Cordillera was breathtaking—flower fields in Antok, the cool Baguio breeze, incredible mountain views, and cozy coffee and food spots along the way. Curious how I explored it all? Read my blog!

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated

*This blog post consist of provinces in Benguet – Atok, La Trinidad and Baguio

February 19, 2022
Pasay, Manila

Date of Trip: Feb15-17

Benguet is located in northern Luzon, where I am currently residing. It takes 7 hours to get there from Manila. Benguet is known as the Salad Bowl of the Philippines because it is a major supplier of fresh veggies in the country. It features beautiful mountain vistas, a chilly breeze that drops to 9 degrees Celsius in the morning and night, scrumptious food, and wonderful people.

Budget – PHP16,000 for 3D2N tour. I booked my tour at BAGUIO TOUR AFFORDABLE. You can contact Junell or May, they are awesome tour coordinators. I stayed at Transient home at Baguio Transient House just 7 minutes away by public transportation from Baguio City Proper.

I booked my transportation at Victory Liner going to Baguio and Pangasinan Solid North going back to Manila

Expenses Breakdown.

Benguet exclusive tour for 2 days- PHP6,000
Transportation going to Baguio (luxury bus line with toilet and reclining chair) – PHP1,049 with insurance
Transportation going back to Manila (bus terminal is in Paranaque Interchange) deluxe trip with toilet and reclining chair – PHP850
Accommodation for 3 days and 2 nights- PHP2,400, booking requires half payment and key deposit of PHP1,000 upon arrival to be refunded upon check out
Food Expenses – PHP3,500 (approximate)
Taxi Transportation – PHP1,000
Entrance Fees – PHP1,500

Accommodation – I reserved a room at Baguio Transient House. My room contains a large bed room and a toilet with a heater. I didn’t expect much, but it was large; the only thing I didn’t enjoy was that there was a cockroach because the room was already old. Next time, I’ll stay in a nicer room.

Weather – I love the weather in Benguet, it’s chilly and cool breeze all through out the day which makes the adventure bearable. The temperature dips at 9 degree Celsius early morning and late night. During the afternoon it’s 21 degree Celsius.

Things to Bring:

Energy – haha!
Pocket Money – ATMs are not available in Atok so better be prepared
Sunscreen
Powerbank

Transportation

I booked a private tour in Benguet. But, on my first day, I had to travel via taxi in Baguio, you can also opt to try their jeepneys. No tricycle in Baguio. There is no need to provide tip in taxis, they give you the exact change and as long as it’s not rush hour (5pm-8pm), it doesn’t get crazy booking a taxi.

Day 1 Feb 15 Baguio City
21 degree Celsius

Baguio is known for the Summer Capital of the Philippines and dubbed the City of Pines. It has chilly weather and has variety of food spots, cultural and arts appreciation places.

3:30pm – Checked in at the transient home, left my things and explored Baguio food spots
4:30pm – Had snack at Cafe Ruins. Ordered beef stroganoff (I did not like, it has ginger to taste and I’m not a fan of ginger), camote bread (which I really liked with strawberry jam) it’s delicious and brand new flavor and Benguet coffee. I also loved the ambiance of the place and service was awesome. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Baguio.

5:30pm – Snack and chocolate at Chocolate De Batirol located in Camp John Hay. I loved the chocolate, their chocolate is traditionally made using copper pot where a wooden whisk or batirol is used to make the chocolate thick. I also ordered banana spring rolls drizzled with chocolate syrup or we call it here turron.

6:30pm – I strolled along Session Road and visited SM Baguio mall it’s an open air mall and they don’t use aircon as it’s already cold in Baguio. I loved the ambiance in Session Road with mascots and street performers. So fun!
8:00pm – Drank San Miguel Apple beer in Rumours pub while waiting for the Baguio night market to open.
9:00pm – Strolled along Baguio Night Market, it has variety of food stalls to choose from – grilled corn, balut (fertilized developing egg embryo that is boiled), shawarma, Filipino street food etc. They also have affordable open market bazaar. Baguio Night Market is open everyday from 9pm-2am Manila time
10:00pm – Went home, shower and rest for my tour the following day

Day 2 Feb 16 – Atok Benguet, La Trinidad and half parts of Baguio City
9 degree Celsius

4:00am – woke up and prepare for the first day tour
4:40am – Junell, my guide picked me up for the Benguet Tour, first we will go to Atok Benguet. Junell was very accommodating, he is actually my favorite tour guide to date and very good photographer. Highly recommended!

Atok is 2 hours away from Baguio, it’s chillier than Baguio’s weather and most of the time there’s no cellular signal in some areas. It is also well known for it’s flower farms and the most popular is Northern Blossom.

