Discover the best tourist spots in Mountain Province including the best things to do in this unique destination!
Mountain Province brands itself as the only province in the entire country with an English name. But there is more to that. Along with its rather peculiar name, Mountain Province offers unique destinations worthy of appreciation and further exploration.
From cascading waterfalls, mystic lakes, towering peaks, mossy forests, uncharted rivers, to sacred graves, hot springs, rice terraces, and many more. There is so much to see and experience here.
Take note. Most of the tourist spots mentioned here are off-beaten, meaning, they are not spoiled by the damaging impacts of mass tourism. Now, here are the top 20 must-see tourist spots in Mt Province.
SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Behold Tourist Spots in Mountain Province
1. Mt. Amuyao
Mt. Amuyao in Barlig rises to more than 2, 702-2,862 MASL, making it one of the highest peaks in the Philippines. Thick mossy and pine forests cover the mountain slopes, providing a haven for endemic and endangered species such as deer, wild pigs, cloud rats, and civet cats.
While atop, one can have a panoramic view of the mountain ranges of Sadanga, Sagada, Bontoc, Bauko, as well as the provinces of Kalinga and Ifugao. The distant plains of Cagayan Valley are also visible.
During the early morning, a breathtaking sea of clouds occasionally appears. Stunning views of sunrise and sunset best complement these. Mt. Amuyao remains one of the most popular hiking tourist spots in Mountain Province.
- Entrance Fee: Php 25 per person
- Barangay Fee: Php 50 per person
- Guide Fee: Php 1,500 for a group with a maximum of 5 persons
- Jump-off Point: Brgy Macalana, Barlig
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
- Contact: Ms. Jansen Focad, Tourism Officer ( 09264004717 )
2. Mt. Binaratan
Mt. Binaratan in Maducayan, Natonin boasts of pristine ecological wonders. Dipterocarp and mossy forests cover its slopes. These host various species of endangered wildlife species such as hornbill, and monkeys. According to locals, Mt. Binaratan’s summit is devoid of any bird’s sounds.
Legend says that when Kabunian descended on Mt Binaratan to hunt, he was disturbed by the chirping of the birds. He then ordered them to keep silent. Until today, one can barely hear of birds’ chirp though you can see them flying around.
It takes around six to seven hours to reach the peak of the mountain from Maducayan village. It measures around 1,800 MASL. This remains, however, to be one of the least known tourist spots in Mountain Province.
- Entrance Fee: None
- Barangay Fee: None
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Jump-off Point: Brgy Maducayan, Natonin
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
3. Mabarotbot Boiling Mud
These are pools of bubbling mud found in barangay Bantay in Paracelis. According to legends, the pools are the remnants of a sunken village. Thus, the locals believe that they are inhabited by unseen spirits/deities. These stories portray the richness of Mountain Province culture.
A government study, however, showed that the bubbling properties of the mud are caused by methane.
To get here, one needs to hop on a ride for about an hour from the town center and later on, take a few minutes’ walk from the road.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Bantay, Paracelis
4. Fowa-as Falls
Considered as the highest in Sadanga, Fowa-as falls cascades on a very wide and deep pool for more than 75 meters. The falls is named after a local farmer named Fuwaas.
According to a story, Fuwaas was fixing an irrigation dike above the falls when he accidentally fell down. Surprisingly, he managed to survive and the falls was named in remembrance of him.
The trail leading to Fowa-as falls cuts across beautifully-carved rice terraces. The waters are icy-cold and crystal-clear. Beautiful and gigantic rock formations provide a more stunning view of Fowa-as falls.
Today, it is one of the most tourist spots in Mountain Province.
- Entrance Fee: None
- Jump-Off Point: Brgy Belwang, Sadanga
- Trekking Time: 30 minutes
- Guide Fee: Donation
5. 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.
The adjacent Mt Kupapey provides the best view of these terraces. From here, the Maligcong Terraces appear like circular and winding cascades.
Springs and creeks emanating from the same mountain also irrigate the terraces all year round. The best time to view them is during the early morning.
Apart from the stunning sunrise, a breathtaking sea of clouds often forms and casts a dramatic view of Maligcong Rice Terraces. It is now one of the most famous tourist spots in Bontoc, Mountain Province.
- Entrance Fee: Php 50 per person
- Guide Fee: Php 500 for a group with a maximum of five pax
- Extra Sights to See: Mt Kupapey, Mt Fato, Lipnok Falls
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province
6. Mt. Kalawitan
Mt Kalawitan rises to more than 2, 714 MASL. It is also one of the highest peaks in the Philippines. The primary jump-off point is Apa Camp Site of Sabangan.
However, some hikers take the trailhead from Talubin, Bontoc. Nevertheless, both trails offer rewarding sceneries of the mountains and forests.
