Destinations

Northern exposure: Discovering the joys of the Mountain Province

John Ryan Nual Mendoza discovers the joys of Northern Philippines.

Published

12 years ago

May 1, 2013

As a development worker for years in the far-flung indigenous communities in the Mindanao mountains, finding nature just right outside one’s doorstep has been a much missed memory after recent city-dwelling years. So when I got the invitation of some friends to travel to the Mountain Province, a landlocked province in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon, to support a community effort to help build a children’s library made of trash filled plastic bottles, I immediately packed and sped to the nearest bus terminal for the P445 trip to Baguio City to rendezvous with the group; and from Baguio, caught the non-aircon buses at the Dangwa Station at the back of the Center Mall for P212 that took us through the six hour treat to the dramatic cliffs and mountains of the Cordilleras.

Braving Bontoc
Poblacion Bontoc is quite a compact town center where the provincial capitol building, plaza, market, municipal hall, and commercial center are located. One can either just hike or ride around in a tricycle for eight pesos per trip. The Bontoc Provincial hospital has been one of the facilities I find notable in the country for their promotion of indigenous and alternative health practices; they encourage utilization of Igorot herbs and practices and a traditional Chinese acupuncturist serves fulltime in their physical therapy unit.

We stayed at the Churya-a Hotel & Restaurant that is just situated along the national road – a five story building with verandas on each floor with a cozy view of the townscape. Nights at the poblacion, though, could be a disappointment to travelers seeking more quiet spaces as townspeople spend their time at karaoke bars and disco live bands in the vicinity. Bontoc has been known as the first mining town in this mountainous region of North Luzon, where locals would travel to for leisure and business.

For breakfast, a must-try would be the early morning coffee at the Bontoc Public Market. Locally sourced and organic, Arabica coffee blends only cost ten pesos per cup.

The bottle library is being constructed in the upland village of Guina-ang which is an hour drive of seven kilometers of winding roads up the mountains. Next to Guina-ang is the village of Mainit, which is known for its hot sulphur springs. We decided to spend one night in these invigorating baths before getting into hard labor. The jeepney ride to Mainit and Guina-ang is parked beside the Shell Gas station in Bontoc. The jeepney leaves usually at 2:30 PM and the next at 4:00 P.M. On days with no rain, one can ride on top of the jeepney and enjoy much of the view of rice terraces while going up. Mainit accommodations priced at P300 per person were very modest. One must be warned that water from the faucet (when flowing) is still sourced from the hot springs, so one could burn him/herself. The hot spring water piped into small pools could be murky, but locals say that it is a good sign that various healthy minerals are present. A warm soak is just a perfect match for this village’s very cool climate.

Spending many days doing community work in the village of Guina-ang has given me a glimpse of the strong collective indigenous culture among the Bontocs. United by a common history and struggle, the Bontocs have learned to rely on their strength as one community to warmly welcome initiatives from the outside if they are deemed beneficial to all and shun any external action that could put them at a disadvantage. The steady progress of the bottle library is attributed to this cooperative spirit that is shown by each one, young and old, in this mountain village.

Surviving Sagada
This first trip of mine to this part of the Cordilleras would be sorely lacking without experiencing Mountain Province’s pride: Sagada. In Bontoc, jeepneys going up to Sagada are located on the street beside the Walter Clap Centrum. Travelling up to this other mountain town would just take less than an hour.

I first noticed the significant drop in temperature when we arrived. We were there in February, the coldest month, when it is reported that temperatures drop to 12 degrees Celsius at night. I stayed at Alfredo’s Inn for P250 a night for a single bed with a common bathroom with hot showers and Wi-Fi. All other hostels also charge the same rate, though with just minimal differences, such as a viewing deck and better accessibility to the town’s public amenities and attractions.

Sagada is known for its natural wonders of caves, falls, limestone cliffs, rice terraces, burial sites, and other historical landmarks. It has a land area of only 8,000 hectares and most spots can actually be reached by just walking. Mountain bike rentals are also available for P500 per day or P100 per hour. While we managed to find the Echo Valley and the Hanging Coffins on foot, I personally getting a guide mainly for safety. There are two official guide organizations in town–the Sagada Enviromental Guides Association and the Sagada Genuine Guides Association. These associations have done a very competent job in organizing and standardizing their rates for guide services and van rentals. The tourism office ensures transparency through officially posting them and assuring that there are no hidden charges.

