Hot springs and rice terraces of Bontoc

Warm weathered Bontoc abounds with natural endowments from hot springs, rice terraces, woodland paths to expansive viewpoints.

Mainit Hot Springs is found at barangay Mainit of northern Philippines. Sulfuric waters are used for bathing and cure for skin diseases. Located 18 kilometers from the main town of Bontoc, one reaches Mainit Hot Springs after a 30 minute ride from the capital town. Around the vicinity of the hot springs are traditional abodes accented by few modern buildings. Jeepneys to Mainit are available at Bontoc Poblacion.

If you love expansive views, here are standpoints to behold the winding Chico river and an expanse of Bontoc Ili. You may take your position at Pagturaw Viewpoint, or at Mt Polis Viewpoint.

From these viewpoints, you will take a good view of the Bayyo, Maligcong and Kadchog rice terraces carved out of the energetic and ingenious hands of the Bontoc people. Displaying indigenous engineering durability, these rice terraces are constructed with stones piled on top of the other. For centuries, rice terraces irrigated from waters cascading down mountains slopes serve as source of rice and camote.

The perfect combination of ecological balance and food sustainability added with practical aesthetic design all add up to the harmonious relationship of nature and man to this naturally endowed village.

Jeepneys are available at the Bontoc Poblacion to reach Maligcong and Bayyo rice terraces. Or you may prefer to walk. Kadchog Rice Terraces which can be reached within an hour hike from Poblacion Bontoc. Kadchog rice terraces spanning 12 hectares can be found northwest of Bontoc and can be reached via a 30 minute jeepney-ride from Bontoc Ili.

Bayyo rice Terraces is reached after a 45 minute ride by bus or jeep. Covering at least 10 hectares of Bayyo, the rice terraces are landscaped from the mountain peaks which gradually ax down the river. To the nature trekker, the woodland paths of Guinaang – Dalican, Bontoc -Dalican, Bontoc Cane-o, and Mainit-Maligcong passes through rice terraces and rolling hills.

Mountain climbing at Mount Polis is best anytime of the year.Mt Polis is a contested mountain range situated between Banaue, Ifugao and Bayyo Bontoc. The mountain peak is a lush watershed which supplies irrigation water to the rice fields of Hungduan, Ifugao, Viewpoint and Bayyo Bontoc. Birds of rare species are found here.

River rafting along the Chico river is best from June to August when waters come soft to uncompromising. River rafting while it poses a water sport for Mt Province, is not that popular save for some tourists and locals who go kayaking occasionally. You can refer to my other posts about Bontoc in this site.

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Photo credit: Mainit Hot springs