Hiking Mount Ulap: A Scenic Mountain Adventure in Benguet
There’s something magical about hiking in the mountains before sunrise, the cold air, the quiet trails, and the feeling that an adventure is about to begin. Last March 13, 2026, my friends and I experienced exactly that when we hiked Mount Ulap in Itogon, Benguet.
From searching for a joiner group, enduring the long midnight drive from Manila, witnessing breathtaking mountain views, standing on the famous Cungal Rock, and finally reaching the summit, the journey became an unforgettable adventure.
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly hike with incredible views, this experience might convince you to add Mt. Ulap to your bucket list.
Finding a Joiner Group
My friend Fam was assigned to find a Joiner Group for the hike. Someone recommended Trail Changer, which we joined. Their package was very budget-friendly at ₱1,799 which already included:
Van transportation
Tour guide
Drone shots (Unlimited shots)
Bag tag and ref magnet souvenirs
Sulit na sulit na siya for the experience. We were picked up by the organizer, Ced, at Jollibee P. Tuazon, Cubao, around 11 PM.
The Journey to Benguet
Around 2 AM, we reached our first stopover in Pangasinan before heading up to Baguio. The trip was surprisingly fast, halatang very experienced na si Kuya driver sa road papuntang Benguet.
We were seated at the back of the van, so medyo nakakahilo yung byahe. Good thing we took Bonamine before the trip. If you’re someone like me who easily gets motion sickness, I highly recommend taking Bonamine before a long ride. It also helps to bring something like white flower or menthol oil para mas comfortable ang pakiramdam habang nasa biyahe.
Arrival at the Jump-off Point
We arrived at the jump-off point in Itogon, Benguet, around 5:00 AM. Sobrang lamig talaga. Luckily, locals were selling hot coffee, which was perfect for the cold mountain air. There were also small stalls selling hiking essentials like trekking poles, beanies, jackets, and outdoor hats.
So if ever may nakalimutan kang dalhin, you can still buy some gear there. But if you're on a budget, mas okay rin na magdala ng sarili mong gamit, even your own coffee if you prefer.
After a short orientation from our local tour guide, we completed our registration and had our hands stamped before officially starting the hike at around 5:30 AM.
Starting the Trail
It was still quite dark when we started walking, so bringing a headlamp or flashlight would definitely be helpful. I didn’t bring one, but luckily, the sun began to rise shortly after we started the hike.
As the early morning light slowly appeared, the beauty of the trail started to reveal itself. Along the path were patches of wild mountain plants growing naturally beside the trail. Some of them were covered with tiny white flowers that looked simple but very charming. They weren’t tall plants, but they spread gently along the ground, adding a delicate touch to the rocky trail.
With the cool mountain breeze and the golden sunlight slowly shining through the pine trees, the whole place felt calm and refreshing. It was the perfect way to begin our hiking adventure.
Walking Through the Pine Forest
As we continued the hike, the trail passed through beautiful pine tree forests. The scent of pine in the air and the peaceful sound of the wind moving through the trees made the hike even more enjoyable.
The trail itself was mostly manageable, although there were a few uphill sections that could make you catch your breath. But honestly, the stunning views along the way made every step worth it.
Every time we paused to look around, we were greeted by rolling mountain landscapes and wide open views of the surrounding hills.
Ambanao Paway- The First Peak.
After trekking along the scenic ridges of Mt. Ulap for a few Kilometers, we finally reached our first major stop. Ambanao Paway Peak. Located about 3.6KM from the jump-off point and standing at around 1,788 meters above sea level, this peak offers stunning views of the mountain ranges of Benguet.
This was also where we had our first drone shots of the hike. Our guide organized the joiners one by one for a solo drone shot along the scenic ridge, capturing the vast landscape surrounding us. Watching the drone fly above while we walked along the ridge felt surreal. The view of the rolling hills, the cool mountain breeze, and the early morning light made the moment even more special.
We also took group drone shots, which made the experience even more fun for everyone on that day. Standing there, looking around at the beautiful mountains, reminded me why hiking in places like this is truly worth it.
Cungal Rock – The Iconic Ridge of Mount Ulap
After leaving Ambanao Paway Peak, we continued trekking along the scenic ridges of Mount Ulap. The trail from this point was both exciting and challenging, with narrow paths and breathtaking views on both sides of the mountain. Eventually, we reached one of the most famous highlights of the hike — Cungal Rock, which stands at 1,814 MASL and is about 5.4 KM from the start. This massive rock formation sits proudly along the ridge and has become one of the most iconic photo spots on the mountain.
Standing on top of the rock gives you a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountain ranges of Benguet. The wind can be quite strong, and the drop on the sides is steep, so you really have to be careful with your footing.
