Name: Mt Ulap or Cloud Mountain
Jump Off: Ampucao Itogon Benguet
Exit Point: Sta. Fe Itogon Benguet
Elevation: 1846 MASL
Difficulty: 3/9 (Pinoy Mountaineer)
Features: Grassland and Pine ridges. Scenic views of the Cordilleras. Burial Caves.
Adding to the impeccable selection of stunning mountains in Benguet is Mt. Ulap, a newly opened hiking heaven located in Itogon. She first welcomed avid mountaineers to her rich, unspoiled lands in September of 2015, and quickly, she rose on top sitting next to the more coveted Mt. Pulag and all for the good reasons. She would knock you off your feet during the first leg of the hike not only because of relentless assaults but also because of the beguiling scenery which your eyes can feed on in every direction. Early on she would give you tons of reasons not to regret giving her a try. Passed the sea of pine trees are endless slopes of grasslands and a marvelous 360 view of the surrounding mountain ranges. She won’t give you a hard time and will keep you cool despite the unforgiving sun. She would get you closer to the clouds at her summit and just when you think she is pretty much uneventful as you inch closer to cap off the day, she would entertain you with a steep 80-degree cliff descent.
THE UNEXPECTED HITCH
My Saturday on February 27 was pretty much a run-of-the-mill kind of day until the clock hit the hour of 8PM. I was to meet with the coolest gang, Sir Teo, Joyce and the rest of the friends I met in Mt. Pulag for the promise of an exciting climb to Mt. Ulap. I together with Ian (Boyfie) journeyed the roads bound for Edsa Central from our home in Biñan at 6PM. It wasn’t until 8:30 PM that we joined Sir Teo, Joyce and another guy Rey in McDonald’s Teleperformance. We waited for a couple more hours until the van and the other guys joining in the climb arrived.
It wasn’t all the time that a situation is pleasant and that evening, we tasted the sourest grape. Sir Teo rented an 18-sitter van but what arrived was a gorgeous, comfy looking 12-sitter! I was already dying to sit on those fabulously cushioned seats, close my eyes and sleep my way to Ampucao but this vehicle just won’t do. It won’t fit 18 people with huge backpacks no matter how we do it. We didn’t have any alternative available and worse, the person from whom the van was rented was no longer responding. We all were frustrated and the longer we linger as the clock ticks the hours away, the more we risk the climb being postponed for another day.
The situation was becoming hopeless and before it finally consumed us, we decided to take another route. We walked to the bus stop in front of Edsa Central and hopped on one of the buses bound for Balagbag in QC. The ride took another 20-minutes. We alighted the bus in front of 5-Star bus terminal and waited for Sir Teo to sort things out. The hour was quickly ticking its way to midnight and everyone was already wondering what’s gonna happen next. Just before matters turn even more unfavorable, Sir Teo found us another van hindering impatience from taking its toll. The van wasn’t entirely our best option but was the only one we got. We each hopped on to it, find our respective seats, head on to pick our other lovely friend Reawel in Trinoma then started the journey to the ever hyped Mt. Ulap.
I wanna skip to the climbing part as I don’t wanna tell you anymore how nerve-wracking our ride was to Baguio [Read: Baguio City Tourist Spots: A Showcase Of The City’s Art for possible side trip options]. Our driver that night couldn’t seem to get himself enough of the gas! But I reckon he knew what the breaks are for since we still managed to make it back to Manila ALIVE!
THE CLIMB
With barely enough sleep from the entire night spent on the road, we started the hike at 7AM from the registration point in Ampucao Elementary School to the main jump-off along a concrete highway which took at least 10 minutes. From the jump-off, we ascended a narrow concrete road that stretched for about 15 meters before reaching the mouth of the trail of Mt. Ulap. Passed the sign that welcomes visiting hikers is a steep assault that stretches for about 4 meters. After the first steep assault is a walk along slopes of overgrown bushes on both sides. After probably 5 minutes, we stumbled into a trail carved few inches from the edge of a cliff where we first marveled at the far-flung mountains. It led us west towards another steep ascent.
