Finding Mt. Kofafey and Mt. Fato

I'm so glad to finally check Mt Kofafey off my Bucket list. I've made several attempts to climb Mt Kofafey but it just didnt happen. I however decided it was time to climb kofafey, that very few people visit while in Bontoc. And, Finally i made it back to Maligcong just six months after my last attempt and at the right time I completed Mt Kofafey traverse.

I took a long walk on the rice terraces and enjoyed the views. It really is spectacular. The hike is really beautiful and gives stunning views of the maligcong rice terraces. I hiked in the pouring rain, but my breathing and energy level was still good, and it was a fantastic experience. The setting alone is magnificent. The shape of the mountains are so unique and the landscape from every view point looked different and it changed throughout the day from the mist and clouds that would quickly move in and out. The intricately constructed rice terraces are on a mountain surrounded by other soaring peaks. It reminded me of the views at Batad, Hapao, Mayoyao and Banaue. Absolutely breathtaking!

I cannot believe I made it and I went to Mt kofafey without a GUIDE, I'm still amazed.

I had some time exploring, it was almost sunset - it was freezing cold, but i enjoy it and I admired the view. Though, there actually wasn't much of a sunset because it was overcast, I think the fog drifting throughout the mountains and terraces was even better.

After a few hours at the summit it was time to go - it started to rain hard - I kinda didn't want to leave, thinking this could be the only time I will ever see this, but i have to leave for now KOFAFEY - the descent down to the village was really steep with lots of steps. I thought the decline was harder than going up , so it took alot of my time and energy. I tried not to look down descending from the summit and that seemed to help.  The pictures don't do justice to how steep the trail going down.  In the end I'm glad I hiked Mt Kofafey.  The views from the top were amazing and I could see all of the mountain ranges in the distance.

I love nature and hiking, and I also love learning about other cultures. Maligcong really satisfied all these loves.

I rewarded myself for the long walk with a sumptuous dinner from Ate Suzette's and 3 cups of mountain tea to soothe my aching legs.  I laughed thinking after all these years of wanting to climb mt kofafey, FINALLY i successfully finish it!

P.s  My special thanks to KUNIG - the dog wonder - for being a wonderful GUIDE!!!


How to get to Maligcong,Bontoc?
Coming from Manila take a bus bound for Banaue or directly to Bontoc. In my case I took the Ohayami Bus Terminal in Fajardo St. Sampaloc, Manila. Fare of Php 450.00 is bound for Banaue. Coda Bus line offers direct trip to Bontoc for Php 750.

From Banaue, take a van/jeepney bound for Bontoc. Fare is Php 150 to 200.

Then from Bontoc there are regular jeepney transfers from Bontoc town proper to Maligcong and vice versa, schedules is from morning up to the late afternoon. The terminal is along the Capitol Road just behind the market. Jeepney fare is Php 25 and travel time is 25-30 minutes.

Accomodation
Suzette’s Maligcong Homestay
Rate: Php 300 per night per person
Owner: Suzette Chess  Contact Number: 09155463557

Footnotes
Planting season starts in March, so the best time to visit and see the green rice paddies is April and May. Harvest season is August and may -it may extend to September - and the Maligcong rice terraces at this time is in shades of gold and green.

Aside from trekking Mount Kofafey and Mt Fato, you can also explore the terraces and the surrounding villages either alone or by hiring a guide.