Use the following trick to defeat Emperor Bulbax without using the bomb rocks technique. Gather about 15 to 20 Red Pikmin and use the grass near his lair to turn them into flowers. Throw a Pikmin on top of him to wake him up. He resembles a weird plant at the center. After he awakens, he will attempt to lick up your entire group. When he is preparing to attack, he stands still for a few moments. During this time, run to either side of his head and throw as many Pikmin as possible on his cheek. The plants protect his body, and only his head is vulnerable. He will shake them off -- call them back. When he tries to hit you again, repeat the process. If done correctly, you can defeat him when your clock is just past quarter of noon, leaving enough time to take the last piece (the secret safe ) back to the ship and complete the game.

Get about 70 Red Pikmin, 15 to 20 Yellow Pikmin, and no Blue Pikmin. When you reach the arena where the Bulbax is located, run around the outside of sandy area to avoid waking him up. As you run, you will find a wall. Have your Pikmin destroy the wall to enter a small place behind the sandy arena. When you arrive, split your Pikmin into groups. You will need: two groups of 35 Red Pikmin, and a group of 15 to 20 Yellow Pikmin. Then, select one Yellow Pikmin and grab a Bomb Rock that sits near the entrance to the arena. You will see it after you break down the wall. Then, lead only that Yellow Pikmin out into the arena and wake up Emperor Bulbax. When he awakens, he will look to see what woke him. You should now run back toward your other Pikmin, but do not leave the arena. When Emperor Bulbax turns around, throw the Yellow Pikmin at him. With luck, as the Emperor Bulbax opens his mouth to eat your lone Yellow Pikmin, the Pikmin will throw the Bomb Rock into his open mouth, stunning him. Next, run and grab a team of Red Pikmin. Run back into the arena and begin throwing the Red Pikmin on the Bulbax's face. When the Bulbax wakes up again, he will throw the Pikmin off him. Then, call your Pikmin back and repeat the procedure. This method allows for minimal casualties and is rather fun.