Tags: Indigenous Culture, Natural Wonders
By KC Santos
HUNGDUAN, IFUGAO – Ifugao might have been once part of Mountain Province but one of the mountains found here has a charm unmatched by other natural wonders found in these lands.
Eight hours away from Banaue is the town called Hungduan, which was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site for its breathtaking rice terraces. The view from this part of the mountain range is a reward in itself but trekkers stretch their trips longer to traverse Mount Napulauan via Mount Hapao.
Especially during the last quarter of the year – April is warmest while January is coldest – a trekking activity in the Mountain Province requires physical readiness.
In Sagada alone where majority of the terrains are already paved, the cold weather makes trekking to the terrains extra challenging physically, thus the term “cardiac trek.”
Trekkers often commit to the physical demands of climbing mountains because they are motivated to learn about the indigenous culture of the people with whom they cross paths with and most especially to enjoy a breathtaking sunset and sunrise from the mountain’s summit.
A trek to Mt. Napulauan usually takes three days including stopovers and camping. The trek begins with trekkers being asked to register in the jump-off point in Hungduan before they can start the three hour trek to the Ny-O camp site.
The grueling eight-hour trek commences on the second day. The mossy forests and lush foliage found along the way redirect the trekker’s attention from the heart-burning walk to the magnificent natural landscape.
Mountains in this region are mostly similar in terrain. Trekkers are advised to pack their lunch since the long trek avails them very little time to stop for quick meals and rests until they are able to reach the summit of Mt. Napulauan at 7, 354 feet.
Depending on the weather, the view from the summit is often blocked by thick fog. This eventually clears out by daybreak and shows the rest of the mountains, rivers and valleys surrounding the mountain.
Experienced climber Pinoy Mountaineer shares that his climb to Mt. Napulauan was “one of the most epic and unforgettable adventures” he has ever experienced.
Trooping down from Mt. Napulauan through Mt. Hapao is just as strenuous as the ascent. Ferdz Decena of Ironwulf.net writes that his trek to Mt. Hapao was more pleasant with well-manicured pavements and a view of the wonderful pattern of the rice fields.
The long walk from Mt. Napulauan ends with a rented jeepney ride back to Banaue from the foot of Mt. Hapao. Before heading back to Manila, try dropping by the souvenir stores located here.
If you’re the kind of extreme adventurer who has no problem stretching your physical limits, Mt. Napulauan in Hungduan is the ultimate place you should trail on next time.
How to get there:
Hire a jeepney from Banaue town proper that will take you to Hungduan. From the registration booth at the satellite station in Hungduan, trek guides will be readily assisting trekkers through the entire trek.
(Photos used with permission from Abi Santos)
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