6:30am – Northern Blossom

Arrived in Northern Blossom at a 9 degree dropping most of the time at 7 degree Celsius. It was really cold but thankfully the sun shines brightly to give me warmth. The entrance fee is PHP300, I did not have to pay for my guide so I brought him to guide me and take photos during the tour. The flower park was so calming especially it’s overlooking the mountains so I can see how picturesque all the surrounding was. I enjoyed every bit of the tour, no words can express how happy I was seeing all these flowers. It’s soothing for the soul. The flower farm is huge but the cooling breeze makes it bearable to explore the place. The photos cannot justify how it looked like in person. The Northern Blossom is closed on Sundays as of this moment.

9:00am – Mt. Olis

Went to Mt. Olis Viewpoint owned by Hector’s Family. It’s overlooking mountainous area of Benguet and picked strawberry along the way. I truly enjoyed my time here. I also got to know that they don’t have public cemetery in Atok so the departed were buried in their own lands. Entrance fees is PHP150. The last photos were my guides – Hector the owner of the land and my tour guide Junell.

9:30am – Sakura Park and Haight’s Place

Went to Sakura Park and Haight’s Place just 10 minutes away from Mt. Olis. The cherry blossom has not yet bloomed in the Sakura park so I just strolled around to see the flowers of Haight’s Place. I prefer Northern Blossom better but it’s still good to check. The entrance fees is PHP150.

10:20am – The Halsema Highroad Point

Went to 1st highest point in the Philippine Highway System previously, now it’s known as the 2nd highest point. The Halsema Highroad Point which has an elevation of 7400 ft or 2,255 meters above sea level. The Halsema was first constructed before World War II. It was the highest point from then until 2019. Still, it’s worthy to stop over and take a photo to the old signages.

10:30am – Halsema Half Tunnel

Just 5 minutes away from the Highest point is Halsema Half Tunnel. When Typhoon Trining devastated the region in 1967, which washed out the road, the only option for road construction was to carve out the rocky outcrop that created a natural half-tunnel allowing traffic to traverse the mountainous region.

12:10pm – Bahong Sunflower Farm.

Went to Bahong Sunflower Farm. Entrance fee is PHP150. Although they have roses and sunflowers, this was actually my least favorite among all the flower farms I visited. Probably, because some of the flowers were not yet in bloom. Nevertheless, if you like sunflowers you can pay a visit but if not I’m good to skip.

12:35pm – La Trinidad, Benguet

La Trinidad is the capital of Benguet and is north of Baguio. It has strawberry farm and Stobosa Hillside Homes Artwork.

I was already hungry so I bought strawberry taho (silken tofu with sago pearls and strawberry syrup). Since La Trinidad is known for strawberries, they incorporate the strawberry in their taho and ice cream. I actually prefer the original flavor of taho (the brown sugary syrup than strawberry syrup) but the ice cream I liked. I was actually really hungry now, didn’t know it would take long to stroll along flower farms of Atok.

1:30pm –  StoBoSa Hillside Artwork.

Made a quick stop at StoBoSa Hillside Artwork. Once considered an eyesore along the La Trinidad highway in Benguet. Stobosa Hillside Homes Artwork is now a tourist attraction. Stobosa, an acronym for the sitios of Stonehill, Botiw-tiw and Sadjap in Barangay Balili of Benguet’s capital La Trinidad. The Department of Tourism (DOT) in 2016, Local Government of La Trinidad and Davies Paints made the place into the Philippines’ first and largest community artwork inspired by the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil Gamcheon Cultural Village of Korea. The unappealing sprawl of makeshift houses was turned into fabulous murals with beauty and chaos meeting in one setting. The artwork featured large-scale patterns of sunflowers and is designed by the Tam-awan Village group.

1:45pm – Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant
Only Accepts Cash and no issues in parking inside the restaurant.

We had lunch at Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant in Baguio City. It offers large servings of pure Cordilleran cuisine at an affordable price. The place gives a homey and rustic vibe. We ordered Kinuday jen baboy (stir fried smoked pork meat served with rice and vegetables) and Kinuday jen baha (steamed smoked beef meat served with rice and vegetables). Both are priced at PHP180 each. Kinuday is an Ibaloi word which means smoked meat, though it is called as such it is not necessary for the meat to be smoked, the meat could be either dried under the sun, smoked, or placed under hot charcoals. There was a queue when we went here but we only waited for 5 minutes. Service was good! I loved the experience of trying Cordilleran food, the food was just fine for me though but will still recommend to friends.

