3 / 5 - One review
How to get there
1hr by Jeepney from Sagada or 2hrs from Banaue
When to go
From October to May
Minimum stay
Half a day
Bontoc (The Philippines)
©
Nicolas Hillaire
Practical information on Bontoc
Reviews of Bontoc
One of the main mountain towns, it's a practical rather than interesting place to stop.
My suggestion:
Bear in mind that the Jeepneys only set off once they've got a certain number of passengers. Things run smoothly in the early morning, but later on it can get a bit chaotic! You could find yourself faced with a long wait.
My review
Situated in the middle of the mountain range, it sits on the crossroads between Sagada to the west, Banaue and Batad to the south and other interesting attractions to the northeast. It's also the only town in the region where you'll find a cash machine.
I stopped there several times, so I could catch links to surrounding towns. I didn't stay longer than needed, but Bontoc, with its 3,500 inhabitants, has a lot of welcoming craft workshops and is choc-a-block with all types of tricycles.
Whilst waiting for a bus, I had time to whizz around Bontoc's museum - an fascinating visit if you're on a cultural holiday. It has some superb black and white photos and various displays about the headhunters (the gruesome kind!!) who lived (or still live?) in the region.
©
Arthur Joffrin
