The heart of Mt. Province, Bontoc
- Jul 2, 2018
- 3 min read
Bontoc, located at the heart of mountain province and the historical capital of the entire cordillera, is replete of intriguing past as many stories and events were encountered by elders or the Bontoc tribe, a feared war group of indigenous people who is actively joined in the tribal wars. Evidence of its practices like head hunting, the passage into manhood. 37 photographs that were donated by Governor Evan of 1908-1909 of the tribes and people of Bontoc can now be seen in the Bontoc Museum. (taking photos are not allowed inside the museum).
Aside from the photos given, they also showcase other things that were used during their time like the knife's, arrows, kitchen utensils and many more.
The town also host the UNESCO tentatively listed Alab petroglyphs, an ancient figure carved on the mountain walls by the prehistoric people of Bontoc. They say, it is the most important ancient rock art carving in Cordillera and the Second oldest in the entire country
As agriculture helps the locals to their livelihood, the bontoc community also carved their lands and mountains to provide them crops like rice, corn and vegetables. Unlike Sagada, Ifugao, Banaue and nearby towns of the cordillera known as the mountain province. Bontoc, underrated started and continuously developing to boost their tourism. One of which is their man made terraces in Maligcong. Maligcong road is the key to visually inspire tourists to its Rice terraces, Mt. Fato, Mt. Kupapey and Alab petroglyphs.
But going to Maligcong is a heart pounding drive if you are on a private car because of its stiff roads and falling rocks. A 4x4 vehicle is the best tool to have for transportation as most part of it are still under construction. As per Ms. Suzette, Local of bontoc and the owner of Suzette Homestay. There are more or less a thousand who represents their community and only has one elementary school with 76 pupils.
With almost zero crime rate, It is safe to say that the town of Bontoc is not just the “gateway” going to Sagada or other nearby towns, but it also gives a breath taking view, tourist spots, safety to people and one of the places that gives sources of coffee.
By the way there are three entries to visit Bontoc and the mountain province which are Tagudin-Cervantes Road via Besang Pass, Baguio to Bontoc via Halshema Highway and the farthest option is Banaue to Sagada road. I had a chance to travers bontoc via Halsema Highway once announced to be one of the dangerous roads in the entire world, and going back to manila by Cervantes road. Both road gave me a remarkable, thrilling and heart stopping experience just to see its scenic views, remote areas and hazardous roads,Stiff and dangerous. all three highway system must be taken seriously by riders who wants to visit the skirts of Luzon's Mountain Province.
A Side trip to Sagada. As we are discovering the beauty of bontoc we also went to Coffee Heritage in Sagada to know more about coffee industry in Mt. Province.
The Coffee Heritage House, won 3rd place in an international competition in Paris and the first coffee themed hotel/house in Sagada. A coffee shop that gives a tasteful and sumptuous delicacy. You get to taste their famous SGD coffee for FREE if you order anything from their menu. They also have lodging for travelers who wants to stay overnight. Price starts from P700- P1600. Bunkers bed with common CR to Private rooms. All rooms includes FREE continental breakfast. Everything is nice and clean. All employees are friendly. and It is a must visit place!
They also have branch in Manila, For reservation:
Contact no. (632) 215 57 08/+63917 837 38 35
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