Kabayen Mummies Caves, Mt. Timbak (aka Mt. Singakalsa), Philippines

The Kabayen Mummies caves are a really interesting site to visit, and learn about the practices of burying the dead in Philippines centuries ago. 4 hours ride by shared van from Baguio (a famous tourist destination in Philippines), 

Most frequently taken route to get to the summit is via the KM 55 jump-off, and start the hike. The summit is about 3.5 KMs from there.

I took the way from Kabayan. Lodged at Pine Cone lodge overnight and started the trek at 5 am, so we can cover as much before the sun comes up. I met another traveler at the lodge and we hired a guide together to get to the peak of Mt. Timbak. 

Entrance to Cave at Kabayan town

The evening before that I visited another cave in the town itself. Just 5-7 minutes walk from the lodge. There were human skulls (arranged), and bones, and coffins. The coffins could be opened and the remains seen. There is a trail off the road, and goes from between the houses. A caretaker charges a small fee for the maintenance.

Human skulls, bones and coffins @Cave at Kabayan town

The next day, we took off for Mt. Timbak caves. I am not much of a hiker, and taking the longer route didn't seem like the best idea during the hike... but I did it :D And am glad I did.. The hike is okay, but the view is beautiful. With some terrace farming that you could see on the way. And the fact that it's the third highest mount in Luzon island and 9th highest in Philippines makes it interesting. They are now making a road to the top for easy access. 


On the way to the summit, we visited the burial caves. The mummified coffins were buried in caves. It was because they thought it was easier for the soul to depart from a cave, than from under the ground, so I have heard. The rocks were made softer by making a fire, and then the caves built. 

Way to Kabayan Burial Caves

Burial Caves

Bull/Boar horns are commonly found in the region

People commonly put a bull/boar horns in front of their shops, houses or on their cars. An age old practice, probably to ward off evil; or must have been a symbol of strength.. 

 It was a long long hike for me. The other traveler took off ahead ;) I somehow managed to make it to the caves and visited the caves. It was completely worth-it. Centuries old mummified remains in coffins, some with their ears and hair still there. The corpses were lay in coffins in fetal positions, and families were buried together in the same coffin sometimes. 

6 year old in fetal position mummified and buried in cave

Feet of a woman

The traditional tattoos can still be seen on the bones

Families were buried together in the same coffins sometimes

How to get there:

Manila to Baguio bus (I traveled Victory Liner)- 445 PHP, 8-10 hours
Baguio to Kabayen shared cab (FX) from slaughterhouse compound - PHP 150, 4-5 hrs

When covering Kabayen, and if there is time in hand one can do Baguio -> Kabayen -> Sagada -> Kalinga -> Banaue -> Manila. Can do Vigan as well, but it's slightly further north.

For Kalinga Buscalan village,
 http://travellingexploringphilippines.blogspot.com/2014/08/kalinga.html


For Hanging coffins, caving and more at Sagada:
http://travellingexploringphilippines.blogspot.com/2015/01/sagada-mt-province-hanging-coffins-and.html