Mount Ulap, Itogon, Benguet (1846 MASL)
 |
| JP and Josh's 14th mountain to hike |
Itogon, Benguet
Entry Point : Brgy. Ampucao, Itogon
Exit Point : Brgy. Sta. Fe, Itogon.
LLA : 16.2904 N, 120.6312 E, 1846 MASL (Mt. Ulap)
1814 MASL (Gungal Rockies)
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
http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2015/11/mt-ulap-1846m-in-itogon-benguet.html
 |
| if it wasn't for the rain, Janelle and James are also with us....#kulang |
 |
| ocean eleven |
I've been to Baguio City a lot of times since my youngest years. Everytime we go on a vacation and it's going to be in Baguio, ah okay Baguio again... But it is only when a dayhike in Mount Ulap was organized that I became so excited going to Baguio. I've been wanting to hike this so much aside from the famous Mount Pulag <3 <3 <3
Mount Ulap is located in Itogon, Benguet. Itogon is located at the southeast end of Benguet Province, forming a border with Nueva Vizcaya (on the west) and Pangasinan (on the south). The town is bounded by Baguio City and the municipality of Tuba on the west, La Trinidad, and Tublay on the north-west, Bokod on the north-east, Kayapa and Santa Fe on the south-east, San Manuel and San Nicolas on the South and Sison on the south-west.
Itogon is the largest municipality in Benguet by land area. It is known as mining town, being the site of the large-scale mining operation in the country. Major mining companies in town include Benguet Corporation, Philex Mining Corporation, Atok Gold Mining Company, and Itogon Suyoc Mines.
Mount Ulap Eco-Trail was officially launched in October 2015. It was previously known as the Ampucao-Santa Fe Ridge Trail. The whole trail can be accomplished in 5 to 6 hours.
Mount Ulap Eco-Trail was officially launched in October 2015. It was previously known as the Ampucao-Santa Fe Ridge Trail. The whole trail can be accomplished in 5 to 6 hours.
Before proceeding to the trail, register at Ampucao Barangay Hall. There is a registration fee of Php 100/person and guide fee of Php400 good already for 10 persons. If you will stay overnight, there is a camping fee of Php400 for a group of 10. Hiring a guide is mandatory though the trail is easy to follow.
Don't worry if you were not able to bring packed lunch, drinks, noodles. Everything can be bought at the barangay hall at affordable prices.
Don't worry if you were not able to bring packed lunch, drinks, noodles. Everything can be bought at the barangay hall at affordable prices.
 |
| the native house along the trail |
 |
| the kid who sells tungkod for Php10 and Php30 |
 |
| stop over at the pine trees |
Mount Ulap Eco Trail is a very easy climb for the usual hikers but can be challenging for beginners. The first part of the trail is uphill climb through slopes. You will pass through several pine trees and some unusual plants and species. The views are extremely rewarding.
We climb Mount Ulap in May and we were so lucky that the weather is just fair. Most of the blogs I've read is that their hike was so hot that you have to bring sun protection and apply sunblock because the sun may be unforgiving.
I enjoyed this hike so much coz I can feel the freeze on my cheeks. I will always want to return here with the same weather condition. It is literally like walking in the clouds...
 |
| lahat sila may picture dyan, pati si Mark =) |
 |
| Carlo and Kheng |
 |
| the wooden gate |
 |
| On our way to the first peak, the Ambanao Paoay peak... |
 |
| This is really Mount Ulap... |
Mount
Ulap trail consists mostly of pine trees and grassland ridges. I saw in
Mount Ulap the mixture of views of Mount Marami in Gungal Rockies,
Mount Pulag in its sea of clouds and freezing temperature, and a little of Mount Makiling Traverse for the variety of plants and trees that you'll encounter the whole trek. It is also known as "mini-Mount Ugo" which showcases a taste of Cordillera...
