Have you ever experienced something so surreal that it pulled you out of reality?
I’ve had a few moments like that, and one of them was watching the sunrise over a sea of clouds on Mount Pulag.
It was so beautiful that it completely changed the way I see life. Along with my 3-day trip to Sagada, it’s one of the moments that inspired me to take a leap of faith and start blogging.
Let me share more about this incredible experience and some helpful tips, just in case you’re thinking about checking out the sea of clouds on Mount Pulag someday!
An Overview: Where & How to Get to Mt. Pulag
Mount Pulag is the third highest mountain in the Philippines and the tallest one you can climb in Luzon. It stands about 2,922 meters above sea level.
To get here, if you’re coming from outside the Philippines or from other parts of the country, you’ll need to fly to Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) or Pampanga (Clark International Airport) first.
From either city, you have several options to get to Mount Pulag’s jump-off point and start your hike to the viewpoints or summit via different trails. Here’s a travel guide.
In my case, I was super busy with work and didn’t have time to plan, so I just joined a Facebook travel group that handled everything — food, transportation, lodging, and registration. Easy-peasy!
Surprisingly, joining a travel group turned out to be a grabbed opportunity to meet like-minded people who made the trip unforgettable.
They were strangers at first, but a couple of them quickly felt like long-lost friends I instantly connected with. We shared stories about everything—from the highs and lows of our jobs to creepy horror tales from our hometowns in the Philippines!
Good for me, they turned out to be great hiking buddies, as well. And thanks to them, I wasn’t alone when I witnessed the most unforgettable sunrise of my life—the sunrise above Mount Pulag’s sea of clouds.
Trust me, it’ll be so much better when you have someone with you to share the beauty. If you’re planning to hike Mount Pulag to see the sea of clouds, bring a friend!
Witnessing Mt. Pulag’s Sea of Clouds — an Incredible Experience
Honestly, I felt like I was touched by the hand of God—the same hand that created the universe—when I finally saw the view of the clouds below us.
My burnout from my demanding corporate job disappeared instantly.
The stunning view of the sea of clouds was so revitalizing, getting better and better as the sun rose from the clouds. From a purple sky glittering with stars to a fiery horizon lit up by a bright ball of light peeking above the fluffy, cottony clouds—it was the closest thing to heaven I’ve ever seen.
Comically, picture a 6-footer bouncing with excitement on the trail. I was bouncing (just slightly) like a kid the moment I saw the view!
I probably looked hilarious to my hiking buddies, but hey, YOLO!
click the pictures to enlarge
Where You Can Witness a Sea of Clouds in Mt. Pulag
That sea of clouds moment happened somewhere along the grasslands of Mount Pulag’s Ambangeg Trail.
I can’t give you the exact spot, but I’d say it’s about halfway to the summit, just past the first sunrise viewpoint, a short hike from Camp 2.
For a better perspective: we started at 1 AM and reached the spot where I first saw the sea of clouds around 5 AM. (I double-checked with the metadata of the photos I took, so I’m sure it was 5 AM)
If you’re lucky enough to have the sea of clouds on the day of your hike, you’ll probably see them about 3 to 4 hours after you start.
Do you have the stamina or more hiking experience?
If so, you could probably trail run the Ambangeg Trail to the viewpoint in about 2 hours.
If I could go back to being 25 and hike Mount Pulag as a beginner with just my guide on the trail, I think I could reach the viewpoints in the grasslands in about 2.5 hours.
Tips & Reminders Before Seeing a Sea of Clouds in Mt. Pulag
While the Ambangeg Trail is easier than other mountain trails, it’s still an 8-kilometer route with varying slopes that can leave you out of breath.
So yeah, as a beginner, I can’t deny that the hike to the summit felt like it took forever, just like it probably does for most people.
You’ll come across some big steps, but not as many as on other trails like the Akiki Trail, according to my guide, who’s hiked Mount Pulag several times.
Honestly, there were a couple of times I asked our guide how much longer until we reached the summit or at least the viewpoints.
My hiking buddies probably asked even more times than I did, haha!
I couldn’t help but ask because, for one thing, I was so eager to finally reach the viewpoint and see if there would be a sunrise. I didn’t want to keep wondering if I’d return to the mountain a third time if the sea of clouds slipped away again.
No kidding—I was really praying that God would let me see the sunrise over the clouds!
But yeah, it was my second time at Mount Pulag when I finally saw the sea of clouds.
