CAR Tourist Attractions PDF

Chapter 4: TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: CAR (1.5 HOURS) Introduction Cordillera, which literally translates to “knotted rope”, is the name given by Spanish conquistadors when they first saw jumbled rolls and dips of this long mountain range traversing the northern part of the Luzon isl...

Chapter 4: TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: CAR (1.5 HOURS) Introduction Cordillera, which literally translates to “knotted rope”, is the name given by Spanish conquistadors when they first saw jumbled rolls and dips of this long mountain range traversing the northern part of the Luzon island. Its rugged terrain and breath-taking topography have been home to the sturdy and industrious indigenous tribes collectively called the Igorot, while its climate has bred an equally unique culture distinct from that of the country’s lowland colonized regions. Cordillera Administrative Region is rich in natural resources and has abundant mineral reserves. Gold, copper, silver, and zinc are among the metallic ores that can be found in the region. Non-metallic reserves include sand, gravel, and sulfur. Although mineral reserves are found all over the region, mining is concentrated in Benguet. Majority of Cordillera’s population engage in farming and small-scale production. This region is one of the prime tourist destinations in the Philippines. It has many spectacular scenic views and enchantingly cool places. The world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces in the province of Ifugao is considered as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. This structure of about 2000 to 6000 years old is a United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. Other tourist attractions of the region include the Sumaguing Cave in Sagada and the mummy caves in Benguet and Mt. Province. There are four National Parks in the region: Cassamata Hill; Mount Pulag, which is the highest mountain in Luzon; Mount Data; and Balbalasang-Balbalan. Objectives At the end of the chapter, the student is expected to: 1. demonstrate knowledge of the historical, geographical, demographical, and cultural of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). 2. enumerate and characterize the various provinces in CAR. 3. pinpoint and describe the numerous tourist destinations in CAR. Lesson Proper CAR THE CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION § Land Area The region has a total land area of 28,228.83 km2 (10,899.21 sq mi). § Geographic Profile It is located in the North-Central part of Luzon and encompasses most of the areas within the Cordillera Central mountain range of Luzon. It is bounded by Ilocos Norte and Cagayan in the North, Pangasinan and Nueva Vizcaya in the South, Cagayan Valley in the East, and the Ilocos Region in the West. It is the country’s only land- locked region. It has a mountainous topography and dubbed as the “Watershed Cradle of North Luzon” as it hosts nine major rivers that provide continuous water for irrigation and energy for Northern Luzon. § People The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has a total population of 1,722,006 based on the 2015 Census. It is rich in ancient culture. It is the home of the indigenous tribe called the Igorot. The way of life of the people in this region existed way back to ancient Filipinos before the Spanish colonization. Despite differences in tribal ethnicity, the Cordillera people have commonalities in costumes, music, dances and even customs. Cordillera also has various festivals; these includes the Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival celebrated every February. The festival highlights are the flower exhibits, garden tours, floral competition, and parade of floats. Other festivals in the region include the Ulalim Festival in Kalinga, Lang-ay Festival in Mountain Province, Banaue Imbayah Festival, and the Tabuk Matagoan Festival. § Political Profile On June 18,1966, Republic Act No. 4695 was enacted creating four separate independent provinces namely: Benguet, Ifugao, Mt. Province and Kalinga-Apayao from the original Mountain Province. The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) was established on July 15, 1987 through executive Order No. 220 issued by President Corazon Aquino. It is the only land-locked region of the Philippines. The region consists of the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and Apayao. The regional center is the Chartered City of Baguio, officially known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines. CAR is composed of 73 municipalities, two cities, seven congressional districts, and 1,176 barangays. In 1994, Congressman Elias K. Bulut filed a bill in congress for the possible separation of Kalinga and Apayao which on February 14, 1995, Republic Act No.7878 was signed into law. This Act provides for the conversion of the province of Kalinga- Apayao into regular province to be known as the provinces of Apayao and province of Kalinga, amending Republic Act No.4695. § Regional Cuisine Abra - pancit miki, masa podrida, goloria