THE BEST OF SEA OF CLOUDS AT MOUNT AMUYAO SUMMIT

Location: Municipality of Barlig, Mountain Province, Philippines

Major Jump-off Point: Sitio Macalana, Barlig, Mountain Province, Philippines

Exit Point: Sitio Macalana, Barlig, Mountain Province, Philippines

Elevation: 2,702 MASL (8,865 feet)

Total Elevation Gain: 1,300 Meters

Days Required/Hours to Summit: 2 days/5-6 hours (Ideal)

Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 6/9, Trail Class 3

Features:  Its trail commence with rice fields and terraces; with pine forest, mossy forest, with knife edge, cardiac assaults at Monkelat trails; it has highland grass and orchids; both sunset and sunrise can be viewed from the summit; the summit has bunkhouses with limited bed with no mattresses; the summit also house ABS-CBN radio tower and relay stations; and it has three mountain zones, to include: tropical moist forest (1,600 - 1,800 MASL), tropical premontane wet forest (1,801 - 2,400 MASL and tropical montane forest (2,400 - 2,702 MASL).

The sea of clouds at the summit of Mount Amuyao

Mount Amuyao has been the 10th highest mountain in the Philippines at 2,702 MASL elevation.  However, with the recent discoveries, it slid to 12th ranking.  Mount Kalawitan at 2,714 MASL, also in the Mountain Province and Mount Ragang of Piapayungan Range in Lanao del Sur also holds the same elevation of Mount Kalawitan now hold the 10th ranking of highest mountains in the Philippines.

Day 0 - Departure

Waiting at the May Flower Car Park

The usual climbing package leaves Manila in the evening of Friday.  My pick-up point was the May Flower Car Park in Greenfield District, Ortigas of Mandaluyong City as requested from our tour service provider.  Our service van left the place at 9:30 A.M. heading to Barlig of Mountain Province.  It was an overnight trip, though I was not able to sleep while on board.

Day  1 - First Day Climb

Arrival at the Municipal Hall of Barlig

We arrived at the Municipal Hall of Barlig, Mountain Province at 8:50 A.M. for climbing registration which means, our road travel was 11 hours and 20 minutes.  It was a typical rural area.    When going to Barlig, you will pass thru Banaue and then the key road junction leading toward Barlig (via the Junction Talubin - Barlig - Calaccad Road) in Bontoc is Barangay Talubin specifically in Sitio Pingew/Pingiw, which serves as the critical intersection point to travel toward eastern Mountain Province  like Barlig and Natonin, as well as routes connecting Back toward Bontoc proper and Banaue.''  If one drives straight without heading to Barlig, it will reach Sagada for a distance of 37.6 kilometers for a travel duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The view along our way heading to the jump-off point

After the registration, we had a short drive heading to the Sitio Macalana of 3.3 kilometers or 6 minutes where along the road are magnificent sceneries of rice terraces.  We were already feeling the cold temperature which is a characteristic of high altitude place, considering that Barlig has an average elevation of 1,500 to 1,848 (4,921 to 6,063 feet) above sea level.

Barlig town proper

Barlig is a remote fourth-class municipality in the Mountain Province within the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).  It has a population of 4,363 and comprises three main cultural geographical areas:  Barlig Central, Lias, and Kadaclan.  It is divided into 11 barangays, including Gawana (Poblacion), Lias, and Kadaclan.  It is bounded by Bontoc, Sadanga, Natonin, Tinglayan, and Mayoyao.  It celebrates unique locals festivals like the Fortan festival in Barlig proper, Changyasan in Lias, and Menaliyam in Kadaclan.

A typical local sari-sari store and restaurant

Mountaineers always stop at this point for breakfast and to buy additional necessities before heading to the summit.  Meal order varies from P100 to P150.  More expensive compared to the carenderia in Metro Manila where a certain  viand only cost P50 to P60.   A cup of hot water for coffee or milk costs P5 to P10.

Passing thru Saint Michael the Archangel Parish at Central Barlig

Our group started the trek at exactly 10:00 A.M.  By the way, there is a very strong historical presence of the Episcopal or Anglican Church in Barlig, as the province and Barlig fall under the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines.  There is also a local segment of the town who are Roman Catholics.  Other Christian Denominations in Barlig includes groups the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Iglesia Filipina Independiente, and Iglesia ni Cristo.  On the other hand, many residents, particularly in outlying areas like Lias, maintain indigenous spiritual practices tied to traditional social structures and council houses known as the ator.

The trek leading to another registration stop

I think, what we signed at the municipal hall was for our climbing permit and at this point was the registration at the jump-off point.

The view along the trail at 10:42 A.M.

