by (Updated as of January 2024)
Mt Ulap is particularly a very famous go-to mountain for hikers and mountaineers when in Benguet. Aside from the famous Mt. Pulag and Mt. Ugo in the Region, Mt. Ulap also has one of the most breathtaking sceneries. For instance, it showcases some of the stunning details and trademarks of Cordillera such as the Pine trees, grassland ridges, burial caves and hanging bridges too. Moreover, this day-hike is accessible from the main city of Baguio which is just 40 minutes away. (Mt Ulap DIY Travel Guide)
Although it is considerably a minor hike that beginners can climb back and forth in a day, most hikers would still consider it hard to climb. So I don’t want to spoil your excitement but let’s be honest here, minor hikes are NOT easy hikes. Those are 2 very different words.
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Mt Ulap DIY Travel GUIDE
DIY is my thing. And since I lived in Baguio for 5 years during my college days, going back and forth to Itogon from Baguio City is not new to me. In this travel Mt. Ulap DIY Travel Guide, I’ll show you how to get to the jump-off point if you are coming from Manila. Since I am living in Manila now for my work, here is how I did it — check out below!
MANILA TO BAGUIO CITY
There are lots of bus-line companies that offers this route from Cubao, Pasay or Sampaloc terminal in Manila. For example, (1) Victory Liner (2) Solid North (3) JoyBus and (4) Genesis. There are available trips almost every hour on a daily basis. The travel time will take roughly 6-7 hours and the fare is PHP 450.00 – PHP 500.00.
Did you know? You can now travel to and from Baguio City from Manila for only 4 hours with Joybus Premiere Class Bus? Read Wanderera.com ‘s review and guide here.
BAGUIO CITY TO MT. ULAP
From Baguio City, ride a jeepney going to Brgy. Ampucao via Philes-Bound route. The jeepney terminal is located beside Jollibee Center Mall. Just ask around for the jeepney that goes directly to Brgy. Ampucao or just tell the driver you are heading to Mt. Ulap. The travel time is around 40 mins and the fare is around PHP 30.00 – 50.00 per head.
Alternatively, you may also rent a taxi from Baguio City to take you all the way to Brgy. Ampucao. However, the fare may be expensive but it will be more convenient if you are traveling in 3-4 pax in a group.
For private cars, you can use Waze app for better navigation when you are already in Baguio City.
Upon reaching the Barangay Hall, register your names and pay the fees for your trip. Check out the fees below.
Mt. Ulap Suggested Itinerary & Expenses
This itinerary is assuming that you are coming from Manila to Baguio Citty and then Baguio City to Mt. Ulap jump-off point. (Mt Ulap DIY Travel Guide)
Expenses updated as of January 2024:
| 2023 Updated Expenses: | Fees: |
| Round-trip jeepney fare from Baguio City | PHP100.00 |
| Registration Fee/head | PHP100.00 |
| DENR Fee/head | PHP30.00 adult | PHP15.00 student | PHP100.00 foreigner For camping, additional of PHP200.00/group |
| Guide Fee | PHP800.00 (good for 7 pax per group) |
| Overnight | PHP1,600.00 (good for 7 pax per group) |
| Camping Fee (overnight) | PHP800.00 (for group of 10) |
| Blanket & mattress for rent (overnight) | PHP200.00 blanket & mattress PHP150.00 |
| Parking Fee | PHP100.00/vehicle |
| Porter Fee | One way (Day Hike) PHP800.00 maximum of 15KG Two way (Overnight) PHP1,200.00 maximum of 15KG ***If the baggage exceeds, additional of PHP50.00/KG but limited to +5KG only |
| MT. ULAP DAY HIKE SAMPLE ITINERARY | |
| 12 midnight | ETD Manila to Baguio City |
| 4:00 AM | ETA Baguio City, breakfast, buy packed lunch or snacks in the market |
| 5:00 AM | Jeepney from Jollibee Center Mall to Brgy. Ampucao |
| 5:40 AM | ETA Brgy. Ampucao, proceed to Barangay Hall for Registration, pay the fees |
| 6:30 AM | Start of hike |
| 5:00 PM | End of day-hike, back to Baguio City |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner around Baguio City |
| 7:30 PM | Bus from Baguio City to Manila |
| 11:30 PM | ETA Manila |
About Mt. Ulap Eco-Trail & Attractions
Mt. Ulap is a 9.4km hike and it’s available for day-hike and overnight stay. As for us, we did a day-hike to this piece of heaven. Our adventures was filled with lotsa clouds on the trail, hanging bridges, rock formations and greenery hills. Out of all the mountains I have climbed in my country, Mt. Ulap is definitely one of the most unique and most beautiful too. The sceneries of the Cordilleran mountains are just incredibly breathtaking and too stunning to pass up.
