BANAUE, where you can almost touch the sky

Lagud Village Learning Inn, Barangay Uhaj, Banaue, Ifugao

The province of Ifugao is home to the internationally acclaimed rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regarded by some as one of the wonders of the world, the Ifugao Rice Terraces are a living legacy of two millenniums of dedicated, painstaking hard work by the Ifugao farmers who have carved this stunning network of terraces from the mountain slopes. Superb views of rice terraces are offered in the viewpoints of Banaue, Batad, Hapao, Bangaan, Mayoyao, Pula and Cambulo. These remarkable sceneries include unspoiled waterfalls, rivers, mountains and historical sites.

The Lagud Village Learning Inn in Barangay Uhaj (silent J) in Banaue boasts of original Ifugao houses—some built as early as the 1920’s—relocated to fit snugly into a quaint complex that provides visitors with a perfect taste of the Ifugao way of life. Proceeds from the Village will help send members of the Uhaj Kabataan Youth Group to school. It is a project that not only rekindles pride in their own tradition and identity but one that also boosts their personality and confidence. Lagud means ‘spirit dwelling place’ in the Ifugao dialect. The Lagud Village Learning Inn is a place where locals and visitors learn together about the awe-inspiring heritage of the Ifugao People.

ABOUT THE TOUR

Your tour is unique

and not just a mere visit. You are to participate in

the activities of the community. The Ifugao Rice Terraces has a yearlong activity that you can take part of. These experiences make the difference in your tour. How many days to spend for your tour? Lagud Village Learning Inn offers 3-4-5-7-day-tour packages. Or you can stay for as long as a month to do cultural studies. They can also make special arrangements upon request. Your accommodation fees likewise include a tree seedling, your contribution for the community’s reforestation project.

Experience the real Ifugao!

CHOICE OF ACTIVITIES

Trekking to the terraces and waterfalls… participation in harvest festivals, planting, and land preparation activities… camping… The eco-cultural tour hopes to deepen the tourist’s appreciation of the rich Ifugao heritage through a brief immersion in the terraces communities and their way of life. Likewise, the tour program is designed to help the terraces’ stakeholders by form of guide fees, honoraria to cultural performers, patronage of local foods and souvenirs.

Room Rates:

P450/person on twin sharing*

No a/c (you won’t need it anyway)

With common hot and cold shower

Cultural Show Fee: (5 shows) P2,500*

*subject to change without prior notice

Visit Lagud Now!

Manila - Felimon Tayaban 09287088440

Baguio - Santos Bayucca 09052444156 or 09164512604

Ifugao - Melchor Bungallon 09179643903

Email: lagud_uhaj@yahoo.com / ifugaohandi@yahoo.com

www.jica-ngo.ph

www.geocities.jp/aozora2007aps/

How to get there

www.gvfloridatransport.com

Florida Bus +63.2.7433809/+63.2.7815894

Or Auto Bus Tel: +63.2.7358098; Fax: +63.2.7432227

PALAWAN FOR BACKPACKERS

Coron, Palawan

The island town of Coron is located in the northern part of the Palawan archipelago. It is characterized by limestone cliffs, lagoons and brackish hot springs. Visit Barracuda Lake, Kayangan Lake and the Twin Lagoons located within the ancestral domains of the island’s indigenous people. Go island hopping, snorkeling, shipwreck diving and picnicking at the Mainit Hot Spring. Have an adventure packed day exploring Coron or hop on a local transport to the nearby Calauit Game Reserve for a safari experience.

Where to stay: Kokosnuss (+63-919-4487879, info@kokosnuss.info) owned by a European who fell in love with Palawan, they offer an interesting weekend package— fullboard/6meals, early check-in and late check-out that jives with the schedule of the Superferry from Manila bound for Puerto Princessa via Coron.

How to get there from Manila: by sea (Supperferry), by air Asian Spirit, Seair, Air Philippines

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

The city capital of Palawan province, Puerto Princesa is home to amazing natural attractions: pristine beaches and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park (the underground river) which is enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. City hotels offer side trips to these places at really affordable prices. The city is also the jump-off point to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tubbataha Reef. This dive site, which can only be reached on a live-aboard accommodation, is said to be the center of the world’s marine biodiversity. Other interesting places in the city include the Honda Bay, Butterfly Farm, Crocodile Farm, Mitra’s Farm, Iwahig Penal Colony (prison without bars), and the city’s best restaurant, Ka Lui’s. Don’t forget to buy cashew nuts!

Where to stay: Dos Palmas Arreceffi Island Resort, Legend Hotel, Fleuris Hotel

How to get there from Manila: by sea (Supperferry), by air Philippines Airlines, Seair, Asian Spirit, Air Philippines

Personal Note: The ideas expressed in this article are the author's own opinion and may only be applicable during the time of her travel. To confirm, kindly re-check through the internet or by directly contacting the hotel/airline/park. Have a nice trip!