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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