DiscoverBakun
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Bakun.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Bakun
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Bakun
- The far and greatly-mountained municipality of Bakun, on the western side of the Benguet Province, is an attractive getaway resort of those who want to take a holiday in Bakun, Benguet, and experience a feeling of isolation in the majesty of nature.
- Known as the Eco-Tourism Capital of Benguet, Bakun boasts of sparkling mountain ranges, rivers and forest that have not been infected by any mass tourist and will thus serve as a perfect sanctuary to both adventure tourist and the peace lovers.
- It boasts of the well-known Bakun Trio of Mountains: Mt. Kabunian, Mt. Lobo and Mt. Tenglawan all of which stand tall and proud in front of the skyline challenging the mountaineers to see what they can do.
- Being a cultural reserve of the Kankanaey people, Bakun keeps its age-old traditions, rituals, and common values untouched by any natural power, incorporating an additional human dimension to its natural landscapes.
- The cool misty climate, with subtropical, highland pattern, offers a conducive environment that does not oppress the visitor, even at the peak trekking season.
- To the people who are planning their holidays to Bakun, Benguet, the blending of untouched sceneries, cultural authenticity, and hospitable locals brings out a mix that is exotic and a home that is very familiar.
- Capital (of the province): Benguet
- International airport: No international airport in Bakun
- Nearest commonly used:
- Loakan Airport (Baguio City) – domestic flights
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) – major international gateway
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Kankanaey, Ilocano, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The Bakun Trio which is worshipped by mountaineers all over the globe, provides a set of hard-to-follow trails which move through the lush mossy woodland, ending in stunning panoramic views of the Cordillera range.
- At the top of one of the peaks is the Tirad ng Matay, a distinctive, eye-shaped rock formation, which the locals believe is a natural watchdog to the secrets of the mountain; which tourists love to take a photo of.
- There are many waterfalls, including the thunderous Tingbao Falls, and the multi-level Tekip Falls, which are descending down the cliffs with sheer faces, creating in their crystal-clear waters the urge of a swimmer, as well as of a photographer, to take pictures of their cool beauty.
- The whole Bakun Ancestral Domain is interspersed with historical landmarks, stone monuments and conventional houses that trace the Kankanaey lifestyle, and provide the tourists with a physical relationship with the past of the area.
- The soft wind, which is of the pine-filled valleys, serves as a complement to the natural beauty that leaves the fresh, refreshing scent long after the hike is finished.
- The holidays to Bakun hiking trails are clean and clearly indicated making it safe and without taking away the rugged appeal that attracts hikers to this remote municipality.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The most dependable time is during the dry season which is between November and May, and during this season trekkers are able to use the trails as they are firm and are free of mud or flooding.
- December through February have the lowest temperatures and the chill and freshness give a refreshing effect to the couple of months that make the sky clear and mountain ridges sharp.
- It is also during the rainy season that landslides are caused and pathways are washed away during the rainy seasons of the year which is in months of June, July and August and also in months of September, and travel can be very dangerous and sometimes impossible to inexperienced hikers.
- Summer seasons are usually around 18 with the nights in winter sometimes dropping to under zero, and one would need to be well-layered to be comfortable and safe.
- Cultural events, like the Adivay Festival amongst November, are during dry season for the visitors to observe the cultural events and enjoy the trekking season.
- It is best visited during late spring or early autumn when the weather is predictable and the plants are in full bloom which presents a plethora of colourful hues across the terrain. Scholars and local guides suggest visiting the park during that period.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Mt. Kabunian Trek
- The climb to the top of Mt. Kabunian is a patient and tedious climb but it pays off as the climber views the surrounding mountains and valleys sweeping beyond the horizon.
- Hikers are also met by historic stone signs along the trailway giving narratives of Kankanaey ancestors giving the feeling of the history closely combined with the physical ascending.
- On the summit there is thinness in the air and the air is also clear, and the person can feel the pure mountain-fresh air that gives a vigour to both the body and the spirit.
- The mountainous topography provides rock-climbers with challenges in which they can exercise their talents on the natural ledges and rocky crags.
- The colours of orange and gold are shown on the clouds made by the Sunset on the top and give a memorable sight to photography lovers.
- Local guides provide storeys to the visitor about the spiritual value of the mountain after the descent and this makes the visitor appreciate the land more.
Tekip Falls
- The path to Tekip Falls passes through the green vegetation where exotic orchids and butterfly species which thrive in the humid microclimate can be found.
- And when the cascade falls upon the base, the crystal-clear pool is welcoming a cool swim that gives a natural rest after the hard work at the trek.
- The stacked levels of the waterfall create a sound-track effects of falling water that relaxes the mind and cures the soul.
- There are clear rivers which form canyons near the falls and visitors can view geological formations which have been formed over the millennia.
- The forest surrounding is also a birdwatching area where the endemic species of birds can be seen resting on the moss-covered trees.
