Venture deeper into the heart of Ifugao province and discover the magic of Mayoyao municipality. Immerse yourself in the beauty of mesmerizing rice terraces, enchanting waterfalls, and the rich cultural heritage of the e-Majawjaw, people of Mayoyao, still deeply rooted in their traditions.
Where is Mayoyao?
Mayoyao, one of the 11 municipalities in Ifugao, sits at the province’s center. Bordered by Aguinaldo to the east, Banaue and Lagawe to the west, Mountain Province to the north, and Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela to the south, Mayoyao is approximately 381 kilometers away from Manila.
How to Go to Mayoyao
Mayoyao is accessible by land transportation from either Manila or Baguio. You can travel via Solano, Nueva Vizcaya; Santiago City, Isabela; and several Ifugao towns like Lagawe, Banaue, Alfonso Lista, and Aguinaldo.
Main terminals and schedules:
Santiago City, Isabela to Mayoyao:
| By bus (Fourlanes Bus Terminal) | |
|---|---|
| Departure | Arrival |
| 8:00 am | 12:00 pm |
| 11:00 am | 5:00 pm |
| 3:00 pm | 7:00 pm |
| By van | |
|---|---|
| Departure | Arrival |
| 7:00 am | 11:00 am |
| 1:00 pm | 5:00 pm |
| 4:00 pm | 8:00 pm |
Lagawe to Mayoyao:
| By bus | |
|---|---|
| Departure | Arrival |
| 3:00 pm | 8:00 pm |
| By van | |
|---|---|
| Departure | Arrival |
| 2:00 pm | 5:00 pm |
| 4:00 pm | 8:00 pm |
Solano, Nueva Vizcaya to Mayoyao, Ifugao:
| By bus | |
|---|---|
| Departure | Arrival |
| 8:00 am | 4:00 pm |
Alternatively, you can ride a jeepney from Solano to Lagawe to catch a bus or van from there.
The Mayoyao terminal is near the market, where you’ll also find the tricycle terminal for navigating the area.
Where to Stay in Mayoyao
Here are some accommodation options in Mayoyao, catering to various preferences:
- The Mayoyao Hostel and Viewpoint: Offering a tranquil setting and event facilities, it boasts dorm rooms for P250/person and private rooms with an en-suite bathroom starting at P1,000. Notably, two Apfo’or Burial Tombs reside on the ridges surrounding the hostel.
- Contact: 0927.518.5814 | 0935.916.9273
- The Mayoyao View Inn: This homestay-like accommodation boasts a cozy communal dining and living area. Its location, near the plaza, provides easy access to dining, shops, and the market. Standard private rooms with an en-suite bathroom start at P1,000 and can accommodate up to 3 guests. They also offer a VIP room for P2,000.
- Contact: 0905.412.9293
- facebook.com/mayoyaoviewinn/
- www.mayoyaoviewinn.com
- Helen’s Guest Hauz: Located by the roadside at Lower Onagol near Mayoyao Poblacion, this option offers dorm-type rooms at P250/person, private rooms starting at P700, and rooms with a shared toilet and bath starting at P500.
- Contact: 0906.141.0715
- facebook.com/HGHIfugao
- Milcah Lodge: This centrally located, three-story building offers rooms with a view, accommodating 3-4 guests at P300/person.
- Contact: 0905.199.3194
- Jean’s Place: This budget-friendly option offers economy rooms starting at P300/person and regular private rooms for up to 4 persons at P1,200/room.
- Contact: 0915.942.3279
Activities
Nature Lovers
- View and Trek the Rice Terraces: Immerse yourself in the vast, cascading stone-walled rice terraces of Mayoyao. These terraces are part of the five clusters in Ifugao listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the designation “Living Cultural Landscapes.” This encompasses all the terraces in Mayoyao, including Bongan, Chaya, and Chumang. Explore various viewpoints within the municipality, or get up close and personal with the terraces through trekking adventures.
- Scenic Viewpoints:
- Municipal Hall: Climb the stairs at the Municipal Hall for a stunning vantage point to witness the sunrise, admire the central terraces, and marvel at the mountain views all at the building view deck.
- Mt. Nagchajan Historical Site: Not only significant for being the last stand of Japanese soldiers during World War II, but this site also boasts a breathtaking panoramic view of the rice terraces of Chaya, Bongan, and Chumang.
- Khohang Garden View Deck: Located farther toward Chumang, this serene garden offers cool breezes, pine trees, and scenic views of the rice terraces and Mayoyao town. It also serves as the gateway to one of the waterfalls in Mayoyao.
- Refresh at the Waterfalls:
- A’pfaw Mahencha Waterfalls: Accessible through a lush forest trail, this waterfall boasts inviting pristine pours and crystal-clear basins. You can find it near the Khohang Garden View Deck.
- Tenogtog Waterfalls: Easily accessible with just a few minutes of hiking, these three-level waterfalls on the western side (Mapoway) offer picturesque views and have picnic cottages for enjoying the ambiance.
- Mun-alajah Waterfalls and Muntuytuy-ub Waterfalls: Time permitting, consider exploring these additional waterfalls for a more adventurous experience.
Cultural Immersion
- Apfo’or Burial Tombs: These unique burial tombs, a testament to the e-Majawjaw’s exceptional stone-crafting skills, served as resting places for ancient warriors and elites. Explore the seven remaining Apfo’or Burial Tombs scattered across various barangays.
- Lumagig Stone: For the more adventurous, a visit to the Lumagig Stone in Balangbang requires some effort but rewards you with the sight of this mystical boulder precariously balanced on a smaller rock. Legend has it that the deities placed the rock, and as long as it remains in position, the e-Majawjaw will enjoy strength and happiness.
- Mayoyao Women’s Organization Weaving Center: Witness and experience the e-Majawjaw traditional loom weaving and handicrafts at the Weaving Center located in Banhal.
- Festivals: Immerse yourself fully in the e-Majawjaw culture by witnessing their vibrant festivals showcasing traditional dances and music:
- Igkhumtad ad Majawjaw: Held every last Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of April, this festival proudly displays the culture through ethnic sports and activities.
- Lenong Peace Festival (Lenong ad Majawjaw): Held annually on August 8th and 9th, this festival commemorates the end of a long historical battle and the beginning of peace in Mayoyao.
Enjoy the Local Delicacies
Mayoyao offers a distinct and delightful culinary experience:
- Pinang-et: A local delicacy made with organic brown rice and young coconut.
- Tinnudok: A thinner version of carioca.
- Kamote (sweet potatoes): Known for their flavorful taste, whether simply boiled or caramelized with muscovado sugar and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
- Crispy fried amulang (gabi/taro stalks): A delightful and crunchy snack.
- Ginisang amulang (sauteed taro stalks): A flavorful vegetarian dish.
- Maura’s Cafe: Located at the plaza, this restaurant offers various preparations of Japanese freshwater eels (“pikaw”) – standard fried, sweet and sour, and spicy. They also serve a delicious pigeon pea soup.
- Fresh water Crest: A common and appreciated addition to many meals in Mayoyao.
Experience Mayoyao
Mayoyao’s remoteness contributes to its less touristy atmosphere, offering a unique experience for adventurous travelers seeking cultural immersion and breathtaking natural beauty.
For inquiries and assistance:
- MayoyaoTourism Facebook: facebook.com/PhilippinesMajesticMayoyao/
- Email: [email protected]
- Mobile: 0906.958.2204 / 0949.664.0088
I hope this comprehensive Mayoyao travel guide helps you.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
