Mt. Balungao is an extinct volcano located in the municipality of Balungao, Eastern part of the beautiful province Pangasinan in Luzon Island.
Mt. Balungao stood tall at 382 Masl and it takes 3-4 hours depends on the hikers capacity. I have read several blogs that the level of difficulty of this mountain is 2/9 but when we experience it, it's like 4/9. Most part of the trail is cardiac and steep. But the good thing is, the trail is covered with canopy of trees. There is a rocky part of the trail so be ready with your hands and feet. And after a tiring hike, you can dip on their Hot and Cold Spring Swimming Pool.
There are two trails on Mount Balungao. First is for the Professional hikers (hike until the summit) and second trail is for Beginners (simple trail). But I highly recommend you to try Professional trail to experience cardiac trail and see what's on the summit.
How to get there?
1. If you are coming to Pasay, Cubao or Manila
Just ride any bus going to Baguio and drop at SM Rosales, Carmen Rosales Pangasinan.
Go to the Jeepney terminal at the side of SM Rosales and look for jeepneys going to Umingan, Pangasinan. Tell the driver, to drop you at the Balungao Gasoline Station.
Then ride a trycycle going to Balungao Hilltop Adventure. Pay the entrance fee at gate of the resort. Go to the registration booth and pay the necessary fees.
2. If you are from Baguio (Just the same above, the only difference is the origin).
Just Ride any Bus going to Pasay, Cubao or Manila. and drop at SM Rosales, Carmen Rosales Pangasinan.
Go to the Jeepney terminal at the side of SM Rosales and look for jeepneys going to Umingan, Pangasinan. Tell the driver, to drop you at the Balungao Gasoline Station.
Then ride a tricycle going to Balungao Hilltop Adventure. Pay the entrance fee at gate of the resort. Go to the registration booth and pay the tour guide fee.
Bus Fare Manila to SM Rosales = 300-330 pesos/head
SM Rosales to Balungao Gas Station = 20 pesos/head
Balungao Gas Station to Balungao Hilltop Adventure = 100 pesos/ one way/good for 5 persons
Entrance Fee = 50 pesos/head
Guide fee= 600 pesos (good for 10 pax)
Environmental Fee = 20 pesos/head