2:30pm – Tam-Awan Village

Just a few steps away from Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant is Tam-Awan Village. The entrance fee is PHP60. It is a cultural and art center built by local artists in 1998 with a purpose of showcasing and preserving the heritage of Cordillera. Exhibits are constantly displayed inside the houses, with art pieces made by local artists. During the hike in the village, we saw the Igorot Stone Kingdom which is closed as of the moment.

3:20pm – Mirador Heritage and EcoPark

This is located on top of the Mirador Hill in Baguio City and near Lourdes Grotto. It is a 5 hectare park that offers breathtaking views of Baguio City. Entrance fee is PHP100. I was actually very tired and there was a long queue in a Torii Gate inspired spot overlooking Baguio city so I had to ask if I could cut in the line because I was a solo traveler and they agreed. haha! My tour guide was so ashamed though so he had to take my photos so fast. haha I offered a prayer and candle to the Lourdes Grotto after. You can opt to hike here or spend the whole afternoon as it’s very relaxing. I was just very tired so we left after 20 minutes.

4:00pm – Mines View Park
Wore traditional Igorot clothes with accessories for PHP30

Mines View Park lies a majestic view of mountains and forest, it also overlooked Itogon’s abandoned mines which are also known as Balatoc Mines that’s why it’s called Mines View Park.

4:40pm – Had coffee at Kapetirya. Unfortunately, they did not have Benguet beans for coffee. I did not enjoy the coffee but the ambiance was so good. I won’t consider coming back.

5:30pm – Went back to transient to rest, I was very tired, I slept for a while. I was really glad the weather in Baguio was chilling it would be more tiring if it’s too hot. Nevertheless, my first day was so packed I enjoyed it so much!

7:50pm – Balajadia Kitchenette

I had dinner at Balajadia Kitchenette. It is located in the Slaughter Compund in Baguio City. It is a humble carinderia that caters Filipino cuisine. I was so impressed by how neat the place was and the people were so accommodating. I wanted to order bakareta (beef caldereta) but they did not have it anymore because it’s nearly closing time. So I went for grilled pork with dinuguan sauce (pig’s blood) cost PHP250. It was so delicious!!! The saltiness of the grilled pork complimented the taste of the creamy pig’s blood when you dipped it as your sauce. I loved the experience and will definitely be back for more.

8:30pm – Baguio Craft Beer accepts cash, gcash only

I had to stop and try Baguio’s craft beer even if I was really tired. I love beer so much or any alcoholic beverage that my trip will not be complete without trying their own version of alcohol. I thought the pub has seats at the bar counter but since they offer free taste beer they don’t have seats at the bar counter. I loved the experience, the people were so warm and accommodating. I ordered strawberry beer which hits the spot on my palate. The craft beer only costs PHP190! Awesomeness!

9:30pm – I went back home, showered and rest. It was a long day but one for the books.

Feb 17 – The half part of Baguio City

Baguio is 5 hours away from Manila and is dubbed as the Summer Capital of the Philippines and the City of Pines. After 20 years, I was back in this city and I was really happy. I can’t imagine I ignored Baguio for a long time. I always thought that I’ve been here a couple of times but I only made stop overs here whenever I went on a hike but not really immerse myself to the culture, people, food and wonderful views of Baguio.

My tourguide, Junell, messaged me if I’d be touring and so I agreed for only a price of PHP1,500. He and his wife were so accommodating to me and I will recommend them. Please contact them on their FB page.

9:45am – BenCab Museum

I went to BenCab Museum with an entrance fee of PHP200. It is actually located in Tuba, Benguet. It houses the permanent collection of Philippine National Artist Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab) in several galleries, as well as venues for art shows and exhibitions. The Philippine Contemporary Art Galleries highlight the artist’s collection of paintings, drawings, prints, and sculpture. I enjoyed it in the Museum and a must visit when you are in Benguet. They also have a café and garden so you can relax after strolling the museum.

10:45am – Kennon Road

Kennon Road is a steep roadway in Benguet province that connects Baguio city to the town of Rosario in La Union and offers the shortest route to Baguio from Manila and other provinces in Central and Southern Luzon. A popular tourist attraction along this road is the Lion’s head, a 40 feet structural landmark made of limestone and sitting 10-15 kilometers away from the city proper. It was spearheaded by Lions Club members in 1971 and was sculpted by Ifugao artist Reynaldo Lopez Nanyac. It is now 51 years old since its completion and stands monumental as a sculptural landmark.

11:20am – Philippine Military Academy

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is the official training school of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). It also has the Korean Memorial which commemorates the Filipinos who died in Korean war and was inaugurated on April 2010.

12:20pm – Foggy Mountain Cookhouse
San Carlos Heights, Baguio, Benguet

I was supposed to have lunch at Joseph’s, an upscale dining experience in Baguio but there was a power interruption due to a fallen tree near the restaurant on that day and they were not able to accommodate me. Joseph’s was once an abandoned building near Teacher’s Camp and people often say it has ghost there which adds to the experience haha!

