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Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

The Climb to Mt. Kupapey in Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province (Updated)

It was 3 o’clock in the morning when I woke up to the sound of an alarm. I tried my best to get up as fast as I could but still, I was the last to stand up. All of my new friends and fellow travelers were preparing their gears, ready to climb the majestic Mt. Kupapey in Mountain Province (Philippines).

In a vast room, I was sitting on my bed looking at them – Ronald, Archie, Sandy, Mike and Fung. They all looked legit mountaineers to me.

Then I looked at myself, “What the heck am I doing here?!” LOL!

It was my first climb, so I didn’t know what to bring. I just put on my shorts, shirt, hiking sandals, jacket and I was ready to go.

I’d be honest with you. I had some apprehensions. It was my first, and I didn’t expect it would be in Mountain Province! It felt so overwhelming for me. Imagine, I’d be climbing a mountain…in Mountain Province? That sounds redundant. That’s too much! LOL! So I had this idea that the climb would be a tough one.

To add to that, my legs were also killing me! It was three days ago when I joined this group of cool people, exploring Batad and Tappiyah Falls in Ifugao. It was a gruelling hike. We were 9, strangers to one another at first, but it only took some few laughs for us to become the best buddies.

Then we traveled all the way to Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province DIY style to conquer a mountain that strangely named Mt. Kupapey. Some called it Mt. Kofafey.  I lacked the experience and skills in mountain climbing, but hell I was fueled with determination. (naks!)

As I walked outside the room, I was welcomed by these warm people sipping their cup of coffee prepared by Suzette, the owner of the hostel we stayed in Maligcong. If you are planning to travel to Maligcong, I recommend that you stay at Suzette’s Homestay (contacts below this post), she was really nice and accommodating. Not to mention her adorable kids and their dog named Kunig. 🙂

The coffee was just right for the cold temperature that morning. Moments later, a woman at her forties arrived. She introduced herself as Tina, our guide for the climb.

After a few chit-chat, we decided to start the trek. We passed along this long dark road until we got to the rice terraces, the popular Maligcong Rice Terraces. Good thing I had my own flashlight with me.

We hopped on the rice paddies, until we reached the foot of the mountain. There, we started to climb the steep slope in the middle of the jungle. As we ascend higher, I felt the air becoming thinner and thinner, making it hard for me to breathe.

I realized the gap between me and the group was slowly becoming wider. God knew how I tried my best to catch up but that was just too much for an overweight me to handle. LOL!

They were always checking on me, “Jon! Where are you?”Then I would answer, waving my flashlight, “here! I’m good.”

But they never knew how badly I needed to rest. It was 4 in the morning and we were in the middle of darkness. It was only a matter of minutes when I realized I couldn’t see and hear the rest of the group anymore.

Imagine how lonesome it is to be in the jungle in total darkness. My flashlight was my only companion. I would want to run to catch them but my energy wasn’t enough. To make it worse I was already coughing so hard because of SOB, or shortness of breath. 🙁

I was trying to concentrate, trying to convince my mind that I needed to regain back my strength fast! I was breathing heavily. Coughing and breathing, surrounded by huge trees, engulfed by the dark wilderness.

Then suddenly in the midst of total silence, I heard a loud bark behind me. Oh my! That definitely scared the hell out of me!

I thought it was a wolf, aswang or something ready to devour and eat me up alive. LOL! 🙂

Then I realized it was Kunig, the dog of Suzette, the owner of the hostel we stayed in. I remember Suzette told me that Kunig always joins the climbers at the summit, which I did not take seriously.

But knowing it was actually Kunig was like the biggest relief of my life at that time. LOL!

Kunig kept on making sounds. I thought he was trying to overtake me, but he moved back behind me pushing his nose on me as if trying to tell me that I had to move fast. What a sweet dog. LOL!

Luckily, our guide, Tina, came back looking for me. “Ano sir okay ka lang? kaya pa?” (Are you okay?”)

Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

Yes, A selfie is necessary. LOL!

One thing I learned through mountain climbing is the importance of taking your time, enjoying your own phase towards the summit. Hiking is not about how fast you could reach the peak. It’s about pushing your limits, doing your best and learning along the way.

“Pahinga ka lang sir. Wag kang magmadali. (Just rest and take your time)” Tina fondly told me.

Which was what I did. She knew I would be at the summit on time, so there was no reason to be in a hurry. As we walked further, Tina was kind enough to share her story. She said she was originally from Bontoc proper but later transfered to Maligcong when she got married. It was just a year ago when she started working as a guide to mountaineers. She also told me that the mountain’s name “Kupapey” came from a bird in Maligcong that is slowly becoming endangered. If I’d be given a chance to talk to a biologist or an ornithologist to be exact (Thanks to my Biology teacher in High School), I’d definitely ask about that specie, kupapey.

