RegionOutline guide

Mountain Province

Province in Cordillera, Philippines

Photo: LemuelSalibio, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Mountain Province is in the Cordillera region of Luzon in the Philippines. Formerly encompassing almost the entire Cordillera region, its rump core, located right in the middle of the Cordillera massif, is a center of indigenous Igorot culture.

Getting there and around

Getting there

Mountain Province can be accessed through the following national roads; Nueva Vizcaya-Ifugao-Mountain Province Road (Route 109), the main thoroughfare for buses originating from Metro Manila, Tagudin-Cervantes-Sabangan…

Read in the guide

Getting around

One can get around the province by public transportation such as jeepney, bus, and passenger van. Tricycles are used within towns.

Read in the guide

Airports and nearby hotels

Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.

Cauayan Airport

Cauayan City · Regional · CYZ

Search stays near CYZ

Search flights

Read before you go to Mountain Province

Articles and travel topics about Mountain Province and Philippines.

Travel tips

Visa-Free Countries for Philippine Passport Holders (2026 List)

Full 2026 list of visa-free countries for Philippine passport holders. Check ASEAN entry rules, stay limits, and Bureau of Immigration clearance tips.

Oct 18, 20266 min read

Inspiration

Best Islands to Visit in the Philippines for First-Timers

Explore the best islands to visit in the Philippines, including Palawan limestone lagoons, Boracay white sands, Bohol hills, and Cebu waterfalls.

Oct 17, 20266 min read

Itineraries

Difference Between Palawan and Boracay: Which Island Is Better?

Learn the real difference between Palawan and Boracay with our breakdown of sand quality, boat tours, nightlife, travel transit, and vacation costs.

Oct 17, 20267 min read

Travel tips

Philippines Travel Budget: A Complete 7-Day Holiday Guide

Real-world 7-day Philippines travel budget covering hotel prices, domestic flights, island hopping tours, tricycle fares, and food costs.

Oct 17, 20267 min read

Full travel guide

Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.

TownsMountain Province is divided into 10 municipalities, all rural and sparsely populated, with each having a central town.

UnderstandMountain Province occupies over of land area, mostly mountainous terrain. The capital is Bontoc. The province occupies the very center of the Cordillera Mountains.

TalkThe native language is Bontoc, which has various dialects per town. An alternative lingua franca is Ilocano, brought by lowland migrants who settled in the province, followed by Tagalog and English.

Get inMountain Province can be accessed through the following national roads; Nueva Vizcaya-Ifugao-Mountain Province Road (Route 109), the main thoroughfare for buses originating from Metro Manila, Tagudin-Cervantes-Sabangan…

Get aroundOne can get around the province by public transportation such as jeepney, bus, and passenger van. Tricycles are used within towns.

SeeMost visitors come to Mountain Province just to take a respite from hectic urban life in Sagada, although the town is beginning to show strains from overtourism.

DoPartake in cultural activities such as pounding rice, community dances and listening to the indigenous chants.

BuyThere are very few banks or ATMs outside Bontoc. Most transactions are conducted in cash.

EatLike the rest of the Cordilleras, Mountain Province cuisine is comprised of highland rice, starch vegetables and game.

Drink

SleepThe bulk of tourist accommodation is in Sagada, followed by Bontoc. Most accommodation consists of small inns, hostels or homestays.

Stay safeAccidents and landslides are common along the mountain roads, with the danger compounded by low or nonexistent guard rails and fog. Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition.

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Mountain Province" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Mountain Province", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: LemuelSalibio, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Improve this guide on Wikivoyage