A day hike at Mt. Ulap | Itogon, Benguet
03:40:00
I've been longing to hike Mt. Ulap but i'm too busy at work. When I had the chance to plan it with my co-workers, i make sure that we'll gonna make this happen. Mt. Ulap is located at Brgy. Ampucao Itogon, Benguet just 40 minutes away from Baguio city. Spanning around 8 kilometers through several peaks along the Ampucao-Sta. Fe Ridge. It showcases of what cordilleras has to offer; Pinetress and grasslands with stunning views of the mountains.
The trail begins in the Barangay Hall of Ampucao to register and secure guides (required). Hikers have to make a 10mins orientation before starting the hike. You'll start walking through the main road. The trail goes up a ridgeline that is immediately surrounded by pine trees and has the scenic views of Baguio city. There are three peaks the Ambanaw Peak, Gungal Rock & Mt.Ulap (1846masl).
MT. ULAP VIEW POINT
We had our first stop over at the view point where you could see the scenic views of Baguio city. They also had this Mt. Ulap signage so you can take your photos. By the way, we went here on weekdays (tuesdays) to avoid the crowded of several hikers.
AMBANAW PAWAY PEAK (1st peak 1788 masl 3.6 km)
After one hour of hiking up the trail goes steep and tiring. My legs are getting numb already but need to continue walking and walking and walking and repeat. Pinetrees and grassland so peaceful to look at. There are cows along the way, do not touch them. Just walk passed by. I love the views here feels like it's not in the Philippines, mountain ranges and beautiful ridge.
GUNGAL ROCK (2nd peak)
The famous rock formation in Mt. Ulap. It is the mainstream and highlights when you hike in Mt. Ulap because of this terrifying rock, you can actually take a photo in the edge if you're adventurous. Honestly, I was the first one to go on the rock and i'm getting nervous because it's not even. Make sure be careful when you take a photo in here but its totally worth it.
MT. ULAP (3rd peak)
After 3.5 hours of hiking we finally reach the top of Mt. Ulap, so surreal. Unimaginable and Unbelievable. We are so drained and dead tired but so thankful to successfully finished the hike. We just sit on the grass and feel the beauty of the mountain. The slopes are so perfect.
TRAVERSE GOING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN
We ate at the campsite, ordered Pancit Canton plus their red rice. Refill our water for Php 10.00. It was 4pm when we go down the mountain. The last trip of jeepney going to Baguio city is 6pm so make sure you hurry up going down. Thank god, they already made a pathway with steps on our way down. We made it down before 6pm. Their are stores you'll passed by along the way selling some souvenirs stuff like keychains, ref magnets and tshirts.
PERSONAL NOTES:
- make sure you reserve a slot when you go in Mt. Ulap specially on weekends because they are avoiding crowds in the mountain.
- leave the manila before 12am so you'll be at Baguio city around 5am. (Unfortunately, we leave manila at 3am because the Victory liner is fully loaded with passengers. Sucks. We arrived at 9:30am. 5.5hours of travel.)
- Bring 2L of water for beginners. Promise, you'll need it.
- Bring Jacket because it's good. And raincoat, there are some areas in Mt. Ulap where it rains.
- Buy pasalubong! and stroll in Baguio if you have some free time so you can enjoy more of it.
HOW TO GET THERE?
- From Cubao, ride a bus to Baguio City (via VICTORY LINER/GENESIS)
- Ride a jeep to Central Mall
- Walk around until you saw the SSS. (Please, just ask some people there where is the sss)
- Ride a jeepney beside the Petron Gasoline Station going to Philex Mines.
- Tell the driver to drop you off to Mt. Ulap/Brgy. Ampucao
- Walk to Barangay Hall then register.
MT. ULAP DAY HIKE BUDGET AND EXPENSES
- Php 450.00 (Manila to Baguio City) 5.5 hours
- Php 8.50 (Jeepney going to Central Mall) 10 mins
- Php 50.00 (Jeepney to Brgy. Ampucao) 40 mins
- Php 100.00 (Registration fee)
- Php 600.00 (Tour Guide divide 10pax)
- Php 200.00 (Food)
- Php 50.00 (Jeepney from Brgy. Ampucao to Baguio city)
- Php 450.00 (Bus going to Manila)
TOTAL = PHP 1,400.00 DIY DAYHIKE TOUR
Be an explorer. Get lost. Travel often.
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