The cool, rarified heights of Mountain Province beckon with the promise of romance. True to its name, this northern province is hidden among mountains of evergreen forests 7,000 feet above sea level. Well-paved trails and dirt roads wind through terraced slopes planted to rice and vegetables. Visit Bauko town with its landscape of rolling mountains, waterfalls, boulders, and streams. Take a day tour to explore the nearby town of Sagada, with its fascinating caves and hanging coffins, striking rock formations, and natural pools. From Baguio, take a bus up to Sagada. It's LOONG (7 to 9 hours) and ... er ... not exactly the most comfortable ride in the world (part of the Sagada adventure is the journey there). There are several lodging houses where you can stay for around 2 to 3 US dollars a night. In the town proper, you might want to visit the cemetery and echo valley ... or buy Sagada-woven clothes. Set aside AT LEAST an entire day for the REAL Sagada adventure--spelunking and mountain hiking. You can catch a GORGEOUS view of the rice terraces, less than an hour's walk away from the town proper. After that, a must-see is the hanging coffins in the ancient burial caves (just ask for a guide to take you there--you can inquire about guides at most restaurants)--be sure you have a flashlight with you, and some snacks. If you really enjoy spelunking, a single day won't be enough, because there are around 20 GORGEOUS caves to choose from .... After a day or two in Sagada, you can take a jeepney ride to Bontoc. Have your camera with you in the jeepney--the view is breathtaking! From there, you can visit more rice terraces, or visit the hot springs. From Bontoc, it's a 2-3 hour bus-ride to Banaue. Water falls, natural pools, rice terraces, mountains (if you're into mountaineering), forests ... hiking galore for the nature lover. If you're more into "cultural" sightseeing, take a tour of the villages and check out the weaving, and woodcarving. That should be a good, FULL week-long trip up north. Caveat: Prepare yourself for the rough, winding roads and the altitude. |
