Mt. Ulap

Your Attitude, not your Aptitude
Dec 6, 2017
3 min read

Entry 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

At first I can't tell how excited I am when we're on our way to Itogon which was told that this is one of the gem of Cordilleras which I can compare to Mt. Ugo as well. The view are composed of pines, grass, rocks and even the cows. Rock formation was splendid, the trail was very challenging specially when you reached the 2nd peak which is the Gungol Rock. All of us should be careful when taking picture at the said rock, as carelessness can be fatal and might end up to death.

The numerous peaks of the mountain was the most exciting part of it specially the grassland of the 3rd peak and when you do descent you will be seeing the campsite. The trail was quite hard because of the pebbles as you will encounter steep trail; you also might get hurt if you will act recklessly. Best advise is to listen to your guide as they are more knowledgeable than anyone during the hike. As they don't advise to risk your life just for an instagramable picture. Hence you need to think of your safety and for their reputation as well.

You can go anytime you want as the mountain is always open however I highly recommend to go during weekdays as they need to limit the headcount to preserve the beauty of Mt. Ulap. Either DIY or Group will be fine as long as know how to follow your itinerary. As discussed always practice LNT (Leave No Trace) since the mountain is always open (do not abuse). If you want these mountains to be preserved until the next generation. You can also join the reforestation as they invite everyone to to help nurturing the nature again.

If you prefer to go on weekend better to think twice doing dayhike. I've experience how crowded the mountain during Saturday and Sunday; you might not get enough time to take good picture at the Gungol Rock (which is the signature of Mt. Ulap) because you need to wait for more or less 2 hours before you get your turn. You will just be taking picture for about 10 seconds. So I highly recommend to do overnight camping since the campsite has best view having an open area and near to store which you can buy what you need.

Here is some way to get there:

1. Make your way to Cubao or Pasay to Baguio [P460-650; 4-6 hours]

2. Hop into Jeepney, Baguio City to Brgy. Ampucao via Philes-Bound route [P50; 40 mins]

Approximately 40 minutes travel time from Baguio.

You can also rent a taxi from Baguio City to take you all the way to Brgy. Ampucao and back. A P800-1000 roundtrip would be very reasonable.

Private: Proceed to Baguio from Manila, then take the road to Itogon and make a left turn to Brgy. Ampucao. (You can also use waze or any gps app for an easier trip)

If you are strapped for cash, you can go to market and buy food that you need at the City.

Sample Itinerary:

Weekdays ( w/o RT Van )

0100 Take bus from Manila to Baguio) 0600 Take jeepney from Baguio to Brgy. Ampucao (P50) 0640 ETA Brgy. Ampucao. Head to barangay hall. Register / Secure guides (500) 0700 Start trek 0930 ETA Gungol Rock 1030 ETA Mt. Ulap summit 1130 Visit Burial Caves 1300 Arrival at Sta. Fe exit point. Wait for jeepney back to Baguio 1400 Back in Baguio City (and then to Manila)

Note: This Itinerary might change on how fast you are. You can take your lunch in Baguio City as well

Weekday ( w/ RT Van )

DAY 1

2200 ETD to Itogon Benguet

DAY 2

0100 Stop Over (Pangasinan Leezas)

0400 ETA Ampucao

0430 Registration (100 per head) / Briefing / Secure guide (600 1:7)

0500 Start Trek

0700 Ambanao Paoay ( Grass Land )

0930 Gungol Rock

1100 Mt. Ulap summit

1200 Campsite Lunch Time

1500 Sta Fe exit point ( Wash Up )

1630 Baguio side trip ( Optional )

1730 Dinner before going back to MNL

1800 Buy some Pasalubong

2300 ETA MNL

Note: I used to do my itinerary with van because there are lot of Organizer who always rent a RT Van. You can follow the same Itinerary if you prefer weekend but you need to adjust 2 hours after you reach the Gungol Rock given that the line is blockbuster. HAHAHAHA

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