Barlig, a place where time stands still...

If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path nature trip, this is for you.


Barlig is a rarely visited remote town up North (belonging to Mountain Province) that overflows with natural wonders. The town, although surrounded by lush forests and mountains, rarely gets visitors probably because of the travel time (usually 13-14 hours) and the road conditions which are highly inaccessible during the rainy season. On the brighter side, this difficulty has helped protect the town from exploitation.



From Bontoc to Barlig, we passed through elevated zigzag roads which are narrow and steep. If you have the chance, it is best to sit on the roof of the jeepney to enjoy the view.

Don't forget to bring a jacket as it is freezing up there even in summer, as the town is predominantly made up of dense forests with trees covered in moss. Expect a temperature drop (sometimes up to 6-7 degrees) upon entering the misty boundaries of Barlig.

After about 2 hours of grueling trip, we managed to reach our destination. As suggested by a friend, we checked in at Sea World inn, where the caretaker was kind enough to give us rooms with views of the majestic rice terraces.

Our original plan was to climb Mount Amuyao, one of the highest peak in Luzon and in the Philippines. Dubbed as one Barlig's many treasures, the mountain is heavily forested abounding with tons of flora and fauna, a haven for botanists and taxonomists... Strangely, it has an established path all the way to the top (thanks to ABS and GMA towers). Tip: when it rains in the afternoon, and you plan to climb the next morning, don't stray from the path, as there are plenty of leeches.


A week, I would say, would not be enough to discover everything about Barlig. The town boasts of mysterious lakes hidden in pockets of forest, numerous falls to explore as well as a number of rice terraces.


Our trip to Barlig was short but a rewarding one. It leaves me wanting to go back for more of this nature's paradise.


Tips:


Best time to Visit: Summer, between March to Early May, when rice terraces are lush green and the roads are dry, for easier travel.


There's no cellphone signal in Barlig, so expect to be unreachable for the rest of your stay, also there are no water heater, so the water is freezing cold,


Upon arrival in Barlig, you need to drop by the Tourism office beside the Municipal hall for registration and a brief orientation. Please bring a valid ID as well.


The tourism office will be able to provide you a guide for day trips as well as trekking Mount Amuyao. (Standard of Php 1,500 for a group of 5 people)


If you are going to climb Mount Amuyao, bring flashlight, tent and basic survival kit, although there are bunks at the peak, there might be other people going up so it's best be prepared. You might also want to check with the local tourism to see if there are other climbers for the day.


Accomodations are very cheap, you might want to try Sea World Inn (highly recommended). Although there are few other inns to choose from. Price ranges from 150 to 200 a night.


There are only few restaurants in town so you might want to bring your own or ask the innkeeper to cook for you, they charge very minimal for that as well.


Going to Barlig:


There are several ways to get to Barlig from Manila:


Manila to Bontoc:
1. Cable Bus Tour: located beside Trinity University of (Back of Shakeys)  along E-Rodriguez Ave, Cubao QuezonvCity. It leaves daily for Bontoc at 8PM, (only 1 trip per day), fare costs Php 650. As soon as you arrive at Bontoc, it is best to buy your return trip ticket. The bus going to Manila leaves twice from Bontoc at 11AM and 3PM.


Manila to Bontoc via Banaue
2. Ohayami Bus: located along Lacson Ave near Espanya, they have several scheduled trips to Banaue (7PM, 8PM, 9PM and 10PM) travel time is roughly 7-8hours, fare costs 450. from Banaue you can either take a van (php 150) going to Bontoc (takes 1-2hours depending on the stops) or Jeepney


Bontoc to Barlig:
There is a jeepney (parked near the Church) scheduled to leave for Barlig Proper at 11am, 1PM and 4PM. If you areplanning to go straight to Lias, you'll have to wait for the 4PM jeepney. Fare is 80Php, travel time is 1 to 2 hours.


Food:
a must try - pinikpikan.


For more pictures visit: Lakwatserong Feet FB - Barlig Pics