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All you need to know about the Mountain Province.



About Mountain Province

Mountain Province is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Its capital is Bontoc. The town is also known for its limestone caves that served as burial grounds during the pre-Christian Sagada era.

Mountain Province in the Philippines

Mountain Province became a special province of the Philippines in 1907. It was made up of the sub-provinces of Bontoc-Lepanto, Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao and Kalinga.

Loading...

Mountain Province in Details

The following are a few useful and interesting details about this province:
  • Location: 17°05′N 121°10′E
  • Year Founded: 1908
  • Capital: Bontoc
  • Area: 2,157.38 km2 (832.97 sq mi)
  • Population: 158,200
  • Density: 72/km2 (190/sq mi)
  • Division: Luzon
  • Region: CAR
  • Cities & Towns: 10 Towns (Municipalities)
  • Demonym(s): Bontoc
  • Elevation: (Mount Singakalsa) 2,717 m (8,914 ft)
  • Time Zone: PST (UTC+8)
  • Zip Code: 2616–2625
  • Area code: +63 -(074)-XXX-XXXX
  • Electricity: Standard voltage is 220V. Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well.
  • Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
  • Exchange Rate: Approximately 1 USD = 50 PHP | click for exact exchange rate
  • Income Class: Fourth Class
  • Religion(s): 60% Anglicanism
  • Language(s): Bontoc, Kankana-ey, Ilocano, Tagalog, English
  • Known For: Mummy caves, hanging coffins
  • Major Industries: Agriculture, Tourism
  • Climate: Tropical
  • Best Time to Visit: November to February, March to May
  • Clothing: Casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.
  • Website: mountainprovince.gov.ph

Mountain Province Capitol in Bontoc

Before traveling, you might want to check the live weather forecast and updates to make your trip even easier and safer for you. You can also get the latest report for land traffic in Metro Manila and major parts of the Philippines.


WHAT TO PACK FOR MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

Mountain Province History

Here's a brief history and timeline for Mountain Province:


Mountain Province during Spanish period

The area of the Cordillera mountains proved difficult to control by the Spaniards. During the long Spanish rule, not much was done to bring the province under control. From 1566 to 1665, they sent expeditions to conquer the land but the rugged terrain and hostile indigenous population at the time were major obstacles to complete subjugation.

Formerly called La Montañosa by the Spanish colonizers due to its mountainous terrain, the area was subdivided into 6 comandancias politico-militar.

The 6 former Comandancias Politico-Militar of La Montañosa
  • Benguet - established in 1846
  • Amburayan - established in 1889
  • Lepanto - established in 1852
  • Kayapa - established in 1891
  • Bontoc - established in 1859
  • Cabugaoan - established in 1891


Mountain Province during American period

On August 19, 1908, during the American rule, the Philippine Commission enacted Act No. 1876, which organized the entire area of the Cordilleras into one large province, named Mountain Province.

The first governor was Samuel Cane, and the town of Bontoc was made the capital. It was originally composed of the sub-provinces of Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet, Lepanto-Bontoc, Ifugao and Kalinga

Amburayan was later abolished in 1920 and its corresponding territories were transferred to the provinces of Ilocos Sur and La Union. Lepanto was also reduced in size and its towns were integrated into the sub-provinces of Bontoc and Benguet, and to the province of Ilocos Sur.

Overlooking Bontoc, Mountain Province in 2009

Mountain Province after World War II

Effective on April 7, 1967, Republic Act No. 4695 abolished the old Mountain Province, converting its sub-provinces into 4 independent provinces: Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao and Mountain Province (corresponding to the former Bontoc sub-province).

Chico River in Bontoc

Mountain Province would have been significantly affected by the Chico River Dam Project during the Marcos dictatorship, as the Marcos administration's project would have flooded the municipalities of Sabangan, Sagada, Sadanga, Bontoc, Bauko, and parts of Barlig.

However, the indigenous peoples of Kalinga Province and Mountain Province resisted the project and when hostilities resulted in the murder of Macli-ing Dulag, the project became unpopular and was abandoned before Marcos was ousted by the 1986 People Power Revolution.

On June 15, 1987, the Cordillera Administrative Region was established upon the issuance of Executive Order 220 by then-President Corazon Aquino, and Mountain Province was made one of its provinces.

