Mt. Ulap Dayhike (Philex Ridge)

Earlier this year, I told myself to end 2015 with a "bang", but never expected to end it with an awesome climb and so far, the farthest mountain I have climbed in the country.

Mt. Ulap, a newly discovered hiking destination in Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet  is very famous today especially this Christmas season. Ampucao Eco-Trail had been launched only last October, and this trail as well as the mountain itself captured instant fame online like a wildfire.

A New trail has been launched last October 31, 2015 and have been attended by different mountaineering groups and organizations.

We have joined an event, hosted and organized by Roi Renoballes, a fellow mountaineer whom we also bumped in on my first climb at Mt. Cristobal. The event fee is Php 1,250.00, inclusive of back and forth transportation from the meetup area (Mayflower St. Police Station, beside Greenfield), registration fees and guide fees.

We leave Manila at 11:00pm and arrived at Baguio at around 5:00am. We bought our pack-lunch at McDonalds, since most of the establishments are still closed during that time. From Baguio, travel time to Ampucao, Benguet is around 40 minutes.

View from the second floor of the Barangay Hall. 

With my climb buddies: Kim, Kate and Jonel.

The road leading to main jump-off. 

The group going to jump-off.

The view going to the jump-off. It's just a teaser on what more lies ahead.

Walking under a very good weather.

View from the main jump-off.

We arrived to Ampucao Barangay Hall at around 6:00 am. Many mountaineers were already lined up on the registration area. Sir Roi is the one who arranged everything. Due to large volume of mountaineers at the time, there's a guide shortage and they only managed to allot us 2 guides (1 guide per 5 people is the standard ratio).  From the Barangay Hall, you have to walk at approximately 800 meters towards the highway, and another 200 meters to jump-off. You will first encounter series of assaults (actually the entire trail) with steep slopes, but unlike the other mountains I have climbed, this is still a chill climb because of the cold temperature.

The main jump-off indicating the elevations of the major peaks along the trail. 

Jonel and Kim: my two best climbing buddies.

Who would hesitate to take a selfie on this canvass of God?

You will start the trail from Totombek woodlands as what they call it. You will face assaults, approximately for an hour depending on your phasing. This will warm you up and compared to the later part, this is the portion where the trail is covered with pine trees comprising 20% of the entire trail.

The Totombek woodlands, as they call it.

The area is almost covered by pine trees, with series of assaults.

Under the shade of a pine tree.

Overlooking the Cordillera mountain ranges as seen from the woodlands.

With my climb buddies: Kate, Kim and Jonel.

Prenuptial shoot of my bestfriends Jonel and Kim.

After the woodlands, you will reach the Ambanao Panay. It is the part where there are no trees, so a very scorching trail is expected. It is one of the best area in terms of views, and a good one for photo ops. There are even cattles on the area, which gives a New Zealand look and ambiance.

The group ascending the woodland.

Under the pine trees.

Ambanao Panay. 

Ambanao Panay resembles a New Zealand ambiance; taking pics with the cattles.

The art of stone balancing and meditation.

Kate as captured along the Ambanao Panay.

Cordillera mountain ranges as viewed from Ambanao Panay.

The trail leading to the famous Philex Ridge and summit.

MAKI The Great adventures.

Can you see Baguio in the background?

Approximately 1.5 hours from Ambanao Panay, you will reach the famous spot, the rock formations called Gungal (or the Philex Ridge). From there, you can see Mt. Ulap overlooking from this side. This is not yet the summit, as most people mistakenly assumed. The summit is approximately 1 hour from Gungal, and you have options to go back. You can take the back-trail, or the Sta. Fe traverse, where you will pass the Pongol Human Cave.

Gungal rock formations.

We chose to do the back-trail and already back at the Barangay Hall at around 2:00pm. We took the back-trail at approximately 3 hours.

Included on our itinerary is a short side trip to Baguio but sadly, we didn't pursue it due to heavy traffic (since it's a long weekend and holiday) so we decided to head up straight to Manila.

This was indeed a very memorable and fun year-end treat for myself. I've been dreaming to climb Mt. Pulag ever since, and climbing this mountain makes that dream seems a few steps away. It made me realize that this country has a lot to offer, and you don't need to travel other countries to experience this kind of sensation.

Post dinner at Mcdonalds with bestfriends Kim and Jonel.

Until next time and surely, I will totally conquer the North! Happy New Year everyone!

ITINERARY

DAY 0 (Saturday)

23:00 ETD Manila to Baguio

DAY 1 (Sunday)

06:00 ETA Baguio (Breakfast/Buy Packed lunch)

07:00 ETD Baguio to Ampucao

08:00 ETA Ampucao; Registration

09:00 Start Hike to MT. ULAP via Philex Ridge

11:30 ETA Mt. Ulap; eat lunch

13:30 Descent to Ampucao

14:30 ETA Ampucao to Baguio

15:30 ETA Baguio/ ETD to Manila

23:00 Touchdown MANILA

MT. MANALMON & MADLUM CAVE/BAYUKBOK CAVE DAYHIKE

Mt. Manalmon and the adjacent Mt. Gola, separated by Madlum River.

