South East Asia Travel Association  



Discover and explore the Philippines in a different way. Hill tribe treks in the Cordillera less traveled by tourist. The Sierra Madre Adventure; Hidden Secrets of Sagada and Mt. Pulag trek starts at US$70/person.

The Other Side of Mt. Pulag*

Tour Description: This is not the usual up-and-down Pulag route, which has been battered by hordes of climbers. This is a seldom-visited area near Pulag, with mossy forest, grassland and pristine mountain lakes, a destination that's still a secret to many. This is an overnight trip with camping by a mountain lake surrounded by jungle. Wake up to the silent, mysterious sight of the mist-shrouded lake, explore the high grasslands, see the mossy forest, and revel in the crisp air and brilliant blue skies of the high mountains. This trek can start in Baguio or Sagada, and makes an ideal transition between the two. It can also be done with departure from and return to Baguio.

Trek Mt. Madja-as & Relax in Boracay** / ***
 
Tour Description: If you'd like to combine a true wilderness trek with a few days of lazing on the beach surrounded by water sports, nightlife, and quality restaurants, this is the trip for you. Mt. Madja-as, over 2000m, is the highest point on Panay and home to the island's largest rainforest. We pass by forest, waterfalls, mossy upland forest, and ridgetops with spectacular views. Madja-as is only 3 hours from Boracay, and it's one of the safest and most rewarding trekking peaks in the country… it's cold up there, so bring a jacket! Two treks are available on Madja-as: the full summit climb, which requires 4 -5 days and a fairly high fitness level, or a shorter three-day trek in forested areas on the lower slopes of the mountain. Either trek is easy to combine with a stay on Boracay.

Hidden Secrets of Sagada

Tour Description: Sagada has been a regular stop on the international traveler's circuit for decades, and in recent years local tourists have also begun to discover the pure climate and rare scenic beauty of this mountain paradise. Most travelers, though, even the avid hikers, barely scratch the surface of what's available here. Sagada's most lavish attractions remain hidden, in out-of-the way corners, known only to the few that have truly explored. I've included three of my personal favorite Sagada excursions into this package. Travelers looking for the hidden side of Sagada can select any or all of these, for a completely different look at an old favorite destination.The first stop is the crystal-clear swimming pool at Tabyay-ew, nestled in a pine-clad valley at the base of 2000-meter Mt. Sipitan. The hike takes us through one of Sagada's most traditional villages, and through a vast expanse of ancient rice terraces, overlooking a deep forest gorge slashed with jagged granite cliffs. At the bottom lies the small stream that drains the south flank of the mountain. As we hike up the rocky gorge we pass a series of deep, clear, pools, before arriving at the largest, a still, deep, expanse of water that fills the entire valley floor. With a pebble beach at one end, and a natural-stone diving platform over deep water at the other, and a natural setting that makes most postcards look pale, this place is the ideal spot for a refreshing swim and a leisurely lunch. It wouldn't be Sagada without a cave, and Sumaging, the legendary "big cave", has become so popular that it has traffic jams. So we move down the valley, past forests and terraces to Balangagang, a unique spelunking experience. The cave is set at the bottom of the valley, and the explorer climbs up into the mountain, exploring limestone passages and viewing chambers few tourists ever see. No technical climbing is required. Our last stop is the spectacular waterfall known as Tagpew, in the wilderness area on the border of Abra, Kalinga, and Mt. Province. This monster fall, the highest in Luzon at over 100 meters, is well hidden: the trek requires a full day, and to see the full beauty of the place we have to spend two nights camping. For the fit hiker with the will to explore, though, this deep valley of huge pines and mossy forests, known only to the hunters of a small group of villages in Besao, is a trip to remember for a lifetime. Trekkers wanting a two-day trip can return immediately, but the three-day version allows a full day to explore one of the most beautiful, and certainly one of the least known, natural spectacles in the country.

