Stunning Places You Should Visit When in Kapangan, Benguet

Contributed By: Daniel's Eco-Travels

Cordillera - Kapangan Benguet heralds the famous Grand March dance. It is also the hometown of the late Gov. Bado Dangwa, one of the prominent Cordillera figures. But did you know? Kapangan also hosts fascinating tourist spots worthy of exploration and admiration. Slowly, it's hitting a spot in the growing ecotourism world. 

Danielsecotravels.com visited Kapangan and here are the best places to visit and how to get there:

1. Badi Falls - it the most popular among the many waterfalls in Kapangan. This is actually a series of at least five beautiful waterfalls at a remote outskirt of Barangay Sagubo. The highest of which, measures more that 50 meters high. Some of the falls also have naturally-built pools with icy-cold and crystal-clear waters. Aside from swimming, rappel is often done here. To get there, one needs to hike for more or less two hours from the community proper. Good thing, the trails is well-established though there are steep and slippery parts. Badi falls is a tourist spot in Kapangan you must not miss. 

Badi Falls: Photo Courtesy || Daniel's Eco-travel

2. Pey-og Falls - Located in Barangay Boklaoan. It measures more than 100 meters high, making it the highest falls of Kapangan. The get there, trek for an hour or two from the barangay. You will be passing by forested trails, making it even more rewarding and rejuvenating. Upon reaching the falls, its sheer height and beauty offers an instant relief. Its water cascade in layers like drizzles from the heavens. Even from as far as Halsema Highway in Atok, the waterfalls can be seen especially when it's on full force during rainy months. 

Pey-og Falls: Photo Courtesy || Daniel's Eco-travel

3.  Balabag Mummy Cave, found in barangay Beleng-Belis. It sits at the foot of Mt. Balabag. Oh yes, you can also gaze on stalagmite and stalactite formations here. From the barangay proper, it takes more or less three hours of hike to get there. After visiting the cave, you can trek to Mt. Balabag and enjoy its rustic and scenic views. 

Balabag Mummy Cave. Photo Courtesy || Daniel's Ecotravel

4. Catampan Rice Terraces. It is just one of the several rice terraces of Kapangan, Benguet, Heirloom rice varieties are grown here. It is best to come here just before the harvest season or just after the planting season. 

Catampan Rice Terraces. Photo Courtesy || Daniel's Eco-travel

Read More Tourist Spots in Kapangan @ danielsecotravels.com

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Amazing Abra: Top 20 Must-See Tourist Spots in Abra 2019

Contributed By: Daniel's Eco-Travels

Abra, just like Kalinga, stands witness to the historic struggle of the people against corporate aggression. During the Marcos regime, they valiantly resisted the Cellophil Resource Corporation from logging their mountains. Despite years of civil unrest and insurgencies, Abra is now rising to the scene as a premier ecotourism destination.

Yes, Abra offers more than its historic churches or cultural sites. Its vast landscape also hosts countless natural wonders waiting to be discovered. If sustainably managed, these could help boost the local economy while preserving the natural environment.

Without further ado, here are the top 20 must-see tourist spots of Abra.

1. Sapilang Falls (Bangued), Abra

Sapilang falls now greets and welcomes every nature lover to its rustic realm. From barangay Sagap, it takes around 30 minutes of quite easy trek to get here, passing across forested trails. Oh, you will also be crossing a river so expect your feet to get wet. The falls are called because they cascade on one place. However, they are not identical. The first falls to see is tall, thin, and has multi-layers. The second falls, on the other hand, descends on a broad and bare rockface. This can be climbed. This waterfall has an extension which cannot be seen from below. By the way, one must register at the barangay captain’s house upon arriving in Sagap. As of press time, the guide fee is 200 pesos.

