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Ambaguio is a town in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. Situated within the Cordillera Mountains, it is one of the main gateways leading to Mount Pulag, the Philippines' second highest mountain.
Understand
[edit | edit source]Nestled within the Cordillera Mountains along the boundary with Ifugao, Ambaguio has a small population composed of indigenous Kalanguya and other Igorot tribes due to its rugged terrain. It was one of the few places in Nueva Vizcaya that was not conquered by the Spanish.
Get in
[edit | edit source]Ambaguio is only accessible through a road leading from Masoc (Pisay) Junction in neighboring Bayombong. It is a winding two-lane thoroughfare that is vulnerable to blockages caused by landslides, vehicular accidents and vehicles sustaining mechanical breakdowns. There are few forms of public transportation to town apart from some jeepneys running from Bayombong.
Get around
[edit | edit source]There are tricycles in the downtown, but due to uneven terrain, an SUV or any 4WD is recommended.
See
[edit | edit source]- 1 Mount Pulag. At 2,928 metres (9,606 ft), it is the second highest mountain in the Philippines, and the highest in Luzon. It also forms the triboundary between Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet and Ifugao. The trail leading to the peak from Ambaguio is the longest and most difficult to use, taking a three-day hike. However, it makes for a less crowded alternative than the ones leading from Kabayan in Benguet.
- 2 Mount Pullol, Salingsingan. A 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) high peak on the boundary with Kayapa.
- 3 Gulon Peak, Poblacion. A rock-strewn peak just outside the town center with panoramic views over the surrounding valley.
Do
[edit | edit source]- 1 Love Campsite and Viewdeck, Bayombong-Ambaguio Road, Tiblac, ☏ +63 975 956 9792, lovecampsiteandviewdeck@gmail.com. Elevated campground with commanding views over the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- 2 Sky Escape 360, Sitio Naduntog, Tiblac, skyescape.360@gmail.com. Campsite, events place and recreational complex. Its highlight is the paragliding activity.
- 3 Nueva Vizcaya Paragliding, Tiblac, nuevavizcayaparagliding@gmail.com. The first paragliding establishment in Nueva Vizcaya. It offers courses in the said activity and offers separate bookings for those who just want to see an airshow.
Buy
[edit | edit source]There is no public market to speak of, just a few mom-and-pop sari-sari stores. Residents go to Bayombong for their long-term needs. There are also no banks or ATMs, so bring plenty of cash for transactions.
Ambaguio is where one can buy vegetables directly from farms before their prices get jacked up in the market due to transportation costs.
Eat
[edit | edit source]There are basic roadside eateries in town and along the main highway.
Drink
[edit | edit source]There are basic roadside eateries that sell coffee in town and along the main highway. Many barangays rely on natural springs for their drinking water.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]There are a few homestays in town.
- 1 Binnang's Place, Poblacion.
Stay safe
[edit | edit source]Accidents and landslides are common along the mountain roads, with the danger compounded by low or nonexistent guard rails and fog. Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition, and bring enough supplies to outlast a traffic jam.
Permits are required from local authorities to undertake any hikes or climb mountains. The hiking season runs during the dry season from November to May. While Ambaguio is often known for its cool weather, do not underestimate the effects of heat and exhaustion while climbing, especially as many of the slopes are directly exposed to sunlight.
Crime rates are low, and residents generally know each other. There may be a few New People's Army rebels in the hinterlands.
Connect
[edit | edit source]The town's postal code is 3701.
Internet and phone signals in town can be erratic.