Mt. Amuyao is one of the most popular and endearing hiking spots in the Cordilleras. Featuring a Cordilleran experience of the chilling winds atop, the mossy forests, the signature pine trees almost everywhere, and the well-known rice terraces in every village! Being the highest point in the province of Mt. Province, its geographically a good location for transmitters and relay stations. That is why the summit has a bunk house in it and the trail is already well-established. The summit could be reached just around 3 hours, so if you want to continue the adventure after the summit – we traverse the entire way to Batad. Batad is located south of Mt. Province in the province of Ifugao. It is home to the world-popular rice terraces and the gigantic Tappia Falls! During the traverse, you would pass by villages of Cambulo and Patyay – where a lot of hidden rice terracing paddies are at helm! With a lot more to rediscover on the trail, hop on and relive hiking around the terraces!
HOW TO GET THERE
Public Transport
- If you are from Manila, ride a bus departing to Banaue either at the Florida bus or Ohayami bus terminals. It is located at Legarda, Manila – just 2 minutes walk from the LRT 2 Legarda station. Rates range from 400php to 500php. For map details click here. For other bus line services click here. If you are from Baguio, there are buses going to Bontoc Mt. Province directly – just visit the Old Slaughterhouse Terminal/Dangwa Terminal.
- From Banaue, depart to Barlig, Mt. Province via rented jeepney. There are few public jeepneys going to Barlig (The terminal is just across LTO, beside the Anglican church) and ETD is around past lunch so a rented jeepney is the safest bet especially with large groups. You could also spend the night here at Banaue if you took a morning bus from Manila. Normally, hikers take the night buses from Manila then start hiking once they get to Banaue.
- Have a stop over at Barlig’s municipal hall and tourist office to secure your guides and porters.
- Porter Fee
- Barlig to Summit (one way): 750php
- Barlig to Summit (two way): 1500php
- Barlig to Batad (traverse): 4500php
- Registration Fee: 20php ea + 50php ea(environment fee @ jumpoff site)
- Guide Fee: 1500php per day (for 5 people) – negotiable depending on how many you guys are. You could also hire two guides if you’re iu a larger group which is advisable as well.
- Porter Fee
- After the registration, head back on chartered jeepney to the jump-off point at Sitio Macalama.
IMPORTANT NOTES!!!
- Note that in traversing Mt. Amuyao, you are actually crossing two provinces (Mt. Province and Ifugao). The coordination for these 2 provinces is not quite established so sometimes, you may need to get a guide from here to the summit even if you already have a guide in Banaue. Best bet? You have to know a local here, in which I recommend you contacting sir Ron with details below as he already have local connections in the area and could also offer you packages in which you would have a hassle free hike – which we did! 🙂 Mobile: 09154724091 FB Page: GoRon Adventures
- There is a bunk house on the summit where you could stay – just plug in your sleeping bag and you’re good. Though it’s always a safe bet to bring your tent and camp out as it has only a limited capacity (estimate to be 12 people).
THE HIKE
A little tip? This will be a long long long walk – so better start training those calves and leg muscles before attempting. Trail is rather easy and established, you just have to deal with the distance! I’ll let you handle your preparation and show you some of the hike’s signature trails/stops.
It all started here in Barlig at Barangy. Macalana where are shadows still capture our excitement!
And then go up the terraces a little higher..
You will now taste the signature Cordillera trail of pine trees and cool breezes.
Following the power lines will lead you to a steeper trail nearing the summit!
Summit at last!
Wonderful mornings at the summit!
As the moon fades at the west, Mt. Amuyao’s shadow hovers the beyond.
Enjoying the cool morning breeze of the Cordillera mountains!
Now it’s time to descend the long and winding trail…
We now reach the village of Patyay; welcoming us with these beautiful rice terraces and a good weather!
After having a last view of Patyay terraces, we move on to continue the journey…
Once again we walked, and walked, and walked…(those red flowers/tree/plant sure is pretty.haha)
Arriving at Cambulo, where we rest a bit and fill our tummies with a great view of their terraces!
Finally we reached Batad! Home of the famous Rice Terraces of Ifugao!
With it’s irrigation system and beauty standing for 2 thousand years, still wonder why it’s the 8th Wonder?
More photos of these works of art and men!
And when you thing the trip is over, head down to Tappia Falls for a refreshing dip!
Then end the day top-loading a jeepney – feeling the mountain breeze all around!
Dear Sir,
Good Evening!
Were planning to climb Mt. Amuyao on 16 September 2016.
What is the safest budget per pax?
what is the best way to start,is it Batad to barlig or Barlig to batad?
Thank you.
Hi Marc,
Safe Budget I would say is 4k each.
Porter Fee is the pricey one as it’s 4500 for the whole traverse.
I’m not really one who could say which way to start best as I’ve never tried the Reverse, but normally its Barlig to Batad.
Also Batad is much closer to Banaue already and has a lot of cheap accommodations as well. You could stay at Batad if you like as the view is good (food is not cheap) and the Tappia Falls is worthwhile.