On June 12, 2015; Venoch, Eljhay and I left Baguio at 7:30 AM and proceeded to the jump off at Timbac, Pacso, Kabayan, Benguet via Bontoc bound GL Bus Liner. We reached the place at around 9:45 AM and immediately walked through the paved road leading to Mongoto Elementary School (Timbac Elementary School).
We further pushed and reached the summit an hour after leaving the elementary school. At the summit are some communication installations and religious figures. We likewise had a chance to mingle with the locals who were working at their plots near the summit. At first, the locals protested that our ‘companions’ stepped into newly planted carrots the day before… but upon explaining to them that we were not part of any group who visited before this climb and that we knew the rule of thumbs whenever we will trek along farmlands; they immediately shared smile to us. They likewise enticed us to visit the Mummy Cave located nearby. Ate Flor, a hospitable local showed us the shortcut trail from the summit to the mummy location… along the trail, we met a group of hikers from Quezon City guided by a Vince Gapuz and a very enthusiastic guide (Vince could be contacted @09196524410).
Our excitement to see the 800-year old mummy when we reached the registration area after an hour trek from the summit of Mt. Timbak. We honestly don’t have any idea that there is a policy that everyone should pay Php 30.00 and every group is mandated to get a guide to the mummy cave. The registration in-charge thought that we were part of the group from QC, so we were not required to secure a guide. Instead, we simply paid the required entrance fee and proceed to the cave. In the area, we never thought that we will have a chance to enter the burial cave… all I expected is to see the coffins on the entrance. We reached the first cave and took some pictures on the opening and immediately proceeded to the other cave located few meters lower than the first. In there, we rested for a while… say a little pray for the repose of the souls of those interned in the cave. Vince, the guide of the QC group opened the gate of the cave, entered and open the coffins of some mummies. I became super excited because we were also given a chance to enter the cave and to see the mummies. The mummies were well-preserved… a ‘living’ (dead though) testimony of the richness of Filipino culture. It was only after we returned to the registration area that we were told about the policies. Nonetheless, the registration personnel expressed his understanding on our situation. Before leaving the premises we approached Vince and the registration personnel to ask apology.
We then called a garage service vehicle (yes, there is a garage service within the area that could bring tourists or hikers to the nearest places of interest) that would bring us to the “highest point of Philippine Highway System just few kilometers away from the mummy cave, and eventually to the bus “pitstop” where we will be riding back to Baguio.
The hike to Mt. Timbac may not be as challenging as other rough terrains in Cordillera, but its charm is similarly delightful. The locals are superbly hospitable and polite and the view is unquestionably spectacular.
The hike to Mt. Timbac may not be as challenging as other rough terrains in Cordillera, but its charm is similarly delightful. The locals are superbly hospitable and polite and the view is unquestionably spectacular.