- The canopy of the forest philtres the sunlight forming dappled light that has been dancing around the surface of the pool, which are ideal in moments of contemplation.
Historical Viewpoint
- This perception does not include the whole system of Bakun- Amburayan River so that this is a bird-like view of what is involved in this system are the high limestone cliffs which surround the course of the river.
- On the river banks, there were ancient stone walls which were used as fortifications against the residents of the area and now are silent reminders of the strength of the locals.
- Cascading falls, in most cases, shape the riverbed, creating the impression of a silver line leading to the valley.
- The large view gives the picture of the immense size, which shows how Kankanaey people have managed to settle in the rocky land.
- The view is suggestive and awe-inspiring even in winter when the surface of the river can be seen to be slightly frozen.
- The perspective is viewed through a very short, well planted path which invites the visitor to take time, absorb the atmosphere and think about how nature and civilisation are inter-twined.
Kankanaey Cultural Immersion
- Tourists can also spend time in small barangays to observe the day to day life as Kankanaey families take care of the terraced gardens harvesting fresh vegetables which are subsequently used in group meals.
- These traditional ceremonies like the Canao are usually held in the local villages and they provide the travellers with a chance to witness rituals that venerate ancestors and spirits.
- The local craftsmen produce handwoven blankets and clothing using local fibres which is an expression of their ability and passion in keeping the local culture.
- Tour guides elaborate on the importance of the Kankanaey language, and encourage visitors to learn some basic greetings and phrases that can help people respect the culture.
- The shared kitchens provide the opportunity to enjoy freshly made cuisine such as pinikpikan, prepared based on the old recipes that glorify the unity.
- When the sun leaves the terraced fields, the general gossip and laughter of the village reverberate in the valleys and it gives one the true sense of belonging.
Reason 05
Discover More
Mt. Tenglawan Challenge
- The approach to Mt. Tenglawan is famous with its muddy inclinations and thick mossy trees, which is a challenging ordeal to the experienced mountaineers.
- Every passage unravelling a pavement of lichens and ferns which hang to the walls of the stone, and give the sense of the silent solidity of the earth.
- The panoramic view of the peak observes the entire Bakun area where the meandering Amburayan River shines under the clouds.
- Climbers can be faced with unpredictability of the weather e.g. short-time mist or drizzle that puts their readiness and equipment to the test.
- The nature of the path requires good shoes and a durable rucksack, which will keep one safe when walking on rocks.
- When the climbers get to the top, there comes a moment of silence of awe before them, and they have time to view the immense size of the mountains around them.
Nadtub Falls
- Nadtub Falls, though rarely visited by the mainstream tourist is a rough and rugged waterfall experience, with the falls plunging down almost $70$ metres.
- A path leading to the falls winds through heavy pine woods, in which the reek of resin fills the air, and the music of far-off birds breaks the stillness.
- The bottom pool is crystal-clear and it gives the scenery a natural habitat of small fish that swim close to the shore and bring life to it.
- Cliffs around the site have spectacular geology, providing a geological foundation of the area showing the volcanic processes through the uncovered layers of rock.
- Photographers can also record the interaction of light and shadow, during which the sunlight is reflected on the canopy onto the flowing water.
- Native orchids can also be found in the surrounding area and it will also provide another delight to botanical lovers who visit the trek.
Old-Fashioned Hanging Coffins
- The tourists could learn about the old traditions of burying the dead within the Igorot culture, where they built themselves coffins in forms of hanging on the cliff faces, just like the popular stands in Sagada.
- Coffins are highly carved and painted, and they represent the beliefs concerning ancestors, protection, unity of humanity and nature.
- Hanging coffins is a very powerful lesson on how the Kankanaey people used to unite their spirituality with nature.
- Tours can be taken to understand rituals that surrounded the arrangement of coffins so that the visitors can understand the cultural respect towards life and death.
- The landscape is dramatic with rocky cliffs sticking out to the sky which adds to the soberness of the experience.
- This location is frequented frequently in the early morning time, when the haze is lying down in between the cliffs, and the place is almost divine in its airy feeling.
Vegetable Terraces
- The terraced gardens cut into the steep slopes display the creativity of the Kankanaey people who have been using this technique to grow vegetables over the ages.
- Every terrace is carefully irrigated and uses stone channels to channel water on the crops as a result of rivers around the area, and this depicts the ancient skill of technology.
- Visitors can follow the agricultural cycles, starting with planting seeds and then to the final products, and receive an insight into the rhythm of local agriculture.
- Terraces can be approached by a set of stone steps and it is an enjoyable stroll that enables the visitor to relate the harmonisation of manmade and natural slopes.
- It is common to find the local farmers asking the tourists to get involved in a small-scale harvesting experience, which encourages hands-on education and cultural sharing.
