SOME OF The Philippines’ most fascinating tribal areas are in Luzon’s north. Hiking options for those younger and more determined than me go for days. There are beaches of course, and the historical Spanish town of Vigan.
I'd been up to the mountainous tribal Cordillera region before.
But the ancient stone rice terraces are a sight to behold no matter how many times you see them.
And in a stroke of good fortune, it was festival time in Banaue.
Hotel staff told us that it included a "wooden horse race."
The action finished in the town's main square in front of the market.
The race is about 2km log, downhill of course, and they do get some speed up.
The competitors, Ifugao tribesman cut colourful figures.
Even non-competitors dressed for the occasion.
There was some ceremonial dancing, and a tug-of-war.
A free feed was had them queuing up around the block.
A trike is almost the only way to get out to Batad rice terraces. I have more pics on my Cordillera page from an earlier visit.
Guides are mandatory on visits to the hanging coffins just outside town. But this guide showed me a few things I didn't see last time.
We did one cave hike, which was enough for us, although there are many more trails around town.
Getting from Sagada to Vigan was no walk in the park: jeepney, minibus, minubus, lots of waiting, truck, bus, trike. Without the truck, we'd still be in transit!
Vigan is an old Spanish town, not unlike Georgetown or Phuket Town, full of big, old family mansion.
Chinese shopfront warehouses dot the streets and public squares.
Renovated buildings often serves as hotels, and sit side by side with those in desperate need of love.
Everywhere you look is a centuries old home.
Fast food chains have been made to tone down their liveries to fit the local character. That's a McDonalds there.
There's a mildly interesting state museum, and many of them family homes are open to the public.
Crisologo is the main street, where you can find the usual trappings of tourism, but is still a nice wander.
Antique of dubious authenticity overflow from holes in old shops.
There are a number of local delicacies, including local varities of sausage, crispy pork, and empanada.
Vigan can be filthy hot. Fortunately, trikes are everywhere, and most parts of town are only $1 away. Indispensable.
And when things get too hot, there's the beach nearby, or some more hills somewhere.