Overlooking Sagada in 2003

Religion in Mountain Province

Anglicanism predominates in the province with approximately 60% adherence with the other religions such as Roman Catholicism, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Iglesia Filipina Indepiendente, Iglesia ni Cristo and Free Believers in Christ Fellowship.

Mountain Province is the only predominantly Protestant province in the Philippines.



Mountain Province Geography

Mountain Province covers a total area of 2,157.38 square kilometres (832.97 sq mi) occupying the central section of the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. The province is bordered on the north by Kalinga, south by Ifugao, southwest by Benguet, west by Ilocos Sur, and northwest by Abra.

Situated within the Cordillera Central, Mountain Province is 83% mountainous while 17% make up hills and levels. The province has many rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and caves. The central and western areas of the province are characterized by rugged mountains and steep cliffs, while the eastern portion has generally sloping terrain.


Administrative Divisions

Mountain Province comprises ten municipalities, all encompassed by a lone legislative district.
  • Barlig
  • Bauko
  • Besao
  • Bontoc
  • Natonin
  • Paracelis
  • Sabangan
  • Sadanga
  • Sagada
  • Tadian


Rice Terraces in Mountain Province

The province has several rice terraces in seven of its different towns:
  1. Ambasing Rice Terraces — Sagada
  2. Bangaan Rice Terraces — Sagada
  3. Bangen Rice Terraces — Bauko
  4. Barlig Rice Terraces — Barlig
  5. Bayyo Rice Terraces — Bontoc
  6. Besao Rice Terraces — Besao
  7. Bontoc Poblacion Rice Terraces — Bontoc
  8. Bucas Rice Terraces — Besao
  9. Bulongan Rice Terraces — Sagada
  10. Dalican Rice Terraces — Bontoc
  11. Fidelisan Rice Terraces — Sagada
  12. Focong Rice Terraces — Sadanga
  13. Kapayawan Rice Terraces — Bauko
  14. Kiltepan Rice Terraces — Sagada
  15. Maligcong Rice Terraces — Bontoc
  16. Natonin Rice Terraces — Natonin
  17. Sadanga Rice Terraces — Sadanga
  18. Suyo Rice Terraces — Sagada
  19. Tanulong Rice Terraces — Sagada

Rice terraces in Barlig

Mountains in the Province

The mountainous province also offers excellent mountain climbing experiences with two of its mountains among the top 10 highest points in the Philippines:
  • Mount Kalawitan, 2,714+msl - Sabangan
  • Mount Amuyao or Mount Finaroy, 2,702+msl - Barlig

Cheapest Flights and Airline Tickets Online Booking

Best Time to Visit Mountain Province

If you want to experience Sagada’s cool climate, best time to visit is from November to February (wet season) when temperatures can drop to as low as 4 degrees Celsius. Dry season in Sagada is from March to May, so it can be hot and dusty. The rainy season in the Philippines starts from June to October.

The climate in this province has two general types of climate. The western portion is under Type I with two pronounced seasons; dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. The eastern portion is under Type III with season not very pronounced: relatively dry from November to April and wet for the rest of the year.



Tourist Spots to See in Mountain Province

The following is a list of points of interest relating to Mountain Province: 
  • Alab Petroglyphs
  • Bayyo Rice Terraces
  • Blue Soil Hills
  • Bokong Falls
  • Bomod-Ok (Big) Falls
  • Bontoc Museum
  • Chico River
  • Echo Valley
  • Ganduyan Museum
  • Kiltepan
  • Lake Danum
  • Lumiang Cave
  • Maligcong Rice Terraces
  • Marlboro Hill
  • Mount Ampacao
  • Mount Data National Park
  • Mount Mogao
  • Mount Polis
  • Pongas Falls
  • Road from Baguio to Bontoc
  • St. Rita Cathedral
  • Sumaguing Cave
  • The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary the Virgin
  • The Hanging Coffins Of Sagada

The Maligcong Rice Terraces



How to get to Mountain Province

The main transportation hub and the gateway to Mountain Province is Bontoc. The town connects major roads from Baguio and Banaue. Here are your options if you are traveling to Bontoc and Sagada in Mountain Province.


Manila to Bontoc and Sagada by Bus

Coda Lines and GV Florida offers several tripsweekly (if not daily) from Metro Manila to Bontoc and Sagada.

