Majestic Mayoyao, Ifugao

MAYOYAO, Ifugao, is not an easy place to visit. Located 381 kilometers north of Manila in the heart of the Cordillera, and with no direct transportation available, most tourists simply stop in Banaue or Sagada to claim that they have explored the highlands of the north. But for intrepid travelers and the unhurried, Mayoyao offers a wonderful experience of exploring its hidden attractions, meeting its people, and learning more about its heritage and culture.

Apfo'or burial tomb Playing the traditional flute Mayoyao ritual dances Mayoyao for the unhurried n Rice terraces

It boasts one of the five rice terraces of the Philippines included in the list of Unesco World Heritage sites, the most extensive among the five. It has a mountain peak that challenges climbers to traverse the hidden villages of Ifugao and Mountain Province. Mayoyao also features several waterfalls with refreshing cool water and mountain parks that afford breathtaking views of the terraces.

The municipality recently introduced community-based tourism projects that allow visitors to experience and learn more about its crafts like weaving, rice wine making, and basket making, its culture and traditions like playing the gong, its unique dance rituals, its «hidhud» chants, and its unique mountain cuisine.

How to reach Mayoyao

The quickest way is to drive north via North Luzon Expressway, then Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, enter Central Luzon Link Expressway and exit from San Jose. From there, drive through Dalton Pass then continue to Solano before turning left to Balabag to enter Ifugao Province. Continue to drive to Banaue, then turn right to reach Mayoyao, which is about 42 kilometers east of Banaue. Total driving time is between 10 to 12 hours.

Another alternative is via Ramon, Isabela. The newly cemented 60-kilometer mountain road offers a scenic drive through the upper Magat River and the cornfields of Alfonso Lista.

To reach via public transport, take any bus going to Cagayan Province, alight in Santiago City, then from there take another bus or a van going to Mayoyao. Travel time from Santiago City is about four hours.

Another alternative is to take a bus going to Lagawe, and then take another