U-GO Cliff Resort Review: What to Expect from This Scenic Escape

Serendipity—the art of making accidental yet delightful discoveries. That’s exactly how I came to know about U-GO Cliff Resort. In one of the most unexpected turns of events, while aimlessly driving through the mountainous roads between Valencia and Maramag in the province of Bukidnon, we stumbled upon a place that would linger in my mind long after we passed it by.

We had just wrapped up a packed day of chasing waterfalls and lake views—from Sumilon Falls to Lake Apo—and were heading back to our town in North Cotabato. But somewhere along the way, we took a wrong turn. Instead of finding our way back to Valencia, the road led us deeper into the mountains. With barely any signal and not a single soul in sight, we navigated the unfamiliar terrain with growing unease.

Then, just as the panic began to creep in and the sky surrendered to dusk, I spotted something—a quiet silhouette perched on the cliffside: U-GO Cliff Resort. I almost jumped off our tuk-tuk to get a closer look, curiosity burning. But the darkness was closing in fast, and something told me to wait.

From that moment, U-GO Cliff Resort became the one that got away. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So when I finally had the chance to return and experience it for myself, I didn’t hesitate.

Here’s how it all went down.

I was down to the last month of my stay in Bukidnon before finally moving to Cebu, a change I had been planning for a long time. Malaybalay City, my home for the past year, provided numerous opportunities to explore. From chasing breathtaking waterfalls like Mindamora, Kimatahay, and Pinamalogtuhan to bathing in cold springs and sampling local delicacies, I experienced it all. However, I still felt there was more to discover in this beautiful province, particularly the mountain resorts that people have been raving about online.

There were many resorts to choose from, but most didn’t offer what I needed most: a reliable internet connection. As a digital nomad, being offline for too long wasn’t an option. Only a handful of mountain resorts in the area provided this essential service. After wanting to visit U-GO Cliff Resort for a while, I was thrilled to find out they had exactly what I was looking for—a place close to the city that offered both comfort and stunning views. So, on one of the quiet days in Malaybalay, I decided to take a trip to Valencia.

Getting to U-GO Cliff Resort was easy, as a designated group of tuk-tuk drivers was headed to the area. The fare is standardized, which eliminates the risk of being overcharged. I hopped in a tuk-tuk and soon after, I arrived at the resort. On the way, I enjoyed breathtaking views of grasslands, lush forests, and mountain ridges.

I settled into one of their native A-Houses by the pool, and it turned out to be the best decision of my stay. I worked under the stars all night. What I had initially thought was an eerie environment turned out to be enchanting. The sounds of crickets, the occasional hum of distant engines, and the stillness of the night created a perfect atmosphere.

In the morning, I was greeted by a beautiful sunrise that cleared the mountains of fog. The kitchen served a delightful breakfast, and I spent the rest of my stay enjoying the view and swimming in the pool until my skin burned. These simple joys have created some of my most wonderful memories that will surely bring a smile to my face each time.

My stay at U-GO Cliff Resort turned out to be one of those rare travel experiences where everything feels right. From the moment I arrived, I was already planning my next visit. Here’s what stood out the most:

Variety of Accommodations with Stunning Views

One of the things I appreciated most was the range of accommodation options available. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family on vacation, there’s something for everyone here. What ties them all together? Breathtaking views. Each room—regardless of price point—faces the beautiful Bukidnon landscape, offering a front-row seat to sunrises, sunsets, and misty mountain mornings.

Cozy & Instagrammable Lounge Areas

The resort is sprinkled with charming lounge areas where you can curl up with a book, have a chat over coffee, or just soak in the scenery. These spots aren’t just comfortable—they’re aesthetic goldmines. Perfect lighting, rustic accents, and natural backdrops make them ideal for photos or simply taking a moment to unwind.

Picture-Perfect Corners Everywhere

Speaking of aesthetics—U-GO Cliff Resort is an Instagrammer’s dream. From artistic installations and panoramic decks to cleverly placed swings and hammocks, every corner is designed with visual appeal in mind. You’ll find yourself taking photos at every turn—and still not getting enough.

Reliable Internet Connection

Surprisingly (and thankfully), despite its location, the Wi-Fi is strong and reliable. Whether you’re uploading stories, working remotely, or video-calling loved ones, you won’t be left disconnected. It’s a huge plus for digital nomads or anyone who needs to stay online during their stay.

