DiscoverBenguet
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Benguet.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Benguet
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Benguet
- The hilly province of Benguet is in Northern Luzon. It is landlocked and sits at the southernmost point of the Cordillera Mountain Range.
- It is part of the Cordillera Administrative Region, along with Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.
- Benguet is situated 1,500 meters above sea level, which gives the province a cool, temperate climate throughout the year.
- This makes it a good place to grow upland vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, carrots, and white potatoes, which is how it got the name “Salad Bowl of the Philippines.”
- Benguet is renowned for its extensive and abundant vegetable crops, as well as its large flower farms, which produce vast quantities of beautiful flowers that are sold nationwide.
- People from all over the world come to its capital, La Trinidad, to visit the strawberry fields and pick their own strawberries.
- The farms also sell strawberry jam, ice cream, and other strawberry-related goods.
- The town of Bahong is deep in La Trinidad. It is known as the “Rose Capital of the Philippines” because it produces a wide variety of roses.
- Along with being home to Mt. Pulag, the second-highest mountain in the country, holidays to Benguet are also a must-see destination for mountain climbers and hikers who want to experience the sea of clouds that covers its rugged terrains and landscapes.
- Baguio City, situated in the heart of Benguet Province and renowned as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, is a popular tourist destination.
- Following its transformation into a chartered city, it is now run separately from the state.
- Capital: La Trinidad
- International airport: No international airport in Benguet. The nearest major airports are Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila. Baguio (in Benguet) has a domestic airport: Loakan Airport (BAG)
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official languages: Filipino and English; local languages include Ilocano, Kankanaey, and Ibaloi
- Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic, with significant Protestant and indigenous beliefs
Reason 02
Highlights
- This province, located in the northern part of Luzon, is situated in the Cordillera Mountains. It boasts beautiful natural scenery, vibrant cultural traditions, and thrilling adventures.
- The Philippines’ Benguet is known for its cool weather, beautiful valleys, and impressive mountain regions.
- Many different cultural groups live there. The Igorots, Kankana-ey, and Ibaloi have preserved their traditions and culture for generations.
- This holiday to Benguet has everything you need to know to make plans for your trip.
- We’ll also explore the best places to visit and things to do in Benguet that will make your trip truly memorable.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- Holidays to Benguet are cool year-round, with the lowest temperature dropping to 7°C from December to March. At this time of year, frost damages local vegetables.
- The rainy season in Benguet, from June to November, is a low travel season, similar to the rest of the Philippines. Accommodation prices decline considerably.
- Wet and dry seasons occur in Benguet. From December to May, temperatures are at their coolest, and rainfall is at its lowest.
- Many tourists visit the province from November to April, when temperatures are at their coldest and rainfall is at its lowest.
- The rainy season in Luzon is similar to that of the rest of the country, but precipitation levels are generally higher. Typhoon-driven rain can create seasonal road closures due to landslides and rockfalls.
- Benguet is popular from December to May, especially for hiking its famous mountains, to avoid heavy rains. The greatest time to see Benguet’s floral farms’ sea of flowers is January to April, when most flowers are in bloom.
- Landslides may occur during the rainy season in Benguet from June to November, making trekking and hiking risky.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Ambuklao Dam
- Ambuklao Dam is a stunning sight in Benguet, Philippines. This engineering marvel, built in 1956, continues to provide hydroelectric power today.
- The San Roque Multipurpose Project includes the Ambuklao Dam near Bokod, as well as another dam and hydroelectric power plant. The dam is 129 meters tall, 640 meters long, and can contain 1.2 billion cubic meters of water.
- In addition to electricity generation, Ambuklao Dam offers a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside and a quiet backdrop for visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and camping in the area.
- Visit the Ambuklao Dam Visitors Centre to learn about the dam’s history and significance through exhibits and interactive displays on its construction and operation. The centre also educates visitors about local flora, animals, and indigenous culture.
- Anyone interested in engineering and nature should visit Ambuklao Dam. Its function and beauty make it a unique destination in Benguet.
Mount Pulag
- Mount Pulag in Benguet is a natural beauty and a popular tourist destination in the Philippines. It goes beyond outdoor adventure. It also shows the indigenous people’s centuries-old culture and heritage.
- Mount Pulag is a UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Site due to its biodiversity and cultural significance. The Luzon Montane Forest, Dwarf Bamboo, and Benguet Pine are endemic to the mountain.
