An hour away from the summer capital of the Philippines, one can explore a thousand meters above sea level paradise of pines. Mt. Ulap, which is located in Brgy Ampucao Itogon Benguet, is a newly opened eco-trail last October 31, 2015. The mountain was named after Ulap Lagman, after his successful climbed on February 1, 1939. The trail has three major parts: Ambanao Paoay (1788 MASL), Gungal Rock (1814 MASL), and Mt. Ulap (1846 MASL). Other areas for exploration are the burial caves and Pong-Ol Mummy.
We took advantage of the holiday (Eidul Fitr) last July 6, 2016 (Wednesday). We rode Victory Liner bus from Cubao to Baguio City at 10:00 pm on July 5, and reached Baguio terminal 5 hours later. We had our early breakfast at the terminal. We were informed by the local that it would be safer if we go to Lakandula St. at 5:30 am since the place is quite dangerous during early morning particularly to visitors. We decided to go back to the terminal and wait until 5:30 am. The travel and queuing time are great opportunity to rest and prepare for the hike. At exactly 5:30 am we grabbed a cab going to Lakandula Street where the terminal of jeepneys bound to Brgy. Ampucao is located.
During the Hike
Upon reaching Brgy. Ampucao, our guide gave us an overview of the Ampucao-Sta. Fe Trail. The main jump off is 15 minutes away from the Hall.
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| (from left to right): Jake, Ampy, and Ana on the jump-off site |
According to Ate Marlyn, some parts of the mountain are privately owned. We encountered 2 to 3 fences during the entire trail. Those were constructed to ward off cows.
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| Entering the fence |
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| The Trio |
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| Most of the time during our hike, some areas were covered up with fogs, adding mystifying effects to some of our shots (although we preferred to have shots with the element of sunlight :P) |
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| Ampy |
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| Photo ops |
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| Beware of cows' manures. They were scattered all throughout the trail. |
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| View of a nearby mountain |
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| What a foggy day |
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| Stone Balancing at the summit of Ambanao Paoay |
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| Mini Stone Hedge? |
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| Cows on the first summit |
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| Moooooooo Moooooooo |
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| Going to Gungal Rock |
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| Near the Gungal Rock |
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| Gungal Rock during a foggy day |
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| Ana at the summit |
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At the Summit of Mt. Ulap; We were the only group who hiked that day.
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| The mountain is still fresh |
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| Panoramic View of Mt. Ulap |
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| Descent |
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| The last hanging bridge to Sta Fe. |
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| In Sta. Fe Highway |
Although the entire traverse hike can be done for 4 to 6 hours, it took us 8 hours to finish it due to time spent for short breaks, taking pictures, etc. During our visit, we were not able to see the burial cave since it was temporary close. We were not able to glimpse the mountain on a perfect sunny day, yet we saw its mysterious form with the presence of fogs that is a natural occurrence during the rainy season (LOL!). We will go back to experience the things that we missed and to witness the beauty of this mountain in other days.
Going There
- Take the victory liner bus located in Cubao going to Baguio City.
- From the victory liner terminal in Baguio go to the jeepney terminal in Lakandula St.
- From Lakandula St. take the jeepney going to Brgy. Ampucao Itogon Benguet.
- Go to the Barangay hall for the registration and tour guide.
Table 1: Itinerary
Table 2: Summary of Expenses
Updates (June 2017)
Guide Fee: 600 (dayhike); 1k (overnight)
Camping Fee: 800 (Maximum of 10 pax)
Registration: 50 per pax
Photo Credit: Amparo Misagal
-End of Tour-
- JSC / AA