Sagada Optional Tours

Mountain Biking

Mountain bike tours around Sagada can be arranged on roads or trails.  A limited number of rental bikes are available or riders can bring their own equipment. A guide is available at P1000 for half-day rides, P1500 for more strenuous full day rides. It should be noted that the longer trail rides do require carrying bikes in some portions, and riders should be fit enough for extended climbs.  Sagada puts the “mountain” in mountain biking, and there’s not a lot of flat ground available!

Rafting the Upper Chico River

Rafting trips will be available by mid-September on the Chico River below Bontoc, a scenic run with abundant class 3 and 4 rapids.  Participants will leave Sagada in the morning after an early breakfast and will be back in Sagada by mid afternoon.  The trip includes all necessary gear, transport, guides, snacks, and lunch.  Trips will generally be available through early January, depending on water levels. 

Balangagang Cave Adventure

Day 1: Spelunking at Balangagang Cave

Day 2: Trek to waterfalls above Ankileng Village

Day 3: Free day, option of light tour or serious trek on Mabaat ridge.

*Outdoor camping can be arranged for interested participants with their own gear.

Kalinga Tribal Adventure * / **
2 days/ 1 night
Options and Features
Tribal Culture Exposure – Butbut Tribe
Great Photography Adventure
Malengcong to Sadangan / Mainit

Tour Description:
The upland villages of Kalinga retain one of the purest tribal cultures remaining in the Philippines. This dramatic mountain landscape is home to a proud, independent people that have resisted every attempt to subjugate them. Twenty years ago this was a war zone, as the tribes mounted a fierce and ultimately successful resistance against a dam that would have changed their lives forever. Today it is open to small groups of trekkers who are willing to respect local customs and maintain a low profile. The people are friendly, open, and curious, and the villages offer a rare opportunity for visitors to interact with a traditional culture on equal terms. We sleep in an antique native house, eat local food, and explore the surrounding forests, rice terraces, waterfalls, and hot springs. Kalinga highland village treks jump off from Bontoc, and are available in varying durations, from a simple overnight trip to treks of 3-4 days. This trek can easily be combined with other hikes in the Cordillera, or with whitewater rafting in season. Rates begin at P3000 per person for the overnight trek, including all food, accommodation, and transportation. Longer hikes are priced according to content and duration.

The Cordillera Dream Trek**/***

Tour Description: This trek takes you into one of the last real wilderness areas on Luzon, a mysterious cloud forest that has recently been discovered to host a population of endangered Philippine Eagles. Two routes are available; both involve 2 days of hiking, but the experience is worth it! This trek combines true wilderness trekking with exposure to remote tribal villages and ancient, towering rice terraces. Both routes in this area require 2 hiking days. We meet (in Bontoc or Sagada) on the day before the hike begins, and a portion of the day after the hike will be spent in travel out to Banaue, the trip's end point. For adventurers that are already traveling in the Cordillera, this trek makes an ideal link between Sagada and Banaue.

Ifugao Trek**/***

5 days/ 4 nights

Tour Description: A 5 days and 4 night’s adventure package covering Awan-igid, Pula, Cambulo, Batad, Nagkor and Banga-an. The package covers roundtrip AC Bus from Manila to Banaue (jump-off point of the trek); meals, accommodations and transportation also included.

@All trips include food, transportation, and accommodations from meeting point to drop-off point.  Trips may require the use of public transportation.  Potable water is included. Alcoholic beverage or soft drinks are not. Transportation to jump-off-point and return not included

* Novice touring eco-adventure
** A bit challenging eco- adventure
*** More physical treks or climb.

Adventure Pilipinas Packages

Mt. Tapulao, Bagsit River Adventure (Zambales) and Palawan Adventure; White-Water Rafting in Kalinga and Quezon Provinces; Hill Tribe Treks in the Cordillera and other active/adventure tours also available upon request.

Other Destination Available Upon Request
Rates Available Upon Request

 


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