One of the most amazing trips I’ve taken and also one of the most exhausting as well. The idea started when my mom and I watched a tv show hosted by Atom Aurelio (a local reporter). I got intrigued and an plan was made - the next time I go back home, I will go north and view this majestic rice terraces. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!!!!
For every trips I take, I use all available online
resources. I use tripadvisor, bloggers, and vloggers. Travel
sites like lonelyplanet and frommers are great but they tend to generalize
the locations. I prefer the bloggers and vloggers because you can tell if
they like it or not based on how they react...writing or video.
January 24th to January 26, 2020 Day 1 (Manila to Baguio) There is direct bus that can take you from Manila to Bontoc - which usually travels at night. Since I want to enjoy my night time by going to bar, a club or a restaurant, I decided to take a stopover at Baguio first before heading to Bontoc.
Upon arriving at Baguio bus terminal (near SM), we had to trek a bit to get to our hotel - located on the north side of Burnham Park. After dropping our bags, we head out to search for the bus terminal that will take us to Bontoc. There are two bus terminal options. One is located near the city center (Dangwa Terminal) while the other one is situated just past the market (Rising Sun Bus Station). We took the one near the city center since it’s more convenient for us. The bus tickets are not sold in advance. It’s on a first come first serve basis.
Day 2 (Baguio to Bontoc to Maligcong)
They opened the bus ticket booth at 5 am.
We were hoping to get the 6 am bus (the first one) but got there late so we
had to settle for the 7 am. Here’s another thing to remember.
Even though the bus has a scheduled time, it actually leaves when the bus is full.
Not knowing about this, we made a mistake of going somewhere for
breakfast. We got back to the terminal at 6 am and our bus was already
ready to leave. Of course they cannot leave until those who paid are
not there yet. But believe me when I say this....your fellow passengers
will express their frustrations once you enter the bus - side comments and
evil eyes. YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!!! Luckily for us, we were not the last
one. We had to wait for 30 minutes for 3 other passengers. There were seated at the back so they got
the nasty comments. So, the 7 am bus left
at 6:30 am.
Suzette’s Maligcong Homestay This particular homestay is mentioned on most of the blogs that I’ve reviewed. And let me tell you, all of them were right. It’s a home away from home. I was greeted by Ate Suzette herself and warmly welcomed us to her place. She even took us to our room.
Mt. Fato
NOTE: Do NOT eat a lot before climbing. My niece and I binge on chichiria during the whole bus ride from Baguoi to Bontoc and let’s just say we paid the price during the climb. I sweated the whole time because I feel so bloated while my niece threw up. She felt better afterward but I on the other hand just suffered the whole time. There’s a curfew at Maligcong. Lights out at 10 pm. Day 3 (Maligcong Rice Terraces, Sea of clouds, and Mt. Kafafey)
The climb is more difficult than the first one....not because of the climb but because it is very very dark. Make sure to have a headlamp, flashlight, or a fully charged cellphone to use as flashlight. Since it dark, the climb is a bit faster since there’s no view to look at. Well, except bumping into a carabao eating grass. There are sections closer to the top that is a flat open field. Yes, it was a relief when you are climbing up. At this point, I recommend looking up. The view of the sea of stars on a dark night is just magnificent. I live in a bright city so I do not see the night sky. Once you hit the top, start looking for a spot for your IG moments. I didn’t expect the big crowd but then again, it was the weekend. Maymay (our guide) suggested a spot but due to my fear of heights I opted to stay where there’s a flat surface. My niece and nephew on the other hand ventured further...oh for the love of god, I was praying that nothing happen to them otherwise my head is on the chopping black. If yesterday's mountain climb was breathtaking, this one basically is out of this world. The sea of clouds, the rice terraces, the sunrise, the trees, the grass....and on and on and on. I can't describe the beauty of this place. Yes, the travel, the climb, the long waiting for the sun......it was all worth it. I highly recommend coming here.
We had enough time to walk around the city of Bontoc. We went to the pickup point for the Coda bus line 30 minutes early as suggested (cost about 970 persos per person I believe). For this one, make sure to book your ticket in advance. This one also gets filled very quickly. There were a few passengers without reservation and they basically sat on either the floor or stand the whole trip (they still pay the same fee of a seated passenger). Also, try to avoid booking the back seat. Yes, it’s very very bouncy back there. But that is not the worst. With every curve the bus takes, you will feel it as well. And for those of you who have taken this route, you know that this route is very curvy. I think I got dizzy at one point that I just decided to sleep it off. They do stop for lunch outside the city of Banaue. The food selections are decent and so is the price. Fried chicken in my books is always a safe choice if you do not know the rest of the menu. We arrived in Manila close to 11 pm…..YES, that’s over 12 hrs on a bus. Would i do it again?? ABSOLUTELY!!! |
More rugged than I expected
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