A friend came with me to conquer the cave connection, which can be done anytime between 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The caving journey begins at the huge opening of Lumiang Burial Cave, which is a 40 minute walk from the town center. The challenge then starts with a crevice that is narrow enough to fit one person. The passage then led down to various awesome rock formations. Moisture is always present on the rocks, so extra caution and strict compliance to instructions have to be observed to avoid accidents. To facilitate safe access through rocks and tunnels, guides usually offer their shoulder as a “human step stool.” There are also built-in ropes with knots in very challenging areas. There are parts in the exploration that one has to swim during rainy season when some of the pools are filled with water. Yet guides can offer an alternate route if this is not preferred. The tour lasted for four hours until we exited at Sumaging Big Cave. The standard fee is P800 for one to two visitors and P400 for every additional visitor. Another P400 is charged if transportation to and from the town center is availed.

Finishing the cave connection did give me a great sense of physical achievement. That was then I understood what the t-shirt print “I survived Sagada” really meant. Important reminders for anyone who would attempt this feat would be to wear loose shirt, shorts or loose pants, and rubber sandals/flip flops/ rubber shoes. Guides generally do not advise people with fear of heights and/or closed space, heart ailments, asthma, and injuries to go through this long route and would suggest other less strenuous alternatives such as the short course caving.

The short course caving is an hour and 30 minutes of spelunking at the Sumaging Big Cave. This cave has a huge chamber and there’s a small tunnel at the end. To date, guides report that this is the most frequented tourist attraction in Sagada. Visitors are treated to amazing rock formations, huge open chambers and boulders to climb over. Sumaging cave is the habitat to thousands of bats. Visitors usually come upon a dung section in one of the huge spacious chambers. All visitors climb back at the same route. On the way back to town, the guide usually brings guests to the entrance of Lumiang/Burial Cave and drop by at the view point if Sugong Hanging Coffins, which is an hour walk. The guide fee is P500 pesos for up to four visitors.

All these other adventure options are in the list of the things I would love to conquer when I get back (Much cheaper when done in groups):

The Sagada to Mainit Hotspring Trekking is a five to seven hour climb and trek through rice terraces, villages, and rivers. Guests would then spend a night at the Mainit hotsprings. Guide fee is P2,500 per visitor.
The Mt. Sisipitan trekking is a six hour hike back and forth up a mountain of mossy and pine forests with an elevation of more than 2,200 meters. Guide fee is P2,000 per person.
The Danum – Mt. Langsayan trekking is a three to four hour traverse hike through mossy and pine forests that overlook two municipalities and offers a vast view of the rice terraces. Guide fee is P1,000 for up to three visitors.
The Marlboro Country trekking is an hour and 30 minutes hike from the mountain’s base to the peak. The Mt. Ampacao trekking is a hike to an elevation of about 1,880 meters. Guide fee for each trek is P600 good for up to 10 visitors.
The trip to the Bomod-ok Big Waterfall is a three hour hike back and forth from the Bangaan road. Fee: P600 good for up to 10 visitors.
The sunrise viewing at the Kiltepan mountain ranges offers an “aerial” view of rice terraces. The trip starts at 4:30 in the morning. Fee is P450 per ride which is good for up to 10 visitors
The sunset viewing at Lake Danum starts at 4:30 in the afternoon. Visitors also stop by at Sagada Pottery. Fee is P500 per ride which is good for up to 10 visitors.

The cold nights in Sagada actually spur much drinking and videoke singing. You can either have beer or the locally produced bugnay or rice wine. A 9:00 PM curfew is imposed though, and there are only a number of bars open beyond this. One such is the Sagada Pine Café, which is usually packed with booze and music-seeking foreigners and locals. This place has its hushed reputation of being a small Amsterdam in this part of the country. Go and figure out why for yourself.

Waking up in chilly mountain province mornings has been indeed a surreal joy. Watching the early bustle of women harvesting fresh vegetables and the view of faintly sunlit fog covered slopes from afar are exactly the perfect rustic vibes I have and will always long for. Each new start of the day is another beginning for the endless choices of adventures for all types of thrills.

And so one visit to this upland haven can never be enough; one definitely has to come back for more.