Mt. Manalmon is one the mountains which is marked as one of the historical places in the country. It is located on Sitio Madlum, in San Miguel, Bulacan. According to the locals, it is the place where Japanese guerrillas hide during the world war. Many soldiers were captured and killed on this mountain, wherein some seeks refuge on Madlum Cave and Bayukbok cave. This is also where the Malolos Constitution was signed, and where the Republic of Biak-na-Bato was established under General Emilio Aguinaldo, along with the other revolutionaries. They took refuge on its caves, and even made it their headquarters in 1897.

This is a best place to go if you’re looking for an adventure location located two hours away from Manila. It will not only offer you a good view, varieties of activities, and relaxing environment: it will also give you a throwback on our history.

Main tricycle drop-off.

Meet the Manalmon Team: Karen, Tita Marie, Ate Fran, Kate, Lia, Jonel, Lyke, Roni, Walter, Jhong and Charmie,

The Main Rules and Regulations of Sitio Madlum, as well as the corresponding parking fees.

If you’re planning to commute on your way to Manalmon, the easiest option is to ride a bus going to Cabanatuan from Cubao. There are bus terminals where you can board, the nearest one from Cubao is the Baliwag Terminal. From there, tell the conductor to drop you at Brgy. Kamias, San Miguel Bulacan. It will took you at least 2 hours to get to Kamias. Take a tricycle going to Sitio Madlum, the main jump-off.

The Hanging Bridge crossing Madlum river.

Some bridges will lead you to the very wonders of nature.

The team is enjoying crossing the bridge.

The monkey bridge which is a must-try in Sitio Madlum. (This is for free)

You have to walk and cross the hanging bridge on your way to registration area. You can see the monkey-bridge in a distance, which is something worth trying on your stay on Sitio Madlum. By the way, Sitio Madlum have new policies prior to climbing Mt. Manalmon. You have to secure first a permit from San Miguel Municipal Hall at least five days before your climb, however you can sign a waiver if you’re a walk-in visitor (as they describe it).

Experience the fun in MADLUM! :)

The NOPES in Sitio Madlum.

Please make sure that you have secured a permit from San Miguel Municipal Hall at least a week prior to your climb.

The Team gearing up for the trip.

Another view of the hanging bridge.

This is also the mountain with cheapest registration compared to other mountains I had been so far, which only costs Php 5.00 per person. Getting a guide is necessary, which costs Php 300.00 for every ten persons. On my group since we are twelve (12), we are required for two (2) guides. However, if spelunking is part of your itinerary, you have to pay additional Php 40.00 per person per cave. In our case, since we also went to Madlum Cave and Bayukbok cave, each of us paid additional Php 80.00.

Mt. Manalmon is an easy trek especially for beginners. The trail towards the summit is almost flat, with moderate slope along the way. You must be careful especially during rainy season because the trail is quite slippery. It will only took you two hours to get to summit.

Another view of the monkey bridge.

Meet our cool guides: Kuya Michael and Kuya Winter.

Photo ops while crossing the hanging bridge.

The start of the trail is quite easy, solid pathwalks have been provided.

Rock formations along the trail, which is also a part of the series of caves along Madlum.

Jhong, Walter and Lyke.

This month marks the 1st death anniversary of the BSU students who got drowned at Madlum River. Some mountaineers offered candles, flowers and prayers to the deceased.

From the summit, the amazing view will welcome you. You can see the surrounding mountains which is part of the Sierra Madre. You can even sneak a peek to Mt. Arayat. Mt. Manalmon is also adjacent to Mt. Gola, which is separated by the Madlum River. You can take a rest at Madlum River if you’re planning to hike Mt. Gola. The view reminds me of Mt. Daraitan’s Tinipak River, because of the large boulders. It is also almost similar to the Twin Mountains Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan of Montalban, Rizal.

The trail almost similar to the trail of Mt. Maranat.

Jonel, Jhong and Lyke taking the lead.

Get your shoes and sandals get wet crossing this river.

Team Vista: Tita Marie, Kate, Lia and Ate Fran.

The Team enjoying the view.

Jhong and Walter doing some photoshoots.

Can you see the Madlum River?

Me enjoying the view.

Lia is enjoying her first summit at Mt. Manalmon.

That mountain is part of the Sierra Madre range.

From the left: Karen, Jhong, Walter, Jonel, Lyke, Charmie, Lia, Roni, Ate Fran, Kate, Tita Marie.

Pasexy pose.

Chatting with the cool guides.

Scenic landscape in the background.

There are varieties of Flora and Fauna along the trail.

Another flower offering to commemorate the 1st death anniversary of the BSU students.

What fruit is this? 

This is also the spot where seven (7) students from Bulacan State University drowned last year. They’re crossing the Madlum River when the water rose unexpectedly due to bad weather on nearby mountains. This month marked their 1^st death anniversary. Other mountaineers even offered flowers and candles to commemorate the tragedy.