While atop, one can gaze on mountain views of Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and the distant Cagayan Valley. The similarly-imposing Mt Amuyao can also be seen here.
To reach the summit, you will be hiking across pine and mossy forests. Bamboo grasses also abound. The mountain depicts a part of Mountain Province history.
- Jump-Off Point/s: Talubin, Bontoc & Poblacion, Sabangan
- Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
7. Tagpeo Falls
Tagpeo 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.
It is around 80 meters high. If you are coming from barangay Aguid, you will need to hike for more than five hours to reach the falls.
Expect to walk on dense forests but certainly, the rustic view of the mountains are rewarding. If you follow the brook upstream, several other waterfalls are also found.
- Location/Jump-off: Besao, Mountain Province
8. Paradise Falls
Paradise falls cascades like heavenly-drizzles from the heavens. You might be wondering why it is named as such. It is one of the iconic tourist spots in Bauko, Mountain Province.
Well, according to the tourism officer, one feels like in paradise upon visiting the falls. Indeed, the pine-scented breeze wafting around and the caressing mists that the falls exude make it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventurers.
Paradise falls measures more than 30 meters high. It has small pools, fit for swimming. Oh, do stand by the base of the falls and let it give you a shower you will never forget.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Monamon Norte, Bauko, Mountain Province
9. Mt. Mog-ao
Mt. Mog-ao stands majestically amidst the rolling plains, making it one of the popular tourist spots in Tadian, Mountain Province. It is a visible landmark in almost every barangay. 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. If you are viewing from barangay Pandayan, Mt Mogao resembles the shape of a “Sleeping Lady.”
- Location/Jump-off: Tadian, Mt Province
10. 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. Beautiful mossy forests also surround the lake.
The best time to visit is during the early morning. This is when the sun’s rays strike the lake and cast a mystifying view. You would feel like you are on a time standing still.
To get here, you need to hike for more or less two hours from sitio Pennantiw at barangay Lingoy. If you are coming from barangay Latang, the hike takes more or less four hours.
- Entrance Fee: Php 25
- Guide Fee: Php 600 for a group with a maximum of 5 pax
- Jump-off Point: Barlig, Mountain Province
- Trekking time: 2-4 hours
11. Humuyyo Falls
Humuyyo falls is considered as the tallest waterfall in Bontoc, measuring more than 40 meters high. Its icy-cold waters come from the mossy forests upstream.
The falls has no pools for swimming. So, visitors can simply position at its base while its waters provide a soothing massage. This is a perfect locals’ getaway since it is just near the capital town of Bontoc, Mountain Province.
- Entrance Fee: None
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Jump-off Point: Talubin, Bontoc, Mt Province
- Trekking Time: 30 minutes
12. Enchanted Eels
These mystical creatures continue to attract the interests of tourists and travelers. They are found on springs at barangays Cagubatan and Lenga. The locals consider them sacred, believing that they are connected to the spirit world.
One story tells of a local who tried poisoning the eels but his attempt did not take effect. He died afterwards. The eels are said to be choosy. They only come out for viewing with the use of a whistle or bait. Their length of exposure also depends on the person watching them.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Cagubatan, Tadian, Mountain Province
13. Angoten Cave
This uncharted cave is named after Angoten who got lost inside and found his way to Sagada. Angoten cave feeds a river leading to Fuwaas Falls.
Inside, one can find beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. Only a limited portion of the cave is explored by the locals.
To get here, you need to hike for about an hour from the community of Belwang. You will be trailing on an irrigation canal and upon reaching the river, expect to climb over and jump across big boulders before you can finally see the entrance of Angoten Cave.
- Entrance Fee: None
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Jump-off Point: Brgy Belwang, Sadanga, Mountain Province
- Trekking Time: 1-2 hours
14. Mainit Hot Spring
These steamy hot springs are a popular getaway of the locals and even a growing number of tourists. Their sulfuric waters provide the therapeutic healing effect to those who dip on them.
To date, there are two resorts catering to those who want to stay overnight. These hot springs depict the presence of volcanic mountains around barangay Mainit.
Definitely, proper marketing would lead this as one of the premium tourist spots in Mountain Province.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Mainit, Bontoc, Mountain Province
15. Natonin Rice Terraces
Natonin hosts the longest and most extensive rice terraces in the country. Among its locally-known terraces are those found in Apatan, Lamayen, and Tonglayan.
Mount To-or, a small forested hill, provides the best views of these. Unlike the famous terraces of Banaue or Maligcong, Natonin’s terraces are built on gentle slopes.
Numerous brooks from the mountains irrigate these terraces all year round. They are also visible all along the national highway traversing Natonin from barangay Banao to Poblacion.