- The Ibalois and Kankana-ey of Benguet have unique rituals and beliefs that make Mount Pulag both culturally significant and ecologically important.
- Visit traditional communities and participate in cultural events to learn about local traditions.
- Outdoor enthusiasts can climb Mount Pulag to see the dawn and sea of clouds from its summit. Hikers traverse mossy forests, grasslands, and steep slopes in 4-6 hours, depending on the trail.
- Any visitor to the Philippines should visit Mount Pulag, which combines natural beauty with a rich cultural legacy. UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List status boosts its importance and attraction as a destination.
Kababayan Mummy Caves
- The Philippine Kabayan Mummy Cave is an intriguing archaeological site located in the mountains of Benguet. This unique site shows Ibaloi funeral customs and traditions.
- The Kabayan Mummy Cave in Kabayan contains mummified human remains dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. The Ibaloi community relied on the mummies, which were maintained by smoking and drying them to preserve their remains.
- Visitors to the Kabayan Mummy Cave can admire the exquisite mummy wrappings and items buried with the dead. The Ibaloi people believed in conserving their ancestors’ remains, and the cave reveals their spiritual traditions.
- The Kabayan Mummy Cave is a natural wonder and cultural landmark. Beautiful vistas are available from its Cordillera Mountain setting. Visitors can travel through lush forests and mountains to reach the cave, where they can see hot springs and waterfalls.
- The Kabayan Mummy Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is being preserved. Kabayan Mummy Cave is a wonderful experience for history, culture, and nature lovers, showcasing the Philippines’ rich legacy.
Reason 05
Discover More
Camp John Hay Attractions
- Camp John Hay combines history, environment, and leisure in the cool highlands of Baguio City, Philippines.
- Established as a US military post in the early 1900s, it has since evolved into a massive commercial and recreational complex that attracts tourists worldwide.
- Luxury accommodations with beautiful views of the mountains and woodlands at Camp John Hay’s historic Manor Hotel are a major draw.
- The Manor Hotel, built in the 1900s as a holiday residence for American officials, has been restored and updated with modern conveniences while retaining its magnificence.
- In addition to the Manor Hotel, Camp John Hay offers a range of attractions and activities suitable for all ages.
- Adventurers can zip-line, participate in a rope course, and play paintball, while nature lovers can explore the lush forests and gorgeous pathways.
- Golfers can play 18 holes at a championship course, while families can enjoy the indoor playground and arcade.
- Camp John Hay’s historic structures and landmarks reveal the Philippines’ colonial heritage.
Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad
- A short drive from Baguio City, the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad attracts people who want to experience Benguet province’s lively culture and natural beauty. This large farm offers a fun and unique approach to picking strawberries and enjoying the scenery.
- The Strawberry Farm is a thriving agricultural powerhouse that produces the nation’s finest strawberries.
- Visitors can stroll through the fields, pick strawberries, and enjoy them right away. Strawberry jams, pies, and ice cream are available at many souvenir shops and food vendors throughout the area.
- The farm offers entertaining activities for all ages, in addition to strawberry picking. Pony rides and farm animal feeding are fun for kids, while adults may meander around flower and vegetable gardens. An annual Strawberry Festival draws thousands of tourists from across the country to the farm.
- Visitors to the Strawberry Farm will be captivated by the scenery. The farm is situated on a mountaintop with Stunning views of the Cordillera Mountains. The farm is a great escape from city life, thanks to its fresh air, brilliant colours, and delicious scents.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The mountainous land that is now Benguet has been inhabited for thousands of years by a group of people known as the Igorots.
- In this area, the Ibaloi and the Kankanaey are the two main groups that speak this language.
- Before they were conquered, these tribes engaged in extensive trade with the Pangasinans and other coastal groups to the west and south.
- A Filipino named Juan “Oraa” Cariño was one of the governors of Benguet from 1913 to 1918. He was the first Filipino to be a governor.
- There are three language and cultural groups of people who live in Benguet. The northwest is mostly made up of Kankanaeys, the southeast is mostly made up of Ibalois, and the east is mostly made up of Kalanguyas.
- People who live in Benguet usually speak their own languages, in addition to Ilocano, Tagalog, and English, which are used for business and trade.
- The Ibaloi tribe speaks Ibaloi, a language connected to Pangasinan. The Kankanaey, on the other hand, speak their own language, which is related to the Bontoc language.
