Mountains:
Mt. Tapulao at 2,037 meters is the highest peak in the Zambales Ranges. It's geographical name is in fact "High Peak", thus, you cannot find Mt. Tapulao on most maps, as it is the local name given by the Aeta Natives in reference to the "Tapulao (fire) trees" (Pine trees) that abound on its upper slopes.
This is a great adventure with a very versified geography.
At the base of the Mountain you have the headwaters of the Bagsit River, a geothermal area on which a Thermal Power Station was erected in Marcos times, but, like the Bataan Nuclear Power plant, was never commissioned. That road, though now much is washed out, also leads to the mines at the Tarlac area at the back of the mountain.
There is road access to the top via the old mining road, which was used to transport chromite from the mine near the top, as it is in poor condition it is best to hike the area, local guides are available. The trek starts in grasslands and at around the 600 meter elevation turns into lush rain forest. If one is observant, there are a number of game trails that can be explored also; however, beware of leaches, scorpions and snakes which abound in the area.
Once through the rain forest, which ends at around 1800 meters elevation, you come into a forest of pine trees, on a clear day one can see a spectacular view of much of the Zambales coastline.
|
 |