and patupat made by the indigenous people of their province; 'inladit' (a cracker laced with honey); "kornik" (dried corn kernels); lechon de Abra; cascaron; abuos; palileng Apayao - "binanayan", "pinalatan" and "pinaltit" pizza; "abraw", an appetizer called made with pickled coconut and mixed with crabs and sea shells Benguet - smoked meat, locally called "kini-ing", which can be used to make kini- ing siopao, kini-ing burger, kini-ing carbonara, kini-ing shanghai, and kini-ing shawarma Kalinga - "diket" (heirloom glutinous rice delicacies called "inanchila", "kinalloray" and "sapurado” served during special occasions) Ifugao - "pinunnog" (smoked longganisa) Mountain Province - own version of the "pinikpikan", "bukku" or the camote flour, bugnay (fruit) wine. v ABRA Capital: Bangued § Geography Abra is situated in the mid-western section of the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. It is bordered by the provinces of Ilocos Norte on the northwest, Apayao on the northeast, Kalinga on the mid-east, Mountain Province on the southeast, and Ilocos Sur on the southwest. Abra has a total land area of 4,165.25 km2 or 1,608.21 square miles. The province is hemmed in by the towering mountain ranges of the Ilocos in the west and the Cordillera Central in the east. The Abra River runs from the south in Benguet to the west and central areas, bisecting the whole Abra Valley. It is joined by the Tineg River originating from the eastern uplands at a point near the municipality of Dolores. § People Abra has a population of 241,160 (2015 Census). The first inhabitants of Abra were the ancestors of the Bontocs and the Ifugaos. These inhabitants eventually left to settle in the old Mountain Province. At present, Abra's inhabitants are mostly descendants of Ilocano settlers and members of the Tingguian tribe. The predominant languages are Ilocano and Itneg. § How to get there By Car For those travelling in private vehicles, Bangued is 408 kilometers from Rizal Park or Kilometer Zero. It is a 7–8-hour drive via NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX and the Manila North Road. Turn right at the Manila North Road and Abra-Ilocos Sur junction 4 kilometers after Narvacan town proper in Ilocos Sur, to head towards Tangadan Welcome Tunnel, the gateway to Abra. Other entry/exit points are the Abra-Kalinga Road in the east which traverses from the town of Malibcong, Abra to Balbalan, Kalinga and, Abra-Ilocos Norte Road in the west which passes through the towns of Danglas, Abra and Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte. By Bus From Metro Manila, there are three bus companies plying the Manila/Cubao/Pasay-Bangued route, namely Partas Bus Company, Viron Transit and Dominion Bus Lines. A typical bus trip from the country’s capital, Manila, lasts about 9 to 10 hours. All bus terminals are located in the capital town of Bangued. § Major Tourist Attractions Kaparkan Falls - Unlike most waterfalls in the Philippines, which are formed by roaring cascades, Kaparkan Falls is distinguished by multi-tiered spring pools/terraces that gently cascade down the forest. It is also known as Mulawin Falls. Kili Falls - Hidden behind the main cascade is a hot spring that flows into an icy- cold river. The locals had made a wading pool beside it. The temperature is perfectly warm for a dip. Kili Village does not attract a lot of tourists because of its remote location in the hinterlands of Tubo, the southernmost town of Abra. Apao Rolling Hills - From the viewpoint across the high valley, enjoy a picturesque panorama of dry grassland topped mountains. It is most scenic during sunset when the mountainsides come alive with a spectacular auburn glow. Piwek Rock Formations - This natural beauty can be found farther down the road from Apao Rolling Hills. The highlights here are gleaming white limestone rock formations that wall the banks of the Tineg River. There are two trails to choose  from. The harder yet exciting way requires a bit of rock climbing over large boulders, while the easier one is a less steep hike. Santa Catalina de Alejandria Parish Church - This is is the most impressive Spanish-colonial church in Abra found within the town proper of Tayum. This 19th- century Baroque church was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. Nearby, many surviving ancestral houses built in Bahay Na Bato style can also be seen. Gabriel Silang Gallery of Fine Arts - It is a private museum owned by the Cariño family that houses collections of retired Philippine Ambassador Rosario V. Carino. This gallery is filled with an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, artifacts, documents, and books from different parts of the world. Its prized pieces include paintings by Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, Pablo Picasso, Pierre- Auguste Renoir, and Domenico Ghirlandaioto as well as paintings made by the former ambassador himself. Don Mariano Marcos Bridge - It is the 3rd longest bridge in the Philippines. Cassamata Hill National Park - It houses the Victoria Park view deck where one can get a bird’s eye view of Abra’s