Our conversation helped me divert my focus, and not think about how exhausted I was. In a matter of minutes, I heard Kunig’s bark again. It was the sign I was waiting, that we were so close to the peak.

Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

A few more walk to the summit! yahoo!




It was so nice to see the entire group again at the summit.

But I sensed worry in them, worry that we might not witness the beautiful sea of clouds that Maligcong locals were boasting about. The entire summit was filled with fog. We were hoping the clouds would dispel. We couldn’t do anything, but wait.

Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

Waiting…

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Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

Good morning at the peak of Mt. Kupapey.

Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

Here comes the sun…

After a few more minutes, the first ray of sunlight appeared.

The universe must have heard our longings. We all witnessed how the fog, all the clouds slowly dissipate, showing us a beautiful landscape, a sight to behold.

It was a jaw-dropping beauty of nature, the view of clouds slightly covering the Maligcong Rice Terraces was just a wow! It was like a painting, an art only nature could create.

Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

Sea of clouds…

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Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

Can you see the beautiful Maligcong Rice Terraces?

Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

Simply enjoying the beauty of nature. Ronald, Sandy and Ms. Diego 🙂

At that time, I’ve fully understood why…why Suzette and Tina are so proud of Mt. Kupapey. The beauty that we witnessed at the summit was a rare splendour.

And there’s no other way to enjoy this immense beauty, but by taking pictures with travel buddies. It was definitely the highlight of our trip, enjoying this magnificence with friends.

Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

F4???? wahahaha! – Jon, Ronald, Archie and Sandy Photo Credit: Ronald Boling Ruiz




Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

Mike and Fung. And Tina at the back. Photo Credit: Diego Ong

Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

Madam Jubilee aka Ms. Diego hehe Photo Credit: Archie Reotutar

Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

Ehem. nangangamoy pag-ibig. LOL! – Ronald and Anna Banana Photo Credit: Ronald Boling Ruiz

Kupapey Maligcong Bontoc Mountain Province

I would like you to meet Kunig. Yes siya yung nanakot sakin hahaha! Got a selfie with him at the summit!

Upon looking at the sea of clouds slightly covering the Maligcong Rice Terraces, I’ve realized I’ve added another feat in my life. It was my first climb.

I’ve never imagined myself enjoying the mountain peaks before, because it is definitely not easy. But I did try , and I’ve made it to the top. A simple desire to do something new in my quite boring life has turned into a never ending lesson and experience. This is definitely not going to be the last.

If there’s one thing this travel has taught me, it is having the courage to do something new, break the cycle and smash the status quo.

Who would have thought an overweight me could climb mountains?

And for the first time after all these years, I’ve toughened up and gathered the needed courage to be adventurous. The reason is just simple, life is short. Enjoy, take risks and live life.

More Cordillera Post: BUSCALAN, Kalinga Trip: Meeting APO WHANG OD

 

———————-

How to get to Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province

We took a 10PM schedule bus bound to Banaue (Ifugao) through Dangwas Bus at the Florida Bus Terminal at Cubao, Quezon City. If you’re from Manila, you may also check out Ohayami bus terminal in Lacson/ Fajardo St in Sampaloc. Fare is about Php 450. They also have a night trip (10pm) bound to Banaue.

Once you get to Banaue, take a jeepney bound to Bontoc, Mountain Province. The terminal is located near the Toursim Office just across the Banaue Police Station. Fare is Php 150. You also have the option to take a van going to Sagada, tell the driver to drop you off near the Bontoc Municipal Hall.

Just near the municipal hall and Bontoc Police Station, you’ll find jeepneys going to Maligcong. The fare is Php 25, and they have specific schedule so you have to take note of that. Last trip is 4pm.

Just in case there are a lot of passengers on your desired jeepney schedule, you may try the topload. Exciting!

Schedule of Jeepneys going to and from Maligcong 

 

Bontoc to Maligcong (Monday to Sunday)
Morning – 7:30 AM and 12 noon
Afternoon – 2:30PM and 4:30PM

Maligcong to Bontoc (Monday to Sunday)
Morning – 6:30 am, 8:00am and 9:00 am
Afternoon – 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm

 

Mt Kupapey MASL Difficulty

Mt. Kupapey (est. 1647 MASL)
Trail and Difficulty is 3/9 according to Pinoy Mountaineer

 

Sample weekend Climb and  itinerary (Mt. Kupapey)

 