Up Next

Whale-less wandering at Donsol, Sorsogon

Don't Miss

Kaffir Restaurant & Deli: SEA street food with twists

John Ryan Mendoza

A registered nurse he may be, but Cagayan de Oro City-based John Ryan Nual Mendoza is an ardent believer of holistic living - as such, he advocates, for instance and among others, the use not only of Western approaches to healing, but also of the more traditional methodologies that may be learned from the hilot, babaylan, et cetera. As he said, in life, "why be limited, when you can have a more full/complete life by embracing just about everything?"

Destinations

Agoda shares 7 travel trends for 2025

The survey reveals a strong focus on relaxation, family-oriented trips, and the excitement of discovering new destinations as primary motivations for travelers.

Published

3 days ago

December 5, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its 2025 Travel Trends survey, highlighting the key factors set to shape the travel landscape in Asia in the coming year. The survey reveals a strong focus on relaxation, family-oriented trips, and the excitement of discovering new destinations as primary motivations for travelers.

Agoda’s findings indicate that travelers are prioritizing quality time with loved ones and seeking respite from daily routines. The survey also underscores the growing interest in exploring uncharted territories. Noteworthy is the popularity of theme parks, with one in eight respondents expecting to go on a trip to visit one.

Ittai Chorev, Chief Product Officer at Agoda, said: “At Agoda, we love seeing how travelers are planning their adventures for 2025. Whether it’s unwinding with family or exploring new places, we’re here to make every traveler’s dream trip memorable and are ready to help them every step of the way.”

Seven key insights from Agoda’s 2025 Travel Trends survey:

The more the merrier: Traveling with family tops the list
For many travellers, family time equals quality time. More than a third of Filipino travelers (364%) plan to travel with family in 2025. Indonesians are the most fervent family travelers of all, with no less than 58% expecting to go on a multi-generational trip with loved ones. Family travelers (34%) are followed by couples (23%), and solo travelers (199%) in terms of most popular travel groupings across Asian travellers.

Easy does it: Relaxation is the top travel motivation, by far
Escaping from the hustle and bustle of daily life is by far the most important reason to travel, according to the survey. 75% of respondents cited relaxation as their most important travel motivation. Singaporeans desire relaxation the most (87%). While in the Philippines , adventure and activities follow in second (48%), with visiting family and friends in third (45%).

Computer says ‘yes’: Tech assisting in travel planning
Technology is playing a pivotal role in shaping travel plans. A substantial majority of Filipino travelers (870%) plan to use travel apps, while about one in eight (14%) are interested in virtual reality tours. Indian travelers appear to be most tech-savvy, with nine out of ten respondents claiming the use of travel apps when booking a trip.

Travel For Less: Journey more, spend smart
Budget considerations remain a key factor among Filipinos, with a significant portion of travelers (74%) planning to spend less than $250 per night on accommodation. But price is not a barrier to international travel -88% of travelers expect to take the same number of trips or more compared to 2024, with most of those journeys crossing borders (52%). Perhaps unsurprisingly, travelers from Hong Kong expect to travel internationally the most (82%). More than a quarter of respondents (27%) plan to travel both domestically and internationally.

In and Out of Office: Traveling on and off the clock
In addition to traditional business trips, which 23% of Filipino respondents expect to embark on, the survey also picked up on the emergence of digital nomads, borderless workers who work remotely. 1 in 25 expects to work remotely in 2025, with a focus on combining work and leisure, as more companies adopt flexible work arrangements. Most prospective digital nomads in the region are from the Philippines, where one in fourteen travelers expect to work while traveling.

#Inspiration: Many ways to discover new destinations
There’s nothing quite as exciting as exploring a place for the very first time. 84% of travelers expect to visit new destinations in 2025. Travel inspiration can come from many sources including personal interests and hobbies (70%), great value deals (37%), and recommendations from friends and family (34%). One in five (23%) gets their travel inspiration from social media, with Malaysians and Indonesians most inspired by Instagram and the likes (both at 29%).

Life is a rollercoaster: Theme Parks are a reason to travel
Asia’s many theme parks – Disney in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, Lotte World in Seoul, Universal in Osaka and Singapore, Ferrari World in Abu Dabhi, to name a few – are a major draw for year-round tourism. Over one in eight travelers (13%) expect to travel specifically to visit a theme park in 2025. Indonesians seem most excited by the prospects of rollercoasters and amusement, with one in five expecting to travel for theme parks.