Exclusive KTV Room

For those who love to sing their hearts out, the resort offers a private KTV room—a brilliant touch. It allows guests to enjoy karaoke sessions without disturbing the peace that defines the rest of the resort. Great for groups, but even better for those late-night sing-offs with friends.

On-Site Store & Food Orders

They’ve thought of convenience, too. There’s a well-stocked store right inside the resort where you can grab essentials, snacks, or even order hot meals. No need to leave the resort for a bite to eat—it’s all available just a few steps away.

Accessible Yet Secluded

U-GO strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and seclusion. The road to the resort is fully paved (a rare luxury for cliffside spots), and there’s even a designated terminal with affordable transport options. Yet, once you’re there, it feels like you’re miles away from the chaos—a true escape into nature.

Friendly, Welcoming Staff

The staff at U-GO were nothing short of wonderful. Warm, helpful, and genuinely kind, they made the stay even more memorable. It’s the kind of hospitality that doesn’t feel forced—just sincere, and that makes a huge difference.

Safe & Secure

Safety was never a concern during my stay. The gates are closed and guarded at night, giving guests peace of mind while they sleep or relax. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, it’s comforting to know you’re in good hands.

Refreshing Pool with a View

And of course, the cold-water swimming pool deserves its own shoutout. Nestled along the cliff’s edge, it offers sweeping views of the valleys and mountains below. Whether you’re dipping in at sunrise or lounging by the edge at golden hour, it’s an experience in itself.

While my stay at U-GO Cliff Resort was largely enjoyable, there are a few areas where the resort could improve to enhance the overall guest experience:

Better Waste Management

One thing that stood out was the resort’s garbage disposal system. I noticed trash being dumped at the foot of the cliff, still within resort property. While it may not be immediately visible from most areas, it does affect the overall atmosphere and raises environmental concerns. Implementing a more sustainable waste management system would not only protect the beautiful surroundings but also leave a better impression on eco-conscious guests.

More Accessible Toilets and Baths

Guests staying in the A-type houses might find the current setup inconvenient, as these accommodations do not have private toilets and baths. The common T&B facilities are located quite a distance away, which can be uncomfortable, especially at night or during bad weather. Adding closer, more accessible restrooms (or ideally, building dedicated ones for each unit) would make a huge difference in guest comfort.

Fly Control

Another issue I encountered was the presence of flies swarming around the resort, particularly in dining and lounging areas. Staff mentioned that this might be due to pesticide spraying from a nearby plantation. While this may be outside the resort’s direct control, perhaps they could explore fly deterrent methods or screens in certain areas to improve comfort and hygiene for guests.

Improved Transportation Assistance

Upon leaving the resort, I had to wait around 30 minutes for a ride back to Valencia. For guests without their own vehicles, this can be a hassle. It would be incredibly helpful if the resort could coordinate with local drivers or establish a ride-on-call system to ensure smoother transfers for departing guests.

None of these issues were deal-breakers, but addressing them would take U-GO Cliff Resort from great to exceptional. I’m hopeful that with time, the resort will evolve and improve while still retaining its charm and peaceful atmosphere.

If you’re traveling from Davao City or Cagayan de Oro (CDO), start by taking a bus to Valencia City and get off at the bus terminal. Once there, catch a motorela to the tuk-tuk terminal for passengers heading to Lake Apo/U-GO Cliff Resort; the fare is ₱15 per person. Finally, take a tuk-tuk to the resort for ₱50 per person, one way.

Note: If no other passengers are sharing the ride, you can hire the tuk-tuk for ₱150 one way.

• U-GO Cliff Resort offers both accommodations in its existing rooms and camping options. They have a spacious, designated camping ground that can accommodate multiple campers. Guests are welcome to bring their own tents or rent one from the resort.
  
• Reservations are highly encouraged. While walk-ins are allowed, there is a limit on the number of guests to prevent overcrowding. To ensure you have a spot during your visit, it’s best to make a reservation in advance and pay the necessary fee to confirm your booking. You can contact them via their official Facebook page for bookings and inquiries.
• All guests are required to pay an entrance fee of ₱50, except for children under 7 years old. Day tour visitors are welcomed from 7 AM – 5 PM, but some amenities, such as the swimming pool, are reserved for checked-in guests only.
• Check-in is available until 9 PM. If you plan to arrive later, please notify the resort in advance so they can expect you.

There you have it, everyone. There’s more to discover in this part of the bush, and I’m glad Valencia City is coming out of its shell. If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments. Until next time, ciao!