Coda Bus Manila to Bontoc Schedules Find Tickets ]


Coda Bus Manila to Sagada Schedules Find Tickets ]


Coda Bus Fares Find Tickets ]

  • Manila    - Sagada Express ₱912
  • Manila    - Sagada VIP         ₱1,176
  • Manila    - Bontoc Express ₱871
  • Manila    - Bontoc VIP         ₱1,123

GV Florida Bus Manila to Bontoc Schedules Find Tickets ]

  • Sampaloc, Manila - Bontoc, Mountain Province 8:35PM

For detailed transportation guide (private and public commuting), visit - COMMUTING TO SAGADA: Bus from Manila, Baguio & Banaue (Fares, Terminals, Schedules and Online Booking)


Manila to Bontoc and Sagada by Private Car

If you are traveling in a group and you prefer to hire a private car to take you to Sagada, you can also book here. The advantage of this is that you can travel any time of the day. However, please bear in mind that diving from Manila to Sagada (and vice versa) will take you roughly 12 hours (given that you have multiple stops along the way).

You can also use Waze or Google Maps for driving directions.


ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

Where to Stay in Mountain Province

Here are some of the hotels and resorts accommodation you book for your stay in Mountain Province:


Sagada Homestay Accommodation


Ridgebrooke Hotel and Restaurant in Bontoc



Sagada Homestay Accommodation


Isabelo's Inn and Cafe in Sagada



ALSO IN SAGADA



ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA


Festivals in Mountain Province

The following is a list of festivals celebrated in Mountain Province throughout the year:
  • Lang-ay Festival (1st week of April) – Bontoc

Jubilee dance performed by ex-headhunter Igorots between 1959 and 1961


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following are the most frequently asked questions about Mountain Province.
  • Where in the Philippines is Mountain Province located?
    Mountain Province is located on Northern Luzon.

  • Is Mountain Province a city or province?
    Mountain Province is a province.

  • What is the Capital of Mountain Province?
    The capital of Mountain Province is Bontoc.

  • What is Mountain Province famous for?
    Mountain Province is famous for mummy caves and hanging coffins.


Mountain Province Map Feedback mountain province arts and crafts mountain province religion mountain province tourist spots mountain province capital mountain province region mountain province location mountain province culture

MOUNTAIN PROVINCE: Guide to its History, Map & Tourist Spots (How to Get There and Best Time to Visit)

Mountain Province Map Feedback mountain province arts and crafts mountain province religion mountain province tourist spots mountain province capital mountain province region mountain province location mountain province culture

All you need to know about the Mountain Province.



About Mountain Province

Mountain Province is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Its capital is Bontoc. The town is also known for its limestone caves that served as burial grounds during the pre-Christian Sagada era.

Mountain Province in the Philippines

Mountain Province became a special province of the Philippines in 1907. It was made up of the sub-provinces of Bontoc-Lepanto, Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao and Kalinga.

Loading...

Mountain Province in Details

The following are a few useful and interesting details about this province:
  • Location: 17°05′N 121°10′E
  • Year Founded: 1908
  • Capital: Bontoc
  • Area: 2,157.38 km2 (832.97 sq mi)
  • Population: 158,200
  • Density: 72/km2 (190/sq mi)
  • Division: Luzon
  • Region: CAR
  • Cities & Towns: 10 Towns (Municipalities)
  • Demonym(s): Bontoc
  • Elevation: (Mount Singakalsa) 2,717 m (8,914 ft)
  • Time Zone: PST (UTC+8)
  • Zip Code: 2616–2625
  • Area code: +63 -(074)-XXX-XXXX
  • Electricity: Standard voltage is 220V. Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well.
  • Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
  • Exchange Rate: Approximately 1 USD = 50 PHP | click for exact exchange rate
  • Income Class: Fourth Class
  • Religion(s): 60% Anglicanism
  • Language(s): Bontoc, Kankana-ey, Ilocano, Tagalog, English
  • Known For: Mummy caves, hanging coffins
  • Major Industries: Agriculture, Tourism
  • Climate: Tropical
  • Best Time to Visit: November to February, March to May
  • Clothing: Casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.
  • Website: mountainprovince.gov.ph

Mountain Province Capitol in Bontoc

Before traveling, you might want to check the live weather forecast and updates to make your trip even easier and safer for you. You can also get the latest report for land traffic in Metro Manila and major parts of the Philippines.


