Predict the Natural Occurrence of Sea of Clouds on Philippine Mountains

Mount Pulag is known for the magnificent view of sea of clouds when at its summit. Being the tallest mountain at the island of Luzon in the Philippines, no other mountains can hinder its magnificent view. However, not all are lucky to catch the sea of clouds. So when do we usually get this sea of clouds so that we get to have a glimpse of the wondrous view while on top of these towering mountains?

The Cordillera Great Traverse

The Cordillera Great Traverse is so far the longest trail network in the Philippines traversing the highlands of the Cordillera region of the Philippine's largest island of Luzon. Covering four hundred forty four kilometers, connecting all famous mountain trails of the region including Luzon's highest and country's third, Mount Pulag.

Sagada Travel Guide

Part 9 of the Cordillera Series
How to get to Sagada and things to do 

Sagada is one of the sought after municipalities in the Mountain Province. It is the center of backpacking in the Philippines due to its topography, being on top of the mountains at 1520+ meters above sea level; many tourist spots that can only be reached through hours of trekking, climbing, and spelunking. Hotels are not available instead transient homes and hostels are the only means of accommodation in Sagada. Aside from the touristy sites, the town also reflects the rich culture of the Igorots, the natives of Sagada, and at the same time, the town also is a great place for food trippers as it provides authentic Igorot cuisines and other desserts not usually found on other parts of the country due to its cold climate. This comprehensive travel guide aims first-timers and returners alike to discover what Sagada can offer.

Adventure and Cultural Exploration - a Spelunking Experience with Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves

 Part 8 of the Cordillera Series
One of the famous activities in Sagada is spelunking. Being a town situated at about 1600 meters above sea level, it blessed with many caves. One of the sought after cave adventure will the the cave connection between the Sumaguing and the Lumiang caves. Aside from being a famous location for adventure lovers, the caves are also a ground to where the culture of our historic ancestors are prevalent. It is culture and adventure combined into one.

Food Tripping Sagada

Part 7 of the Cordillera Series
Sagada can be considered as the backpacking capital due its various sites and tourist spots that can be reached via trekking, hiking, climbing or even spelunking. As these activities consume a lot of your daytime energy, you should end your day regenerating those lost calories. Not to worry as Sagada would not disappoint you on that aspect. As you get tired of all those hours of hiking, Sagada will surprise you with its delicacies. Read more and learn about Sagada and food tripping the town.

Hanging Coffins and the Irony of the Echo Valley - when death meets life in Sagada

Part 6 of the Cordillera Series
The Echo Valley is a small ravine along the highlands near the town center of Sagada. Due to its topography, echoes are enhanced where it make sounds resonate as the valley is shaped like a large megaphone. At the bottom of the valley lies the famous Hanging Coffins of Sagada where our ancestors "bury" the dead by hanging their remains on a cliff with the belief that their loved one's spirit can reach the heavens in a faster way. Today, the valley, in spite of being eerie, reminds us of the irony of death and celebrating life.

Sagada Pottery - emotions and artistry from the hand to the clay

Part 5 of the Cordillera Series
One of the artistic expression of the of the locals of the Sagada can be seen on their pottery. Emotions and artistry are passed on from concept to their hands and to the clay and finally the artwork. Each of the pottery depicts various concepts and refinement of each of its complex designs are visible and unique among one another.

Sagada's Lake Danum Sunset

Part 4 of the Cordillera Series
We have been to the best place to greet the sunrise at Sagada which is the Kiltepan peak. How about bidding goodbye to a great day at the Cordilleras? Lake Danum is located along the western part of Sagada near the town of Besao where one can be at peace with the nature as you await the setting sun over the mountains of Ampacao.

Kiltepan Peak of the Sagada - an awesome place to greet the sunrise

Part 3 of the Cordillera Series
The Kiltepan peak is the best area to await for the sunrise in Sagada. Giving you a view of the Kiltepan Rice Terraces from below having standing on a ravine at 1640 meters above sea level, one can see how the sun rises slowly filling up the skies with an awesome play of light over the farther mountains of the Cordilleras while sea of clouds slowly drifts away from caressing the valley below.

Banaue Rice Terraces - a surreal sight of a town 1300 meters above sea level

Part 2 of the Cordillera Series

It is a dream come true. One of the surreal places in the Philippines to be at. Imagine square kilometers of mountains and valley converted by hand by Philippine ancestors to supply the tribe with their staple food even if they live at 1300 meters above sea level. A time when tools and heavy equipment is not yet available yet over the centuries, the functional agricultural masterpiece also became a work of art that the world admires. I have personally been here to fulfill a childhood dream of stepping on and seeing for myself the acclaimed National Culture Treasure of the Ifugao Rice Terraces. I was speechless as I first had a glimpse of it. I got down from our guide's transport and for the first time, I bore witness the Banaue Rice Terraces!

Discovering the Cordilleras - a mapping expedition

January 1-6, 2014
Part 1 of the Cordillera Series

You really haven't been a Filipino backpacker if you haven't trekked the Cordilleras. You could not call yourself a Filipino mountaineer if you haven't even set foot at the widest mountain range in the Philippines which is the Cordilleras. We have been to a mapping expedition to the Cordillera region starting off from Banaue, Ifugao, all the way to the top at Bontoc Mountain Province and the backpacking center of the Philippines - the Sagada. Back down to the winding roads and death-defying and picturesque view when road tripping along the Halsema highway and down to Benguet and Baguio City. This is an account of our 6-day expedition on the road to the highest winding roads of Luzon to experience the culture, the food and the people of the Cordillera Region.