Tattoos & Terraces Philippines
7 Days Starting and ending in Manila hotel or Clark/Angeles hotel
Visiting: Manila, Baguio City, Buguias, Sagada, Bontoc, Buscalan Proper, Bangaan Ifugao Rice Terraces, Banaue View Point, Hapao, Hapao Hot Spring, Kiltepan View, Marlboro Hill, Hanging Coffins of Sagada, Sumaguing Cave, Suyo, Bangaan Rice Terraces, San Juan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NPE7D
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 15
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
6-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
By 4x4 & on foot discover how a people turn mountains into dramatic rice terraces and human bodies into works of art. Gasp at the spectacular Rice Terraces, meet tattooist Whang Od, age 100+, savour French chef Aklay's flavours, in a feast for the senses. You want to wear a souvenir tattoo? On this fully-inclusive group expedition, you get whisked to Sagada your base for day explorations by 4×4 and on foot on the Cordillera, famous for its World Heritage-listed ancient Banaue Rice Terraces. Accommodation is in a private room or cabin in a mountain inn or chalet, and the piece de la resistance is a dinner prepared by a once Michellin-rated chef Philippe –Aklay is his native name–using a variety of local ingredients. On this expedition, you'll get an intimate insight into the lives of the Kankanay people of Sagada: We see the Dapay, a physical semi-circle of stones--the heart of politics and ceremony; we walk through rock-clad rice terraces, past fast-flowing streams, to a waterfall or three: Always wear or pack swimmers for a refreshing swim, and remember to bring a refillable water bottle! Beyond Sagada, you'll drive in a Land Rover to Buscalan in Kalinga, on the mighty Chico River, hiking to Whang-Od, reputedly the oldest traditional tattooist in the world. A petite and pretty woman, this centenarian hails from a tribe in mountainous Kalinga province renowned in times past for taking heads, but now best known for dispensing tattoos to tourists. Yes, you can join the cue for a souvenir tattoo. Another day has us driving through the clouds to Hapao to hike its ancient rice terraces, take a dip in a hot spring. The Ifugao of Hapao began cultivating rice on their magnificent terraces long before the Kalinga, and their spirituality -- their reverence for their rice gods -- is if anything accentuated by the effluxion of time. Interspersed with 4x4 excursions is penetrating Kankanay culture around Sagada, visiting Echo Valley where there are hanging coffins–the traditional form of burial of the native Sagadans. We can, with your concurrence, explore the Big Cave–a limestone cave with sensual formations, hike to Kiltepan with its panoramic view. On the list is also visiting weavers and potters–and yes — you can try your hand at pottery! That then there's the gastronomic feast a la Aklay. There's also a wishlist day when you can try canyoning, mountain biking or whitewater rafting. Each activity has limited slots and one or more activity might not be available or might be substituted. (Rafting has a particularly short season and it is out of the question November to June). The cost of the wishlist activity is included in the cost of the expedition. The drive back to Manila is on a less-used but extremely picturesque road to Bessang Pass, a last stand of the Japanese in World War II. We take a break at the coast, on a beach with a popular surf break
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tattoos & Terraces Philippines
Location: Manila, Clark International Airport, Baguio City, Buguias, Sagada
Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On this fully-inclusive group expedition, you get whisked to Sagada via the old summer capital of Baguio in a comfortable van or mini-bus on an expressway from Manila built above vast deposits of volcanic lahar–a legacy of the 1991 eruption of Mt Pinatubo. The explosion was the twentieth century’s biggest. Some 13 cubic kilometres of the earth’s crust spewed into the air to settle on the ground, dramatically altering the topography.
After lunch at Baguio’s Cafe By The Ruins, it’s the Halsema Highway — the country’s highest thoroughfare –stopping occasionally to take in sights and sample the delicious produce en route to hill station, Sagada.
Sagada in Mountain Province is our base for day explorations by 4×4 and on foot: Accommodation is in a mountain chalet or cabin.
If there is still light, your guide will take you for a wander through Sagada, getting an orientation before a scrumptious dinner and a good night's sleep amidst the cool mountain air.
Day 2 : Tattoos & Terraces Philippines
Location: Sagada
Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your lead guide will brief Participants after breakfast about the day ahead, but if you're expecting a bucket-list tour ticking off tourist cliches this is not your trip. Founder of Tribal Adventures Greg Hutchinson, who is also a foreign correspondent and is your leader on this trip has lived in Sagada and knows it inside out. And, the best places are not those on the tourist trail.
You'll be notified the evening prior where breakfast will be. We endeavour to find the best places for meals, including breakfast. It can be in your accommodation place, but usually it's elsewhere, within walking distance.