- The grave of Henry A. Kamora, known as the “Grand Old Man of Kabayan,” was built about 300 years ago at the Chogong municipal complex in Poblacion, Kabayan.
- The 12th-century Benguet powerful hunter, who was orally described as a deity and mummified, was quietly buried in his original burial rock in Nabalicong, Natubleng, Buguias. Benguet leaders have sought his remains for 80 years. After recovering, Apo Anno was hailed as a hero.
- The Cadiosao clan, which descends from spouses Cadiosao and Jagona, from the Ibaloi and Iowak tribes in Tinongdan, Itogon, has three vernacular houses with a common front yard.
- You can hike from a pickup point on Halsema Highway, kilometre 52, to reach another mummy home.
- A must-see sight, located 300 meters from the municipal building. One of the largest burial caves in the municipality, it features 200 skulls and bones neatly stacked on ledges, reminiscent of Roman catacombs.
- This burial rock, as massive as a three-story skyscraper, holds centuries-old mummies. People in the past bored holes in solid boulders to bury their dead.
- An artefact and Benguet culture repository. It showcases the social and economic instruments and materials of the Benguet Indians. Cano and Kedot instruments, such as the solibaw, kimbal, pinsak, kalsa, and palas or tiktik, are on show.
- The indigenous village in Barangay Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet, was designated a heritage site through a multi-party agreement on March 15, 2010. The Binga Indigenous community used and administered some facilities in areas that were part of the National Power Corporation’s hydro power complex for 60 years under the arrangement. The agreement confirmed the Memorandum of Agreement to create an Indigenous Peoples’ Cultural Site in Bokod’s Binga, Tinongdan, Itogon, and Ambuklao.
- The multi-party implementation agreement signed on May 13, 2011, placed schools, sports facilities, a church, a municipal building, and other structures in Sitio Sombrero, Ambuklao, Bokod, under the control of community stakeholders. The area was part of the National Power Corporation’s hydro power complex.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Many travellers visit holidays to Benguet because it is one of the most beautiful provinces in the Philippines, offering stunning mountain views, breathtaking waterfalls, relaxing hot springs, and a variety of fun activities.
- It also offers a wide variety of delicious food that you won’t find anywhere else! Try Pinikpikan, which is made from pounded chicken or pork, or Pinuneg, Kiniing, or Etag, all of which are smoked meat treats.
- For a lighter, more exotic treat, try Binungor. Don’t miss Kiniwar, Baguio Longganisa, Bulalo, Adobo, and Pancit.
- For a unique taste, try Laing, which is made from taro leaves cooked in coconut milk with chilli peppers.
Fun
- With its beautiful scenery, picturesque paths, and exhilarating outdoor activities, Benguet, Philippines, attracts adventurers and nature enthusiasts.
- Benguet offers something for everyone, from thrill-seekers to first-time visitors seeking an unforgettable experience.
- Holidays to Benguet have some of the Philippines’ most beautiful and difficult hiking paths. The courses offer stunning views of the mountains and valleys, as well as opportunities to explore the region’s rich flora and fauna. Mounts Pulag, Ulap, and Timbac are popular hiking destinations.
- With its fast-flowing rapids and difficult turns, the Benguet River attracts rafters. Rafting in Benguet is an adrenaline rush as you manoeuvre the river’s turbulent waters and enjoy the surroundings.
- The extreme sports of Benguet include rock climbing, zip-lining, and bungee jumping. These activities are a fun way to see the region’s challenging landscape and stunning views.
- Horseback riding in Benguet is a great way to take in the sights and breathe in the fresh air. Many horseback riding trips take visitors through rural communities and stunning scenery, allowing them to experience the local culture and customs.
Fashion
- The Baguio Night Market is a bustling place to shop at night, ideal for those seeking great deals.
- The market offers a diverse range of goods, including used items, handmade gifts, toys, and home decor. It’s a cultural centre that showcases Baguio City’s spirit and draws both locals and tourists.
- People who enjoy finding good deals can find a wide range of items at the market, from trendy clothes and accessories to one-of-a-kind home decor and souvenirs.
- You’re sure to find something interesting here, whether you’re looking for old things or the newest clothes.