The first time I hiked there, there was no view at all. We were surrounded by fog, it was raining heavily, and it was really disappointing.
If you’re planning to hike Mount Pulag, make sure to manage your expectations. The sea of clouds doesn’t show up all the time, and even getting a good view isn’t guaranteed.
Keep that in mind so you won’t end up feeling as disappointed as I did.
Best Months to Go to Mt. Pulag for the Sea of Clouds
I wouldn’t say my second hike to Mount Pulag, when I saw the sea of clouds, was just luck. I honestly believe it was the universe’s plan because it knew I needed to experience such beauty at the time.
I also have a hunch that the universe pitied me, knowing I’d be persistent and never give up until I saw that amazing view. Thankfully, it didn’t deny me the chance to witness the sea of clouds on my second hike.
Anyhow, realistically, the season I hiked Mount Pulag played a big role in why there was a sea of clouds during my hike.
If you’re planning to hike Mount Pulag and want to see a view once you reach the grasslands, it’s definitely something you should keep in mind.
If possible, try to plan your hike during the dry season in the northern Philippines, which runs from December to the first half of June. During these months, there’s usually less rain, which is ideal for hiking.
For even better chances of clear skies, consider hiking between March and May, when there are fewer dark clouds. From experience, these dark clouds often block the view from Mount Pulag’s peak and can keep you from seeing the sea of clouds.
For your info, my first hike to Mount Pulag, when I didn’t see the sea of clouds, was in January. The second time, when I did see it, was in mid-March.
Best Time to Start the Hike to See the Sea of Clouds in Mt. Pulag
To see the sea of clouds at its best on Mount Pulag, you need to consider when to start the hike.
If you’re taking the Amba-Amba trail, make sure you’re at the jump-off site by 1 AM, just like we did.
Remember, the Ambangeg trail is a four-hour hike to the summit, with short breaks along the way.
If you start at 1 AM, you’ll reach the viewpoints (or summit) around 5 or 6 in the morning, which is the perfect time to watch the sunrise and see the sea of clouds.
Although you can start the hike midday, I wouldn’t recommend it, especially if you want to see the sea of clouds. The sea of clouds looks the thickest and most beautiful at sunrise.
As far as I know, during this time of day, the atmosphere reaches its peak condensation, which makes the clouds appear thick and puffy. They look especially ethereal when the sun shines on them.
Importantly, as the sun rises and the temperature goes up, the clouds start to disperse, making it less likely to see a sea of clouds later in the day. I noticed this myself as we descended from the peak.
So, if you start your hike later than 2 AM, you might miss the best view of the sea of clouds when you reach the summit or the viewpoints in the grasslands.
During my second hike to Mount Pulag, the sea of clouds stayed in place for hours, from sunrise until maybe late morning. By late morning, though, the clouds had thinned out and spread out more.
I can’t say exactly how long they stayed, since we descended a couple of hours after sunrise. By 9:00 AM, we had reached the mossy forest (Camp 2), where the tree cover made it hard to tell if there were any clouds left.
Enjoying the Sea of Clouds in Mount Pulag
If you’re lucky enough to see the sea of clouds during your Mount Pulag hike, make the most of it by truly living in the moment.
After snapping some photos, find a spot to sit and admire the view.
Take in the amazing scenery—turn around and gaze at the clouds below you!
Feel the cold mountain air on your cheeks, and close your eyes as you do. Lie down on the grass and soak in nature.
I didn’t miss any of this during my hike, and it was totally worth it!
If you have someone special with you, the view of the clouds below makes the perfect setting for sharing something meaningful. It’s a truly romantic sight. While you talk, listen to a song like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” or “What a Wonderful World.“
Can you imagine how sweet it would be?
Lastly, if I would go back to Mount Pulag, I’d definitely bring a foldable picnic chair to relax even more. Maybe I’ll also bring a tumbler with hot coffee!
Final Thoughts
I just want to share that I’m still in love with the beauty I saw at Mount Pulag that morning.
The sunrise over the sea of clouds was so beautiful that I can’t bring myself to change it from the lock screen on my laptop. It makes me smile every time I see it.
And for years now, that beautiful view has inspired me in different ways.
Whenever I see that picture, I not only remember the amazing feeling I had during the hike but also the realization I had that day: there’s so much beauty in the world to see and experience, and life’s too short to spend on things we barely enjoy.
That view motivates me to chase my dreams and gives me the energy to face my fears, just like I did when I conquered Mount Pulag.
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