Agoda’s offerings, including over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, provide travelers with the flexibility to tailor their trips to their unique interests and preferences. For more information and to take advantage of the latest deals, visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda app.

Destinations

SUBIC is cheapest destination for end-of-year holidays – Agoda

Travelers seeking budget-friendly accommodation options for Christmas and New Year’s Eve have many destinations in Asia to choose from, with Subic being the most affordable destination in the Philippines with an average room rate of 5,046.69 PHP per night.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 22, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Digital travel platform Agoda has announced its list of the most affordable holiday destinations for the end-of-year holidays. Travelers seeking budget-friendly accommodation options for Christmas and New Year’s Eve have many destinations in Asia to choose from, with Subic being the most affordable destination in the Philippines with an average room rate of 5,046.69 PHP per night.

Hat Yai, Thailand, leads the list as the most affordable on average in Asia with an average room rate of 2,699.39 PHP per night, making it the top choice for cost-conscious travelers in late December. Following closely are Surakarta, Indonesia, and Varanasi, India, with rates of 2,758.08 PHP and 2,875.44 PHP per night, respectively. These destinations provide a mix of cultural experiences and scenic beauty, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Michael Hwang, Country Director, the Philippines, at Agoda said: “The holiday season brings joy, cherished moments with friends and family, and the spirit of exploration. It’s also a time when expenses can quickly accumulate, making budget considerations crucial for travelers. At Agoda, we take pride in offering great prices, ensuring that with affordable flights, accommodations, and experiences, there’s more room in the budget for Christmas presents.”

To compile the Cheapest Destinations ranking, Agoda looked at the room rates of the ten most popular cities in each of the nine analyzed markets. Since the rank is based on averages, deal hunters are likely to find even lower rates in these and other destinations on Agoda.

The nine destinations are:

Hat Yai, Thailand (Average room rate: 2,699.39 PHP)
Whether it’s the holiday season or not, Hat Yai once again takes the crown in Agoda’s Cheapest Destination ranking. The lively Southern Thailand city, known for its markets and delicious street food, comes alive during the holiday season with festive decorations and local celebrations. The Kim Yong Market is the perfect place for some last-minute Christmas shopping, with unique gifts and a lively atmosphere.
Surakarta, Indonesia (Average room rate: 2,758.08 PHP)
Also known as Solo, Surakarta offers a rich cultural experience with its traditional Javanese arts and crafts. The city is home to the stunning Keraton Surakarta and the popular Pasar Gede market. During the holidays, visitors can enjoy traditional performances and local delicacies, making it an ideal destination for a culturally immersive end-of-year celebration.
Varanasi, India (Average room rate: 2,875.44 PHP)
Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, provides a spiritual and cultural journey. The Ganges River, with its famous ghats, offers a serene setting for reflection and celebration. As the year draws to a close, the city is adorned with lights and festivities, offering a unique blend of spirituality and year-end celebrations.
Dalat, Vietnam (Average room rate: 3,638.31 PHP)
Once again, Dalat is the most budget-friendly tourist destination in Vietnam. As Christmas and New Year’s Eve approach, Dalat transforms into a festive haven, with twinkling lights and joyful celebrations, creating an enchanting backdrop for unforgettable holiday memories. December typically brings cooler mountain air, ideal for an unforgettable end-of-year vibe.
Miri, Malaysia (Average room rate: 3,814.36 PHP)
Known mostly for its natural beauty, Miri might not be the first destination that springs to mind for a Christmas holiday. However, the city on the northern coast of Sarawak, in the island of Borneo boasts cultural diversity and offers a relaxing holiday experience. After exploring the Niah Caves or enjoying time at the beach, visitors can take in the Christmas decorations that light up Miri Times Square.
Subic, the Philippines (Average room rate: 5,046.69 PHP)
Subic, with its sun-kissed shores and adventurous spirit, is a tropical paradise for the holidays. Christmas is an extended festive season in the Philippines, and Subic comes alive with its family-friendly attractions and vibrant local markets, providing a joyful setting for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations by the sea.
Taitung, Taiwan (Average room rate: 5,868.25 PHP)
Budget-savvy visitors or domestic travelers wishing to escape the big cities during the year-end holidays are best off in Taitung. Known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich indigenous culture, Taitung is located on the easternmost part of Taiwan and is the first to witness the island’s sunrise, making it a popular spot for New Year’s celebrations. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a year-end destination, with several large-scale music festivals starting in November, attracting many visitors from afar.
Nagoya, Japan (Average room rate: 6,396.39 PHP)
Nagoya, a city rich in history and modern attractions, offers a unique holiday experience. Visitors can explore the Nagoya Castle and the bustling Sakae district while enjoying Nagoya’s popular and delicious cuisine Hitsumabushi (grilled eel) and Miso Katsu (pork seasoned with miso). The city’s winter illuminations and festive markets create a magical atmosphere, perfect for celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Yeosu-si, South Korea (Average room rate: 7,511.36 PHP)
Yeosu, a coastal city known for its beautiful scenery and maritime culture, offers a serene holiday escape. Visitors can explore nature on Odongdo Island or the admire the city landscape from a Yeosu Maritime Cable Car. The city is an ideal destination for holiday celebrations, with immersive experiences such as the La Terrace Winter Village theme park offering a magical Christmas atmosphere.

