Tag : UNESCO World Heritage Site
It was only during days before the trip to Sagada that I learned Cordillera has a number of rice terraces. This particular spot in Banaue Rice Terraces is the most popular one for two reasons. This is where the old one-thousand Philippine peso bill derives its sketch. This is also the exact location of the controversial wakeskating video beautifully shot on top of one of the rice terraces in Banaue. That particular video was released (or at least became viral) three days before our intended sidetrip.
How To Get There:
You can take the Ohayami Transit bus that goes to Banaue from its terminal in Sampaloc, Manila. The bus leaves around 10pm and you will spend at least 9 hours in the bus. So prepare your sleeping stuff with you.
How Did I Get There:
It was a sidetrip during the Sagada weekend trip organized by Travel Factor to catch the Panag-apoy Festival. We visited the Banaue Rice Terraces twice, before and after Sagada, and in two different overlooking spots. The last visit is the most exciting because we trekked the pathways of the terraces to shot better photographs and selfies. It is one of the bravest decisions that I made in my life. It is terrifying to follow the narrow and slippery path of mud. One stupid slip and you fall in a terrace 10 to 12 feet below.
Madlum River runs through the feet of Mt. Manalmon. Its clean waters are inviting. The river is also surrounded by boulders and rock formations where one can try diving from the cliffs. To get to the jump off point of Mt. Manalmon hike, either you cross the river via a bamboo raft or via a monkey bridge. While Madlum River and Mt. Manalmon offer a handful of extreme activities, it is also interesting to note that along with the caves of Madlum, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How To Get There:
Take the North Luzon Tollway (via Baliwag Transit or ES Transport buses) and exit at Sta. Rita. Head north along the National Highway towards Plaridel until you reach San Ildefonso then San Miguel. You will be dropped off at Brgy. Camias. You can hire a tricycle from there to take you to Brgy. Madlum.
How Did I Get There:
Fellow couchsurfer and travel blogger, Ace Guevarra, organized Mt. Manalmon dayhike with a minimal fee of PhP 800. The cost is still cheaper compared to other travel groups offering the same package. I couchsurfed on his place in Apalit near the meeting point of other participants. I slept almost the entire travel from Pampanga all the way to northern part of Bulacan. Sleepyhead I am that other participants had even tallied my sleeping positions inside the hired jeepney. It’s freakin’ four.
I knew that Mt. Manalmon is a hike for beginners but I was sold with the idea of crossing the monkey bridge over the Madlum River. And the experience is fulfilling! We also got a chance to swim in the Madlum waters. The river was shallow that time so I was able to cross waters by walking on the rocks between riverbeds. I didn’t try cliff diving though. And yeah, I took a nap there too.