When you are in the mountain province you will have the unobstructed and serene view of mountains upon mountains, smell the fresh air sweetly scented by the pine trees; take a dip in the ice cold water in one of the lagoons, be captivated by the colorfully woven native costumes and see one of the most sought after tourist attractions…the hanging coffins on the steep, precipitous cliff walls.

Mountain Province is considered to be one of the most interesting places to tour these days, not only because of its spectacular views but also because of the culture and tradition of the people that remained untouched by the Spanish and American influence.
Mountain Province with Bontoc as its capital, is tagged as “Weavers Paradise” as different weaving centers would create unique designs that indicate the province’s cultural heritage. The interesting culture of the Igorots coupled with the creepy and mystic tourist spots have made this province one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country. One culture example is the Dap-ay where old men from a tribe sits around and discusses the politics of the whole community. The underground streams of the Sagada Caves with its natural ice cold water pools and shimmering stalactite and stalagmite formations are definitely a must-see. In Sumaging Cave, also known as the big cave, you will be amazed at the sheer magnificence of the larger than life rock formations that are named like the rice granary, the cauliflower, the kings, curtains and the dancing hall. Another weird point of interest is a stone with footprints said to be footprints of Lumauig, the god of the Igorots. Near the footprints is Paikot Aso, a stone that looks like a sleeping dog.

The Alab Petroglyph is a giant rock etched with bows and arrows and human beings. It is believed that the inscriptions portray fertility rites. Others though, believe that the human beings were the warriors buried in the caves. The Cagubatan enchanted eels that thrive in the spring can not be eaten as they are considered sacred by the people. Centuries old hanging coffins on sheer limestone karts cliffs in Sagada is a mute testimony of the people’s mystic past. It would be interesting to note that only married people with children can be buried this way.
Nature loving tourists will surely be awed by the Rice Terraces that were reputed to be hand made by the Igorots centuries ago from rocks and mud that were carted from river beds. This man made mini stairways to the sky is a favorite tourist destination as it is considered as one of the 8 wonders of the world.
Mountain Province is a world famous tourist destination. Accommodations will not be a problem as bed and breakfast guest houses abounds. Also, hotels have very competitive prices. A tourist though would need to have reservations especially during the summer months when tourism is at its peak.

Mountain Province, just like any province in the Philippines has their own share of festivals. The most celebrated though is the week long Lang-ay Festival that features street dancing competitions, agro-industrial fairs, sports competitions and indigenous games like pounding rice competition.

Tags: Bontoc, Igorots, Lang-ay Festival, mountain province, Sagada Caves