Agoda’s offerings include over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Ideal for a carefree end-of-year holiday.

Travel

Singapore Airlines now only airline to serve Cristal 2015 champagne

Cristal 2015, which is celebrated for its exceptional quality and refined taste, will be served in SIA’s Airbus A380 Suites and Boeing 777-300ER First Class cabins from 1 December 2024. Initially available on flights between Singapore and Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Shanghai, Sydney, and Tokyo.

Published

3 weeks ago

November 15, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will become the world’s only airline to serve the iconic Cristal 2015 champagne, following an exclusive agreement with leading French champagne house Louis Roederer.

Cristal 2015, which is celebrated for its exceptional quality and refined taste, will be served in SIA’s Airbus A380 Suites and Boeing 777-300ER First Class cabins from 1 December 2024. Initially available on flights between Singapore and Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Shanghai, Sydney, and Tokyo, the offering will rotate to other Suites and First Class routes on a three-month rotational basis.

Crafted by cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cristal 2015 blends 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir, sourced from 45 vineyard plots across Louis Roederer’s seven Grands Crus. It exemplifies meticulous attention to detail, from a bespoke, sustainable viticulture approach of Louis Roederer’s exceptional Grand Cru vineyards to the artful blending and extended cellar ageing that gives the wine its depth and elegance.

Mr Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines, said: “This partnership between two world-class brands demonstrates Singapore Airlines’ commitment to elevating the travel experience for our discerning customers. Exclusively offering a premium champagne like Cristal 2015 will delight our Suites and First Class customers, and ensures that they continue to enjoy an unparalleled, luxurious journey with us.”

Mr Frédéric Rouzaud, Chief Executive Officer, Champagne Louis Roederer, said: “Cristal 2015 delivers intense and delicious aromas with superb energy and an ethereal vibration. This is a timeless champagne of supreme balance and measure, resonating with the chalkiness of its soils, bursting forth in a bracing, vertical effervescence, with an insistent, precise, and finely honed freshness. We are really delighted that our iconic Cristal champagne has been chosen to be served on board Singapore Airlines”.

The Airline’s world-renowned panel of wine consultants, who brings a wealth of expertise and unique perspective to the in-flight wine selection process, meticulously selected Cristal 2015 for its exceptional balance and depth of flavour.

SIA wine consultant Ms Jeannie Cho Lee, the first Asian to be awarded the Master of Wine title, said: “Our goal is to ensure that the finest wines from the best vintages enhance the travel experience and complement the in-flight cuisine on board Singapore Airlines flights. Cristal 2015 is an exceptional experience, which is highly sought-after by the most demanding wine connoisseurs worldwide.

“Its depth and impressive quality from the meticulous ageing process results in a champagne with intricate and intense flavours of toasted pinenuts, crushed stones, and white flowers, coupled with a crescendo of refined flavours and a lingering, persistent finish. The quality of this wine remains prominent even at 36,000 feet, making it the perfect addition for SIA’s Suites and First Class customers.”Cristal 2015 joins SIA’s curated list of exquisite champagnes, offering Suites and First Class customers up to three premium labels to choose from on each flight.