very cold, therefore one should pack accordingly.
• During wet weather, limatik or forest leeches abound especially near the streams along the way.
• Pack light as much as you can. The trail is long and can take approximately 10 hours going up, and about half the time going down.
• Mt. Tapulao is a test of patience and endurance. Ensure that you are physically and mentally ready before taking the challenge!

~ City Boy Tripper