DiscoverBuguias
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Buguias.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Buguias
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Buguias
- The holidays to Buguias, Benguet are most fittingly observed when the mountain mist has cleared, and the crystal-clear terraces of the mountain can be seen stretching along the hills, like a patchwork of green, and welcoming the travellers to visit the rural environment of the mountains.
- The journey to Buguias, Benguet is an easy climb, starting with the Halsema Highway, which delivers a novel view every twist with a new terraced farmland, pine forest, and mountainous scenery that promises to offer a relief to city living.
- The attraction to Buguias, Benguet attracts nature lovers by the fact that the climate in the town is cool with open skies that the afternoon stroll in the town could give anyone the feeling of fresh mountain air which is the right place to find peace.
- The cultural immersion of Holidays to Buguias, Benguet is one of the best locations to experience, since tourists can take strolls among the farmers picking up heirloom vegetables, and understand more about the old systems of irrigation that the people have been using over the years.
- Benguet has a perfect family adventure destination, with safe walks and picnic points, visits to local homesteads where visitors can enjoy their stay in warm cosy cottages after a day of sightseeing tours and walks across Buguias, Benguet.
- Bografie of Buguias, Benguet holidays end with a sunset that gives the valleys golden colour to the travellers as a reminder of the fact that even the most basic mountain scenes may create a masterpiece in the hearts of those who see them.
- Capital (of the province): La Trinidad
- International airport: None in Buguias
- Nearest commonly used airports:
- Loakan Airport (Baguio City) – domestic flights
- Clark International Airport (Angeles City, Pampanga) – major domestic and international gateway
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) – primary 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, Ibaloi, Ilocano, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The brightest example of ingenuity of the Kankanaey people is the so-called Vegetable Terraces of Buguias, which were made into steep cliffs and skillfully carved to serve as a magnificent display of carrots, potatoes, and cabbage as well.
- Mt. Kalawitan is a trekking landmark, as it offers reward to the visitors with moss-covered precipices and panoramic views of the Cordillera range that head past the horizon.
- The Japanese-Filipino Friendship Shrine is a memorial to one of the most critical events of World War II that was marked by the help of stone walls in which courage and unending ties between two countries can be heard.
- Ancient burial sites, called the Baralg (Batad) Caves, are available, and give the spiritual rites of Kankanaey a serene meditative experience to one who is interested in exploring the history of the Kankanaey.
- Even the winding Halsema Highway is a sight to see as it passes through thick trees, peaceful fields, and small towns that give the impression of being back at an easier period in life.
- Holidays to Buguias several seasonal flower farms are filled with flowers of high altitudes and create a living gallery of colours which captivates both the photographers and the romantics.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- November to May is the period of the dry season, which consists of sunny days and the farm walk, mountain ascent, and picturesque drive money.
- The lowest temperatures occur during the coldest months, which are between December and February, and they drop to almost freezing which provides a refreshing coldness to the mountain air and flavour of food.
- The precipitation (rainy season) rate also decreases (July-September) making trails slippery paths and at times the roads may even be closed thus tourists are advised to plan ahead.
- Cool breezes and moderate temperatures all year round in the area, meaning a subtropical highland climate, ensure that visitors are not overheated.
- The best time to watch the foliage change is during the months of autumn (September-October) when the entire mountain scene becomes even more beautiful due to the kaleidoscope of reds and golds.
- Spring (March- April) is a big burst of activity as farmers replant and markets begin to be full with new harvested vegetables, it is a busy time to visit.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
The Highland Vegetable Farms Tour
- A walk through the terraces would show lines of carrots, potatoes and cabbages that are exactly in a grid and every piece is a testimony of the perfection of farming skills.
- Strolling down the stone aisles, people can experience the chilled soil under their feet, the smell of fresh soil and herbs spreads throughout the air, and that is an experience of being immersed in the world of agriculture by both sensory inputs.
- Local farmers are more than happy to share secrets on sustainable irrigation in which they described how ancient techniques use less water, and yet produce the highest production, a lesson on environmental stewardship.
- A visit to a market stand is also part of the tour and the travellers get to taste the raw carrots fresh out of the earth and they have a taste that is fresh and alive.
- The long-exposure shots that can be taken by photographers will be limitless because the photographer will have the play of light on the terraces with the dawn breaking over the valley.
- The whole experience ends with a shared dinner where the visitors are treated to the hearty stew of the same vegetables they have just taken a tour around, reaffirming the farm-to-table trip.
Mt. Kalawitan Trek
- This journey starts with a small trailhead, at which hikers are able to buy a good pair of hiking boots and a water bottle, so that they are ready to take the next step.
- The trail ascends, and the trees are so coated with moss that it forms a dark and cool tunnel where travellers are not affected by the harsh sunlight as well as it creates an enigmatical aspect to the scenery.
- Midway is a panorama point with a 360 degree view of the Cordillera region, which consists of jagged peaks and valleys covered by the mist, an amazing view that will leave one feeling amazed and makes them wonder.
- The last part of the trail is the summit, which is a wooden platform, and is supported by one of the cliffs, and the people who are climbing the mountain can rest and enjoy the cold air of the mountain.
- Local guides tell folklore about the spirit of the mountain that makes the hike more spiritual with the cultural storeys that make the bond with the land deeper.
- A local warm drink, such as coffee, is served at the end of the descent, which gives a cosy conclusion to the adventure day.
The Japanese- Filipino Friendship Shrine
- The stone arch in the shrine greets visitors and this is a symbol of how during the rough times, Japan and the Philippines formed a friendship that has persisted.