What so fascinating of the climb was most of the trails unfold the view of the rice terraces.   The terraces here are generally called Barlig Rice Terraces.  Other rice terraces here is called Lias Rice Terraces located in the Lias cluster of villages.  Local rice terraces in the area are also broadly referred to in the indigenous Liallig/Finallig language as payyiw.

Overlooking Barlig town at a higher elevation at 11:25 A.M.

Passing thru a mossy forest

The trail along the mossy forest at 12:35 Noon

This mossy forest is a high-altitude cloud forest wrapped in perpetual fog, cool temperatures, and dense, goblin-like vegetation where trees are heavily draped in thick moss, wild orchids, and ferns.

An improvised wooden trail stairs

A resting shade along the trail at 12:59 Noon

Advancing farther at 12:07 Noon

Ascending thru concrete stairs at 1:10 P.M.

Passing thru this point at 3:07 P.M.

Open trail with the view of sea of clouds at 4:28 P.M.

Arriving the summit bunker at 4:55 P.M.

The view from the summit at 5:14 P.M.

The best thing for Mount Amuyao is its "sea of clouds" can be viewed anytime.  Since our climb is package tour, it included food and we do not have cooked for our meals.  So, for the whole time, I was just viewing the sea of clouds endlessly.  I did nothing but to look around completely speechless of the beauty of the sea of clouds.  While in Mount Pulag, you need to catch up its sea of clouds early in the morning.  But honestly, Mount Pulag's sea of clouds is incomparable.  It is like an ocean of clouds, so vast and massive.

The sunset at 5:15 P.M.

My sunset silhouette at 5:24 P.M.

The sunset's hue at 5:38 P.M.

Finally, the sun sets completely at 6:06 P.M.

Dinner was served at 6:45 P.M., but everybody was not willing to have socials as it was completely a freezing night.  Unfortunately, I did not bring with me a tent and sleeping bag because we were assured that we will sleep inside the bunker.  But, extreme cold was like piercing my skin while I was lying at a thick mattress and my thick blanket was not enough to warm my shivering body. It was really a bloody night of sleep.  May I borrow the word "bloody" from the Britons, as intensifier to mean "very" and "extremely".

Day 2 - The Highlight of the Climb

The magical sunrise at 6:03 A.M.

I did not have a good sleep but I managed to wake up at 4:30 A.M. waiting for the sunrise.  Breakfast was served as early as 5:05 A.M.

Our group picture taken before our descent at 8:40 P.M.

On our way to descent

Reaching the jump-off point at 11:52 A.M.

It only took me 3 hours and 12 minutes to descend back to the jump-off point in Sitio Macalina.  The trail was slippery.  I find it difficult to ascend than to descend the mountain.  But as a whole, the climb was really rewarding.  It was really worth it.

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BAUKO'S PRIDE: IYAMAN FARM RESORT OF MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

 LOCATION: MUNICIPALITY OF BAUKO, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES

Enjoying the scenic infinity pool of Iyaman Farm Resort

Iyaman Farm Resort is a mountain resort located in Sanguan, Barangay Bila, Municipality of Bauko, Mountain Province, Philippines, a more famous neighboring municipality of Bontoc.   It has a distance of 39 kilometers or  1-hour 15-minute drive from Bontoc, 119 kilometers or 4 - 6 hours drive from Baguio City.  Iyaman is word in the local dialect which means "thanks for coming!".   To travel to Sagada, one needs to go back to Bontoc town proper and take transport to Sagada which is 18 kilometers away or a 30 to 45-minute drive.  

A hobbits house accommodation type in the farm resort

Inside the Hobbit's house accommodation

The resort was conceptualized and made into a reality out of necessity and was just converted to a farm resort.  This happened when its owners spouses Danny and Marjorie Balance escaped the Manila during the pandemic time around 2020.  Mr. Balance, is a junior high school teacher of Santo Tomas University in Manila who with his wife and two children decided to stay in the farm in order to escape the threatening spread of Covid 19 virus in the Metropolis Manila.  In here, they can grow organic food in this farm to help them sustain their need for food in a daily basis as they continue to observe the pandemic protocols.  In November 2021, he converted this farm into a resort and invested a rapid development in terms of its facilities in order to cater the convenience of their growing clientele.

The trail heading to the farm resort

I came to know this place when I availed a Seven Peaks of Bauko climbing package from the organizer, Dr. Ericson Ranchez and by that time one of their three tour guides was Angela Andrada.  It was thru her that I was able to get some information about the resort.  So, after the climb, I returned again to Barangay Bila this time to finish Seven Peaks of Bauko climb, where by that time of our climb, it rained so hard that we only able to climb 4 peaks by that time.  

