BONTOC, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

Bontoc” originated from two morphemes Bun-Tuk. BUN means heap and TUK means top, when taken together means MOUNTAINS. It is the capital town of the Mountain Province and is home to several tourist attractions.  

This includes the breathtaking vistas of the Kadchog Rice Terraces which is located across the Chico River in Bontoc, Bayyo Rice Terraces and the UNESCO Heritage site Maligcong Rice terraces. Worthy of visit is the Chico River, a natural pool surrounded by mountain ranges. You can still see its rich culture and heritage in Samoki Village and Alab Oriente, an ancient dwelling place

 

Participants will go through the beautiful trails, villages and terraces in Bontoc which will allow them to see and experience the following on foot as they run:

  • KM 2 Chico River - is a 233 KM river system in the Philippines in the island of Luzon encompassing the regions of Cordillera and Cagayan Valley 
  • KM5  Mount Palikot Aso -  This is the first peak to summit after going through single track trails.
  • KM 7 Kadchog Rice Terraces- A group of stone walled paddies. This manifests the engineering skills of the Bontoc tribe.
  • KM 13K- Lamfagan, Wawalitan (Sacred place) of Bontoc Ili- This is where some Bontoc women elders perform Walit, a cultural belief and practice where they sacrifice a salted pork meat or chicken (depending on the gravity of illness) and pray for the bad spirit(s) to abandon and let a sick relative to recover.  This stands at 1710 meter above sea level, the highest peak in Bontoc.
  • KM 21 - Mount Kamaliton- This is where the ichiw (a big snake) was believed to have slept and was killed by Bontoc men through the use of bolos and spears. They sliced its belly and found a woman dead.  This stands at 910m above sea level and is the Bontoc Viewpoint where there is one of the best view of sunrise.
  • KM 23 - Kaman-utek is notable for its distinctively blue-colored soil, which is due to the presence of copper sulfate minerals. This unique geological feature creates a striking and unusual landscape, making it a point of interest for both tourists and geologists.
  • Km 30 1000 Steps trail- This section near Ganga Cave offers a unique combination of physical challenge, scenic beauty, and cultural heritage. It leads hikers through an area rich in history, with ancient petroglyphs and traditional burial sites like Ganga Cave
  • Km 30 Ganga Caves- A group of caves where some dead Alab males (about 100) were entombed after they were believed to have been killed by an anito. The coffins used were made of pine trees.  National Cultural Treasures. This is included included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and is one of the National Cultural Treasures. 
  • KM 30 - The Petroglyphs- These are ancient rock carvings that hold significant cultural and historical value. These carvings are found in various locations within the region and are considered important artifacts of the indigenous peoples of the area.  This is included included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and is one of the National Cultural Treasures. 
  • KM 41-Mount Fato - This is also known as Bontoc's Sunrise or Mount Pukis, is a prominent natural landmark.  It stands at 1610m above sea level.
  • KM 47 - Guinaang Rice Terraces is a scenic agricultural landscape which is a showcase of the ingenuity of the Cordillerans.
  • KM 48 Mount Kupapey - The hike to the summit trails pass through lush forests, scenic viewpoints, and terraced landscapes of Guinaang and Maligcong Rice Terraces
  • KM 51 - Maligcong Rice Terraces is situated in the heart of the Cordillera Mountain Ranges.  The Maligcong Rice Terraces was nominated for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes.    
  • KM 63 Tocucan This village is characterized with lush forests, winding view of Chico river, and scenic landscapes
  • KM 67 Chapyusen Falls - This waterfalls is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil ambiance. The waterfall cascades down from a height, creating a picturesque sight as the water plunges into a pool below.  Expect a lush forest and a vegetation surrounding it that adds to the scenic charm.
  • KM 67 The Caneo Village- This village is renowned for its traditional weaving practices, which have been passed down through generations among the indigenous tribes of the Cordilleras. Skilled artisans, often women, use traditional looms and techniques to create intricate and vibrant textiles, including blankets, clothing, bags, and other woven products.

BONTOC TOURIST PACKAGES

Faqs

The Philippine National Trail Running Championships is an annual event organized by the Philippine Trail Running Association (PHILTRA) in partnership with EVENT HOST. It brings together trail runners who have qualified during the year long Championship Qualifier events from across the country to compete in various categories such as long trail, short trail, and mountain classic races2. The event showcases the athletic talent and endurance of Filipino trail runners and aims to promote trail running as a sport in the Philippines.

Qualified individuals based on Championship Qualifier Points, Invited individuals based on ITRA points and recommendation from race organizers subject to board approval, Current National Team Members

The event is held in the same weekend as the second edition of the Danao City International Ultra Trail.  For more information, visit their facebook page.

The PNTRC is organized by the Philippine Trail Running Association with the Danao City and the Danao City Trail Runners as host and local organizing committee.

Country Name: PHILIPPINES

Host Region: Danao City, Cebu

To know more, visit About Us - Danao City

General Information: The LOC will provide pick up arrangements from March 20 and 21, 2025.

Arrival by Plane: Cebu International Airport

Arrival by SEA: Cebu Pier

To ensure a proper pick-up procedure all official delegates must submit their arrival and departure details by March 10, 2025.

Parking: In case you require parking at the venue for your team contact info@philtra.ph.  Due to limited availabilities parking permits are going to be allocated in a first come, first serve manner.

Participants of the OPEN Category who require travel assistance may connect at the Danao City International Ultra facebook page.

Local Transportation:  The venues are mostly walking distance.  On days transportation is needed, transportation between the team hotels and the venues, including official and social functions, will be guaranteed by the LOC shuttle service during the Championship days from 22nd to 23rd of June. All transportation schedules will be displayed at the info board both in the team hotels as well as in the other venues which are serviced by shuttles.

Departure:  A shuttle service will also be in place for team departures. The frequency of this service will be based on the departure schedule, which will be posted at the information board at each team hotel at least 24 hours before departure.  Any changes to the details provided in the FEF shall be communicated to the LOC, at least 48 hours before departure.

AIR: AIRPORT-CEBU CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SEA: CEBU PIER

There is a variety of ways to get to Danao City from the airport and or pier.

By Bus

From North Bus Terminal in Cebu City, you can take a bus with air-condition and non air-condition going to Danao City. The trip will take approximately 1.5 hours depending on the traffic condition. The estimated fare would be Php 50.00 to Php 60.00.

By Van (V-hire)

You can also ride a Van For Hire (V-hire) from SM City Cebu or North Bus Terminal going to Danao. The estimated fare would be Php 80.00 – Php 120.00 and the trip will take approximately 1.5 hours to 2 hours depending on the traffic condition.

By Jeepney

The cheapest way to get to Danao City is by riding a jeepney from Mandaue in Cebu City. The fare would be Php 40.00 to Php 50.00 and it will take around 2 hours to get to the destination depending on the traffic condition.

By Taxi

Taxi is the fastest way to get to Danao City from Cebu City. The estimated fare would be around Php 600.00 to Php 800.00 and it will take approximately 1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on the traffic condition.

 

sponsors 

Please contact us at info@philtra.ph for sponsorship.

Contact PNTRC

EMAIL: INFO@PHILTRA.PH with subject line SEATRA Cup.