The summit of Mt. Manalmon with Madlum River in the background.

Another summit conquered. And it feels so great.

Time to regenerate my inner chakra. Kamui! (Have you seen the black orb?)

Roni enjoying the summit.

Our mother and daughter duo: Kate and Tita Marie. 

Madlum River.

Madlum River on a different angle.

Charmie and Karen.

The Leasing duo: Lia and Ate Fran.

Other mountaineer groups doing a tree-planting at Manalmon.

Plant a tree and save a life.

Madlum River separating Mt. Gola and Mt. Manalmon.

Our girls enjoying the hot weather.

Jonel and Walter.

Jonel taking a pose at Madlum River.

Another majestic river explored: MADLUM RIVER.

Trail on the way to Madlum Cave.

Meet the Manalmon girls:Charmie, Roni, Lia, Ate Fran, Tita Marie, Kate and Karen.

Be careful on what you cling to.

River crossing at Madlum River.

THE MADLUM CAVE

Madlum Cave (also known as Manalmon Cave) is one of the historical caves of Sitio Madlum. It’s only 10 minutes away from the jump-off, and you can either start or finish your trek here towards and from Mt. Manalmon. It is historical because it is one of the caves where the Japanese guerrillas, as well as revolutionaries took their refuge during World War. One of the main attraction on this cave are the bats residing inside so it’s better if you have a flashlight/headlamp. You can also rent from the guides at Php 30.00 per headlamp.

Do not vandalize the caves. Respect this sacred place.

Entrance from the other side of Madlum Cave.

Our first spelunking adventure.

Gearing up before starting the spelunking adventure.

Some informations regarding the caves and the mountains.

Stations of the cross.

Small chapel at Sitio Madlum.

The "ALL-SEEING EYE". 

It is the place where the town’s patron saint, St. Michael was found. The relic is still inside the cave, which makes it more historical. This is also one of the shooting locations of “Mulawin”, a popular TV series back then. You can see the formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and if you’re lucky enough to have a good guide as Kuya Winter and Kuya Michael, they will tell you how these caves were formed, will let you experience the “Defeaning Silence” and will make you sing the ritual songs for their ancestors residing on this cave.

Exploring inside the Madlum Cave.

Kuya Michael educating us about the stalagmites and the stalactites.

After singing the ritual song.

THE BAYUKBOK CAVE

 The Bayukbok Cave is one of the main attraction at Madlum. Compared to Madlum Cave, it is very different because an ultimate adventure awaits you. It will took you two (2) hours exploring the cave. You have to go through an uphill trail towards the cave, which will took 30 minutes from the registration area. You must be careful since you will climb a series of sharp rocks, and can be slippery especially during the rainy season.

The entrance to Bayukbok cave is located on the other side of Madlum River. You can cross the Hanging bridge, or you can try crossing via Monkey bridge for an all-in experience.

We decided to cross thru the hanging bridge.

The team is ready for the final adventure.

Heading up towards the main entrance.

What a wonderful view.

According to our guides, Bayukbok cave have eight (8) chambers. The first six (6) chambers are inter-connected to each other while the other two (2) chambers are separated. This journey inside the cave is an ultimate spelunking experience, and it is advised to bring your headlamp and a handy camera, because there are certain narrow areas especially the “body language” part.

On the first part, you have to crawl down an almost 15 ft high rock formation on the way inside the cave. The only way to get down is thru a rope and rappel down. From there, you can start exploring the cave all the way to other chambers. Rock formations is spectacular but you have to be careful since sharp pointed stalagmites and stalactites were also formed from the cave’s ceiling. The trail inside becomes tighter and tighter along the way.

The main entrance to Bayukbok Caves.

Team Manalmon, ASSEMBLE! :)

Our headlamps light up the trail.

You have to climb down at 15 feet high via rope.

There’s a portion inside where the rock formations create a sound if you hit it like a congo drum. This is why it was called “the music room”. From there, you will also climb a rope ladder going up, which will lead to a tougher and tighter trail, wherein you have to bend your body just to pass through narrow tunnels. That is why it was called “the body language” area. You have to climb steeper trails going up, which leads to the exit of the cave.

Charmie enjoying the rock formations.

Jonel entering the music room.

Jhong climbing the rope ladder towards the "Body Language" area.

Summing up this experience, Bayukbok Cave will offer you an extreme spelunking experience. The rate is 8/10 and yet, one of the most fulfilling activities especially for beginners. This is also the first spelunking experience for the most of us, and I’m thankful that no one got hurt on the entire adventure.

Group picture with Kuya Winter and Kuya Michael.

Shout-out to the entire group of this climb: Walter, Lyke, Roni, Charmie, Lia, Fran, Karen, Kate, Tita Mari and especially to my two buddies, Jonel and Jhong. This is one of the successful climbs we’ve organized so far, and we’re looking forward for a part two of this climb. (Mt. Gola + Victoria Cave Dayhike).