Sumaging Cave, Sagada

WHERE: Sagada, Mountain Province

DATE OF TRAVEL: March 03, 2007

DURATION OF SPELUNKING: about 2 hours

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1) Because it has an unusual display of stalactites and stalagmites.
2) Because it served as a hiding place for Filipino Guerillas and Soldiers during WW2.
3) Because it served as burial grounds for the Indigenous People of the Cordillera.

NOTE:
Although it is accessible and popular, do not expect it to be very easy. It can get slippery and you will get wet (underground river can get ice cold!). If you choose to bring your camera, make sure you have something waterproof (like ziplock or waterproof bag) to cover it when needed. Do not go without a guide and bring your own headlamp to help you see through the cave because the guides’ lamps might not be bright enough.





DESCRIPTION:
Sumaging Cave or Big Cave was created by water erosion. It is a popular cave in Sagada due to its unusual display of stalactites and stalagmites. For this reason, it is very accessible. The cave is also popular for its deep water (sometimes chest deep, sometimes even deeper!). The ice-cold water you have to swim to get to the other side is definitely an experience! The "caving" experience usually takes about 2 hours but you can take longer routes if you wish. No one is allowed to enter the cave without registering at the Municipal Hall and getting a guide. A foreigner is said to have died inside because he traveled alone and couldn't find his way out. Sumaging Cave can do that to you because it is enormous in size!

FEE:

P250 per person for guide (guide can only accommodate 4-5 persons) and P50 for extra lamp

HOW TO GET THERE:

For Manila-Sagada routes, kindly click on this.

Once in Sagada, go to the Municipal Building for registration and to get a guide. :) There are hardly any public transportations in Sagada, so if you won't want to walk long and far, you may rent vans for about P1,400 a day.

Click here for more...

Banaue Rice Terraces

WHERE: Banaue, Ifugao

DATE OF TRAVEL: March 02, 2007

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1) Because it is considered as the 8th wonder of the world.
2) Because it really is a stairway to heaven. Legend has it that Kabunyan/ Lumaig, an Ifugao God, used these steps to visit his people on earth.
3) Because it is amazing how the Ifugaos actually built this. It is not only beautiful but scientifically sound (and advanced!) as well. The Rice Terraces were built to maximize farm space and prevent erosion. Moreover, the Ifugao people did this for themselves and not as a product of slave labor!:)
4) Because unlike many "world wonders", the Rice Terraces is still in use according to its original function.

NOTE:
It is slowly degrading and the younger generation no longer want to farm (some say it's because there's no money there so as soon as they find work, they leave). Instead, they want to become tour guides because of the tourist influx in their area. What they overlook is that when no one does the farming anymore and the rice terraces continue to die, they will lose the "8th wonder of the world" –and the tourists along with it.




DESCRIPTION:
Banaue Rice Terraces is usually claimed as the eighth wonder of the world, or one of them at least. These terraces were carved by the Ifugao people some 2,000-3,000 years ago without the help of any machinery. In 1995, the Rice Terraces was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Banaue Rice Terraces look like stepping stones to the sky, thus, it is also called the Stairway to Heaven. It is said that Kabunyan or Lumaig, an Ifugao God, used these steps to visit his people on Earth. The terraces reach an altitude of about 1,500 meters or 4,920 feet. Given this and the time when it was made, then add the fact that no machinery helped the Ifugao people build this at all, no wonder it is considered as one of mankind's greatest display of engineering skills! There are many rice terraces all over Asia but nothing beats this. It is even said that if the terraces were laid horizontally instead, they would stretch halfway around the world!

HOW TO GET THERE: (commute from Manila)
Take Florida Lines or Auto Bus which leave at around 10:00pm daily. For schedule and contact numbers, kindly click on this.

FEE:
If you decide to view the terraces on your own (ex: from NFA-Aguian View Deck), viewing is free. However, you can also take hiking trails and tour guide usually costs about P200-250.

Click here for more...

NFA- Aguian View Deck, Banaue

WHERE: Banaue, Ifugao

DATE OF TRAVEL: March 02, 2007

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
Because this is where the Banaue Rice Terraces picture you see from your 1,000-peso bill was taken! Don’t forget to bring your blue paper and compare it to the real deal.:)


DESCRIPTION:
Just a short ride away from the road going to Bontoc, this view point must not be missed! It offers a spectacular view of the rice terraces and right beside it are small souvenir shops where you can buy t-shirts and products from Banaue.

FEE: Free

SOUVENIR BOUGHT: Banaue T-Shirt, P180 each

HOW TO GET THERE: For Manila-Banaue Routes and Schedule, kindly click on this.

Click here for more...

Banaue Ethnic Village and Pine Forest Resort

WHERE: Banaue, Ifugao

DATE OF TRAVEL: March 02,2007

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
Because this village and resort which sit on top of hills and are surrounded by pine trees showcase the evolution of Native Ifugao Houses complete with artifacts and description. It's a great place to rest, read and relax. If you choose to stay for the night, you can either sleep in Ifugao native huts or bring your tent and camp-out.







OTHER DETAILS:
Address: Aparnga-O, Viewpoint 3601 Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines
Contact Person: Andres Dunuan or Florence Viloria
Phone Numbers: (+63919)6142266/ (+63920)3493259/ (+63906)7748491

Culural Shows and Ifugao Rituals Performance may be done by appointment. Make sure to give them a call.:)

For Manila-Banaue routes and details, kindly click on this.

Click here for more...