My hubby and I were chatting while on the trail that this is one great mountain that can be hiked over and over again. Provided that going here is cheaper than Mount Pulag. I didn't notice a number of assaults that resulted in some breathless moments because I really enjoyed hiking Mount Ulap. Next time, we knew that our little ones who are 6 and 10 year olds can make it. I would love to bring them here because I know they will keep on telling this story that they really are walking in the clouds....
 |
| at 1788 MASL - Ambanao Paoay Peak with zero visibility |
 |
| balancing rocks |
At Gungal Rock Formation (1846 MASL)
We then arrived at the most photographed location in Mount Ulap eco-trail, the Gungal Rock Formation. It is also one of the reason why this mountain became so famous and popular that also trended in social media.
 |
| our chicks expert, boss Andy =) |
 |
| the ocean eleven at the rockies |
The queue to Gungal Rock formation can be really long and will consume so much time so be really early to trek...
Be extremely careful at this side coz if your foot tripped, you will fell 1,846 meters from the ground and the rescuers will find it difficult to get you, hehehe... Exercise caution all the time...
Where is the best location to shoot at Gungal?
 |
| so near the clouds like I'm tasting a piece of heaven =) |
 |
| Bantog brothers |
 | |
| with my love at the Gungal Rockies |
 |
| a flower specie |
 |
| edible wild berries |
 |
| pitcher plant |
 |
| Mount Ulap Peak |
We reached Mount Ulap peak 3 hours from the jump-off. The photo ops took most of our time =)
This is the most relaxing peak I've ever experienced... Reaching the peak like a walk in a mall, haha! Every step is just awesome with 360 degree view of an uphill terrain. The amazing views are endless.
This is the most relaxing peak I've ever experienced... Reaching the peak like a walk in a mall, haha! Every step is just awesome with 360 degree view of an uphill terrain. The amazing views are endless.
 |
| jump shot at the peak! |
 |
| the family who always hike together <3 |
 |
| da boys |
 |
| selfie with the cows |
 |
| peak with cows =) |
The trail is composed of acres of grasslands so don't wonder if you'll encounter a number of grazing cows and grazing cow's manure, hahaha!
 |
| unlimited view of breathtaking sceneries |
 |
| jump shot with our mountain tropa! |
 |
| one final shot at the end of the trail with our guide |
 |
| one of the 5 hanging bridges at Sta Fe before reaching the end of the trail |
 |
| tarpaulin of Mount Ulap at one of the stores near the exit |
 |
| one of the souvenir shops selling shirts, bag tags, ref magnets and mini balisongs |
We spent almost two hours descending the 80-degree steep trail. A little tired already but there are a number of stores selling refreshments, snacks and souvenirs before the end of the trail. I have counted five hanging bridges before reaching the exit. There are jeepneys bound to Baguio after the hike with Php50 fare.
 |
| our great photographer and tour guide, ate Rosaria |
How to get to Brgy. Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet:
Make a way going to Baguio City and look for Shopper's Lane in Lakandula St., near Center Mall and Jollibee. Ride a jeepney going to Ampucao. Jeepney fare is around Php35.
Sample Itinerary for a dayhike:
12:00mn to 4:00 am - Cubao to Baguio City
4:00 am to 5:00 am - at Baguio City (take an early breakfast)
5:00 am to 6:00 am - jeepney going to Ampucao-Philex
6:00 am to 7:00 am - arrival at Ampucao Brgy Hall, Registration, Briefing
7:00 am to 9:00 am - jump-off to Gungal Rock Formation
9:00 am to 10:00 am - Gungal Rock Formation to Mout Ulap peak
10:00 am to 1:00 pm - Mount Ulap peak to Santa Fe Exit
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm - lunch at any stores near Santa Fe exit
1:30 pm to 2:00 pm - wait for jeepneys going to Baguio City at the exit
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm - Ampucao to Baguio City
3:00 pm onwards - side trip to Baguio City
take a night trip going back to Manila.
Be a responsible mountaineer. Always bring with you that "Leave No Trace" (LNT) Principles.
1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. Leave what you find.
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
6. Respect wildlife.
7. Be considerate of others.
www.lnt.org
There are cheap accommodations in Baguio City if you plan to spend the night before or after your hike. Check them here.
Be a responsible mountaineer. Always bring with you that "Leave No Trace" (LNT) Principles.
1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. Leave what you find.
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
6. Respect wildlife.
7. Be considerate of others.
www.lnt.org
There are cheap accommodations in Baguio City if you plan to spend the night before or after your hike. Check them here.
