Rising 2030 meters above sea level,Mt. Tapulao is the highest point in Central Luzon and is relatively uninhabited except for a government maintenance crew who occupy the old mining bunk house as an office. Three quarters of the way up through a gravel unpaved mining road,is a pine forest where camping is possible on clear days. You may meet some indigenous Negritos on the way up with hunting bows and arrows as it is traditionally a favorite hunting ground for them. At the peak of the mountain,a moderately easy trek up,is a natural bonsai forest. There are no water sources found on the camp grounds and temperatures tend to fall at night so bring warm clothing and drinking water for overnight treks.

How to get there:

Take a Victory Liner airconditioned bus from the Caloocan or Pasay Terminals direct to Olongapo City. From there you can connect to a bus that goes to Iba,the provincial capital,or a local bus that travels to Sta. Cruz,Zambales. Disembark at Palauig Town and ask for instructions on how to get to Mt. Tapulao. Registration at the barangay is necessary and guides are available for a small fee.