Jump to: About Mt. Lobo | How to Get There | What to Expect | Suggested Itinerary | Travel Budget | Where to Stay | Travel Tips
About Mt. Lobo
Mt. Lobo is a lesser-known but scenic mountain located in Bokod, Benguet, near the famed Ambuklao Dam. With a height of approximately 2,320 meters above sea level, it offers panoramic views of surrounding mountain ranges, pine forests, and a peaceful escape from crowded trails. The trail is a mix of pine woodlands and grassy ridges, making it perfect for hikers looking for a quiet and rewarding climb.
How to Get to Mt. Lobo
- Jump-off Point: Sitio Kadaclan, Barangay Ambuklao, Bokod, Benguet
- From Baguio: Take a van or bus to Ambuklao or Bokod (approx. 2–3 hours)
- Trail Access: Register at the barangay or DENR outpost, then proceed to Sitio Kadaclan via local transport
- Guide Requirement: Guides are mandatory and available through the tourism office
What to Expect at Mt. Lobo
- 🌄 Wide summit with 360° views of Cordillera mountain ranges
- 🌲 Trail passes through pine forests and local vegetable farms
- 📷 Perfect for sunrise hikes, landscape photography, and peaceful camps
- 🧭 Moderate trail difficulty, ideal for beginners with good stamina
- ⛺ Option to camp near summit or hike as a day trip
Suggested Day Hike Itinerary
04:00 AM: Depart from Baguio to Bokod 06:30 AM: Arrive in Ambuklao, register at barangay 07:30 AM: Start trek to Mt. Lobo 10:00 AM: Reach summit, enjoy the view and rest 12:30 PM: Begin descent 02:30 PM: Back at jump-off, wash up 03:00 PM: Return to BaguioFor our Bakun Trio hike, our first destination was Mt. Lobo, others call it Lubo, but its local name is Mt. Patullok which means “pointed.” The trail is easy to moderate passing on the road and by the resident’s houses. Majority of the trails are well established and very open to the sun’s UV rays. Its terrain is composed of virgin forest, farmlands, and woodlands. Photos below were taken while I was walking on the trail. According to our local guide, it’s better to start hiking early and reach the summit at around 10 or 11 AM but if not possible at least before 2PM will do. Our guide added that around 2PM, fog usually starts to accumulate in the area, creating a zero visibility and producing rains showers.
As what you can see, some parts of the trail is narrow, uphill and are concrete, with metal railing on the side for protection. The area is clean, the ambiance is cool, the air is fresh and has luscious and relaxing surroundings, but if you’re sensitive to insects and bites, insect repellent is needed. Upon arrival on the viewdeck, I think it's passed 2PM, fog started to accumulate and even became thicker after few minutes. We had zero visibility on the summit and the rain shower started. We stayed on top for 30 minutes and descended.
The unpredictable weather condition in Bakun making our descent on Mt. Lobo a challenging hike. The terrain became slippery and soil was sticky. If you’re planning to hike Bakun Trio and even other mountains, always do water proofing. Our Mt. Lubo adventure was unforgettable! We were able to mingle with new people and widening our reach. If you’re already in Bakun, Benguet, hiking Lubo is a must try. It has everything you need, from relaxing and clean surroundings and gorgeous flora and fauna.
Sample Budget (per person, group of 4)
- Transportation (RT Baguio–Bokod): ₱400
- Guide Fee: ₱1,000 per group (₱250/head)
- Registration Fee: ₱50
- Snacks and Water: ₱200
- Total: ₱900–₱1,000
Where to Stay
- Camping: Allowed at or near the summit (bring your own gear)
- Nearby Homestays: Available in Barangay Ambuklao or Bokod proper
- Alternative: Return to Baguio for more hotel options
🏨 Find Baguio accommodations via Agoda
Travel Tips
- Dress in layers — early mornings can be chilly
- Wear reliable hiking shoes for rocky and slippery sections
- Leave early to catch the sunrise or avoid the midday sun
- Bring your own trash bag and follow Leave No Trace principles
Final Thoughts
Mt. Lobo in Bokod is a peaceful and scenic day hike that rewards adventurers with sweeping views, cool air, and untouched mountain trails. It’s a great alternative for hikers seeking a quiet escape in the Cordilleras without the crowds of Mt. Pulag or Mt. Timbak. Want to explore more places like this? Here’s my full travel guide after visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines.
Also read: Mt. Timbak – one of the Tallest but easiest Mountain to hike in Luzon