After the drive up it's great to stretch the legs hiking out of Sagada -- through its forests and rice terraces and vegetable gardens, observing the lives of the Kankanay people: We see the Dapay, a physical semi-circle of stones centred around a fireplace steeped in tradition, and the centre of local government; we walk through rock-clad rice terraces, past fast-flowing streams, to a waterfall: Pack your swimmers for a refreshing swim!
Talk to locals, see everyday life and the thriving of local traditions and a local economy: You can see rice pounded in wooden an enormous mortar and pestal, or observe weaving of traditional cloth. Yes, during ceremonies which are many through the year, the local dress traditionally. But in Sagada, it's not a show for the visitor. There's a dignity in Sagada.
Day 3 : Tattoos & Terraces Philippines
Location: Bontoc, Buscalan Proper, Sagada
Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On Day 3 we drive and hike to Whang-Od, reputedly the oldest traditional tattooist in the world. A petite and pretty woman, this centenarian hails from a tribe in mountainous Kalinga province renowned in times past for taking heads, but now best known for dispensing tattoos to tourists. Yes, you can join the cue for a souvenir, but we’ll also take you deeper, hiking further into the picturesque hills and valleys beyond Buscalan village, through other ancient villages with their characteristic rice huts on stilts, a hot spring, fast rushing streams, magestic waterfalls. En route we have been known to be invited into rice huts. Two decades ago an old man, plied with strong native Robusta coffee, waxed lyrical about his headhunting exploits. Alas, the headhunters are gone but their descendants have entertaining tales to tell. Here and elsewhere in the Cordillera–the mountains famous for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Banaue Rice Terraces–we’ll get to the soul of a vibrant and unique indigenous culture.
Time permitting we'll drop in to the market and possibly the museum in Bontoc, the capital of Mountain Province. It's only 30 minutes up to Sagada, also in Mountain Province.
Day 4 : Tattoos & Terraces Philippines
Location: Bontoc, Bangaan Ifugao Rice Terraces, Banaue View Point, Hapao, Hapao Hot Spring
Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Participants drive through the clouds to Hapao to hike its ancient rice terraces, take a dip in a hot spring. The Ifugao of Hapao began cultivating rice on their magnificent terraces long before the Kalinga, and their spirituality — their reverence for their rice gods — is no less diluted with time. On the way out, at a lookout over the famed Banaue Rice Terraces, you can peruse an array of rice gods for sale. Indigenous culture engenders Pride and inevitably demands a high price for quality. Emerging out of the clouds, heading to Bontoc, we stop at Bangaan, with its pretty rice terraces.
Day 5 : Tattoos & Terraces Philippines
Location: Sagada, Kiltepan View, Marlboro Hill, Hanging Coffins of Sagada, Sumaguing Cave
Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On Day 5 we walk through Sagada, visiting Echo Valley where there are hanging coffins–the traditional form of burial of the native Sagadans. Weather permitting, we'll visit the Big Cave–a limestone cave with sensual formations, have lunch in a vegan restaurant with awesome views. We'll also do a hike to Marlboro Country, Kiltepan with its panoramic view, or even both. On the list is also visiting weavers and potters–and yes — you can try your hand at pottery! In the evening is the gastronomic feast a la Aklay, a French chef who got a Michellin when he was a teenager in the French Alps. He gave that away and cycled all the way to the Philippines, via Brunei, where he had a stint as the Sultan's pastry chef. That's now history for Philippe, renamed Aklay by the Kankanay who revere his talents.
Day 6 : Tattoos & Terraces Philippines
Location: Sagada, Kiltepan View, Suyo, Bangaan Rice Terraces
Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6, is wishlist day! You can be free to do your own thing or you can enjoy one of the following activities: canyoning, mountain biking or whitewater rafting. Each activity has limited slots and one or more activity might not be available or might be substituted. (Rafting has a particularly short season, and it is out of the question November to June). The cost of the wishlist activity is included in the cost of the expedition.
Day 7 : Tattoos & Terraces Philippines
Location: Sagada, San Juan, Clark International Airport, Manila
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Participants drive out on a little-used but extremely picturesque road to Bessang Pass, a last stand of the Japanese in World War II. We take a break at the coast, on a beach with a popular surf break. (Feel free to take a dip before resuming the road trip in your roomy van or mini-bus to the Expressway). You should be back in Manila, punctuated by a break for dinner at Clark or Angeles, late that evening. (As Clark has an international airport, it’s even more convenient to start and/or finish the Northern Philippines Explorer there.)