WHAT TO PACK FOR MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

Mountain Province History

Here's a brief history and timeline for Mountain Province:


Mountain Province during Spanish period

The area of the Cordillera mountains proved difficult to control by the Spaniards. During the long Spanish rule, not much was done to bring the province under control. From 1566 to 1665, they sent expeditions to conquer the land but the rugged terrain and hostile indigenous population at the time were major obstacles to complete subjugation.

Formerly called La Montañosa by the Spanish colonizers due to its mountainous terrain, the area was subdivided into 6 comandancias politico-militar.

The 6 former Comandancias Politico-Militar of La Montañosa
  • Benguet - established in 1846
  • Amburayan - established in 1889
  • Lepanto - established in 1852
  • Kayapa - established in 1891
  • Bontoc - established in 1859
  • Cabugaoan - established in 1891


Mountain Province during American period

On August 19, 1908, during the American rule, the Philippine Commission enacted Act No. 1876, which organized the entire area of the Cordilleras into one large province, named Mountain Province.

The first governor was Samuel Cane, and the town of Bontoc was made the capital. It was originally composed of the sub-provinces of Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet, Lepanto-Bontoc, Ifugao and Kalinga

Amburayan was later abolished in 1920 and its corresponding territories were transferred to the provinces of Ilocos Sur and La Union. Lepanto was also reduced in size and its towns were integrated into the sub-provinces of Bontoc and Benguet, and to the province of Ilocos Sur.

Overlooking Bontoc, Mountain Province in 2009

Mountain Province after World War II

Effective on April 7, 1967, Republic Act No. 4695 abolished the old Mountain Province, converting its sub-provinces into 4 independent provinces: Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao and Mountain Province (corresponding to the former Bontoc sub-province).

Chico River in Bontoc

Mountain Province would have been significantly affected by the Chico River Dam Project during the Marcos dictatorship, as the Marcos administration's project would have flooded the municipalities of Sabangan, Sagada, Sadanga, Bontoc, Bauko, and parts of Barlig.

However, the indigenous peoples of Kalinga Province and Mountain Province resisted the project and when hostilities resulted in the murder of Macli-ing Dulag, the project became unpopular and was abandoned before Marcos was ousted by the 1986 People Power Revolution.

On June 15, 1987, the Cordillera Administrative Region was established upon the issuance of Executive Order 220 by then-President Corazon Aquino, and Mountain Province was made one of its provinces.

Overlooking Sagada in 2003

Religion in Mountain Province

Anglicanism predominates in the province with approximately 60% adherence with the other religions such as Roman Catholicism, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Iglesia Filipina Indepiendente, Iglesia ni Cristo and Free Believers in Christ Fellowship.

Mountain Province is the only predominantly Protestant province in the Philippines.



Mountain Province Geography

Mountain Province covers a total area of 2,157.38 square kilometres (832.97 sq mi) occupying the central section of the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. The province is bordered on the north by Kalinga, south by Ifugao, southwest by Benguet, west by Ilocos Sur, and northwest by Abra.

Situated within the Cordillera Central, Mountain Province is 83% mountainous while 17% make up hills and levels. The province has many rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and caves. The central and western areas of the province are characterized by rugged mountains and steep cliffs, while the eastern portion has generally sloping terrain.


Administrative Divisions

Mountain Province comprises ten municipalities, all encompassed by a lone legislative district.
  • Barlig
  • Bauko
  • Besao
  • Bontoc
  • Natonin
  • Paracelis
  • Sabangan
  • Sadanga
  • Sagada
  • Tadian


Rice Terraces in Mountain Province

The province has several rice terraces in seven of its different towns:
  1. Ambasing Rice Terraces — Sagada
  2. Bangaan Rice Terraces — Sagada
  3. Bangen Rice Terraces — Bauko
  4. Barlig Rice Terraces — Barlig
  5. Bayyo Rice Terraces — Bontoc
  6. Besao Rice Terraces — Besao
  7. Bontoc Poblacion Rice Terraces — Bontoc
  8. Bucas Rice Terraces — Besao
  9. Bulongan Rice Terraces — Sagada
  10. Dalican Rice Terraces — Bontoc
  11. Fidelisan Rice Terraces — Sagada
  12. Focong Rice Terraces — Sadanga
  13. Kapayawan Rice Terraces — Bauko
  14. Kiltepan Rice Terraces — Sagada
  15. Maligcong Rice Terraces — Bontoc
  16. Natonin Rice Terraces — Natonin
  17. Sadanga Rice Terraces — Sadanga
  18. Suyo Rice Terraces — Sagada
  19. Tanulong Rice Terraces — Sagada