- The Baguio Night Market is on Harrison Rd, Baguio, Benguet, Philippines. It’s open every day from 9 pm to 4 am.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- Mount Pulag National Park in Benguet, Philippines, is a paradise. At 2,926 meters above sea level, its stunning scenery draws hikers and environment lovers from throughout the world. The park’s rich mossy forests, huge grasslands, and picturesque pathways offer breathtaking vistas at every turn.
- Benguet’s picturesque highlands hide the Kabayan Mummy Caves, a cultural and historical treasure. These caves in Kabayan contain an astonishing collection of mummified remains, revealing the region’s deep ancestral legacy.
- The Baguio Botanical Garden is a beautiful refuge for nature lovers and city inhabitants in the cool mountain air of Baguio City. This charming garden in the centre of the City of Pines offers a peaceful getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle with its beautiful plants, flowers, and vistas.
- The Mossy Forests of Mount Costa in Benguet, Philippines, are a magical and lush hike. You’ll enter a surreal world of moss-covered trees, mystical fog, and diverse plant life in this woodland fantasy. Explorers go across a gentle, enchanted trail covered in thick moss on the forest floor.
- Asin-Tuel Hot Springs, in Benguet’s verdant countryside, offer a peaceful escape. Visitors can relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters of this hidden gem, said to be restorative. Hot springs are surrounded by lush mountains and gushing waterfalls, creating a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere.
- Timbac Caves in Kabayan offer a peaceful look at Benguet’s natural beauty. These caves in Kabayan are important to the region’s history and culture. Once inside the caves, the stalagmites and stalactites will captivate you and create an ethereal environment.
- Tam-awan Village in Benguet, Philippines, preserves Cordillera ethnic culture. This cultural village shows indigenous living through recreated traditional dwellings. Visitors can experience the vibrant environment of indigenous arts, crafts, and performances that celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage.
- The Philippines’ Benguet Province Museum showcases a wealth of artistic and historical treasures. The museum displays relics, artworks, and cultural exhibits that reveal Benguet’s rich legacy. From traditional items to contemporary masterpieces, visitors may experience the vivid storylines that have moulded local identity and creativity.
- Ambuclao Dam Reservoir in Benguet, Philippines, is a beautiful lake and birdwatching paradise. Birdwatchers and nature lovers adore the diverse birdlife of this vast reservoir. Herons, egrets, ducks, kingfishers, and more can be seen around the reservoir.
- Mount Ulap Trails offer thrilling nature hikes. This beautiful mountain range in Benguet, Philippines, attracts nature lovers and hikers with its well-maintained pathways. The Mount Ulap hike offers beautiful views of lush forests, undulating valleys, and distant summits.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- A religious rite was performed amid plentiful harvests to thank “Kabunian.” It is now an annual event to exhibit the municipality’s Ibaloi Culture. Kabayan, Benguet, hosts the festival in April and May.
- A month-long celebration in March with the agro-industrial fair, veggie run, Miss Strawberry hunt, strawberry eating contest, cultural presentations, and Giant Strawberry Butter Cake. La Trinidad is called “The Strawberry Capital of the Philippines.”
- Every November, the province celebrates for a month. The “Grand Canao” and the cultural presentations from 13 municipalities are highlights. The event sells products from all 13 municipalities. All Benguet residents anticipate this event.
- A hard ascent of Mt. Lobo, Kabunian, and Tenglawan in Bakun with a stunning perspective of Ilocos. We recommend this climb for experienced mountaineers.
- Tinongdan Barangay Tourism Council holds April summer climbs. Registration for the invitational climb is available at the Provincial Tourism Office or the Department of Tourism of the CAR. Mountaineering and other adventure groups can camp anytime after registering at the Tinongdan Barangay Hall.
- Fresh strawberries harvested from the fields cost more than those sold at fruit kiosks near the gardens. This is because visitors can select the largest strawberries among the various sizes of strawberries for sale. Strawberries are synonymous with Baguio City and the province of Benguet.
- Santa Claus Mountain, the municipality’s tourism brand, is promoted throughout the Christmas season. Cultural events and site tours are included.
- An organised mountain climbing event in Kibungan’s Tacadang, Oten, and Kilkili mountains.
- The Baguio City Flower Festival, Panagbenga, is held annually in February. “Panagbenga” means “season of blooming” in Kankanaey. The history, traditions, and values of Baguio and the Cordillera are reflected in this celebration. It thrives on community spirit for nearly a month.