Survived a 10-hour hike to Mt. Ulap! #HelloBodyPain
Do you know that feeling of being ‘on the clouds’? Well, I do! Literally! Thanks to Yapak’s most recent adventure in Mt. Ulap!
Mt. Ulap is a mountain situated in Itogon, Benguet with a height of 1846 masl and trek difficulty of 3/9. It is most lauded by its scenic view, easy trail, and of course, cool temperature.
The team is composed of a wowing 46 participants. Since it is a very big group, we were separated into 7 groups with 7 or 8 members and a designated Guide for each team.
We reached the registration area, Ampucao National High School and Elementary School, at around six in the morning, far from the itinerary which says 4am. Needless to say, we weren’t able to witness the sunrise anymore. So sad. Still, we were all just glad to finish the 6-hour travel and be able to stretch our bodies and empty our bladders.
After registering and taking a quick morning snack, the locals gathered us to start the orientation. I’ve always appreciated mountains that strictly follow the “orientation protocol” as every hiker, old and new, should be reminded of the Leave No Trace Policy and respect for the mountain every start of the trek. Aside from these, the locals also set our expectations on the type of trail, distance, and summits. Turned out there are actually three summits: Ambanao Paoay, Gungal, and Mt. Ulap.
After dividing us into different teams, we then set to start trek! We were all very excited! The weather was nice. It was an overcast so even though we were not that early, we barely noticed the sun’s heat. The trail wasn’t as forgiving though. From the registration area, we still had to walk on a long, ascending, concrete road where some vehicles pass by. The road was already challenging our feet and lungs and we weren’t even at the foot of the mountain!
Along the road, there was a small sari-sari store that sold trekking poles made of tree branches. I didn’t purchase one as I’m not really used to bringing one. It’s recommended though to have this as the trail is steep.
We then finally reached the “mountainy” part where the path was already soil and not concrete and the surroundings were already filled with trees and plants. At this early point, we were already exhausted. It could be because of the lack of sleep (most of us came straight from work shifts), lack of cardio training (I for one didn’t prepare my body in any way), or the trail was just too difficult. I was then already questioning the 3/9 rating for this mountain.
Ambanao Paoay is the first peak. It would already take hours for one to reach this as this is already 1788masl.
On the way there, you would see a “frame” decorated with weaved cloth (much like the bahag you see in Ifugaos) and a hanging metal sign that says Mt. Ulap Ampucao-Sta. Fe Ridge. There were also bright synthetic flowers wrapping a branch on the side and a note that says “Picture Taking, Donation Only.” The guide directed us there for some picture taking but didnt really ask for a donation.
Another instagram-worthy spot you would encounter is the one with huge rocks. Get on top of it and you would have a clearer picture of the surrounding Cordillera mountains.
We were not even on the first peak and yet we’ve already taken a lot of pictures. One would not be out of gorgeous backdrops so make sure to practice a dozen different poses.
The trail was then beginning to be filled with pine trees. I don’t know but there’s just something really “lakas maka-abroad” with pine trees. It’s like you’re being transported to a different world.
We were also greeted with cows grazing on the open field. As one of the guides pointed out, they are “self-supporting.” What he meant was that no one’s attending to them but they could take care of themselves just fine. It is important to note as well that because the cows were free roaming, their poops were everywhere, too.
This is probably the most famous peak in Mt. Ulap. It is a humongous protruding rock great for photo ops as it resembles an infinite drop with the background being the vastness of blue and white sky, and lush greenery of the mountains. No wonder it is iconic.
The path to the summit was an up and down trek on the rolling hills. It was a sight to behold as it gives an unobstructed view of the whole surroundings.
Just a few meters away was an open campsite where we witnessed a thin sea of clouds. We were watching it from afar but it was still amazing. It felt like a refuge from the tiredness and pain we endured from the long hike. We lingered a bit but when we finally heard our stomachs grumbling decided that it was time to move forward and head to the lunch area.
Lunch area was a sari-sari store with shelters, tables, and chairs. The area was huge. It can easily fit 50 people.
We had a hefty packed lunch of liempo, salted egg, tomatoes, and rice thoughtfully provided by Yapak but we also bought cooked instant pancit canton ‘cause we were so hungry.
We loitered a bit there to regain energy and prepare for another round of trek. This time, descent.
Going down was a bit difficult as the trail was steep and so was very challenging to the knees. It didnt help that it was already drizzling, which made the trail muddy and slippery. This was the part when trekking poles were of big help. Members sliding, tripping, and falling to their butts had been a normal, but still laughable, sight.
We also passed through three hanging bridges. They were very sturdy and not fearsome at all. They were made of metal though and I found it slippery.
Mt. Ulap was truly breathtaking. Not only because of the scenic views but also because of the difficult hike. It was a love-hate relationship with this mountain. You’ll hate it for its steep trail, curse it, and regret every step of the grueling ascent and descent but then once it reveals its beauty, comfort you with its cool wind, and embrace you in its grandoise, you’ll surely fall in love and never want to leave.
