Mt. Tapulao (High Peak)

Mt. Tapulao, also known as High Peak, stands at 2,037–2,044 meters above sea level in the municipality of Palauig, Zambales, making it the highest point in the Zambales Mountain Range. The jump-off is at Sitio Dampay, Barangay Salaza-Dampay, Palauig, roughly 8 km from the Zambales coastal highway on rough road. The round-trip trek covers approximately 36 km through dense pine and mossy forest, typically requiring an overnight stay at designated campsites along the trail — most commonly at the 16 km marker area. Average summit-and-back time is 14–18 hours total. Registration is mandatory at the Barangay Dampay eco-tourism center, where a ₱30 registration fee and a ₱700 guide fee (for groups of up to 5) are collected. A DENR memorandum of agreement covers 5,000 hectares of the mountain for protection. The trail is rated challenging and suited to experienced trekkers. Summit views on clear days reveal the South China Sea to the west and the Central Luzon plains to the east. Cell signal is absent on trail. Porter services are available for ~₱1,500 per 15 kg for overnight climbs.