With my Seven Peaks of Bauko climb guide, Tom Sudaypan

The resort served to be my accommodation before and after my climb.  Since it is a part of the Mountain Province, it is really cold here.  It was freezing cold when I had a later afternoon swim at the infinite pool.

The picturesque amenities of the resort

The farm resort is indeed manicured but the natural pine forest setting has been maintained.  Most of the food served for the guests were organically produced.

The Store: With a Cafe and souvenir shop

The originally built house has been converted into a store which houses the cafe for dining and the souvenir shop.  This was constructed by the owner couple for supposedly family use only.  In the cafe, guests can order their food as there is no other restaurant near it.

The store's interior

Marjorie, the wife of Danny who serve as owners are very accommodating and they would do their best to attend to the concerns of their guests.  In fact, from them, you can also get some information on where to go if you are in Bauko or Bontoc.

The location of the infinity pool is just near the outdoor dining table

Kitchen use is available for use of the guests for P300 or US$4.90 (5 pax below), P500 or US$8.16 (5 pax above) and this includes kitchen utensils, gasul burner, blowtorch.   For those who do not want to cook, meals can be ordered at the store with unlimited coffee for P200 or US$3.27 per meal.

The outdoor dining table

There is free videoke which is turned off at 11:30 P.M. and has a free bonfire.   Its store is open until 11:00 P.M.  Guests should note that all alcoholic beverages are available on its store.  Corkage fee will be charge per bottle/can of alcoholic beverage.

Manicured garden

There is a 20% down payment for reservation which is Non-Refundable thru GCash No. 09055265388 under account name Danny Balance.  Screenshot of e-receipt serves as the proof of payment to be presented to the receptionist upon arrival.

Separate comfort room for the accommodation unit

A view deck platform

Balcony of the Kubo accommodation

View deck platform above the infinity pool

Another angle of the infinity pool view deck platform

The lush green backdrop of the infinity pool

A closer look of the backdrop which is the Barangay Bila

By the way, the famous Batad Rice Terraces is 98 to 100 kilometers away from this location which can only thru land travel of 3 to 3.5 hours drive.  There is no other means of communication since this is a rugged and mountainous region.  While the World UNESCO Heritage Banaue Rice Terraces is 83 kilometer away or 2.5 to 3 hours drive.

HOW TO GO TO IYAMAN FARM RESORT

1. Take a Coda Bus Liner from Cubao (Quezon City of Metro Manila) to Bontoc of Mountain Province for a fare which varies from P900 or US$14.69 to P1,200 or US$19.59 one way with a travel duration of 10-11 hours.  The final destination of this bus is to Sagada, but you need to alight in Bontoc town proper.
2. From Bontoc, take a white bus with a sign board of Bontoc-Abatan Bauko Mountain Province and vice-versa for P50 or US$0.82 for around 40 minutes road travel and tell the driver to drop you at Pak-as intersection.  
3. From Pak-as intersection, take a pedicab for P20 or US$0.33 which will take you to Sitio Mocgo of Barangay Bila of Bauko.  Barangay Bila has the barangay hall for the registration of the Seven Peaks Climb of Bauko.
4. Then, from Sitio Mocgo, you will trek with occasional assaults to Iyaman Farm for 45 minutes depending upon your speed.  You may need a guide if you are first timer.  You can contact Angela Andrada at 09098045348 or Paul Bill Mapangdol at 09217725301.  Please book in advance as these two are not full time guides.
5. You may also have the option to hire a van from Bila going to Bagnen Proper which will take you to Iyaman Farm Resort for P1,000 or US$16.33.

THANKS FOR READING!

EXPLORE THE 23 ATTRACTIONS OF THE MIRADOR HERITAGE AND ECOPARK

Location: Mirador Hills, Baguio City, Philippines

At Mirador Peace Memorial

Mirador Heritage and Eco Park is 5-hectare multi-terrace landscaped park located at Mirador Hill in Baguio City.  It offers visitors a panoramic view of Baguio City and its alluring surroundings.  The attractions inside this park are:  (1) Loyola rock gardens, (2) Archangels garden, (3) Arashiyama bamboo grove, (4) Manresa rock gardens, (5) Our Lady of Montserrat rock gardens, (6) Our Lady of Aranzazu rock gardens, (7) Garden of the Immaculate Conception, (8) Ifugao houses, (9) Beatitudes arches and garden, (10) basketball court, (11) forest bathing area, (12) pandemic healing memorial, (13) prayer houses, (14) Jesus Apostles Dap-ayan, (15) La Storta gardens, (16) Blue moon gate, (17) Mirador Peace Memorial, (18) Cafe Inigo, (19) Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, (20) Kapilya Nina Jesus at Maria, (21) Cordillera heritage garden, (22) Marian Salubong view deck, and (23) Christ the Redeemer.