- Entrance Fee: None
- Guide Fee: Not Necessary
- Location/Jump-off: Natonin, Mountain Province
16. Mapesak Falls
Mapesak is one of the most pristine yet least known falls in Mountain Province. It is located deep in the ancestral forests of Lias. It has two layers, however, only the first layer is readily visible upon reaching the site.
Due to its strong water volume, it created a wide and very deep pool which reflects the dense forests around.
To get here, you need to hike on hunter’s trails for more than a day. Along the way, you will catch sight of the diverse flora and fauna of Lias including the critically-endangered Rafflesia flowers and giant lauan trees.
The surrounding brooks and river teem with marine species especially chalet (river eels).
- Entrance Fee: None
- Status: Need to consult local officials before visiting
- Jump-Off Point: Lias, Barlig, Mountain Province
- Trekking time: 8 hours
17. Pongas Falls
Pongas falls is one of the off-beaten tourist spots in Sagada, Mountain Province. It is a twin falls with small pockets of pools. The falls measures around 40 meters high. To get here, one needs to hike for about an hour from the community proper.
The trail passes along rice terraces, an irrigation canal, and forested vegetation. Yes, the trail presents challenges, thus, extra care and endurance are entailed.
But don’t fret, the trail offers rewarding sceneries before you can finally glimpse of majestic Pongas Falls.
- Entrance Fee: Php 50
- Barangay Fee: Php 10
- Guide Fee: Php 600 for a group with a maximum of 10 pax
- Jump-off Point: Brgy Ankileng, Sagada, Mountain Province
- Trekking Time: 1 hour
18. Bontoc Museum
What are the arts and crafts of Mountain Province? That’s something you’ll know when visiting the Bontoc Museum.
Bontoc Museum showcases the authentic and diverse culture of the different tribes of Mountain Province including those of Ifugao, Kalinga, and Abra.
It houses various artifacts, old photos, weaving materials, farming tools, indigenous armaments such as spears, and many more. There is also an outdoor display of Bontoc’s native houses, built out of cogon grass and stonewalls.
If you are looking for a souvenir, they have a shop selling personalized t-shirts, necklaces, and beads, including books and photos. This is one of the best places to glimpse ancient Mountain Province products.
- Entrance Fee: Php 65
- Location: Within Bontoc Town Center
- Opening Time: 8:00 am -5:00pm (Mon-Sat), 3:30 pm-5:00pm (Sun)
19. Lake Angtadan
Lake Angtadan lies atop a mountain covered with mossy forests. These forests shelter numerous species of flowering plants and orchids as well as endemic fauna species.
To get here, one needs to hike for five to six hours from barangay Bekigan.
Trails are not yet fully established. Only a few hunters and locals are able to glimpse of its beauty. This lake also feeds a brook leading to barangay Saclit, providing water for its rice terraces.
This is one of the remotest tourist spots in Mountain Province.
- Entrance Fee: None
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Jump-off: Brgy Bekigan, Sadanga, Mt Province
- Trekking Time: More or less a day
20. Mt. Polis
Considered as the most popular hiking destination in Bauko, Mt Polis renders a breathtaking view of the municipalities of Sagada, Sabangan, and Bontoc in Mountain Province.
Beautiful rice terraces and gigantic mountains can also be seen here.
To get to its summit, one needs to trek for about an hour from the road. During the early morning, an entrancing sea of cloud formations occasionally appears.
To date, the mountain is among the fast-rising tourist spots in Mountain Province.
- Location/Jump-off: Bauko, Mt Province
- Trekking Time: 1 hours
Where to Stay in Bontoc, Mountain Province?
Among the budget-friendly and popular options are:
- Archog Hotel and Restaurant
- Mountain Hotel and Restaurant
- Churya-an Hotel
- New Bontoc Hotel
- Walter Clapp Hotel and Restaurant
Where to Stay in Sagada, Mountain Province?
Among the popular options are:
- Sagada Heritage Village
- Agape Log Cabin and Restaurant
- Sagada Salt and Pepper Inn and Restaurant
- Coffee Heritage House and Hostel
- Treasure Rock Inn and Resto Bar
- Rice Homestay
For your information
If you need further information that may help in setting up your itinerary to the tourist spots in Mountain Province, simply ask them in the comment section below.
You can also message us on our Facebook page namely, Daniel’s Eco-Travels. I will be more than glad and willing to answer them whenever I can:)
mt. Binaratan is in Kalinga sir. not in natonin
VINARATAN IS IN MAJUKAYONG AND MAJUKAYONG IS PART OF NATONIN ALTHOUGH IT IS BOUNDED BY DAKALAN, THE SLOPING PART WHERE KAVUNYEN ORDERED THE BIRDS TO BE QUIET IS ON THE MAJUKAYONG SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, BUT IT IS A PART OF THE GRAND CORDILLERA AND THE PRESERVATION OF VINARATAN IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Hi can you I please gather some info about your travels in Sadanga Mt. Province