I found myself in a spot overlooking the mountain ranges to the east after the ascent. We rested for about 2 minutes. After that, we took off for another steep ascent. The steep assaults and walks over flat surface went on for a couple of hours but it was made bearable by the splendid scene anywhere we looked. The refreshing scent of towering pine trees, the colorful flowers sprinkled everywhere and the intricate rock formations made Mt. Ulap have one of the most beautiful trails out of all the mountains I’ve climbed. After probably 2 hours from the time we started the hike, we reached the place locals called Ambanao Paoay.
Ambanao Paoay as the local guide told me is the term they use to pertain to the vast ridges of grassland and endless skies. To me, that was probably the first peak we reached. There the scene became even more breathtaking with acres of grasslands seeming quite rich which is not a wonder why this mountain is known for grazing cows. We spent several minutes taking in the view and snapping some photos. From the first peak, we went through a very steep descent which took about 20 meters. After which we went on to pass through several slopes until we reached the infamous Gungal Rock another 2 hours later.
We waited for several minutes to get our obligatory photos taken with the much talked about piece of rock! After that, we continued to trek towards the summit along slopes of grasslands with some parts blocked by fences which we needed to cross over. Lunch was calling when we were only one slope away from the summit. We settled in a spot near the uprooted tree trunk blocking the trail. We indulged over a sumptuous meal which consisted of rice, relyenong bangus, salted eggs, and tomatoes. When we were all filled, we took another 30 minutes to take a nap.
At 1.30 PM, we resumed the hike. We took the shortcut from the spot where we rested continuing to its peak and went on to approach the summit from the side or the back area. At exactly 2PM, we reached the summit! There we had some photos taken too with the clouds slowly engulfing the peak as the backdrop.
We didn’t linger too long at the summit although there weren’t that many people at the time. In fact, we were probably the last group to have reached it. We really did take our time! From the summit, we went through another steep descent which stretches for about 30 meters then went to walk at the side of another slope then took another assault to the trail that leads to the steepest descent of that day’s hike.
The others went ahead leaving me and Ian at the tail. We started the steep descent which I consider the most challenging part of the hike after taking a short breather. If you are wondering why I say it was the most challenging, it’s because literally we went down an 80-85 degree cliff. Locals put some wooden bars as support along the ladder-like trail and when I say ladder-like, I am talking about a patch of soil put together with just a wood stretching for about 2 feet keeping it intact. It was a straightforward descent and if going down along an eroded trail is what normally slows you down, expect to take it for another 2 hours. Worse you may also go home with broken and aching toes!
We survived the first part of the steep descent after more than an hour and went to rest at the store nearest the trail leading to another steep descent. We took 15 minutes to chill and rest our feet! My toes were already bothering me and I longed to rid my feet of my shoes! Resuming the descent was another agony we needed to endure. It lasted for another 20 minutes and by the time we reached the ground crossing an empty river and a hanging bridge, that was when I felt the most relief. We passed by 2 more steel hanging bridges before reaching a house where we reunited with our climb buddies who were already wrapping things up after getting a much-needed bath.
We too took a refreshing bath and when we were ready, we resumed to complete the trek down to where the van we hired from last night awaits. We passed by residential houses along a concrete path and another 3 steel hanging bridges before finally capping off the day on a high!
MY 50 CENTS AND OTHER INFO
- If you have noticed, I haven’t written anything about me having a hard time hiking up Mt. Ulap but truth be told. I actually had countless breathless moments, not just because of the beauty of the place but also because of several assaults that made me run out of breath many times. I just didn’t want this post to be overly dramatic. Maybe it’s because I enjoyed Mt. Ulap way too much.
- If you are to hike this mountain, bring with you lots of patience. Her trails may be tons less grueling than the other mountains but long walks along ridges can still take up much of your energy and time making you feel like the hike is taking way longer than necessary.
- We had not seen a single trash anywhere along the trail or anywhere in Mt. Ulap that even those tiny cigarette butts and candy wrappers were nowhere in sight. Let’s keep it that way. Let us help the locals keep this magnificent mountain clean. Observe LNT (Leave No Trace). Bring your trashes down Mt. Ulap and dispose of them upon getting home.
