French
DeutschKabayan is a municipality in the province of Benguet, Philippines. It is known for having the only known set of mummified bodies in the Philippines and is the main gate of entry to Mount Pulag, the country's second highest mountain.
Understand
[edit | edit source]Located at the triboundary region between Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya and Ifugao provinces, Kabayan is known for having the only-known mummies in the Philippines, which were created by the indigenous Ibaloi inhabitants using a lengthy and complicated process that involved smoking the corpses over certain types of leaves for months before depositing them in burial caves, hence their moniker, the Fire Mummies. Sadly, several of the mummies were stolen by grave robbers since the 20th century, with some of them still being sold on the black market. This has led to restrictions on access to the burial caves.
It is also the main base camp for hikers heading to Mount Pulag, the highest mountain in Luzon.
Get in
[edit | edit source]There are two main roads leading to Kabayan from Baguio. One is through a junction leading south from Halsema Highway in Buguias town, while another is a junction from the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road in Bokod leading north. There are bus, van and jeepney connections to the town from Baguio.
Get around
[edit | edit source]There are tricycles in town, but a 4WD or any vehicle suitable for mountain roads is best used. Most attractions in town are accessible following extended hikes.
See
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- 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.
- 2 National Museum of the Philippines - Kabayan, Sitio Kuay, Poblacion, ☏ +63 919 077 9855, kabayan@nationalmuseum.gov.ph. 8AM-5PM. The regional branch of the National Museum of the Philippines system, featuring artefacts on Cordilleran natural history, art, ethnography and culture. It was built to find a suitable location for the study and preservation of the mummies of Kabayan from looting, and has one mummy on display. Free, donation optional.
- 3 Timbac Caves, Mongoto-Kabayan Road, Pacso. A series of caves used as burial sites for the mummies of Kabayan. Having been extensively damaged by looters, access to the site is partially restricted to protect the remaining mummies interred in situ.
- 4 Lake Tabeyo, Tawangan. Part of a grouping of four lakes in the area collectively known as the Four Lakes of Kabayan, it is the most accessible lake and has a campsite and ranger station.
- 5 Lake Incolos, Tawangan. Part of the Four Lakes of Kabayan, although it is actually more of a peat bog than a lake. Even if it looks dry, avoid walking over it lest you sink into the quagmire.
- 6 Lake Latep-Ngapos, Tawangan. Part of the Four Lakes system, located in a secluded forest trail.
- 7 Lake Ambulalakaw, Tawangan. The cleanest among the Four Lakes, with swimming prohibited to maintain water quality.
- 8 Junior Pulag, Tawangan. A section of the Tabeyo Trail leading to the Four Lakes and Mount Tabayoc named after its resemblance to the grass and moss-covered summit of Mount Pulag.
- 9 Mount Tabayoc (Mount Tabeyo), Tawangan. The second highest mountain of Luzon and the fifth highest in the Philippines, at 2,842 metres (9,324 ft). It also forms part of the boundary between Kabayan and the municipality of Tinoc in Ifugao province.
- 10 Opdas Cave, Poblacion. An ossuary reminiscent of the Catacombs of Rome or Paris.
Do
[edit | edit source]Buy
[edit | edit source]All transactions are in cash. There are no banks or ATMs in town.
- 1 Kabayan Public Market, National Road, Poblacion.
Eat
[edit | edit source]Drink
[edit | edit source]Sleep
[edit | edit source]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.
Registration is mandatory for would-be trail hikers. For the Tabeyo Trail, this can be done at the ranger station in Ballay. The hiking season runs during the dry season from November to May. While Benguet 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.
Respect
[edit | edit source]Many of the descendants of the deceased who were mummified and interred in the burial caves are still around today, and still visit the caves to offer their respects to their ancestors. Refrain from making actions that show disrespect in these locations the same way one avoids doing so in other religious sites.
Connect
[edit | edit source]The town’s postal code is 2606.