Mount Ulap

1,846 m (6,056 ft)

This trail is 6.4 km (4 mi) long. The time taken to complete this hike varies significantly depending on your experience level and fitness, but it can be done within a day by most people. 

The average person usually takes between 4 and 6 hours to complete the hike. 

If you have beginners, children, the elderly or those who are less fit in your group, the hike can take up to 11 hours to get to the summit and back down again.

This trek is of beginner to moderate difficulty but is suited to those of all levels. 

The trek starts off in a pine forest with ferns and shrubbery at calf height. The undulating trail follows Philex Ridge leaving the forest and making its way up and over grassy hills and down smooth dips for most of the way. 

There are 2 points of note before the summit. The first is Ambanaw Paoay, 3.6 km (2.2 mi) into the hike. This grassy hilltop is ideal for resting and admiring the view. The second point of interest is Gungal Rock, which juts out from the hillside, perfect for photographs about an hour after Ambanaw Paoay. 

About 20 minutes further you’ll find yourself at the summit of Mount Ulap. 

The 360° view from the summit is unimpeded. From here, you can see Baguio City, the surrounding Cordillera mountain ranges, and even Mount Pulag and Mount Santo Tomas. 

The descent does not go down the same way. The descent is steep and goes through pine forest, past a small waterfall and over a suspension bridge. You may also come across some cows.

The weather in this region is warm year-round. It is generally rainy, humid and overcast between May and October, and drier, warm and clear between November and April. 

The average monthly temperatures range between 19°C and 22°C (66°F and 72°F) and actual temperatures range between 16°C and 26°C (61°F and 79°F) throughout the year.

The best time of year to attempt a climb is between late November and mid-April because you’ll enjoy moderate temperatures, less chance of rain and clear skies in this period.

Good hiking boots and a hat or cap are imperative for this hike. There is very little shade on the latter part of the hike, so be sure to wear sunscreen and take plenty of water. Hiking poles may be helpful for stability.

About 15 minutes walk from Mount Ulap’s summit there is an eatery and a place where you can hire camping equipment such as blankets and mattresses. There is also a campsite about 5 minutes walk from the summit.

There are no other special facilities on the trail.

Guides are required for this hike. You can hire a guide from Barangay Hall. Porters are not necessary.

Mount Ulap is located in Bengue Province, Philippines, about 5-7 hours north of Manila by car and 40 minutes from Baguio City. The closest airport is Baguio Loakan Airport, a domestic airport. 

The easiest way to get to the starting point is to fly to Manila, catch a bus from there to Baguio City and then hire a jeepney to Barangay Hall, where you’ll hire your guide and pay a fee.

This is a very popular trail with many hikers on the weekends, so safety shouldn’t be too much of a concern. Take usual precautions.