2. Kaparnakan Fall (Tineg), Abra

This is perhaps one of the most famous tourist spots of Abra. Unlike most popular falls in the country, Tineg is bizarrely unique. It cascades on a terraced-like manner on bare limestone rocks. It has numerous pools along its broad stretch with crystal-clear water. According to the locals, the waters do not turn murky even during the rainy months. That is, because they emanate from an underground spring. Collectively, the falls measures around 500 meters high and 60 meters wide. The surrounding forests also add beauty to the sight. No wonders, some locals tag the place as “Mulawin.” By the way, Kaparnakan falls feeds the Tineg River.

3. Piwek Formation (Tineg), Abra

It is quite a challenge to get here. But the view and pleasure it gives is simply beyond words’ description. Biyahe ni Andrew once featured this among the tourist spots of Abra. Similar to Tinipak River in Rizal, Piwek Rock Formations are a cluster of white rocks and boulders along the river. The turquoise and clear waters of the river makes this even more alluring to visit.  The rock formations are becoming a popular jumping spots. The highest of which is around 11 meters. Well, the locals love jumping from this point. And many tourists tried it already.

4. Tagpew / Tagpao Falls (Tubo), Abra

Tagpew falls majestically on the face of a massive cliff. It measures around 120 meters high, making it one of the highest falls in Abra. To get here, one has to hike for three to five hours from from sitio Batayan of barangay Alangtin. Thick pine forests cover much of the trail. To date, only a few locals and hunters glimpsed of the falls’ pristine beauty. By the way, Tagpao, in the local dialect, refers to a woman’s organ of copulation. According to the locals, the rock formation at the base of the waterfall resembles the shape of the said woman’s organ.

5. Kili Falls (Tubo), Abra 

One of the rising tourist spots in Abra, Kili falls projects a rejuvenating view. It is a small fall, measuring around 15 feet high. But don’t be deceived. The falls has a huge water volume and a powerful force that it formed a wide and very deep pool. Oh, this pool is inviting especially in the middle of the day. Its sparkling and crystal-clear waters offer a soothing bath or swim. The rocks surrounding the pool provide good jumping or diving platforms. There is also a nearby hot spring. Oh, the awesome sight of the falls and the rustic environment simply makes this spot a must-see for every nature lovers out there.

Continue to number Top 6 - 20 Must-See Tourist Spots in Abra Here

Read Also: Mt. Amuyao: Barlig’s premium eco-hiking destination

Read More Eco-Travel Destinations in Cordillera by visiting Daniel's Eco-Travel website here.

o Sources: Daniel's Eco-Travel Blog

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Mt. Amuyao: Barlig’s premium eco-hiking destination

Contributed By: Daniel's Eco-Travels

View of sunrise at Mt. Amuyao.// Photo by Wow Barlig via Daniel's Eco-Travel

Mt Amuyao is the premium ecotourism destination of Barlig. Soaring to more than 2, 702 MASL, it is the highest peak in Mountain Province and the fourth highest in Luzon. Some sources, however, suggest that Mt Amuyao is 2, 862 MASL. If verified, this will make it to the top ten highest mountains in the Philippines.

Regardless of conflicting measurements, Mt Amuyao remains among the most popular hiking destinations in the country. It is both a cultural and ecological pride of Barlig. During the annual Fortan Festival, legends and folklore depicting the mountain are portrayed through traditional dances and plays. The locals even boldly proclaim, “When we speak of Mt Amuyao, we also speak about Barlig.”

On the Trail to Mt. Amuyao

Originally, there are two trails leading to Mt. Amuyao. However, the local government of Barlig closed the Batad-Mt. Amuyao trail for regeneration purposes. A new trail Mt. Amuyao to Ogo-og was also constructed. This now offers hikers the opportunity to explore the other barangays of Barlig especially those in Kadaclan cluster, known as the “Shangrila on the Edge.”.

Before hiking to Mt. Amuyao, tourists should register at the Municipal Tourism Office (MTO) of Barlig and pay 25 pesos each. A guide is also required for every five tourists. Fee per guide is 1,500 pesos for a day. If overnight is preferred, the guide fee is 2000 pesos. For every excess in the pack, 100 pesos is required each. Mt Amuyao is part of barangay Macalana. Thus, the it also collects an environmental fee of 50 pesos per person.

