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Ifugao – Land of the
Eighth Wonder of the World
The province of Ifugao is
best known for the Banaue Rice Terraces, the 2,000 year old
rice terraces made by the Ifugao natives without the use of
machinery. It was recognize as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
in 1995. Until now, this man-made wonder is still being used
by the natives.
The site of Ifugao natives
is a special treat for tourists. With their colorful clothes
and ethnic dances preserved throughout the years, they give
a glimpse of the Filipino culture before the Spaniards came
to the Philippines.
Demographics
1. Population – 180, 711
(as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area –2,517.8 sq. km
3. Capital – Lagawe
4. Language/Dialect –Ifugao, Ilocano, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Municipalities (11)
- Aguinaldo
- Alfonso Lista (Potia)
- Asipulo
- Banaue
- Hingyon
- Hungduan
- Kianga
- Lagawe
- Lamut
- Mayoyao
- Tinoc
Famous For ...
Banaue Rice Terraces
Considered as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World”,
the 2,000 year old rice terraces start from the base of the
mountain range and reach up to several thousand feet high.
Philippine War Memorial
Shrine
This shrine, resembling an oversized Ifugao native house, was
built to commemorate the end of World War II.
Ifugao Natives
With their red, black and yellow colored native costumes, the
Ifugaos have become the most common symbolic representation
of Filipinos.
Hudhud
The UNESCO World Heritage List has cited the Ifugao epic Hudhud
as among the “Masterpieces of the oral and intangible
heritage of the humanity.”
Places of Interest
Cultural
Ifugao Museum
Location: Kiangan, Ifugao
This museum houses several Ifugao artifacts found from all over
the province. It is managed by the National Museum.
Tam-An Village
Location: Banaue, Ifugao
Thee village has a row full of wood carving and hand woven products
that are sold to travelers.
Pula and Cambulo
Native Village
Location: Banaue, Ifugao
This cobbled stone village offers visitors a chance to stay
in a native Ifugao house. The ancient craft of bark cloth weaving
thrives in this village as well.
Makaliwagha and Lebhong
Burial Caves
Location: Mayoyao, Ifugao
The cave is the burial site of the first settler of Mayoyao.
Here remains of the Mayoyao residents were placed at wood coffins.
Lumauig Stone
Location: Balangbang River, Mayoyao, Ifugao
This huge black stone is held by three smaller stones. The townspeople
believe that so long as the huge stone stands, the Mayoyao people
will remain strong and happy.
Historical
Philippine War Memorial
Site
Location: Kiangan, Ifugao
This shrine, resembling an oversized Ifugao native house, was
built to commemorate the end of World War II. The shrine depicts
the several milestones in Ifugao history; from the Spanish oppression,
the Bataan Death March, to the Japanese occupation.
General Yamashita
Surrender Site
Location: Kiangan, Ifugao
Relics, artifacts and documents retelling the surrender of General
Yamashita can be found here.
Mt. Nagchayan
Location: Banaue, Ifugao
It served as a major battle ground between Filipino and American
forces against the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.
The mountain has several grottos, stone walled trenches, and
fox holes.
Natural
Bintakan Cave
Location: Lagawe, Ifugao
It is a three-room cave with dripping water that forms stalactites
and stalagmites of different beautiful shapes. The mouth of
the cave is overlooking the Ibunao river.
Nah-toban Cave
Location: Brgy. Boliwong, Lagawe, Ifugao
The cave is much larger than Bintakan Cave and has a descending
entrance with four rooms. But there are still other rooms unexplored.
Huge quantities of guano are found in the cave.
Tukuhan Sulphur Hot
Springs
Location: Brgy. Tukuhan, Tinoc, Ifugao
This sulfuric hot spring is hidden in lush greenery. This can
be reached by a two-hour hike from Brgy. Monsoyosoy, Buguias,
Benguet.
Guihob Natural Swimming
Pool
Location: Poblacion, Banaue, Ifugao
To be able to swim in its crystal clear waters of Guihob, tourists
have to hop and jump over huge boulders blocking the pathway.
Bagnit Waterfalls
and Numbungug Waterfalls
Location: Brgy. Julongan, Kiangan, Ifugao
Bagnit is a stunning series of cascading falls running over
250 feet while Numbungug is a single majestic fall of over 80
feet in height, falling to the Ibulao river tributaries.
Ambuwaya Lake
Location: Kiangan, Ifugao
Legend says that it was once a large sitio that became a lake
because of the killing and making fun of leech in the spring
by some children. Ambuwaya Lake is ideal for boating and swimming
while its shaded shore is good for picnics.
Mt. Amuyao
Location: Banaue – Mayoyao, Ifugao
This mountain is the 8th highest peak in the Philippines, with
an elevation of 2,702 meters above sea level. Its summit provides
the climber with a breath-taking panorama of Mountain Province,
Isabela, Nueva Viscaya, and Ifugao.
Mt. Napulawan
Location: Hungduan, Ifugao
The second tallest mountain in the province, towering 2,642
meters above sea level, was the final refuge of General Yamashita.
Man-made
Banaue Rice Terraces
Location: Banaue, Ifugao
Considered as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World”,
the 2,000 year old rice terraces start from the base of the
mountain range and reach up to several thousand feet high. This
was made by the Ifugao people without the aid of machinery.
And in 1995, it was declared as a World Heritage Site by the
UNESCO.
Other rice terraces in Ifugao
1. Batad Rice Terraces
Location: Banaue, Ifugao
2. Bangaan Rice Terraces
Location: Banaue, Ifugao
3. Mayoyao Rice Terraces
Location: Mayoyao, Ifugao
4. Hapao Rice Terraces
Location: Hungduan, Ifugao
5. Nagacadan Rice Terraces
Location: Kiangan, Ifugao
Magat Dam
Location: Alfonso Lista, Ifugao
This water reservoir is reputedly the biggest dam in Asia.
Festivals...
Igkumtad ad Mayoyao
Place: May 1
Date: Mayoyao, Ifugao
This annual ethnic festival is celebrated with singing, dancing,
and drinking of rice wine.
Tungoh ad Hungduan
Place: Hungduan, Ifugao
Date: April 18 - 24
This is celebrated with cultural songs, dances, ethnic games,
and ethnic games. A climb to Mt. Napulawan for the adventurous
group is another highlight of this event. |