Friday b10pm – Bus schedule bound to Banaue, Ifugao. Dangwa Bus in Florida Bus Terminal in Cubao or Ohayami Bus in Sampaloc Manila.
Saturday 7AM – Arrival in Banaue
Saturday 7:30AM – Take a jeepney bound to Bontoc. Terminal is near the tourism office just in front of Banaue Police Station.Travel time to Bontoc is approximately 2-3 hours.
Saturday 10:30AM – Arrival in Bontoc
Please register at the Tourism Office.
Saturday 12Noon – Take the jeepney bound to Maligcong. There are only 2 morning trips, 8am and 12noon. Jeepneys are parked near Bontoc Municipal Hall.
Saturday 12:30 – Arrival at Maligcong. Recommending to stay at Suzette’s Homestay for 300 per night rate. Contact: 09155463557

Stay at Suzette’s Homestay
You may explore Maligcong Rice Terraces since you have enough time before the climb.
Wake up call Sunday 3AM – breakfast and preparatio
Sunday 3:30 AM – start of climb
Contact ate Tina as a guide. 09358619827
Sunday 5:00 to 5:30Am – Reach the summit! Sunrise, pics etc
Sunday 7-8Am – going back
Sunday 10am – reach the hostel
There’s a 2pm jeepney trip from Maligcong to Bontoc. Take a jeep to Banaue then bus from Banaue to Manila.
You’ll be back to Manila Sunday night

 

 

Accommodation

 

Suzette’s Maligcong Homestay
Rate: Php 300 / 350 per night per person
Owner: Suzette Chess  Contact Number: 09155463557

 

Guide for the climb

Of course,  the very reliable Ate Tina. Call her at 09358619827
Guide Rates: Standard rate for Tour Guiding as amended by the Barangay Officials. Kupapey – 500 maximum 4 persons, 100/person additional.

*PS: Updated for Mt. Kupapey Hike 2018
Note: Some travelers do a sidetrip to Mt. Fato when they travel to Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province. Another awesome mountain in the Cordillera is Mt. Ulap, check my blog post!

More Stories Here!

33 Comments

  • Arlet

    June 23, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    This is beautiful, Jon! Dogs are really sweet guides – albeit they sometimes go to routes that is more difficult for people to tread on. PS Kupapey sounds funny, don’t you think? 😀

    Reply
  • jontotheworld

    June 23, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    Hi Arlet! Musta na? Thank you for reading.

    About the name kupapey? A fellow blogger even told me na tunog beki ang pangalan ng bundok. Wahahaha!

    Reply
    • jontotheworld

      July 24, 2015 at 5:16 am

      You’re welcome Socs.

      Wow. Excited for your travel to Maligcong. Please send my regards to Suzette, Ate Tina and of course, Kunig. LOL

      Enjoy the trip. you’ll definitely enjoy it. 😉

      Reply
      • Socs

        July 27, 2015 at 3:16 am

        The date has been set for one of the holidays in August! I’ll be sure to send them your regards, and I will let you know what Kunig says. 🙂 Thanks again!

        Reply
  • Lhee

    July 25, 2015 at 9:59 am

    hello Sir, ask ko lang po paano po kayo nakajoin sa hike(hike sa falls) and climb?thru travel agency po ba( if travel agency po, whats the name of d agency) ? gusto ko din po sanang i-try… thanks po..

    Reply
      • jontotheworld

        July 26, 2015 at 3:39 am

        Hi Lina,

        Thank you for your comment and helping Lhee. 😉

        Please message me on Fb or comment here if you need anything.

        Jon

        Reply
    • jontotheworld

      July 26, 2015 at 3:34 am

      Hi Lhee,

      Actually I joined a facebook invite hehe yes, marami kang makikitang FB groups na nag-iinvite ng hike. It’s also a chance to meet new friends.

      Check out the FB group, Backpackers of the Philippines or BOP, dun marami kang makikitang invites. People are also very friendly and accomodating.

      Thanks for commenting. See you on the road.

      Jon

      Reply
  • Lina

    July 26, 2015 at 12:41 am

    Hi Sir, nice post. Sana may ma-recommend kayo na group na open sa mga kagaya ko na gusto rin mag-travel kapag may free time at may budget. Hilig ko po mag-hiking, kaya very helpful yung mga post nyo… thanks

    Reply
    • jontotheworld

      July 26, 2015 at 3:40 am

      Hi Lina,

      There are some FB groups for mountaineers and travelers like BOP or Backpackers of the Philippines. Sali ka dun dali. 🙂

      Alam ko may inoorganize na silang travel to Maligcong. I shared this story din kasi dun sa group. Enjoy and happy travels.

      Feel free to message me if you need any help.

