Hiking from Tulgao to Butbut, Kalinga

Butbut is Safe
After finishing breakfast in Tulgao, we were off at 8:00 am to start our hike to Butbut. I was a little apprehensive going to this village because my Lonely Planet 2003 book talked about an ongoing tribal war between Butbut and another tribe. I somehow lingered on the thought that it's dangerous to be there. My guide however assured me that it's safe - the Butbuts are not at war with anyone.

The Heat
It was a 2-hour hike under the scorching sun through the scenic landscape. The greenery was vivid and lush, the terrain went up, down, around, on single-tracks, dirt road, but altogether doable given a margin of fitness. The challenge was really the heat. I didn't care if it was un-macho in Kalinga for a man to be under the umbrella, but I didn't go there to play macho to these guys whose grandparents took heads for trophy. Yeah, I took out my umbrella!

Just Passing Through
The village was nearly empty except for a few free-range black pigs roaming around, kids and a villager pounding the rice. Unlike in Tulgao where I was privileged with conversation with the locals, it didn't happen here. I don't know, perhaps it's because we were pressed for time, or because the few people there looked busy, or because my guide wasn't really chummy with the Butbuts, despite the access we were given. We essentially just passed through the village.

--- TheLoneRider

• There is no public transport for this one. Take a guide - actually, you should have already taken one before going to Tulgao.

• bring lots of matches. That'll be your currency. Give matches to those who offer you food, to those whose pictures you took, etc.
• when offered food or water, take it! It tells them you can be trusted.

These guys like this story:

Dexter Tan

Bernice Varona

Maria Luz Catan

Chet Erwin Angel

Tin Jacinto

Comments:

Dexter Tan
(Aug 10, 2011) Wow eto na yun Gigit. Glad you made it back to blog about :) METTA Journey

Comments?

Full Name *
Comment *
Input field *	(please enter 0618a11)
Email	(optional, will not be posted. Do this once only - the file is retained.)
Upload your profile picture	(optional, for posting. Do this once only - the file is retained.)
Pls. check if you would you like to receive the monthly newsletter (email required).
Image Verification Please enter the text from the image: [Refresh Image] [What's This?]

Powered by EMF Contact Form
Report Abuse

»» next story: Continuing to Buscalan, Kalinga
»» back to Mountaineering
»» back to Homepage