Rice terraces in Barlig

Mountains in the Province

The mountainous province also offers excellent mountain climbing experiences with two of its mountains among the top 10 highest points in the Philippines:
  • Mount Kalawitan, 2,714+msl - Sabangan
  • Mount Amuyao or Mount Finaroy, 2,702+msl - Barlig

Cheapest Flights and Airline Tickets Online Booking

Best Time to Visit Mountain Province

If you want to experience Sagada’s cool climate, best time to visit is from November to February (wet season) when temperatures can drop to as low as 4 degrees Celsius. Dry season in Sagada is from March to May, so it can be hot and dusty. The rainy season in the Philippines starts from June to October.

The climate in this province has two general types of climate. The western portion is under Type I with two pronounced seasons; dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. The eastern portion is under Type III with season not very pronounced: relatively dry from November to April and wet for the rest of the year.



Tourist Spots to See in Mountain Province

The following is a list of points of interest relating to Mountain Province: 
  • Alab Petroglyphs
  • Bayyo Rice Terraces
  • Blue Soil Hills
  • Bokong Falls
  • Bomod-Ok (Big) Falls
  • Bontoc Museum
  • Chico River
  • Echo Valley
  • Ganduyan Museum
  • Kiltepan
  • Lake Danum
  • Lumiang Cave
  • Maligcong Rice Terraces
  • Marlboro Hill
  • Mount Ampacao
  • Mount Data National Park
  • Mount Mogao
  • Mount Polis
  • Pongas Falls
  • Road from Baguio to Bontoc
  • St. Rita Cathedral
  • Sumaguing Cave
  • The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary the Virgin
  • The Hanging Coffins Of Sagada

The Maligcong Rice Terraces



How to get to Mountain Province

The main transportation hub and the gateway to Mountain Province is Bontoc. The town connects major roads from Baguio and Banaue. Here are your options if you are traveling to Bontoc and Sagada in Mountain Province.


Manila to Bontoc and Sagada by Bus

Coda Lines and GV Florida offers several tripsweekly (if not daily) from Metro Manila to Bontoc and Sagada.

Coda Bus Manila to Bontoc Schedules Find Tickets ]


Coda Bus Manila to Sagada Schedules Find Tickets ]


Coda Bus Fares Find Tickets ]

  • Manila    - Sagada Express ₱912
  • Manila    - Sagada VIP         ₱1,176
  • Manila    - Bontoc Express ₱871
  • Manila    - Bontoc VIP         ₱1,123

GV Florida Bus Manila to Bontoc Schedules Find Tickets ]

  • Sampaloc, Manila - Bontoc, Mountain Province 8:35PM

For detailed transportation guide (private and public commuting), visit - COMMUTING TO SAGADA: Bus from Manila, Baguio & Banaue (Fares, Terminals, Schedules and Online Booking)


Manila to Bontoc and Sagada by Private Car

If you are traveling in a group and you prefer to hire a private car to take you to Sagada, you can also book here. The advantage of this is that you can travel any time of the day. However, please bear in mind that diving from Manila to Sagada (and vice versa) will take you roughly 12 hours (given that you have multiple stops along the way).

You can also use Waze or Google Maps for driving directions.


ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

Where to Stay in Mountain Province

Here are some of the hotels and resorts accommodation you book for your stay in Mountain Province:


Sagada Homestay Accommodation


Ridgebrooke Hotel and Restaurant in Bontoc



Sagada Homestay Accommodation


Isabelo's Inn and Cafe in Sagada



ALSO IN SAGADA



ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA


Festivals in Mountain Province

The following is a list of festivals celebrated in Mountain Province throughout the year:
  • Lang-ay Festival (1st week of April) – Bontoc

Jubilee dance performed by ex-headhunter Igorots between 1959 and 1961


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following are the most frequently asked questions about Mountain Province.
  • Where in the Philippines is Mountain Province located?
    Mountain Province is located on Northern Luzon.

  • Is Mountain Province a city or province?
    Mountain Province is a province.

  • What is the Capital of Mountain Province?
    The capital of Mountain Province is Bontoc.

  • What is Mountain Province famous for?
    Mountain Province is famous for mummy caves and hanging coffins.


Mountain Province Map Feedback mountain province arts and crafts mountain province religion mountain province tourist spots mountain province capital mountain province region mountain province location mountain province culture

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