Explore the Kabayan Mummies Cave on a Day Out from Baguio
If you’re spending time Baguio during your vacation in the Philippines, plan to take an expedition to Kabayan. There are tons of great attractions to enjoy right in the city itself, but a trip to Kabayan is a wonderful way to explore the countryside. You’ll enjoy fantastic scenery on the way to Kabayan, and once there you can view the fascinating Mummies of Kabayan.
Kabayan is a friendly rural community located about 80 km north of Baguio. If you have limited time to devote to an excursion to view the mummies, you can make it a day trip. If you’d like to spend some time exploring other attractions around Kabayan, plan to spend a night there.
If you plan to travel to Kabayan from Baguio on a day trip, arrange for a local guide to take you on your excursion. Ask at your hotel for information about arranging your trip. A local guide will be able to get you to the trail that leads to the mummies in the shortest amount of time.
On the way to Kabayan, you’ll be treated to views of some of the most scenic areas of the Cordillera. You’ll travel down from the high plateau where Baguio is situated down into the Agno River Valley. Passing out of the Valley, you’ll ascend high into the mountains, enjoying a spectacular view of the Cordillera Mountain Range along the way.
Your guide will collect a key to the gates of the mummy tomb entrance, and your climb will begin. Be prepared for a very steep climb up the mountain to reach the tomb – and a slippery descent on the way down. Hiking boots are a must for this trip, as is fairly good physical condition. It’s not a long hike, but it is steep and at times, the trail may lack firm footing.
The mummies at Kabayan were made by the Ibaloi tribe. The three mummies are estimated to be 500 years old. Each is placed in a capsule-shaped pine coffin within a cave, and they are totally accessible.
Viewing these incredibly well preserved mummies up close is a remarkable experience. Although many visitors find it disturbing how accessible and unprotected the mummies at Kabayan are, it’s almost impossible not to appreciate the opportunity. Plan to bring your camera, as you’ll be able to take as many photographs as you like.
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One Response to “Explore the Kabayan Mummies Cave on a Day Out from Baguio”
By Carmz Lopez on Dec 3, 2009 | Reply
Who do I contact in Kabayan?