PASKOokum 2015 Akiki Trail Sidetrip - Kabayan Mummies / National Museum and Opdas Cave

Still basking in euphoria after the successful and effectual Paskookum 2015, and while enjoying the cool climate and wonderful views in Kabayan, Benguet under the stars that seem to shine brighter up in the mountains, we finally mapped out our itinerary for the sidetrip that has become an integral part of every Paskookum.

NATIONAL MUSEUM - Kabayan Branch

Owing to the chilling weather, most of us woke up later than planned. Nevertheless, our e-camp at the school gradually grinded with activity as soon as we prepared breakfast. Some of the kids even returned to the school and gamely played with us. We felt appreciated, much less the kids’ gratitude as we bid our farewell to them.

It was already 1000H when we left the school for the DENR where we were met by Ms. Melody and some of the locals. We left some school supplies, raincoats, and rain boots for some students in a school in Poblacion.

Back on the road, we were surprised that the locals have prepared gifts for us in return. They gave us two boxes of fresh vegetables (We, the Skookum Mountaineers are thankful for this act of kindness that you have extended to us).


As we make our way towards the Halsema Highway in Abatan, Buguias, Benguet, our first stop was the National Musuem in Kabayan. It is located just after the town proper. There is a marker on the left side of the road. The dirt path will take you straight to a compound where the museum is located. As for us, we parked our ride at the open space before the site where small scale miners were busy with their operations.

The National Museum showcases the people, culture, tradition, and history of the mystical Kabayan, Benguet. Entrance fee to the museum is Php50.00. There are wares and other customary garbs used by people of the Cordillera. Weapons, devices and implements used in the day to day life of the people are also showcased. The centerpiece of the museum is the well preserved mummified remains of a person that date back to eons ago. Nonetheless, death cloth (one end of the cloth is used to cover the mummy while the other end is used to wipe the tears of the mourners and symphatizers) and the urn (complete with a sculpted figure of a carabao) are also notable priceless pieces of history.

The Mummy

The Death Cloth

OPDAS BURIAL CAVE

From the museum, we backtracked our way to the Poblacion as we looked for the Opdas Cave. It is actually located on the left side of the road just after the welcome arch before reaching the town proper. It was just that the signage was not conspicuous enough when we passed by owing to the presence of parked vehicles in the area.

We followed the footpath towards the residential area until we ended up entering a house (yes it was private property). We paid an entrance fee of Php20.00 per person to the owner of the property. We were subsequently led to the backyard and made our way down towards the entrance to the cave. After paying respects we decided to enter the small cave. Inside the cavern are skulls placed next to the other, skeletons, bones, and an urn. These are supposed to be the remains of their ancestors dating back 500 to 1000 years ago (allegedly carbon dated already).

Opdas Cave

bones and skulls

GOLD WORKSHOP

Before we continued our way towards Abatan, some of us decided to explore the workshop where the locals were busy conducting small scale mining. Yes, they were mining for gold. From what we saw, it really is not easy to mine and process gold. Traveling is really more than the summit of a climb, the majestic waterfalls nearby, and other natural wonders. A traveler meets the people, makes new friends, and imbibes the culture and traditions of the place that he actually visits.

Gold Miners

True to its claim, Kabayan is really mystical. Its actual location in the slopes of the Cordillera add aura to it. Although there are still other attractions in Kabayan, we nevertheless had to continue with our journey back to the City of Pines. Truly, there is more to Kabayan than the Akiki Trail and Mt. Pulag. Hopefully, we can go back in future for more of this picturesque, transcendent, and timeless place.

***Other notable places in Kabayan include:
1. Timbak Trail (including the Timbak Mummies)
2. Mt. Tabayoc
3. The mystical lakes of Tabeo, Ambulalacao, Letep, Ngapos, Incolos
4. Other Mummy Caves - Bangao Cave; Ambacdet Burial Cave
5. Eddet River
6. Tenongchol burial rock (in Kabayan village)
7. Bindiyan Festival - "Dance till you tire"