- Don’t let the cool weather fool you. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin. The sun is still up there even when the air blowing through the whole time is as cold as the early morning breeze.
- Feel free to climb DIY style. Make sure to make early reservations through their authorized Facebook account.
- If you are to join a group hike, make sure to go with a group of 15-20 participants max. We don’t really want to wear down the beauty of Mt. Ulap too quickly, do we? And it’s now mandatory.
- Mt. Ulap is now limiting hikers to 500 heads on weekends and 150 on weekdays. Everyone is asked to make a reservation prior to your hike.
HOW TO GO THERE
- Commute – Ride a bus in Cubao/Pasay to Baguio City. From the bus terminal, ride a jeep going to Central Mall then from there ride another jeep en route Phillex Mines and get off Ampucao Elementary School.
- Private – Take NLEX continuing to SCTEX taking the exit to MacArthur Highway. From MacArthur Highway turn right to Kennon Rd continuing to Loakan Road then to Balatoc Road until you reach Ampucao Elementary School.
| SUMMARY OF EXPENSES | DIY Commute -RT Fare Bus Manila-Baguio P900 -RT Fare Jeep Central Mall P16 -RT Fare Jeep Ampucao P70 -Registration Fee P50 -Guide Fee @ P600 x 2 - P120 Total - P1,156/pax for a group of 10 DIY Van Rental -Van Rental @ P10k - P1000 -Registration Fee P50 -Guide Fee @ P600 x 2 - P120 Total - P1,170/pax for a group of 5 ***Can be a lot lesser if more people will share the van rental cost. For 12-sitter van rental, please contact 0936 951 4130 and 0920 979 9924 or 18-sitter 0915 733 7688. |
| THINGS TO BRING | Jacket Weather gear (gloves/bonnet) Extra Clothes Toiletries Umbrella Trekking Pole Poncho/Raincoat First Aid Kit including personal meds Trail snacks 2L Trail Water Packed Lunch |
| SAMPLE ITINERARY | Day 0 19:00 Assembly at Edsa Central/Cubao 20:00 ETD Ampucao Day 1 02:00 Arrive in Ampucao 03:30 Start Trek 04:00 Ambanao Paoay 05:00 Gungal Rock 06:00 SUMMIT 08:30 Pong-ol human cave 09:30 Sta. Fe (Wash Up) 10:00 Depart for Baguio City side trip 10:30 Baguio City Free Time 19:00 Depart for Manila 24:00 Arrive in Manila |
| UPDATED FEES & OTHER CHARGES | Registration Fee - P50 Camping Site Fee - P800 (10 Pax and below) Guide Fee (7 Pax Per Guide) -Day Hike P600 -Overnight P1000 Porter Fee (20Kg Max Per Porter) -Day Hike P500 -Overnight P800 |
| CONTACT INFO | Climb Organizer: Champ - 0995 980 5548 Guide: Frank - 0930 918 6519 Joy - 0948 250 5198 Mt. Ulap Council - 0928 483 1133 | 0946 115 9154 | 0946 340 4561 |
There you go lovely people. If you need more info about this much talked about Mt. Ulap, feel free to leave them on the comments box below. Until next time. Ciao! 🙂
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103 Comments
Magkano po yong tour guide fee? The last time tou went there?
Hi Aki. Rates are stated on the blog Daytour was 700 for 5 people. For updated rates, you may contact Mt. Ulap page on Facebook.
Hi, I just want to ask if open sila for solo hiker? Thank you!
Hi Lekster. Yes yoi can hike solo.
Mas mahirap po ba to akyatin compared sa Mt. Daraitan in Rizal?
Hi Belle. For me mas mahirap Daraitan pero mas mahabang lakaran lang ang Mt. Ulap.
Is there a tent rentals near by?
Hi Jericho! I’m not aware of any tent rentals. You may want to reach Mt. Ulap tourism for confirm. 😊
Wow much detailed…Im from Benguet province if you want also detailed in DIY info or any question check out my simple blog (https://lakwatserangigorota.wordpress.com/mt-ulap-trekking/) , dont expect much lang po… Breathtaking tlga ang Mt. Ulap I recommended it ^_^
Saan ako pwd mag inquire regarding sa reservation ?
