Maligcong Rice Terraces
Explore.Hike.Experience.Chill.Relax
Maligcong Rice Terraces stand out as the most beautiful rice terraces in the Philippines. It is a hidden gem in the Philippines located in Barangay Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province. Considered as one of the emerging treasures of Bontoc, the Maligcong Rice Terraces is known for its stone walls which make the terraces more steady in withstanding erosion. Maligcong is an ideal destination for hikers and tourists who are looking for remote or off-beaten destinations in the Philippines. It’s best for people who are physically fit, since walking or trekking is required to explore its surroundings.
One of the priceless contributions of Philippine ancestors to humanity. It is a living cultural landscape of unparalleled beauty. This relaxing trek will get you to trek its famous rice terraces. Experience the sunset at the summit of Mt. Fato and experience the beautiful sunrise in Mt Kupapey. The name Maligcong came from the word “ligcong,” which means to level the land for a rice field. “Ma,” on the other hand, is added to the word “ligcong” to describe the location of the village surrounded by rice fields.
How to get there?
Manila to Bontoc
-From the HM Bus Station in Monte de Piedad corner Maryland Street Cubao, Quezon City, ride a Coda Lines bus bound for Bontoc to Sagada. You can reach Bontoc, Mountain Province 10-11 hours.
You can contact their official facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/codalinescorporation
Baguio to Bontoc
-In Baguio, take a van in Dangwa Terminal at the back of Centermall or beside Good Taste(Main Branch). The other terminal is in Slaughter House, Magsaysay Avenue Street, catch a van or bus (Rising Sun Transit). The last trip of a van is 5pm and travel time is 5-6 hours.
Bontoc to Maligcong
-When you're in Poblacion, Bontoc, look for jeep terminal bound to Maligcong. Just beside public market or near Lopez Animal Supply, Omfeg, Bontoc. Jeepneys to Maligcong depart at 8:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm and 5pm daily. When market day on Saturday, they are parked on another street. Travel time is 30 minutes.
NOTE: You need to be early so that you can reach the last trip of Bontoc - Maligcong jeepney at 5pm. If you didn't reach, you can accommodate some hotels in Poblacion, Bontoc or Samoki, Bontoc. For assistance and safety, you can contact the Bontoc Municipal Police Station at 0998-598-7835.
There is no problem if you have a private vehicle but you should double check your vehicle's condition before traveling to Maligcong, Bontoc. Be alert when driving during rainy days.
Where to stay in Maligcong?
The owner of the homestays are very accommodating and friendly. Homestays can provide you their kitchen for you to cook your foods. They also provide you a local guide for hiking and exploring their place. Foods are served when you don't need to cook your own. Barako coffee is free and you can serve by yourself. All fees are paid in the homestay where you accommodate and you are mandated to register your name, address and contact in their log-in sheets.
1.Suzette Homestay
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/SuzetteMaligcongHomestay
Contact Number: +639155463557
2.Chen's Homestay
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/Maligcong
Contact Number: 0956-280-5628
3.Vilma's Homestay
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/VilmasHomeStay
Contact Number: +639057011448
4.Rowena's Maligcong Homestay
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/maligcongterracesview
Contact Number: 0956 628 1256
5.Mavy's Maligcong Homestay
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/Mavysmaligconghomestay
Contact Number: 0927 991 4264
6.Dong-elay’s Maligcong Homestay09277651784
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/Fomanesdonna
Contact Number: 0927 765 1784
7.Alicia's Homestay - Maligcong
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064206785033
Contact Number: 0927 211 3198
Things to do in Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province:
1.Climb Mount Kupapey
Mount Kupapey is an easy 1 hour climb that offers an overlooking view of Maligcong Rice Terraces. If you simply want to explore the rice terraces, the climb isn’t necessary — you can just go outside and walk around, talk to the locals, and take pictures.
The most important is that you must be at the summit of Mount Kupapey before sunrise. Overnight camping is not allowed, so you really must wake up very early in the morning and hike to the peak. There is a fireplace at the summit of Mount Kupapey to keep you warm if you arrive too early at the peak. It’s also a good place for bonding with your friends or special someone.
2.Explore the Rice Terraces
Trekking Maligcong Rice Terraces is the main adventure that you can experience in Maligcong. It may have stone walls, but the corner edge of each rice paddy where you will walk through is still made up of mud. It's better to walk in the cemented trail paths to avoid accident.
3.Climb Mount Fato
Mount Fato is a mountain west of Sitio Favuyan, standing at 1438 meters (4717.9 feet). Climbing Mount Fato is easy, but beginners might need a few warm-up sessions before hiking this mountain. There is a rock formation at the summit of Mt. Fato that you can see the Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province at 360 view.
Accommodation
Right now there are no hotels or transient homes in Maligcong that could accommodate tourists or researchers. However, the idea of a “Home Stay” arrangement which is being promoted by the government’s Department of Tourism is being considered by the local government. Some residents have already hosted some tourists recommended by their friends and relatives in Manila and other parts of the world in the past.
There is no ATM in Maligcong. The nearest ATM is in Bontoc (Land Bank of the Philippines & Philippine National Bank). Cellular connectivity is very limited in Maligcong. However, in some parts of the terraces or in wide-open spaces, you can acquire a reception. The accessible cellular sim when you're in the village is Globe/Tm. You need to download your needs from the internet before you go to Maligcong.
There are no restaurants or groceries in Malicong. Upon arrival in Bontoc, Mountain Province, you can buy your foods and commodities before you go to Maligcong, Bontoc.
The Best Time To Visit Barangay Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province
The best time to visit Maligcong Rice Terraces is during the month of May-July when the fields are green as palay seeds planted in March have started to grow. Harvest time is August. Planting season begins April. By August, everything turns golden as the rice becomes ready for harvesting.
Important Notice to all local and international tourists:
1.Please do not smoke while hiking – it might start a forest fire.
2.Do not make a campfire outside the campfire area.
3.Please refrain from making so much noise, especially at night.
4.Bring enough cash with you. The nearest bank or ATM is in Bontoc town proper.
5.Make sure to respect the culture in the community.
6.Local guides are required when visiting Maligcong Rice Terraces or climbing the mountains. Most homestays offer tour guide services, so you can easily arrange this when booking.
7.The community specifically prohibits collection of any flora or fauna.
8.Make sure to wear thermal clothes for the climb. It can get cold especially in the months of December to February.
9.When "Te-er" (Rest Day) is performed, local and foreign tourist are advisable not allowed to enter the rice fields and village of Favarey.
10.Camping is strictly prohibited.
11.Every tourists must avail a local guide on your homestay to keep you safe when you explore within the village and hiking.
Municipal and Provincial Office that you can reach out:
1.Bontoc Tourism Office
Location: Bontoc Municipal Hall--Poblacion, Bontoc
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/bontocturismo
2.Bontoc Municipal Police Station
Location: Near Bontoc Municipal Hall--Poblacion, Bontoc
Facebook Name: https://web.facebook.com/bontoc.mps
Hotline Number: 0998-598-7835
3.Mountain Province Provincial Tourism Office
Location: Provincial Capitol, Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/Mountainprovincetourism
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