Therefore, I decided to move on with the rest of the afternoon tour and had lunch at Foggy Mountain Cookhouse. You have to pre-order and make reservation because they make their dishes from scratch and needs time to prepare so they won’t compromise the dishes. We were lucky enough they let us in even without reservation, it was really spontaneous lunch trip because my lunch was cancelled at Joseph’s. The only dish they could give us was Chipotle Pork Chop (PHP800) which was marinated with South Western Spices, glazed with Chipotle barbecue sauce grilled and oven finished that the meat melts in your mouth! I also ordered Moroccan rice (PHP100) which was first to me but it was appetizing yet with a kick of spice. The dishes were so delicious and the view was gorgeously overlooking the mountains. It was such an amazing gastronomical experience! I will definitely be back and try their other dishes. Please note that it’s hard to book taxi going here so it’s better to rent a car.

1:40pm – Camp John Hay

In 1903, Camp John Hay served as a military post for troops serving in the Philippines. In search of a sanitarium and cooler climates where American servicemen can cool off and heal their physical and mental wounds, what is known today as the Historical Core. A visit to Baguio City is never complete without a stop at Camp John Hay. It also has a lot of pine trees and recreational activities.

We went directly after lunch at Camp John Hay. Entrance fee was PHP60 for adults and had visited the Cemetery of Negativism also known as the Lost Cemetery and was established way back 1980s. The place is a symbolic site for burying any kinds of negativity – in thoughts, emotions, or attitude, as we usually call them collectively today, bad vibes. It was so fun looking at all the negative traits that was buried there.

3:00pm – Snacked at Hatch Coffee. I tried Ube Grilled Cheese (PHP250) and Iced Dirty Horchata (PHP150). The place was relaxing and it’s an al fresco coffee place. I so loved the ube grilled cheese it was just perfect to my taste, crunchy and oozing with creaminess of ube! I also loved the iced dirty horchata it was so refreshing, just enough sweetness and was so rich with a shot of cold brew! Horchata is a traditional refreshing Mexican drink made from rice, milk and almonds. First time trying horchata! I will definitely be back. I had to take away because I needed to pay a visit to Burnham Park before I leave Baguio. I did not even want to leave Baguio!

3:30pm – Burnham Park

My visit to Baguio will never be complete without paying a visit to Burnham Park. I was almost 10-15 years old when I have gone here and I really wish I were with my family to visit this place again. It is one of the notable urban parks in the Philippines. It is situated at the heart of Baguio City. It is a 32-hectare park where you can find different clusters of various attractions like a children’s playground, a rose garden, an orchidarium, a picnic grove, and a traditional Igorot garden. Its main highlight is a man-made lake in the center of the park. I wish I could ride a boat here but will do that when time permits in my next visit but overall, I enjoyed coming back here. It was so fun!

4:30pm – Bus ride going back to Manila
9:30pm – Arrived in PITX (Manila)

Visiting Benguet was a fantastic adventure. I didn’t want to leave at all, and if I hadn’t already planned my return trip to Manila, I definitely would have stayed another day. I plan to return to Benguet soon.

I wanted some time away to reflect on my life and my principles without any distractions. Being a single woman in her 30s is stigmatized, so I wanted to move away from the questions about my relationship status. People keep asking me who I’ve met on my travels, why I’m single, and why I’m not in a relationship. At first, I was like, “fuck!” What is it with these people that they can’t leave others alone? Is this really where I belong? However, I remind myself that if the culture doesn’t work, I will create my own.

It’s ironic that the failure to find a significant other can leave us feeling like we’ve missed out on life’s greatest joy. I don’t want to make a hasty, rash choice just because I’m under a lot of pressure to make a commitment to someone right now. It’s as if failing to find a partner automatically condemns you to failure. Success for me is development; the next stage is a committed relationship (which is great, by the way, if it brings you tranquility and motivates you to work on yourself within). Some of the loneliest persons I’ve ever met were actually in committed relationships. No, I don’t want to end up like them. Relationship-wise, I also have models to look up to.

My family, on the other hand, does not ask me such questions, and as a result, I am more open with them. I consider myself fortunate to have them in my life.

I have no qualms about venturing off on my own to the Philippines or elsewhere in the world in search of adventure, since I find great satisfaction in expanding my horizons, expanding my mind, and expanding my understanding of this thing we call life. Still, it would be nice to have a companion, because if I do, we’ll be doubly fortunate to have each other. The time I spent in Benguet was wonderfully relaxing for my body, mind, and spirit, and I plan to return there soon.

Love,
Maria, sometimes, Niskie