By Germaine De Castro
The Province of Ifugao, which is situated in the northern part of the island of Luzon, forms part of the so-called Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), which also includes Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.
Possessing several municipalities, Ifugao showcases loads of tourism potential especially for outdoor and nature lovers out there, which has yet to be discovered, since, as per ordinary travelers, only the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the World”, is the only must-destination inside this underrated province.
One of Ifugao’s hidden masterpieces on the northern part of Ifugao is the municipality of Mayoyao, situated around 390 kilometers from the City of Manila.
For public bus riders, all Sagada-bound CODA Lines buses located at HM Transport Inc., Monte de Piedad, Corner Maryland, Cubao, in Quezon City, pass through the Ifugao province. Advance ticket reservation is highly recommended though since Sagada is a very popular tourist destination.
After travelling for around eight hours via bus, tourists must alight at the Municipal Tourism Center located in Banaue, Ifugao.
Since Mayoyao would still be 41 kilometers away, along the way, you could stop by and view the Bangaan Village and Rice Terraces in Banaue, which is one of the five rice terraces included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Arriving at the town, for first timers, it is recommended to first visit the Mayoyao Tourist Information & Assistance Center for further information regarding the place.
The Mount Nagchajan Historical Site in Barangay Chaya was the location of the last stand of the Japanese soldiers during World War II, and the Historical Markers would be the jump-off point towards the summit of Mount Nagchajan for hikers out there.
For those who want a super cold refreshing experience, drop by the Manhencha Falls in Barangay Chumang after scaling down 536 steps down a steep trail.
The trail towards the Lumaguid Stone in Barangay Balambang passes through the Buninan Rice Terraces. It is a huge boulder held by a smaller stone and is perched atop a rock that looks as if it would roll down anytime from its base.
Another waterfall area is the three-tiered Tenogtog Falls situated in Barangay Mapawoy.
The non-famous hidden town of Mayoyao may not be that magical in the minds of a common tourist, as compared to the Banaue area, but it is definitely worth the long trip.
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