Hi Vince. Sa official Facebook page po ng mt. Ulap best maginquire. Meron din po numbers dun
hi, i wanted to climb but solo how can i start?
Get yourself physically ready. Read and learn about survival techniques. Try hiking alone on easier mountains then to more difficult ones.
Hello po. May marecommend po ba kayo na guide? Thank you po.
Hi Bajoi. Yup nasa blogpost po details nya. Pakicontact na langpo. And dont forget to reserve your slots with the proper channels to reach mt. Ulap. 😊
hi po my available po bang guide dis friday 2 kami tnxs 09106274774 contact me sa my mga available tnxs
Hello po. Magkano po reservations niyo? Binabalak po kasi namin magpunta by April holy week.
Sorry. Di po saken nagpapareserve. Just click the link for their facebook page.
I feel everything you have written..my biggest dream eversince to conquer a mountain, too bad i let years passed by,now im 55,with hypertension,but still aching to fulfill my dream.i think and feel am fit,i read that you experience some shortness of breath,tsk,tsk..but,compared to walking in malls maybe i am halfway qualified to do this with my doctor’s consent..i weigh 115 lbs.walking 30mins around our village is my fitness partner
Hi Eva. Dreams do come true ansd you oath to fulfill them. With your doctor’s consent, i hope you will one day fulfill your dream. 😊
Ms Keza, ask ko lang if possible mag hike even with out reservation ?
Nope Joana Mae, reservation is mandatory.
Perfectly written!
Thanks 😊
Gusto ko din sana umakyat jan. Pero 2 lang kami. Possible pa rin po ba yun? Saan po mka hire ng guide going to mt.ulap. thanks ☺
Hi. Pwede po kayong dalawa lang. Sa reg site dun po kumukuha ng guide. Contact nyo na lang po si Frank kung pwede nya kayo iguide 09309186519
hai., mga ilang oras nio po inakyat ang ulap?thank you very much
Hi Ash. We started at 7am and ended at about 4PM. Moderate pace lang at may tulog pa ng mga 1 hr after lunch. If mbilis kayo pwdeng nyo matapos yun ng 5 or 6 hrs. Depende din sa traffic ng tao na nagpapapicture sa mga photoworthy spots.
ok po.. thank you po ng marami:)
I’ve been also at Mt Ulap and a local living here. If your planning to have a journey, better start your thrill early in the morning because the hike would either take 6 hours or more. Nevertheless, afternoon is not advisable because it might rain or umambon. It always depends on how fast you walk and take pictures along the way. For DIY, there’s a jeep going to the barangay hall near centermall jollibee for less than 30 pesos it would take less than hour drive. Going back to baguio check your time because jeepney drivers are willing to wait until 5pm if im not mistaken. If you have your own/rent car the better. Camping is also suggested after the ampaoay trail,second station. #GodBless ^_^ hope it helps
Check out my blog for more information :
https://lakwatserangigorota.wordpress.com/2016/03/16/mt-ulap-trekking/
Thanks for the additional info 😊
Glad to help ^_^
Hi, ask lng po until what time bumabyahe ung jeep if ever po we leave manila at 9pm is there a chance pa po b na may jeep pa papunta ng central mall and pa ampucao. More thanks.
I think 6am meron na yung jeep hanggang hapon I’m not sure hanggang what time I think 3/4pm kasi yung registration is office time at the brgy office..
pinupunu yung jeep magstart sya ng umaga mga 6am meron na hanggan hapon may cut off sila if im not mistaken before 5pm
Hello we’re planning na mag hike this jan 15 and we are still not sure if we will join sa itinerary, 24/7 po b ang mga jeep dun if ever na mag commute kame. Tha ks
Hi Glord. Nope po. May time lang po ang mga jeep dun. Pag sobrang late na, wala na pong biahe
Sorry hindi sya 24/7 because until afternoon lng ang biyahe papunta doon..double check nyo dn kung may bagyo or ulan na parating kc ndi nyo ma enjoy and hike if ever..hope it helps 😊😉
Hi Ms. keza ask ko lng po magkano budget if ever mgtry kme ng friends ko sa mt. ulap galing na kme ng baguio nun for panabengga singit lang po sana namin yung mt. ulap 4 po kame. salamat
Hi Christine, P500 will do covering transpo from Baguio to Mt Ulap and back, guide fee and registration fee.
