Getting to SMR Homestay
Almost all the articles on the internet about Mt. Pulag involve taking either public transportation or a chartered van to get to the mountain's base camp in Babalak. Good news! The road to Mount Pulag is now fully paved that even a sedan can make it: So now it has never been easier to visit us.
Self Drive
The route is pretty simple, just type Babadak(Babalak) Ranger Station or SMR Homestay and follow Google Maps/Waze directions .Here are some additional details
NOTE: If you are hiking up Mount Pulag ,be sure to drop by the Mount Pulag DENR Visitor Center office ( GRCM+7GV, Bokod, Benguet) to register for a climbing slot
Take the left junction to Bokod and follow the road till Ambangeg/Palanza Take the right fork for another 16 km to the Babadak Ranger Station (Ambangeg Trail) and SMR Homestay is just a little further up the road There's self parking space at the homestay.
REMINDER: As this is a mountainous region. the roads maybe a little twisty, rough, narrow and steep for some. Having a vehicle in good condition with a big, strong engine and an experienced driver will make this a safe and enjoyable trip. Recommended are vehicles with non-modified lower suspensions and engines 1500 cc above, preferably with a turbo as the elevation can cause some power loss..
Van or Bus (Public Commute)
By bus, it can take approximately 9-10 hours with a direct trip from Manila to Baguio City, then an additional 3-4 hours by jeepney or van to reach SMR Homestay@MountPulag
If you prefer doing the Do-It-Yourself way, once in Baguio city,
Hail a taxi and ask to be dropped off at the Dangwa Terminal . Travel time is around 10-15 minutes, and the fare Php80-150.
Option1
Then find the commuter vans/buses bound for Kabayan, Benguet. Vans leave from 8 am to 4 pm only, while buses leave by 2,00 pm and at the moment are quite unscheduled. DO ASK to be dropped off at the DENR Office in Kabayan. Fare starts at Php150-Php250 and travel time is 2-3 hours. There usually is a stopover at the Jang-Jang Canteen to grab breakfasts, relieve yourselves or take pictures at the hanging bridge before reaching DENR. If you are hiking, do make sure- at the DENR Mount Pulag Visitor center Office in Bokod. Kabayan that you complete register , pay the corresponding fees. and attend the pre-climb orientation. After that, you can then charter a habal-habal( motorcycle taxi) outside DENR Office to bring you to the Babalak Ranger Station or directly to SMR Homestay, which is around 12 kilometers away. Php250-350/ person, with about a 20-30 minutes travel .
Option2
If you are not hiking or already have all your hiking registration done, alternatively there is also a 1.00pm (once daily) DIRECT MONSTER JEEPNEY from the Dangwa Terminal Baguio to doorstep of SMR Homestay (return trip leave at 6am to Dangwa Terminal once daily)
Van /Jeepney Charter (Group package)
Usually, there are many travel companies and mountaineering groups who offer Mt. Pulag climbs via Ambangeg for around Php3000 to Php6000 per person. This includes transportation, guide fees, accommodation, and other fees collected by the Mt. Pulag National park. This works best for groups of 6 or more.
The SMR Homestay officer can assist in arranging a group package to ensure a hassle free, safe and enjoyable trek. Just have a chat with us on FB for a group package reservation or you can proceed to filling out the Make A Reservation form, below and our team will contact you with an estimate.