So after registration and securing our guide, we started our trek from the jump-off point which is at Ampucao Barangay Hall. There are snacks available here, comfort room, hiking pole or “tungkod” for Php100.00 each and parking area.
Sunrise Viewing
The first stop is the sunrise viewing area which is 20 minutes from the jump-off point.
View of the Pine Forest
During the first part of the trail, you will see dense forest of pines which is a very popular signature of the Cordillera mountains in the Region. There are few picturesque spots along the way and our guide was very polite to assist us in getting good pictures all the time! Honestly, the tour guides really know the best spot for photo-ops so don’t be shy to ask.
Mt. Ulap’s Picturesque Trail
I’ve tried climbing Mt. Ulap on both cloudy and sunny trail. Each one has its own advantage point but any of which have beautiful sceneries!
For instance if you want to experience a cloudy trail, I suggest hiking in the months of September – December. These are particularly cold months to hike and the best months to experience a cloudy trail too. Furthermore, make sure to choose the right season for your climb depending on your preference. If you want clear views of the mountains and forest from afar, I suggest to go during summer season.
1st Peak – Ambanao Paway
The 1st peak is an hour trek, reaching 3.6km. This area is like a hill on top that doesn’t have much trees. Make sure to bring your caps and wear sunscreen if you are planning to start your hike late.
2nd Peak – Gungal Rock
After another hour from the 1st peak, we reached the 2nd peak. Gungal rock is the most famous attraction of Mt. Ulap. It is where the picturesque rock photos of hikers and mountaineers is located. You can take your time to get the most awesome photo here with your tour guide.
3rd Peak – Mt. Ulap Summit
Reaching the summit of Mt. Ulap offers you a fantastic view of the Cordillera mountains and villages. The summit is 20 minutes away from Gungal Rock.
Local Eatery
Just 15 minutes away from Mt. Ulap summit is a local eatery! The meal cost Php180.00 here and it includes red rice and 1 viand of your choice. There are snacks and beverages sold here too.
Furthermore, the campsite is located 5 minutes away from the local eatery. There are available blankets and mattresses for rent if you are planning to camp. Blanket rental is PHP200.00 and mattress rental is Php150.00.
Hanging Bridges and Mini Waterfalls
The descent will not be the same trail as the ascending since this is a traverse. So you can enjoy a different view while climbing down Mt. Ulap. Some of the attractions to see are hanging bridges and mini waterfalls. As for us, it took us 1.5 hours for our descent.
Have any questions about this Mt Ulap DIY Travel Guide? Leave a comment below! 🙂
| Help me improve my Mt Ulap DIY travel guide! By commenting suggestions in the comment section below, I am very open to new ideas. 🙂 Contact Us for paid promotions and link insertions. For proposals: email me at jpiann4@gmail.com |
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Thank u for this Joan! Very helpful!
No problem, Same! 🙂
cant be not avail the tourist guide po? thank you!
Hello, Mon! Unfortunately they do not allow hikers without a tour guide. I hope this answers your question. 🙂
Hello ma’am joana, I would like to ask advice from you about what are the things I need to bring when I go to hike Mt. Ulap? Your response will be highly appreciated.
Thank you.
Hi Nathan! The most basics are food, water, cash, extra clothes and valid IDs. 🙂
Hi! Would you know if they allow kids (10 years old) for this hike? Thank you.
Hi,
Anong oras ng last na jeep from Mt Ulap to Baguio City?
Thanks for this guide, very helpful! My group and I are planning to DIY with our own car, is there accessible transport from Sta. Fe back to Brgy Ampucao? Is that a viable option, and would you know how long that would take? Thanks!
Hello there! Yes there are transportations available from Sta. Fe, if I am not mistaken the fare is Php100.00 each.
hello!!! this is indeed a very helpful guide. would u know if the registration at brgy. ampucao open at about 4am?
Yes it is usually open that early during weekends for early hikers at 4:30am 🙂 I hope this helps!
Hello there Ms. Joana, would you know if jeepneys are travelling to Brgy. Ampucao around 3AM? Would like to join a 4AM hike :)Thank you.