check nyo may bagong update sa mt ulap facebook page..
thankyou Ms. Keza for the info nkausap ko po kase si mr. champ 800 per person ung sinabe nya saken. Ask ko din po sana if ever kung mt. pulag nalang po kame ppunta instead na mt. ulap kaya po kaya ng 1 day galing po kase kme nun ng panagbengga fiestival. slamat
Di po kya ng 1 day ang Mt. Pulag kasi mahaba po ang biahe papunta pa lang sa DENR tapos another biahe papuntang ranger station. Tapos mas mahabang lakaran ang Mt. Pulag as compared to Mt. Ulap
san magbabayad ng 800..sorry ngyn lng ulit nakapag login,sa pagkakaalam k sa mt pulag is madaling araw ang hiking 3-4hrs paakyat then 3-4hrs uli pababa..
ok po ms. keza maraming salamat for the info. i will go to mt. ulap nalang if ever. but can u suggest me the tour guide or contact person regarding po sa mt ulap kung magkano, namamahalan po kase ako sa 800 na sinabe saken ni mr. champ. any recommendation. thankyou so much ms. Keza
Hi Christine,
Make sure po to reserve prior to your hike. Nasa blog po yung update. 😊
yung 800 po is payment po for the tour sa mt. ulap.. kung may maiisuggest po sana kayong tour na mura sa mt. ulap at tour guide.. maraming salamat 1 day lang po sana
hi po ask lng po, always po ba available mga tour guides kht weekdays??
Hi Mike,
Yes po always available. 😊
Hello,
pwede po ba mag walk-in? May mga guide po ba na available sa registration site? Thank yoi 😃
Yes po pwede. Yes guides are availabe sa registration
puedeng magdala ng 9 yr old dito, parang “walk in the park” lang?
Hi Luc. Yes pwede po.. Wala nmang technical parts. Up and downhill walk lang the whole time ang mt. Ulap
Pwede umakyat ng madaling araw?
Yes po pwede
office hour ang registration doon kc mga barangay officials dn ang nagbbigay ng guides..sguradong close pa ang office that time 😂😂
Hi. Pwede po bang umakyat ng weekdays? Thanks!
Hi Darwin. Yes pwedeng umakyat ng weekdays. 😊
May contact po ba kayo dun? we’re planning po na umakyat ng december 26. Thank you!
Hi Tuloi ba lakad nyo this december sa mt. Ulap?
Oo tuloy sama ka ba. kita tayo dun
kaya ba ng beginner to? 🙂 may alam po ba kayo na mahhhike sa mt. ulap coming dec ng weekends?? thank you!!
Hi Rowena!
Yup. Mt Ulap is newbie friendly.
Can you message me on facebook so I can arrange your hike with my friend who has na upcoming event for Mt. Ulap in December. Will be waiting for your message. 😊
Hi po maam, meron po ba kayong contact sa guide sa mt. Ulap? kasi this weekend po sat-sun magcamp po kami. Baka may rental ng tent dun para di na madaming dala po. Thank you po
Hi Erjohn. Sorry but I don’t have any contact info for any guides in Mt. Ulap. I will try to get one and update it on the blog but now sorry can’t give you any info. 🙁
cant find u on fb sorry ano full name?
Hi. Here’s the link to my profile. https://www.facebook.com/keza.awanderfulsole
Hi ma’am Keza.
My girlfriend and I are planning to go Mt. ulap on Dec. 14,2016 wednesday. Is there a tour package available and if not is it possible to go there by ourselves and hire a tour guide?Will wait for your response. Thank you
Hi Brian. No need for tour package. You can simply go there and hire a tour guide. Take care and have fun.. 🙂
Hi! available po ba ang registration anytime? what time po ang pinaka maaga? thanks!
