ITINERARY OF THE HIGHLAND ADVENTURE TOUR
Day 01 (To Banaue)
Drive through the rice fields of Luzon's central plain, surrounded by scenic
mountains, until you reach winding mountain roads. Stop to admire fine views
along the way and visit the war monuments at Balete Pass, Overnight in the
comfortable, beautifully situated Banaue Hotel, where a cultural show is
often offer after dinner.
Day 02 (Banaue)
Spend a leisure day around Banaue. Visit the spectacular Banaue Rice
Terraces - often called the 8th Wonder of the World - explore the town's
market and small shops that sell local handicrafts and admire the mountain
view from the hotel. Those who often get off the beaten track can take a
jeepney and then hike to Ifugao villages of Banga-on or Batad.
Brief Description of...
I. Village of Banga-an
There is an alternative for those who cannot make the two-hour hike to
Batad, Proceed to the village of Banga-an, two-kilometers farther at the
junction leading to Batad. Here you can just stand by the roadside and idle
your hours away gazing at the fascinating environs. On summer afternoons
(March to May), just before sunset you can see rainbows against the setting
sun at the horizon. |
II. Amphitheater Rice Terraces of Batad
The trip to Batad takes practically the whole day and is recommended only to
strong hikers. From Banaue, Batad is approximately 16 kilometers. About 12
kilometers of the way can be traveled by transportation with the rest of
distance to be traversed by foot on mountain trails (only 2 hours hike).
Batad boasts the beautifully-contoured rice terraces where tattooed men and
women cultivate their daily staple.
Day 03 (Bontoc, Sagada and Halsema Highway to Mt. Data)
Leave Banaue early morning, following the narrow dirt road, with its
sensational views, to Bontoc. There visit the fascinating museum with its
informative exhibits on local costumes, customs and history, Proceed to
Sagada to view the hanging coffins and caves stacked with ancient wood
coffins for which Sagada is famous; or go deep into a spectacular
shell-shaped cave to see stalactites and stalagmites and a lovely natural
pool. Then follow the famed Halsema Highway, where the scenery ranges from
fertile fields in the narrow Chico valley to barren, rocky, uninhibited
highlands. Overnight at Mt. Data Hotel, where there is often a cultural show
- quite different from the Banaue show - and, on cold days, there is an open
fire in the evening.
Day 04 (Baguio)
Enjoy the flowers at the hotel before setting off for Baguio, where you will
have half a day to visit Burnham Park, St. Louis Cathedral, Wright Park with
its view of the President's summer residence and its gates that imitate
Buckingham Palace, the Good Shepherd Convent with its lovely garden and
delicious home-made foods for sale, and enjoy the view and the handicrafts
stalls at the Mines View, Enjoy a good dinner at one of the city's many
restaurants.
Day 05 (Baguio and Back to Manila)
Morning at leisure to explore the market, do some shopping, and for those
who are interested, watch the weaver at the Easter Weaving School or visit
the Mountain Province Museum. In the afternoon, back to Manila.
End of Tour. |
