Author Archives: Björn

Camp Life

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Here we were at the viewpoint overlooking the crater lake of Mt.Pinatubo – amazing and fully rewarding after the hike.

We still had plenty of time until sunset – so most of the group made their way down to the beach of the lake (probably a vertical 50m down, reached through a set of stairs). For me however this was not an option at this stage – with a hurting and by now well swollen ankle. So I made it to our paramedic instead, who took well care of me (cooling and proper bandage). Given the overnight nature of our trip, it was an official requirement, to have a paramedic, to come along with each group … I guess, they usually don’t have too much do – – well, this one was in business.

After sunset we got together for a game of cards (UNO pocket, courtesy of REWE) – soon after which dinner was served (some real nice fried bangus, grilled chicken, a pork dish, vegetables and rice). Dessert was do-it-yourself style, with a bonfire, marshmallows and sticks provided. To wash things down, we shared a bottle of gin as well (which turned out to be my last alcohol for the next week).

Most were in bed (or should I say tent and sleeping bag) around 21:00; it had been a strenuous day and also temperatures now had dropped quiet a bit. Also chances for star-gazing were limited, with clouds going through constantly.

Over night it got quiet windy and from within the tent it sounded, as if some heavy rain was going through as well – in the morning though, there was no sign of moist all around – – it turned out, the sound of rain was indeed the sound of the trees in the wind.

Breakfast was a basic affair – but then few things beat a toast with peanut butter and a banana for breakfast, when there is a busy day ahead … and indeed the walk back to base was still ahead of us.

In Baguio

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We made it into Baguio in the late afternoon. After some time to freshen up, the group did come together again for a walking tour around town.

With our hotel right next to Burnham Park, we passed by the same, to then immerse ourselves into the streets of the city. The main attraction here were the jeepneys all around – all of them very colorful (much more so, than anywhere else, we had been to so far – incl. Manila), often themed, many a piece of art – and always with the one or other reference to the bible.

We eventually made it to Baguio’s massive market – one of the bigger markets of the Philippines. We passed through the various departments and also got to try the one or other item. We continued to the town’s main church -the Cathedral of Our Lady of Atonement, before heading for a posh dinner in what (supposedly) is the best restaurant in town.

It had been another long day, most in the group were tired – so we called it a day after dinner and a visit to the local SM supermarket.

The high Road to Baguio

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After our day of action in and around Sagada, we were back on the road today, to make the good 160km to Baguio. The drive along high and curvy mountain roads in the end took us a good five hours of pure driving time.

With this drive we were finally leaving mountain province, with our first stop at the sign and viewpoint. We continued on the high road – with our next stop at the highest point in the Filipino highway system at 7400ft / 2250m above sea level (according to the sign) near Cattubo, Benguet – a perfect spot for a lunch break …

… and later on for an introduction to one of the more questionable specialties of Filipino cuisine – balut (essentially a fertilized, boiled egg with an embryo inside). Well – I skipped (as did everyone else in the group), balut was just pushing it too far …

More from around Sagada

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From the waterfall we made it back up to the main street and a little cafe for lunch (which turned out to be the slowest meal of the whole trip – – but then likely also the freshest, as the vegetables literally had to be taken from the field after our order).

In the afternoon we rented a jeepney and had an interesting (and also somewhat weird / random) drive around some of the other attractions of town.

The starting point was at a weaving mill (with not too much to see – at least for my taste), then on to a pottery. The pottery turned out interesting, as they did not leave it with the normal explanations – but then also gave everyone (who was interested) a try with some clay at the wheel. Never having done pottery myself before, I have to say, it was interesting to actually feel the clay getting into shape.

The pottery was followed by a drive through the area with stops at various viewpoints and at Lake Danum.

The late afternoon then got us back to burial culture – we were now heading for Lumiang Cave, another burial site – with coffins attached to the cave walls.

Overall it had been a worthwhile day with a great variety of activities, plus we were lucky with the weather as well. Dinner at the yogurt place was well earned – as were the ten hours of sleep the night after 😉 .

From Hanging Coffins …

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Today was another active day … that we spent exploring the vicinity of Sagada.

We kicked it off for an all day hike connecting the major attractions of tows. The first stop was at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin and from here on to the cemetery and then down into Echo Valley for an introduction to the local burial culture (though burial might not be the right word here).

Traditionally in Sagada coffins are not buried, but are in some way attached to the rock face, for instance at a cliff, but also in caves. The idea here is, to allow the deceased to be closer to heaven, while at the same time keep their remains away from the ground and away from any animals.

Bangaan Rice Terraces

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On our way back to Banaue we took a slight detour, to get a view of another village with its unique, this bowl-shapped, rice terraces.

The rice terraces of Bangaan are – as the ones in Batad – part of the UNESCO world heritage Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras.

From here it was back to Banaue – and back to civilization (including a hot shower), gin and some incredible magic with coke bottles 😉 .

Walk to Tappiya Falls

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Per the itinerary the walk to the falls should have happened yesterday afternoon. Though with the rain all afternoon we decided, to defer the walk to this morning.

We left the guesthouse after breakfast and – once more – made our way through the amphitheater criss-crossing the rice terraces, to then descent down towards the river (the same river, that we had a dip in two days back in Cambulo) and then following the path upstream, until we reached the waterfall. Overall a walk (one-way) of about 2km.

At the falls there was again an option for a quick dip / swim (I was in up to my knees) – followed by the walk back – this time up (about 200m of elevation gain overall).

After a quick lunch in the guesthouse we took our packs and left Batad and got onto the trail leading out of Batad, to cover a good km until we hit the road and changed back to our jeepney.