A Day Hike in Mt. Ulap

by Ellie Balangue - Monday, January 16, 2017

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It’s probably one of the easiest and favorite trail of mine with a perfect view where ever you look. Well, that is my personal opinion and may vary depending on each of our experiences.

I’ve been organizing hikes for less than a year now and it is so much fun, not only I get to do what I love, that is climbing, but I also get to know and make new friends with people who have same interests as I do.

Mt. Ulap should be part of everybody’s bucketlist. Aside from the fact that it has a good view, really, no dead spot wherever you look there is a magnificent view, the trail is relatively good for everyone. I’ve been to Mt. Ulap twice already and it is a friendly mountain to all. Families and friends are gathered there to witness its beauty. There are kids so young that were able to climb it, there are some folks I’ve seen who were able to conquer the mountain too. Really, it is for everyone.

The trail consists of pine and grassland ridges with a stunning view of cordilleras. Another point of attraction is the so-called Ambanao Paoay and the famous Gungal Rock which can be very populated during weekends for pictorial taking of the hikers. We can’t blame anyone, why? It’s perfect up there! Just make sure to take extra caution when standing on the rock.

Ambanao Paoay

On our way to Gungal Rock

Gungal Rock

It is a perfect getaway for family and friends, plus it is 40 minutes from Baguio where you can do side trips or if you are in Baguio try considering this mountain.

My first organize hike in Mt. Ulap last December 3, 2016 took longer than expected. It was a 10hrs hike all the way down. We waited for more than an hour in the Gungal Rock because there are plenty of people waiting for their turn to take a photo. We started late around 8 in the morning so I guess that's another point and plus most of my participants are first timers but all in all they enjoyed the climb.

My second organize hike in Mt. Ulap was pretty much faster than the first group, the whole climb took us 7 and half hours. We were the second group to reach Gungal Rock. Maybe because we started so early as 4:30 in the morning.

Sample Itinerary with Baguio Sidetrip

Day 0

2100 - Jollibee Farmers

2200 - ETD to Ampucao Benguet

Day 1
0400 - ETA Reg to Philex and secure guide
0430 - Start Trek
0800 - Gungal Rock - Picture taking / snacks
0830 - Continue Trekking
1000 - ETA Summit / Lunch
1100 - Descent
1300 - ETA Sta FE wash up
1400 - ETA Baguio / Free Time
1800- ETD to Manila
2300 - ETA Manila

DIY Budget

Bus to Baguio from Manila VV - 450php - 900php total

Baguio City to Brgy. Ampucao via Philes-Bound route VV - 50php - 100php total

Registration Fee: 100php each

Guide Fee: 600php 1:10 (as per my contact, guide fee will be increase to 600 starting Jan 21,2017)

Additional Information:

MT. ULAP ECO-TRAIL
Itogon, BenguetEntry point: Brgy. Ampucao, Itogon
Exit point: Brgy. Sta. Fe, Itogon
LLA: 16.2904 N, 120.6312 E, 1846 MASL (Mt. Ulap)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-3 hours
Specs: Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3,
Features: Grassland and pine ridges, scenic views of the Cordilleras, burial caves

Below are some of my favorite photos from my dayhike in Mt. Ulap

With my beautiful and sobrang bait na guide. :)

I am doing a monthly organize climb to Mt. Ulap and if you wish to be part of it you can always contact me on my facebook account or my page on facebook.

Mt. Ulap Wave 1

Mt. Ulap Wave 2

We have a schedule in Mt. Ulap this Easter Sunday April 16,2017. For more details of the event here's the link https://www.facebook.com/events/405611699776585/