plains, mighty rivers, and mountain peaks. v KALINGA Capital: Tabuk § Geography and Climate Kalinga covers a total area of 3,231.25 km2 (1,247.59 sq mi), occupying the central section of the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. The province is bordered by Mountain Province to the south, Abra to the west, Isabela to the east, Cagayan to the northeast, and Apayao to the north. Nestling on an elevation ranging from 300 to 5,000 feet above sea level of northsouth assemblage of mountain ranges within the Cordillera Central, Kalinga has been dubbed as the “Prince of the Highlands Philippines”. The province experiences an average temperature ranging from 17 to 22 °C (63 to 72 °F). The dry season is from November to April, while the rest of the year is considered the rainy season, the heaviest rains usually occurring from July to October. § People Kalinga has a population of 212,680 (2015 Census). The primary language spoken is Kalinga, including its dialects of Balangao, Butbut, Limos, Lower Tanudan, Lubuagan, Mabaka, Madukayang, Southern Kalingan, and Upper Tanudan. Gaddang, as well as Ilocano, Tagalog, and English are also spoken in as lingua francas with varying degrees of proficiency. § How to get there From Manila, one may take a bus ride to Bontoc via Coda Lines. Travel times takes 8-10 hours. From Bontoc, ride a jeepney bound to Tinglayan or Tabuk, then alight at Bugnay (1.5-hour travel). From there, either go hiking or ride a habal- habal going to Buscalan Village. § Major Tourist Attractions Mabilong Weavers Village - This is the center of the ethnic weaving industry in the province. The village is along the road and one can buy souvenirs right from the weavers. Binalasan Falls - It is one of the rustic tourist spots in Kalinga province. Its waters emanate from the dense mossy forests of Mt. Binuluan. It cascades for more than 30 meters on a very deep pool.  Sulfur Hills - They lie on the lower slopes of Mt. Binuluan. To get here, tourists need to trek on hunter’s trails for hours. They will be passing across pine and mossy forests. Tumuyoc Falls - This measure around 30 feet high and cascades to a wide and very deep pool. Its waters are icy-cold and crystal-clear. Laroy Falls - This is considered the highest falls in Kalinga province. It is comprised of at least 8 different cascades, plunging towards the Pasil River. Buaya Caves - These feature various stalactite and stalagmite rock formations. There are beautiful chambers inside, reminiscent of a cathedral’s domes and spires. Lubo and Mangali Rice Terraces - From the road, these terraces look like circular cascades. They surround the village of Lubo. The Tanudan river passes alongside these terraces. Towering mountains provide a dramatic background of these terraces. They also supply abundant water supply all year round. v APAYAO Capital: Kabugao § Geography and Climate Apayao is situated within the Cordillera Central mountains, traversed by many rivers. The province covers an area of 4,413.35 km2 (1,704.00 sq mi), forming the northern tip of the Cordillera Administrative Region, and is bounded on the north and east by Cagayan, west by Ilocos Norte, southwest by Abra and south by Kalinga. The prevailing climate in the province is characterized by relatively dry and wet seasons, from November to April, and wet during the rest of the year. Heaviest rain during December to February while the month of May is the warmest. § People Apayao has a population of 119,184 (2015 Census). § How to get there Multiple bus companies such Victory Liner, Florida Bus Liner, Baliwag Transit and Dalin Transit operate a Manila-Tuguegarao route. Travel Times takes around 12 hours. From Tuguegarao bus terminal, ride a van or jeepney going to Junction Luna in the boundary of Abulug, Cagayan. At Junction Luna Terminal, transfer to a tricycle going to Luna Poblacion. § Major Tourist Attractions Dupag Rock Formation - It is a cluster of jagged limestone boulders that measure around 7 to 8 feet high. Due to the rough and sharp texture of the boulders, visitors/tourists must wear proper footwear and protective gear. The highest peak is known as Father Rock. It provides an entrancing view of the surrounding fields, valleys, forests, and rivers. Bayugao Falls - One of the most visited Apayao tourist destinations. these series of mini- waterfalls have naturally built pools. Their cool and crystal-clear waters cast a rejuvenating sight complementing the surrounding forests. Lussok Cave & Underground River - It contains several chambers and has a wide opening, reminiscent of a cathedral’s dome.To get inside the cave, tourists need to ride a boat. The view of the river itself is breathtaking with fresh and pristine waters emanating from the cave. Gololan Falls – The falls cascades for more than 33 meters. On sunny days, it projects a small rainbow, thanks to rock cliffs that trap the sunlight on the bottom. The falls’ waters carved a deep and wide pool perfect for swimming. The surrounding boulders provide an ideal spot for jumping or diving. Abulog/Apayao River - It ranks as one of the cleanest rivers in the