From Macalana, the trail will lead one along stone-walled terraces and pine forests. On the higher elevations, mossy forests dominate. The trail may be winding and steep on some parts, but the sights of orchids, mosses, and trees can relieve one’s exhaustion. Small, endemic birds are also usual sights. Moreover, there are two springs where hikers can stop for a drink. On a personal note, a slower pace would be preferable since you get to see and appreciate the natural wonders lining the trail.

All in all, the hike to Mt Amuyao can take three to five hours, depending on one’s pace.

When atop Mt Amuyao

View atop Mt. Amuyao on clear, sunny days.// Photo by Neo Jay Garcia via Daniel's Eco-Travel

The sights to see atop Mt Amuyao are every mountaineers dream. Foremost of which are the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Stunning sea of clouds frequently appear. According to the locals, the best time to go to Mt Amuyao is just after the rains. They claim that the sea of cloud formations are at their best during these times.

On clear, sunny days, one can have a panoramic glimpse of the mountain ranges of Ifugao, Kalinga, Benguet and the distant plains of Isabela. Add to these the mountains of Barlig, carpeted in mossy and dipterocarp forests. Barlig, after all, is the last ecological frontier of Mountain Province.

During the summer months of March to April, the bonsai forest of Mt Amuyao comes in full bloom. Flowers of different colors spring in full display. Even white orchids can usually be spotted especially along the trails. Just like in Mt. Pulag, Mt. Amuyao has groves of mini-bamboos.

Because of the strategic location and height of Mt. Amuyao, both ABS-CBN and GMA established relay towers.

Extra-Sights to Visit Near Mt Amuyao

Visiting Mt. Amuyao may already be a fulfilling and rewarding hike. However, for those who want to try out other experiences, there are nearby spots in Barlig. These include the hot springs and waterfalls of sitios Allob and Mornang, Tomallan Falls, Wangcharlin Falls, the multi-layered Monkingub Falls, Rock of Ages, Lake Tufub, Siblaw Taraw Quicksand and others. Some of these, however, are only accessible along hunter’s trails. Thus, a guide is always recommended if one wishes to gaze on these.

For more information on the tourism spots in Barlig, you may read this article, Top Ten Places to Visit in Barlig.

How to Get to Barlig:

Bontoc, capital town of Mountain Province, is the jump-off point to Barlig. There are two regular jeep departures to Barlig central namely, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. The jeepney station is located along the All Saints Cathedral. I advise tourists, however, to be at the station at least 30 minutes before the departure since the jeeps are usually filled to capacity.

Where to Stay/Eat in Barlig:

Travelers or visitors may stay at Halfway Inn and Restaurant (Rate: 200 per head/ night); Seaworld Inn (Rate: 200 per head/night); Cozy Nook and Cafe (Rate: 300 per head/night, with hot shower). There are several stores which sell basic commodities. Other dining in Barlig central are Hanjo Cafe and Loloped’s Eatery.

By the way, Globe is the only existing network in Barlig central.

Barlig Tourism Office Guidelines:

1. Register at the Tourism Office and PNP Station.
2. Pay the registration fee of 25 pesos individually at the Treasury Office on weekdays and at the Tourism Office on weekends.
3. Tourism office will assign a tour guide for the tourist.
4. Tour guide will accompany the tourist to the designated barangay (Macalana) to pay the environmental fee of 50 pesos individually.
5. The group will then proceed to their destination.

For your information needs:

If you need further information that may help in setting up your itinerary, simply ask them on the comment section below. You can also message us on our facebook page namely, Daniel’s Eco-Travels. I will be more than glad and willing to answer them whenever I can:)

You may also message the tourism office on their facebook page called, Barlig Tourism. Or contact Mr. Jess Valdez, Acting Tourism Officer, through his no: 0995 362 6488 or email him at jessa080969jr@gmail.com.

Read More Eco-Travel Destinations in Cordillera by visiting Daniel's Eco-Travel website here.

Photo Sources: Daniel's Eco-Travel Blog

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