MejasTravels

08/08/2026

06/08/2026

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

solo backpacking and budget‑friendly joiner travel experience to Mt. Fato, Mt. Kupapey, and Maligcong Rice Terraces:

🚐 Journey from Buscalan to Bontoc

Took a jeepney back to Bontoc — fare ₱150.

Quick tour around town:

Bontoc Museum — entrance fee ₱100, showcasing heritage, culture, and stories.

Short stop at the Capitol, park, and nearby food area.

Jeepney terminal conveniently located behind the park. Schedules vary, but rides often leave earlier than posted. My 12nn jeepney departed ahead of time, taking 30–45 minutes to reach Maligcong for ₱45.

🏡 Stay in Maligcong

Contacted several hostels in advance to check rates and joiner options.

Secured an overnight stay at Ate Vicky’s Hostel — ₱500.

Guide fee: ₱320 covering Mt. Fato, Mt. Kupapey, and Maligcong Rice Terraces.

🥾 Hiking Highlights

Mt. Fato- A serene summit with sweeping views, perfect for sunset reflections. (Day 1, Afternoon)

Started hike at 3 PM, reached summit in ~2 hours.

Enjoyed panoramic views and sightseeing until sunset.

Descended before 5 PM, rested for the next day’s early hike.

Mt. Kupapey- Sunrise paradise overlooking the majestic Maligcong Rice Terraces. (Day 2, Sunrise)

Early morning prep with coffee and biscuits.

Sunrise at the summit was breathtaking — overlooking the Maligcong Rice Terraces bathed in golden light.

Perfect spot for IG‑worthy photos and drone shots.

Maligcong Rice Terraces- A lush green amphitheater of heritage and breathtaking landscapes. (Day 2, Morning)

After Mt. Kupapey, descended to the terraces.

Welcomed by lush green scenery, ideal for drone videos and scenic walks.

Tour ended around 9 AM, followed by breakfast.

🚍 Return to Bontoc

Jeepney schedules back to Bontoc were around 12–1 PM.

Joined fellow travelers for the ride, contributing ₱150 fare and ₱100 for shared drone shots.

💸 Budget Breakdown

Expense

Cost

Buscalan → Bontoc jeepney

₱150

Bontoc Museum

₱100

Bontoc → Maligcong jeepney

₱45

Hostel (Ate Vicky’s)

₱500

Guide fee (3 sites)

₱320

Maligcong → Bontoc jeepney

₱150

Drone shots contribution

₱100

Total

₱1,365

🌄 Travel Notes

For less than ₱1,500, you can climb two mountains and explore one of the most stunning rice terraces in the Philippines.

Solo backpackers can easily connect with hostels for joiner tours, making the trip budget‑friendly and social.

Jeepney schedules are flexible — always check early and be ready to board before posted times.

04/08/2026

Budget Travel Guide: Apo Whang-od Tattoo Village, Buscalan Kalinga

🚍 Manila to Bontoc
From EDSA, take a CODALINES bus bound for Bontoc, Mt. Province. Fare: ₱1,100 (check CODALINES page/site for updates). Two schedules: 8 PM and 9 PM. I chose 8 PM to catch the early jeepney to Buscalan. Expect a 10–11 hr ride: mostly sleep, with food stops, paid comfort rooms, and stretching breaks.

🚐 Bontoc to Kalinga
Arrival at Bontoc terminal around 7 AM- check for next schedule. Walk 2 blocks to find the jeepney near Mountain Province State University going to Tabuk. Fare: ₱150 — enjoy the scenic ride as you cross into Kalinga Province.

🏍 Jeepney Drop-off to Buscalan
Register at the drop-off point. Ride a habal-habal to Buscalan registration area. Guide fee: ₱1,500 (1–5 pax). As a solo traveler, I haggled for a discount. Overnight stay: ₱500. Days Tram option: ₱200 (or ₱50 for bags only). Crossing the senator-sponsored bridge is cheaper but tricky in the rain!

🏡 Accommodation & Fees

Guide arranges lodging: ₱500 (depends on group size). Environmental fee: ₱100. Food: pricey due to transport challenges — bring your own if you want to save. Bonus: Unlimited Buscalan coffee to warm your soul!

🪶 Meeting Apo Whang-od

• Once confirmed by your guide, queue for Apo Whang-od’s tattoo session.
• Signature 3-dot tattoo: ₱300.
• Souvenir stick used in tattooing: ₱150.
• The experience: 5 unforgettable minutes with the last mambabatok, a living legend of Philippine heritage.

✨ Tips:
• Bring snacks to cut costs.
• Travel light but pack rain gear.
• Respect local culture — this is more than a trip, it’s a heritage encounter.

04/08/2026

How to Visit Igorot Stone Kingdom on a Budget

Ride a jeepney near Burnham Park (Otek Street) going to Tacay–Longlong or Tam-awan. Fare is only ₱15. Ask the driver to drop you off near the entrance of the Igorot Stone Kingdom.

Pay the entrance fee: ₱130 for adults, with discounts available for students, senior citizens, and PWDs.

Enjoy a half-day tour of this stunning man-made attraction. It’s IG-worthy, with unique vibes and highlights like the “Hep Hep Hooray” area that went viral in 2022.

Return to the city: Just across the entrance, you’ll find the jeepney stop that will take you back downtown.

Affordable, fun, and picture-perfect — the Igorot Stone Kingdom is a must-see when exploring Baguio!

01/08/2026

01/08/2026

Cordilleras, you’ve been a vibe.
Wrapping it up in Baguio — still the chill spot to slow down. Love how it’s way more walkable now, with people-first streets. Big win for the city!