The Entrance where visitors pay

The entrance fee to this park varies: Regular Adults - P150; Students/Seniors/PWDs - P100; Children under 12 years old/7 and below are free.  There is a parking fee for P25. It is open daily from 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  There is no reservations needed, but outside food and pets are generally not allowed inside the park grounds.

It starts from this point  of Loyola rock gardens (Model: Allan R. dela Trinidad)

This specific blog post is a compilation of my different visits in this park.  The photo above is my companion, Allan, after our twin-dayhike in La Trinidad for Mounts Kalugong and Yangbew.  In our second day in Baguio, we had a city tour and this one is included.

The Archangels garden

Touring around the park will depend on the visitors' choice, since there are a lot of attractions to choose from.  There are times that the park is crowded with visitors.

As the exploration continues

It empties into this exit

Our Lady of Montserrat rock gardens

This rock gardens honors Our Lady of Montserrat or the Virgin of Montserrat, a Roman Catholic image of the Blessed Virgin associated with an enthroned statue of the Madonna and Child enshrined at the monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat in Catalonia, Spain.  She is the patroness saint of Catalonia, an honour she shares with Saint George, where she had some miracles as a saint.

Then it empties into this scenic view deck

When visitors got tired

As we continue to roam around

Then another view deck offers you this Baguio City panoramic view

Gift of the Holy Spirit Sacred Spaces

Maybe, you are wondering why this park has been marked with so much religiosity. Let me tell you why?  According to its history, Mirador Heritage and Eco Park was once a branch of the Manila Observatory in Baguio in 1901.  A few years later, it became a villa house where Jesuits of the Ateneo de Manila took a break during the summer season.

The entrance to Mirador's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The photo above shows another visit of mine where I toured my three Grade 6 Boy Scouts after their Baguio Camporee.  From left is Joseph Mission, Mixter Floyd P. Borja (middle standing) and Robin Wayne Fernandez (seated right). In my first visit in this park, Allan and I did not pursue this bamboo grove since this was crowded with visitors.

Robin Wayne Fernandez

Mixter Floyd P. Borja

Joseph Mission

I served as the tourist guide of these three kids in our day tour around Baguio City and also their photographer.

The REAL Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto (Japan)

That is why, when I went to Japan for my 7th trip there, I opted to include this attraction in Japan to be a part of my Kyoto tours as you will read it in this "Savoring Cherry Blossom in Japan" blogpost.

Then, we reached this point

Next was this

The Ifugao houses at the backdrop

Let's go back when I was with company with Allan

There is always a long line when visitors are already at the Mirador Peace Memorial.   In my three visits here in different dates, the average waiting time is more than 30 minutes.  There are some visitors who bring with them costumes and it takes time for them to give turn to others.  There was one time when in our line, a couple did their prenup here, where they even hired photographer.  Just imagine, how we waited for them to be finished.

My eldest Ate Rose with the backdrop of the Jesus the Redeemer

When the visitors exit near the Mirador Peace Memorial, they will be heading to Jesus the Redeemer attraction.  However, even if you will not enter the Mirador entrance gate with a fee, you can visit this one without an entrance because this is just along the stairs heading to Lourdes Grotto.

Ate Rose at the Cordillera Heritage Garden

The same with this Cordillera Heritage Garden, this is outside the perimeter fence of Mirador Ecopark with an entrance fee but still a part of the Mirador Heritage site.  This can be found at the sides of the stairs heading to Lourdes Grotto.  On this attraction, visitors can rent native costume and buy some products and souvenir items of the Cordilleran culture.

Ate Rose with the backdrop of Marian Salubong view deck

The stairs leading to the image of Lourdes Grotto

Joseph, Robin Wayne and Mixter Floyd

Family picture at the Lourdes Grotto

The Lourdes Grotto is located on Mirador Hill, where the Mirador Heritage and Ecco-Spiritualty Park is situated.  While this iconic 252 steps and the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes have long stood as distinct pilgrimage site, the eco-park was later developed around the rest of the property by the Jesuits managing the hill.   There is no entrance fee at the Lourdes Grotto.

The gate of Mirador Heritage and Ecopark is just a few meters at the left side facing the shrine and halfway of the stairs.  But there is a road heading to the park's entrance.  On the other hand, the Haunted Old Diplomat Hotel is just a kilometer away from Grotto.  It takes about 10 to 15 minutes walk or a 2 to 5-minute drive.

THANKS FOR READING!