What's Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Recommend Participants bring own water bottle to supplement provision of 1 sterilised reusable water bottle each. Bulk mineral water with guide
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Accommodation
Rustic, locally-owned inn or chalet with en suite rooms
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Can't promise a good signal on a remote expedition
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Fully Guided
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Local Taxes
VAT included
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Meals – Full Board
Plus simple morning and afternoon snacks when appropriate like when hiking
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Tipping and Gratuities
Appreciated but not required
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All activities
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes, but usually very poor reception and bandwidth.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Curious & active adventurers entertained by nature. If you're a party-goer forget it.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
25 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Remote camping with hotel linen probably would, but makeshift camping is beyond the remit of health and safety
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Better than a charity: Empowering tribal Filipinos, already with full control of enterprise Kayak Inn, Antique. More to come.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Follow local and national rules and protocols, which include mandatory vaccination for arrivals as of 10 February 2022. Deep cleaning is standard by team and crew, and masking is required when social distancing not possible.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Commitment to low impact visitor experiences: Construction native in content, style & execution; locally sourced supplies; tapping locals for team members; supporting and empowering tribal communities; avoiding single use plastics; providing sterilised reusable water bottles with limitless refills.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but Participant will need to hire boat to catch up to expedition
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
2 changes can be made free of charge, thereafter there is a charge
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Probably unnecessary as singles use smaller tents to twins and doubles with larger tents. Thus, no single supplement
Want a private tour?
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Tribal Adventures allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Tribal Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform tribal adventures, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Tribal Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 14 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tribal adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Tribal Adventures Covid-19 protocols
Transport
Car & Van drivers thoroughly clean and sanitize vehicles nightly and before and after each trip, sanitizing inside and outside door & window handles, seatbelts and buckles, airconditioner switches, dash boards, glove box exteriors, radio and other controls, steering wheel, brake and shift stick. Distancing will apply till further notice: maximum total driver and passengers in Pick-up is 3 inside and 1 outside; for van is 6 inside.
Banca boats: Tribal Adventures will place a maximum number of passengers and crew at 50% of the registered maximum capacity of the vessel. Until further notice, every banca trip will carry a guide or cook who will implement sanitation and best safety protocols, namely boarding with assistance using arm support. The guide or cook will ensure passenger area is clean and sanitised and boat crew comply with health, sanitation & safety protocols. The cook or guide as case may be shall have sole responsibility of food and drink preparation and service from start to finish
Equipment, food service, drinks on tour
Kayaks & tents
During this Covid-19 period there will be extra hygiene and health protocols, with Tribal guides thoroughly cleaning sea kayaks in and around the cockpit/s, the hatches and hatch covers and carrier toggles. Life vests and spray skirts, day-trip hampers and overnight camping equipment will be cleaned and placed into plastic bags, labelled for each guest; the handle area of paddles will be wiped thoroughly with disinfectant immediately before use.
Reservations teams are asked to ascertain the sex, age, build, weight and height of each participant, and if overnight, whether bedding is double or single. On the basis of height estimate from participants we set foot rests of kayak pedals ahead. While Covid-19 protocols persist, clients need to be prepared, under instruction, to set up the interiors of their tents. Tents and shower facilities will be set up with guide and crew taking precautions including using disposable gloves and wiping down strategic parts of tent like zippers, entrance canopies. While the threat of Covid-19 persists clients will need to be willing and able to get in and out of their kayaks without physical assistance of guide and crew beyond aiding in the stabilisation of the kayaks at either ends of the kayak/s. This means that clients need to have some experience with sea kayaking in enclosed, sit-in sea kayaks. Note: if clients have no such experience they need to advise Tribal Adventures so the company can prepare sit-on sea kayak/s in lieu.
F&B, Water
Packed meals for day trips will be prepared & packed by one person only, whose hands are cleaned with soap, who is wearing disposable gloves and a mask. We also need to know of allergies and food preferences. For meals other than packed meals, as far as possible food will be cooked on site and served individually. During the Covid-19 period: EACH CLIENT SHOULD BRING THEIR OWN WATER BOTTLE, while as a supplement we will supply our usual sterilised water bottles. Observing sanitation, we assign newly washed and stored dedicated plates, cups, glassware, eating utensils for each tour participant: A dispenser holding plates etc will be provided each participant. We will urge clients to clean and stash away their assigned eating and drinking vessels and utensils. Tribal Adventures supplies fresh spring water in bulk for drinking, the tap of which is wiped with sanitiser after each use. For further questions please contact Greg via tours@tribaladventures.com
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