      Jon

      Reply
      • Lina

        July 30, 2015 at 10:36 am

        hi Sir, thank you ha, ayan nag-join na ako sa BOP, may masasabitan na ako sa mga gala… he he he, sayang lang yung maligcong adventure na event nila, not available ako.

        Reply
        • lhee

          August 3, 2015 at 4:59 am

          hello Lina…
          actually, makikisabit lang din ako sa gala..
          ehe.. nagjoin na ko sa BOP… wait ko nalang i-accept nila..
          sana makasama tayo sa next akyat nila..
          thanks again sir jon .. 🙂

          Reply
  • lovemindanao

    August 6, 2015 at 8:00 pm

    it is nice to know that more and more people are now coming to Maligcong Mountain Province. I had the share of experience years ago with a friend photographer Kurt when we discovered this place accidentally a few years ago. i think there is more f’s in the dialect than p’s (Kofafey, favarey, favayun) . How’s the 3 little kids of ate Suzzette?

    Reply
  • rocel

    August 20, 2015 at 3:54 am

    hello 🙂 some nice readings you have here sir..
    sooo many areas yet to be seen in that part of the great north – thank you for this mt.kupapey post with very helpful DIY info 🙂
    my travel buddies and i can’t wait to visit mt.kupapey and other nearby places this first weekend of september (sana lang po walang bagyo…)
    safe travel sir and we hope to see you on the road 🙂

    Reply
    • jontotheworld

      August 22, 2015 at 6:37 am

      Hi Rocel! thank you for your kind words. Wow excited for your Maligcong trip, maganda kasi talaga dun. Sana maganda panahon.

      Just message me if you have questions. Yes, see you on the road!

      Regards,
      JON

      Reply
  • belinda

    October 5, 2015 at 5:34 am

    wow., Thank you for sharing your experience in Maligcong through blogs. With them it seems like, I’ve been there too.My mom is from Maligcong but unfortunately in my 31 years of existent I wasn’t able to visit my mom’s hometown for the reason that she wouldn’t allow me before. Now, that I saw every picture of Malicgong that you’ve shared; I must visit the place too…

    Ah, I’m also an avid fan of your blogs so don’t stop sharing every trip you have since it helps other people like me, connect to the nature..

    Reply
  • belinda

    October 5, 2015 at 5:36 am

    wow., Thank you for sharing your experience in Maligcong through blogs. With them it seems like, I’ve been there too.My mom is from Maligcong but unfortunately in my 31 years of existence I wasn’t able to visit my mom’s hometown for the reason that she wouldn’t allow me before. Now, that I saw every picture of Malicgong that you’ve shared; I must visit the place too…

    Ah, I’m also an avid fan of your blogs so don’t stop sharing every trip you have since it helps other people like me, connect to the nature..

    Reply
    • jontotheworld

      October 6, 2015 at 4:02 pm

      Thank you for your kind words Belinda.

      Maligcong is really beautiful. It’s laidback, peaceful and people are really kind. this is one of my favorite travels.

      This is the place that I intend to re-visit. Your mom must be so lucky to grow up in a place like Maligcong.

      I think its about time to explore your mom’s hometown. Just message me if you need help. ok.

      Thanks!

      Reply
  • Efren Overencio

    November 20, 2015 at 6:48 am

    Hi Sir Jon! thank you for the info. we’re planning to go there with my officemate on Nov 28. baka po may isa-suggest kayong contact number ng rented jeep para po hindi na kami magcommute may karamihan po kasi kami at ayaw po kasi namin mahassle ang mga kasama namin.

    thanks!

    Reply
  • Cathy

    November 23, 2015 at 3:38 am

    thank you Jon for sharing your Mt. Kupapey experience. I love your blog because of its detailed information on how to get there. Thanks again ??

    Reply
  • Jaimee Barnuevo

    March 19, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    Hello Mr. Jon!

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! Reading your post was inspiring and now I feel that I just need to pack my bag and go to Mt. Kupapey. However, I was just wondering, from your Friday night – Sunday trip experience, is there anyway to visit Baguio as well before or after the Mt. Kupapey sunrise at Bontoc? I only have few days and since they’re quite near eachother, I would like to target both.

    Looking forward for your kind recommendation. 🙂

    Reply
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  • Arni

    July 23, 2016 at 3:25 am

    I enjoyed reading your post. It felt like I was there climbing with you. Kupapey does sound funny. I have never been to Maligcong but the idea of going for another climb after a trek to Batad and the falls would most likely send a terrible cramp. That was such an experience!

    Reply
  • AJ

    April 29, 2018 at 7:02 pm

    Love the story. The sweet dog, your conversation with the guide, how you lost your climbing virginity in Kupapey. 🙂 Lovely photos too!

    Reply

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