Day 03 – Baguio to Sagada
Knowing it would be a long day, I started off early. Plan was to visit Mt Cabuyao and Mt Santo Tomas in the early morning, then back to Burnham Hotel in Baguio. After that, would travel on Halsema Highway to Sagada and visit the Timbac mummies caves along the way.
The start of unpaved roads
I want to grow up as tall as you!
Halfway between Mt Cabuyao and Mt Santo Tomas, I found the roads too rough for comfort. Decided to u-turn.
Fell shortly after I turned back.
My feet were worse. A big difference if I just bothered to wear gloves and wear proper footwear. I hope I learned.
Washed up, shopped for gloves and thick socks before continuing my way with a limp. Changing gear hurts my injured foot. Anyway, above photo shows the highest point of Philippines highway system which is around 2255m.
There are 2 ways to reach Kabayan Timbac caves. From Kabayan town proper or from a road cut recently from Halsema Highway. The latter route was met with controversy. It’s probably more culturally sensitive to take a Ibaloi guide from Kabayan. Anyway, the signboard to the turn off from Halsema Highway was missing. It took me a lot of asking and backtracking to get onto the correct path. One can ride all the way to the caves. But I parked my bike at Montogo Elementary School and hiked 30 mins because the roads were slightly rough.
The keyholder. The guide told me she’s Igorot but I’m not sure if she’s Ibaloi.
Mummy at first cave. I must be corrupted by the movies but I was expecting something better preserved.
My guide opened the coffin at the second cave
and the mummy moved her hand to shield herself from the sun.
Hiked back to Montogo Elementary School and took a short break.
Kids at play
En route to Sagada, tourist mecca.
Lemon pies at Lemon Pies House