The side trip was supposed to be in Batad but due to heavy rains the day before, our guide suggested Hapao instead. Hapao is part of the UNESCO heritage. It is an hour bumpy ride from the town proper. We hired a jeepney because our van cannot make it through the muddy road. It was my first ride on top of the jeepney. The view was awesome but the sun burnt my skin. Even so, I enjoyed the ride.
(this photo from RC)
After 30 minutes of frying my skin under the sun, we arrived at the registration hall. We took the opportunity to use their comfort rooms and retouch. We paid 10.00Php each for environmental fee and then proceeded with our trip.
Another 30 minutes passed and finally we arrived at our destination. The view was amazing. We were able to walk along the “pilapil.” It was a nice experience. The sun was up but the air was cool. The fields were green and the mountains were covered with trees.
The highlight of our trip was the river at the end of the trail. Some of our buddies decided to take a quick dip to ease the heat. The water was fresh and cool but was not potable.
The group took pictures during our brief stay in the river.
The experience got me thinking about simple pleasures. The river was not a view at all but the smile it brought to the team was precious.
Total expenses for the Hapao trip:
Jeepney (bumpy) ride: 100.00Php each
Environmental Fee: 10.00Php each
