Mt. Cauitan Exploration - Trekking a Cross-Provincial Peak

March 30,2018: Six in a group, we head out on a cold chilly morning guided by one of the community leaders of Belwang. A former councilor, hunter and surveyor of mountain boundaries but now he just wants to tend to his agricultural equipment and grandchildren. 

Mt. Cauitan lies on the boarder of Mt. Province and Kalinga, it is the highest peak of both provinces. 

Rice terraces here are a beauty to behold, along with the waterfalls, caves and lakes. The area of pine forest here are large that you don't need for an umbrella when trekking, except when your still on the rice paddies.

The highest walkway concrete bridge so far that i have set foot on.

The emerald pool water of Eking Waterfall.

Look on to these scenic views yourselves.

Bunker houses in the middle of nowhere and the place is not even a tourist spot, but one thing for sure, Igorot people are diligent and hardworking. Just imagine the hardship they've endured to bring these materials and build this up in the mountain.

Along came the clouds as early as 2:00PM in an elevation above 2000MASL.

The mossy forest of Mt. Cauitan where we camped.

Withing the mossy forest lies the Trail of White Orchid.

The remains of wild boar skull.

The summit with the Team at 2563 MASL.

 The Team, the trail, the camaraderie, the smile.......

Amazing scenery, tranquility and an experience you're unlikely to forget...

Belwang - A Community High Above The Clouds

A long weekend is an opportunity for every backpacker and mountaineer to head to their planned or favorite destination. I have been eyeing for this small community in Mountain Province way beforemy Mt. Mingan exploration in Aurora. So elusive that i could not find any contact person to get across my visit. Courage is boundless as they say and even if we don't have a contact, we still pushed this adventure and believe that challenges have a purpose to refine your personality.

When in Baguio, Slaughter house terminal is the best option i think when going to Bontoc-Belwang. Note that there are no direct transpo to Belwang. Here, while waiting for the mini bus you can eat at the bulaluhan restos just adjacent to the terminal.

   

In Bontoc, there are 2 terminal going to Sadanga, Vans in front of Central School (limited schedule) and Jeeps beside the Polytechnic College. You heard me right, it is not Belwang because this is just your drop off point and you still need to walk around 7 kms up to the mountain to reach the community at 1200 MASL.

Picture taken behind Belwang Elementary School overlooking Sadanga Town.

Belwang Elementary School

If you see locals carrying a pig, it's either there is mourning or wedding in the community. The animal will end on dinner plates, but most of the time carabao's meat are served.

Carabao horns, Deer skull and antler are normal house decor, a prestige to their culture and a basis for their hunting achievements.

The climate is cold here, you can sit on the GI rooftop sheets without worrying about your arses.

What's in store for the visitors of Belwang?

Their beautiful rice terraces....

and the magnificent Fowa-as Falls, an hour hike from the village.

Thank you so much to the family that opened their house and took care us in Belwang.