But despite the thrill, the experience is absolutely worth it. Standing there, surrounded by endless mountain views, felt both thrilling and peaceful at the same time. It was definitely one of the most unforgettable moments of the hike.
Reaching the Summit of Mount Ulap
After spending time at Cungal Rock, we continued our trek toward the mainsummit of Mount Ulap. Surprisingly, Cungal Rock is not yet the summit, so we still had around an hour of hiking ahead of us.
The time it takes to reach the summit really depends on your pace or phase. Some hikers move fast, while others prefer a slower and more relaxed pace to enjoy the views along the trail.
As we continued along the ridge, we encountered some wild cows and their calves walking peacefully along the trail. Our guide reminded us that petting them is strictly not allowed, especially when they are walking with their calves. The mama cows can become very protective and may chase hikers if they feel their babies are being threatened.
Of course, where there are cows, there are also cow poops along the trails. So it’s important to stay alert and watch your steps.
Along the way, there were many beautiful spots where you could pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty of nature. The mountain views felt endless, and moments like these really make you realize how amazing God’s masterpiece in nature truly is.
Finally, we reached the summit of Mount Ulap. At the top, many hikers were taking selfies with the Mt. Ulap Summit signage. One interesting thing I noticed was that many of them were holding — or even biting — a Jollibee Yum Burger in their photos. Apparently, it’s a fun trend among hikers!
I honestly didn’t know about the trend, so I didn’t bring one. But that was totally fine for me since I’m not really a fan of meat burgers anyway.
What’s more important when hiking is bringing enough food and water. I personally brought around 2 liters of water, along with some mixed nuts, dark chocolates, and biscuits for energy along the trail.
Although I must admit… I slightly regretted not bringing a chicken sandwich. By the time we reached the summit around lunchtime, the hunger was definitely real!
The Descent and the “7-11” Eatery
After spending time at the summit, it was finally time to begin our descent. From the summit, we still had around 2 kilometers of downhill trail before reaching a small eatery that hikers call the famous “7-11.” By that time, gutom na gutom na talaga kami since it was already lunchtime.
Although going down might look easier than the ascent, the descent was actually more challenging for the knees. The steep and rocky trails required careful footing, especially with loose soil and small stones along the path.
When we finally reached the “7-11,” we were welcomed by a small local carinderia-style eatery that serves simple meals for hikers. On weekends, they usually have more food options, but on weekdays, there are typically just two or three available dishes. Aside from meals, there’s also a small sari-sari store where hikers can buy drinks and snacks.
One important reminder from the locals is that hikers should never leave their trash there, especially the garbage brought from the trail. Since everything is located high up in the mountains, managing waste is difficult for them. That’s why it’s best to always bring your own small garbage bag.
For lunch, I ordered a meal that cost ₱320, which included rice, chicken curry, pancit, and dynamite, mahal compared to regular prices, but considering the effort of bringing supplies up the mountain, it’s understandable. If you’re on a tight budget, bringing your own packed lunch is definitely a good idea.
After resting for about 20 to 30 minutes, we continued our descent. This part of the trail really tested our knees, especially with the long downhill paths leading to the 382 concrete steps near the end of the trail.
Along the way, we encountered something both inspiring and humbling — groups of local children and young adults carrying heavy supplies up the mountain. They were bringing cases of soft drinks and other products to sell at the eatery above. Seeing their determination and resilience made us appreciate even more the hard work it takes to run small businesses in the mountains.
As we continued down the trail, we crossed hanging bridges and passed small homes decorated with beautiful flowers and plants. Eventually, we reached the end of the trail where the Mt. Ulap Traverse Map stands — the sign that you’ve officially completed the hike.
And of course, after a long day of trekking, the best reward was finally getting the chance to wash up and freshen up. Some local houses offer shower or rinse services for hikers, usually ranging from ₱50 to ₱80. It may not be a luxury shower, but after an exhausting hike, even a simple rinse feels incredibly refreshing. Trigger Warning: SOBRANG LAMIG NG TUBIG! haha
Before heading back to the van, we changed into fresh clothes and slippers — definitely something every hiker should bring after completing a mountain adventure.
Before heading back to the city, we made a quick stop to buy some pasalubong, a small way of bringing a piece of the mountains home with us. We arrived in Metro Manila around 11 pm, tired but happy after a long and fulfilling day on the trail. Moments like these remind us that every early wake-up call, every steep climb, and every step along the trail is truly worth it.
Would like to thank all the fellow joiners for that day for the shared memories, photos, videos, and all the fun. And Special thanks to Trail Changer for all the breathtaking fun drone shots and for organizing such a well-coordinated and memorable hiking experience.
Until the next mountain adventure.
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