country and one of the largest river systems. It provides a home to a plethora of marine species. This river can be tapped for whitewater rafting activities. Aside from the forests, visitors can catch sight of beautiful waterfalls spilling on it. v BENGUET Capital: La Trinidad § Geography and Climate Benguet covers an area of 2,769.08 km2 (1,069.15 sq mi) occupying the southwestern tip of the Cordillera Administrative Region. Situated within the Cordillera mountains, Benguet is dominantly mountainous. Mount Pulag, the highest in Luzon is located within Kabayan. The province is the location of several conservation areas, the largest of which are the Upper Agno River Basin Resource Reserve, Mount Pulag National Park, Mount Data National Park and Lower Agno Watershed Forest Reserve. Most of Benguet falls under the subtropical highland climate zone, experiencing annual average highs of 25.3 °C (77.5 °F) in April and lows of 13.3 °C (55.9 °F) in January. The province suffers from crop damage resulting from seasonal frost during the cold months of December to March, especially in high-altitude towns such as Atok, Buguias, Mankayan and Kibungan. § People Benguet has a population of 446,224 (2015 Census), making it the most populous province in the region. The native inhabitants of Benguet comprise three ethnolinguistic groups. Kankanaeys dominate the northwestern municipalities, Ibalois are concentrated on the southeast, and Kalanguyas are mostly found in the east. § How to get there The province of Benguet can be accessed through five national roads; Kennon Road, Aspiras–Palispis Highway and Naguilian Road are the main routes coming from Manila, while the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road and Halsema Highway offer entry to the Province of Nueva Vizcaya and to the rest of the Cordillera Region. Benguet can also be reached by air through the Loakan airport in Baguio City, but is limited to general aviation and private aircraft. § Major Tourist Attractions Mt. Pulag - Rising 2,922 meters above sea level, and is the highest peak in Luzon and the third highest in the Philippines. Vast groves of dwarf bamboo grasses cover its rolling summit. The peak of Mt. Pulag offers one of the best views of sunsets and sunrises. A stunning sea of cloud formations frequently appears as far as the eyes could see. Mt. Yangbew - It is one of the most accessible La Trinidad, Benguet tourist spots. While atop, one can have a full view of La Trinidad and neighboring Baguio city. Asin Hot Spring - The hot springs emanate from rock crevices and directly flow towards the Tuel River. Hoses have been installed to channel the steamy waters on man-made pools. Rocky Wall of Beauties - The landscape of barangay Tacadang, Kibungan resembles the Grand Canyon of United States. Sheer and bare rock cliffs and formations dominate its entire landscape. It is also popularly known as the  “Switzerland of Benguet”. During rainy months, numerous waterfalls surround Tacadang in almost every direction. Badi Falls - It is a fast-growing ecotourism destination in Kapangan, Benguet. It is a series of waterfalls. The highest of which measures more than 30 meters high. Some of these falls carved deep pools, fit for swimming. Shamsham Falls - It is composed of least three waterfalls, but the main waterfall is the one most frequented by the locals for recreational activities. It measures more than 60 feet high and cascades on a small and shallow pool. Sham-sham means “ninety-nine”. The falls was named as such to commemorate the 99 women who jumped to the falls to escape the Japanese invaders during World War II. v BAGUIO CITY Summer Capital of the Philippines § Geography Baguio City is approximately 250 kilometers north of Manila, situated in the Province of Benguet. The area of the city is 49 square kilometers enclosed in the perimeter of 30 kilometers. The developed portion of the city corresponds to the plateau that rises to an elevation of 1,400 meters. Most of it lies in the northern half of the city. The City is landlocked within the province of Benguet. The City has twenty administrative districts among which its barangays are divided. Baguio is 8 degrees cooler on the average than any place in lowlands. When Manila sweats at 35 degrees centigrade or above, Baguio seldom exceeds 26 degrees centigrade at its warmest. During the Philippine rainy season (June to October), it gets the biggest amount of rainfall in the country, twice the volume of rainfall in the country as compared to Manila. However, from November to May, Baguio becomes a tropical paradise, a refreshing break from the hot and humid Philippine climate. Christmas season is when Baguio glows with the nippy winter air. § People Baguio, a highly urbanized city, has a population of 345,366 (2015 Census). The original inhabitants of the Baguio City area are the Ibaloi people (natively pronounced as "Ivadoi"). When the Americans established the city in the early 1900s, early settlers in the city include members of other Igorot tribes (Igudut in Ibaloi), the lowlander Ilocanos (Iduko), Americans (Merikano), and mestizos. A significant number of Chinese and Japanese laborers were also hired to build Kennon Road, many of whom later settled in the city § How to get there By Car From Manila to Baguio by car, the fastest route is through the expressways. Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) up to Angeles, then exit to Subic-Clark- Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), then continue to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) up to Rosario. From there, you can take Kennon Road (Route 54) or Marcos Highway (officially Aspiras-Palispis Highway, Route 208) via Pugo-Rosario Road (Route 209) Kennon Road is the shortest, taking only three- quarters to one hour from the foot of the mountains in Rosario, Pangasinan. Marcos Highway starts in Pugo, La Union (a little further to the northwest from Rosario) and takes about one hour but is a wider, less winding road with a more gradual uphill incline and is safer in the rainy season. By Bus This is the most common and economical way to get to Baguio from Metro Manila. Several bus lines such as Victory Liner, Dagupan Bus, and Genesis Bus, ply the Metro Manila to Baguio route with terminals scattered across the metro. It generally takes about 5-7 hours to get to Baguio by bus.  By Air Baguio has an airport, the Loakan Airport. Platinum Skies is the only commercial operator that serves Baguio, and the rest are mostly small propeller- operated aircraft and helicopters § Major Tourist Attractions Burnham Park - Considered as the city's "mother of all parks," Burnham Park is one of Baguio's best attractions. It was named after urban planner Daniel Burnham, the American architect who came up with the original design and layout of the park. The park boasts multiple clusters that offer different activities and attractions such as the Children's Playground, Rose Garden, Orchidarium, Picnic Grove, Igorot Garden, and much more. Camp John Hay - This expansive recreational complex offers tourists tons of fun activities. It highlights the best that Baguio has to offer, which are pine trees, fresh air, cool breeze, and a serene atmosphere. Tourists can go to a heart-pumping eco-adventure or commune with nature. Treetop Adventure inside Camp John Hay offers several thrilling rides, including the Superman Ride (zipline), Tree Drop (harnessed free fall), and Canopy Ride. Mines View Park - Its main attraction is a viewing deck that offers a stunning view of the Cordillera Mountains and Benguet's old copper and gold mines. Tourists are given a chance to dress in traditional Ifugao garbs like bahag (loincloth), vests, and headdresses, and even hold a shield and spear for picture- taking. Baguio Botanical Garden - Filled with pine trees, it serves a hideaway from the often-crowded Baguio. It also houses nurseries dedicated to propagating flora that will eventually be replanted in the parks and gardens of Baguio. In 2009, the garden was renamed Centennial Park in celebration of Baguio's 100th year as the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Baguio Cathedral - The church is known for its Neo-Gothic style, as evidenced by its twin spires and its rose-colored exterior with stained-glass windows. During World War II, it served as an evacuation center. As it is built on top of a hill, it gives visitors an awe-inspiring bird' s-eye view of Session Road and the whole of Baguio. It can be reached by climbing a 104-step staircase. Bencab Gallery and Museum – It is built on the edge of a hill with an incredible view of a rainforest and garden, the museum is owned by the National Artist Ben Cabrera. Ethnographic masterpieces in the form of spoons, pipes and bowls are showcased along with paintings and sculpture. Tam-Awan Village - This has replicas of native cogon-thatched homes and home to Baguio’s local artists. Casa Vallejo - It is an old refugee center that has been transformed into one of Baguio’s charming places. It houses the Miele Guide-listed Hill Station restaurant, the quirky Mt. Cloud Bookshop, North Haven Spa, and Baguio Cinematheque. v IFUGAO Capital: Lagawe § Geography and Climate Ifugao covers a total area of 2,628.21 km2 (1,014.76 sq mi), occupying the southeastern section of the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. It is characterized by rugged terrain, river valleys, and massive forests. The rainy season in Ifugao begins in July and runs through January. The weather remains cool from November to February.  § People Ifugao has a population of 202,802 (2015 Census). The Ifugao people have an indigenous religion unique to their traditional culture, and highly significant to the preservation of their life ways and valued traditions. They believe in the existence of thousands of gods, which may enter specific sacred objects such as the bul-ul. § How to get there Ride a bus from Metro Manila to Banaue, Ifugao (e.g. Ohayami Bus in Sampaloc or Florida Bus in EDSA-Kamias). Travel time takes 10-12 hours depending on the traffic conditions and the number/duration of stop-overs. Register at the tourism office upon arrival. Hire a tricycle that will take you to Ifugao’s tourist spots. § Major Tourist Attractions Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras – These epitomize the absolute blending of the physical, socio-cultural, economic, religious, and political environment. Indeed, it is a living cultural landscape of unparalleled beauty. Built 2000 years ago and passed on from generation to generation, the Ifugao Rice Terraces represent an enduring illustration of an ancient civilization that surpassed various challenges and setbacks posed by modernization. There are more than 48 rice terrace clusters but only five of them are included in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) list of World Heritage Sites. These are Batad Rice Terraces, Bangaan Rice Terraces, Mayoyao Rice Terraces, Hungudan Rice Terraces, and Nagadacan Rice Terraces. Tappiyah Falls - It is one of the famous tourist spots in Banaue, Ifugao. It cascades on the face of a massive rock cliff for more than 75 meters. Because of its sheer water volume and force, it created a wide and deep pool with churning waters. Its waters are cold and crystal-clear. Batad Amphitheater Terraces - The rice terraces are not merely a showcase for tourism but are lasting testimonies of the ancient engineering skills of the people. They provide rice and vegetables for the community. Mt. Napulawan - Its name is derived from the Ifugao term, “Tuwale,” which literally means, white. Perhaps, this is because of the cloud and fog which perpetually cover the mountain. Locals also say that Bibiyo (a fairy) guard the mountain. It rises to more than 2,642 meters above sea level and presents one of the most difficult climbs in the Philippines. Kiangan Shrine - This is one of the historical Ifugao tourist spots. It signifies the locals” valiant resistance against the Japanese invaders. In fact, this is where Gen. Yamashita and his troops informally surrendered, thus, officially ending World War II in the Philippines. v MOUNTAIN PROVINCE Capital: Bontoc § Geography Mountain Province covers a total area of 2,157.38 km2 (832.97 sq mi) occupying the central section of the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. The province is bordered on the north by Kalinga, south by Ifugao, southwest by Benguet, west by Ilocos Sur, and northwest by Abra. Situated within the Cordillera Central, Mountain Province is 83% mountainous while 17% make up hills and levels. The province has many rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and caves. § People Mt. Province has a population of 154,590 (2015 Census). Based on the 2000 census survey, Kankana-ey comprised 51.8% of the total provincial population. Mountain Province is the only predominantly Protestant province in the Philippines. § How to get there From Manila (Cubao), ride a Coda Lines bus going to Bontoc (P700). There are daily trips at 8PM. Travel time takes 10 hours. Alternatively, tourists can ride a Dangwa/Ohayami bus and alight in Banaue (P550) after 8 hours. From there, ride another bus or a jeepney or a passenger van going to Bontoc (P150). It will take another 1.5 hours. § Major Tourist Attractions Bontoc Museum – It I s a museum founded by a Belgian nun to preserve the heritage of the people in the Cordillera mountains. It houses a collection of traditional costumes, hunting and farming tools, and numerous photos of the Ifugaos. Maligcong Rice Terraces - Nestled high up in the mountains, Maligcong Rice Terraces showcase the brilliant engineering skills, industry, hard work, and unity of the locals’ ancestors. Mt. Kalawitan –It is one of the 10 highest peaks in the country, rising to more than 2, 714 MASL. The primary jump-off point is Apa Camp Site of Sabangan. Humuyo Falls – This is considered as the highest waterfall in Bontoc, measuring more than 40 meters high. Its icy-cold waters come from the mossy forests upstream. Tagpeo Falls -This 80-meter falls is located between the boundary of Besao in Mountain Province and the municipality of Tubo in Abra. It cascades on a massive rock cliff to a small and shallow catch basin below. Paradise Falls - It was named as such because it cascades like heavenly-drizzles from the heavens. The pine-scented breeze wafting around and the caressing mists that the falls exude make it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventurers. The falls measures more than 30 meters high. It has small pools, fit for swimming. Mt. Mog-ao - It stands majestically amidst the rolling plains, making it one of the popular tourist spots in Tadian, Mt. Province. While on top, one can glimpse of the breathtaking views of Sunny Side, adjacent Bauko, and the municipalities of Quirino and Cervantes in Ilocos Sur province. The historic and mighty Abra River is also visible from the summit. Viewing from barangay Pandayan, Mt Mogao resembles the shape of a “Sleeping Lady.” Siblaw Taraw Lake - This moss-covered lake is sheer beauty of enchantment. Nestled high on the mountains, Siblaw Taraw conjures fascinating tales of maidens bathing on its pool. At first sight, it looks like a mossy lawn. But when you remove the moss, you will see crystal-clear waters hidden underneath.