Hi Geo. They are available as early as midnight. 😊
Hi! San yung mas mahirap? Mt daraitan or Mt. Ulap? 😊
Mt. Daraitan po.
Thank you for the info. 🙂
Thank you for this, Keza! Planning to go there this coming weekend (October 5), tatlo lang kami. Do they have a minimum number of guest that they accept? We’re planning to DIY lang, kasi by Friday nasa Baguio na kami. Thank you in advance. 🙂
Hi. No there’s no minimum number of guests. You can even hike solo with a guide. 😊
Awesome! Thanks for the quick response. 🙂
No worries. Have fun. 🙂
Hi!
This is really helpful. I want to ask, about DIY hike, Do I need to schedule/register ahead of time for the hike, or pwede ang walk-in?
hi. I’m not a hiker kasi pro mhirap b in trek?
Hi Leah. Di naman. Mejo challenging yung start at ending kasi paahon at palusong at may part na matarik pero 95% chill lang ang hike na to.
Hello, we are planning trek Mt. Ulap daytrip. When you get to Ampucao Elementary School, jump off na ba un o another ride pa?
Hi Krystel. That’s the registration area. You will have to hike a little on the road leading to the trail/jumpoff.
gud day. mam di po ba naapektuhan ng bagyon lawin ang mount ulap okay lang po bang maghike sa sunday october 30.
thanks
Hi Ryan. That I’m not sure pero di ko nman narinig na affected ang Ampacao.. Pero I would suggest that you postpone your hike to give way for clearing operations. 😊
Available po ba yung guide kahit anong oras? Saka may alam po ba kayong pwedeng tayuan ng tent kasi po baka 10pm po kami dumating dun e, magpapahinga po muna sana kami bago umakyat ng madaling araw. Thanks in advance
Hi. Yes available po. 🙂
Hi. Ask ko lang kung may mairerecommend po ba kayo na tour guide sa amin? Thanks po 🙂
Hi Lalinka. Nope. Wala po. Although mabait yung guide namen, we didn’t bother getting the name for recommendation purposes kasi yung local council na magaassign ng guides upon registration. Don’t worry mababait silang lahat dun. 🙂
Hello! May I ask where did you buy your trekking pole?
Hi Markoloco. I bought it in Tutuban Mall. There are trekking poles for sale on mountaineering groups in facebook for a cheap price. Another great options are those sold in basekamps. 🙂
Thanks for responding! May I ask, what is the best time to start hike in Mt. Ulap?
Best to start hiking at 2-3AM so you can marvel at the sunrise and the sea of clouds. Less hikers in those hours too so you won’t have to wait long to get your photo taken in Gungal Rock and other great spots. 🙂
Let’s you finish early too so you have time to spend exploring other sites or Baguio City. Let’s you avoid heavy traffic as well. 🙂
Ohhhh okay. Thanks for the information! 🙂
Hi kung mag DIY kami ng friend ,puwede naman dba? Pagdating namin ng Baguio pnta lang kami ng Anpucao di ba? Kahit ndi kame nag pa reserve ng maaga? Thank you sa sagot
Yes. Pwede. Di kelangan ng reservation. 😊
kung ganun namn po pala no need na medical certificate po
Yup. No need na kung wala ka nman heart or lung ailment. Kasi tatanungin nila yun before the hike and you have to show medcert and sign a waiver.
nice hike
Thanks. You should give this a try. 🙂
napunta na pero noong hindi pa open, wala pa registration at di rin aware mostly na local doon. Inakyat namin na walang guide. Di na kami umabot sa may gungal rock, maulap, medyo uulan na at nalowbat ba naman bigla yung Camera kaya ayun, nawalan na kami ng gana. Pagbalik namin nawala kami hehe, kaya kahit saan saan kami dumaan tinumbok na lang namin yung kalsada. Pero ang ganda di na namin nabalikan kasi wala na oras.
Wow. Good thing you all came out alright. Yeah maganda tlga dun pero maulap na sa summit pagpatak ng oras after lunch lalo na pag maulan. How did you know about it nung di pa binubuksan sa public? 🙂