Major city · Philippines
Bontoc
Give Bontoc 1 night as a Cordillera stop between Baguio, Banaue and Sagada; half a day covers the museum, cathedrals and market on foot.
Bontoc is a small, walkable town in Mountain Province and a road junction for Banaue, Sagada and Baguio. The town itself takes half a day; the rice terraces at Maligcong and the hot springs need a longer stay or a hired ride.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PHP
- Best months
- Dec–Apr
- avoid Jun–Oct (rainy season)
- Airports
- Loakan Airport, Baguio (BAG) · Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila (MNL)
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Philippines ↗Complete the free eTravel registration on the official government site within 72 hours before arrival; ignore lookalike sites that charge.
- Philippines ↗Typhoon season runs roughly June to November: flights and boats are cancelled at short notice; buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day.
- Philippines ↗Carry pesos in small notes; many stalls, jeepneys and taxis are cash-only.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Bontoc117 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bontoc, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.Philippines-wide
- SIM or eSIMGlobe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.Philippines-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.Philippines-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if no service charge.Philippines-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Philippines-wide
- SafetyBontoc is generally safe; keep valuables secure on buses and during night walks.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsCalled 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.Philippines-wide
- Emergency numbers117 police · 117 fire & ambulance · 911 National emergency
- Sundays & holidaysHoly Week shuts much; malls open daily; banks closed weekends.Philippines-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckBAG Loakan Airport, Baguio (Nearest airport with scheduled service; check current flights — most travellers reach Bontoc by bus from Baguio instead).
- Getting aroundThe main street and Poblacion are walkable; tricycles charge a local rate for short hops.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee₱40–₱70 (≈ US$1–2)
- Museum or sight ticketBontoc Museum entry₱60 (≈ US$2)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person₱250 (≈ US$5)
- Mid-range bedDouble room (budget hotel), a night, per room₱1,200 (≈ US$25)
- High-end bedDouble room (budget hotel), a night, per room₱1,800 (≈ US$35)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₱600 (≈ US$11) · Mid ₱900 (≈ US$16) · High ₱1,300 (≈ US$25)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BAG Loakan Airport, Baguio (Nearest airport with scheduled service; check current flights — most travellers reach Bontoc by bus from Baguio instead) · MNL Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila (Cabletours overnight bus from Cubao to Bontoc, about ₱600, departs 8:30 PM (check))BAG Loakan Airport, Baguio (Nearest airport with scheduled service; check current flights — most travellers reach Bontoc by bus from Baguio instead) · MNL Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila (Cabletours overnight bus from Cubao to Bontoc, about ₱600, departs 8:30 AM PM (check))
Map of Bontoc
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest May (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bontoc: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The main street and Poblacion are walkable; tricycles charge a local rate for short hops. Jeepneys run hourly to Sagada (about 1 h, ₱45) and buses or vans to Banaue (about 2 h, ₱120–₱150).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Maligcong Rice Terraces
goDoor to door: Half a day
Tricycle or a walk from the town centre to Favarey, then a hike; Mount Kupapey above the terraces for the view
Remote village; go early and take water.
Mainit Hot Springs
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Jeepney north along the Halsema Highway, about 30 min
Natural hot pools; bring a towel.
Bontoc Museum
goDoor to door: 15 min
Walk from the centre, about 5 min, Bontoc Capitol Road
Open 8 AM–5 PM, entry ₱60; tribal photos and artifacts.
Door to door: About 1 h
Jeepney from Bontoc, hourly until 5:30 PMJeepney from Bontoc, hourly until 5:30 AM PM
₱45; caves and hanging coffins.
Cervantes (East Coast)
cautionDoor to door: About 4 h
Bus from the market, departs 9:30 AM, ₱100 (≈ US$2), then a van to Tagudin over the Bessang Pass, ₱150 (≈ US$3)Bus from the market, departs 9:30 AM AM, ₱100 (≈ US$2), then a van to Tagudin over the Bessang Pass, ₱150 (≈ US$3)
Schedule from May 2011 — check before you rely on it.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Poblacion (town centre)
Market, museum, cathedrals and most buses within walking distance; Churya-a single ₱250, double ₱500, Mountain Hotel ₱120/₱240.
Samoki (across the Chico River)
Quieter side of town on the Nueva Vizcaya–Ifugao–Mountain Province Road; Archog ₱800, Ridgebrooke ₱900–₱1,200.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₱500–₱800 (≈ US$9–15) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₱800–₱1,200 (≈ US$15–25) excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostel dorm bed1 × 1 night × ₱250 | ₱250 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × ₱600 | ₱600 |
| Bus Baguio → Bontoc (GL Lizardo)1 × ₱220 · check | ₱220 |
| Tricycle ride (local rate)1 × ₱50 · check | ₱50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₱112 |
| Trip total≈ ₱1,232 per person per day, bed included | ₱1,232≈ US$25 |
2026 estimate in PHP; flights and long-distance buses excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ₱40–₱70 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Pancake (Arik) | ₱15 (≈ under US$1) |
| Bontoc Museum entry | ₱60 (≈ US$2) |
| Jeepney ridecheck | ₱45–₱150 (≈ US$1–3) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Last Baguio-bound bus leaves in the afternoon (GL Lizardo departures listed 3–4 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM and 2:30 PM); plan the day around it.Last Baguio-bound bus leaves in the afternoon (GL Lizardo departures listed 3–4 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM and 2:30 AM PM); plan the day around it.
- Roads can be slippery in the rainy season; check conditions before travel.
- Some karinderias serve dog meat; ask what is on the menu if that matters to you.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 117
- Fire & ambulance
- 117
- National emergency
- 911
Pocket card
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BontocBontoc
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Punta dito, pakiTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police117
- Fire & ambulance117
- National emergency911
Embassy
US consulate in Manila; other embassies also in Manila.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Baguio → Bontoc (GL Lizardo): about ₱220 (≈ US$4), departs 3 AM–2:30 PM, 2 h (check)about ₱220 (≈ US$4), departs 3 AM–2:30 AM PM, 2 h (check)
- Manila → Bontoc (Cabletours): about ₱600 (≈ US$11), departs 8:30 PM, overnight (check)about ₱600 (≈ US$11), departs 8:30 AM PM, overnight (check)
Say or show
- Pasensya na — Excuse me / Sorry (pah-sen-sya na)
- Salamat — Thank you (sa-la-mat)
- Magkano ito? — How much is it? (mag-ka-no i-to)
- Nasaan ang banyo? — Where is the toilet? (na-san ang ba-nyo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bontoc. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr · avoid Jun–Oct (rainy season) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add night bus to Baguio for early arrivals.
- Create a walking cluster around the market, museum and hot springs.
Sources
Ask about Bontoc
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