- The vast view of the terraces, across the valleys with rice paddies and pine trees, is also a visual delight to people who like landscape architecture.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Kankanaey ethnolinguistic group is the major ethnic group in the area and has had a rich oral tradition which has been transmitted across generations.
- There are holy mountains, especially Mt. Kabunian, where Kabunian, the supreme deity dwells, and is held in high regard during community ceremonies.
- Kankanaey community gives credence to traditional laws and inter-community peace accords or bodong, that govern sharing of resources and ensure social harmony.
- The language is an important aspect of the community, and the major one is Kankanaey, which is used in every day and in the ceremonies and narrating of storeys.
- The artistic expression of the community is reflected in the cultural celebrations like the Adivay Festival which is full of music, dancing and feasts.
- The collective memory of the community is maintained by such handmade products as woven blankets and wooden masks carved of wood which are exhibited at festivals and other ceremonies.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Local food is dominated by fresh mountain food, especially camote, beans, and squash, which are cooked in the terraced gardens that they are grown in.
- The Cordilleran coffee which is grown in the highlands is processed like tradition where aromatic qualities are preserved which are celebrated by the locals and visitors alike.
- Pinikpikan is a typical meal that is made of indigenous chickens and eaten on community occasions, which can give some insights into culinary traditions of the region.
- Leafy greens grown in the terraces have a tendency of being cooked using garlic and dried fish, which emulate an earthy-umami flavour profile.
- Fresh herbs produced on the slopes are available on the local markets, including ginger and turmeric, which enables the travellers to experience the distinctive flavours of the highland ecosystem.
- Harvest festivals The local cuisine is turned into a community dinner whereby meals prepared using freshly harvested produce are shared by both locals and tourists.
Fun
- The main activity is mountaineering, and several peaks are challenging, both to the beginner and expert climber.
- Hiking and climbing tours around the waterfalls enable the lovers to explore the rocky river paths and rock formations which are scattered all over the scene.
- Interaction with the locals -Dining, chatting, and laughing together with warm locals make the whole travelling experience an experience.
- Tourists can also attend local events where they participate in dances, music, and traditional games and these are a vibrant means of participating in the culture.
- Night tours are a favourite thing and when there is a starlight sky above the trees, it is an excellent chance to see nocturnal animals and the Milky Way in its splendour.
- The juxtaposition of exercise and the enjoyment of the culture produces a holistic experience that will fulfil the body and mind.
Fashion
- The climate is warm and layered, requiring warm clothes of different colours, and it is better to bring thermal clothes, waterproof jackets, and hard hiking boots in order to be sure and feel comfortable.
- Kankanaey artisans also make traditional handwoven garments used during rituals and celebrations, which have colourful patterns, which embody the sense of identity of the community. The seasonal dress options are also in accordance with the ecological indicators of the area, as light clothes are appreciated in the season of dry months, and warm garments are used during cold evenings.
- Visitors will be able to buy locally made accessories like the woven belt and feathered headbands as a way of giving a touch and feel to the craftsmanship of the region.
- The combination of new outdoor and classic clothes forms a distinctive fashion storey that respects both functionality and traditions.
- Local markets have multiple types of clothing: useful trekking and colourful ceremonial, which enables the traveller to customise her or his wardrobe to the adventure choices.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The highlands are covered by mossy and pine forests creating a green cover that harbours numerous species of flora and fauna that are indigenous to the Cordillera region.
- Holidays to Bakun Amburayan River system with its transparent and strong tributaries has the chance of kayaking, fishing, and merely enjoying the natural aquatic environments.
- Geological formations - shear cliffs, rock arches, and natural stone arches are all in abundance so as to offer a living laboratory to geology enthusiasts.
- The highly varied microclimates of the region allow a large variety of flora, including alpine bushes, cloud forests of the lowlands, and form a mosaic of ecological zones.
- Wildlife viewing such as the rare Philippine eagle and other species of bats provide an adventure to nature tourists who venture into the wild.
- The striking scenic background and the colourful biodiversity ensures that no trekker or cyclist has a dull moment, as he or she discovers something new and refreshing.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The holidays to Bakun Adivay Festival, which is an annual event in November, presents the cultural richness of the province in terms of traditional dances, music as well as communal feasts that are a source of attraction among both locals and tourists alike.
- There are indigenous rituals, including the Canão and Kedot, which are done to placate spirits and celebrate harvests and provide visitors with an insight into faith and collective life.
- Smaller but also very meaningful local harvest festivals are related to the agricultural period, with communal meals, storytelling and common blessings over the coming seasons.
- Every event is a possibility to communicate with the community, compete in friendly tournaments, and enjoy the taste of the Cordilleran hospitality.
- Every year the dates of the festivals change, although the majority are held in the dry season, which guarantees that the festivities could be held without being interrupted by weather conditions.
- Attending a big provincial event or a small barongay ceremony, visitors will surely receive warm hearts and experience the passionate spirit of holidays to Bakun, Benguet.