- There are plaques in the inside with dates and pictures of the surrender that ended the World War 2 in the area which serve as a heartrending reminder of the frailty of peace.
- The gardens around it are well taken care of, and the cherry blossoms and azalas provide some colour to this sober scene and invite thoughtful strolls.
- An unobtrusive pavilion gives the visitors an opportunity to relax, meditate and maybe to pray to be able to maintain the existing peace between the countries, adding a spiritual component to the tour.
- The accessibility of the shrine means that the families with the children can get to know more about history without being overwhelmed and it is an educational outing to all age groups.
- Tours are conducted by local volunteers who narrate tales of heroism during the warfare and the process of healing, thus enhancing the knowledge of visitors on the importance of the site.
Bokawkan Road Viewpoint
- The perspective is located on the twisting Halsema Highway, and gives a dramatic view of the Buguias valleys below, a mosaic of green terraced fields.
- The drive up to the lookout is a picturesque one and each turn has a new view which represents a thousand years of agricultural history of the town.
- It is also possible to view the ripple of the irrigation channels which are situated in the platform, which can be attributed to the fact that the community is so careful in managing the water.
- The vicinity of the view-point is surrounded with local art forms portraying the life of Kankanaey so that tourists can also enjoy the cultural manifestations in the midst of nature.
- An ancient wooden step brings a shady bench, which one may sit and watch the sunset tinging the sky in the colours of orange, pink, and violet, an unforgettable experience.
- Close by, there is a small information booth that offers maps, and background history thus allowing the travellers to put the spectacular sceneries they have seen into perspective.
Reason 05
Discover More
Natubleng View Deck
- The Natubleng View Deck is a high elevation feature on the Halsema Highway that is situated at the foot of the hills and terraced fields of Buguias giving an ideal photo shoot.
- The place is guarded with substantial guardrails attached to the wooden platform, which provides the safety of the visitors and lets them immerse themselves into the peaceful landscape.
- On a sunny day, one may see beyond the town and get occasional glimpses of the mountains in the distance, which brings about a feeling of infinite space and makes one feel awe.
- The closeness of the deck to a rest stop implies that the travellers can refill their water bottles with ease in addition to taking a snack and relax to resume their travel.
- Local signs provide an explanation of the naming of the site, Natubleng, linking the site with the language history of the area, and gives cultural context.
- One can hear the chorus of birds in the distance creating a natural accompaniment to the visual treat that adds to the overall peace.
Barlag (Batad) Caves
- The guided tours on the Barlag caves commence with a small trail, which leads to a cool and damp cave inviting the explorers to enter the world of primitive stone.
- Carvings and symbols on the walls what can be found inside demonstrate the religious beliefs of the Kankanaey, and they provide a physical connexion to the religious rituals of the past.
- The natural echo of the caves provides the distinct effect of sound, as one can hear his or her footsteps echo, which adds the mysterious atmosphere.
- Local guides tell the history of burial practises, as to how the caves were used as sacred resting places of the revered members of the community.
- The dark rooms with the stone lighting force the visitors to slow down and promote the thoughtful atmosphere that does not resemble the busy life of the open fields.
- It also has a small escape route which leads to the hillside giving a smooth ending to the journey and an opportunity to recount the cultural richness of the experience.
Local Market Experience
- The dazzling market poblacion opens in the morning with the sellers putting down fresh produce on wooden tables, the smell in the air of fresh cabbage and sweet potatoes.
- Customers get to converse directly with the farmers and ask questions to learn more about the planting period and harvests, which creates a sense of attachment to land.
- The colourful stalls of the market are full of various colours, such as deep green lettuce and bright orange carrots, and such a sight is both aesthetically captivating and stimulating to everyone.
- Handicrafts like woven baskets, embroidery and other textiles are also sold by local artisans and provide travellers with a physical reminder of the artistic capability of the region.
- There are small food kiosks where one can find classic food such as Inun-unan (greens boiled) and Pinggan (rice cakes) and taste the traditional flavours as they walk.
- The market closes down, and as part of closing the market, the community has a small party, which is usually accompanied with traditional music, and it brings in a flavour of cultural heritage living.
High-Altitude Flower Farms
- The farms also grow sensitive azaleas, chrysanthemums and other decorative shrubs, which grow better in cooler temperatures, making the scenery become a living arrangement.
- The tourists are able to stroll along the small aisles that are bordered with flowers with each step providing them with a fresh bunch of hues comprising of pink hues to red hues.
- Information on how high-altitude farming, including frost-protection and re-enrichment of soils, is a careful task is explicated by farm managers, and travellers are informed about horticultural science.
- Fresh flowers are fragranced, which drizzles down the air setting a fresh scent that adds visual beauty to the surrounding.
- The flowering of such flowers is celebrated with seasonal festivals that invite both locals and tourists to join the battle to meet on the parade and toss flower-petals around.
- There is a small on-site nursery with seedlings on sale so that visitors can take home a gift of the floral heritage of Buguias to share with their friends and family.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Instead, the Kankanaey people that dominate Buguias have been practising communal labour, commonly referred to locally as bayanihan, where the neighbours assist in harvesting crops, which strengthens social ties.
- Traditional rituals usually presuppose the usage of the highly woven clothes with the bright patterns as it is highly respected to the ancestry and the community.
- The festivals of the town demonstrate the love of the Kankanaey to music, dance and storytelling as well as the preservation of oral histories which link the past and the present.
- Rituals like the seasonal feasts known as canao, which translate as the thanksgiving meals, are conducted to show gratitude to the earth and its fruits and families eat together to show the common good.
- The woven textile and pottery created by local artisans have symbolic motifs, which are not only functional but also artistic in the day-to-day life.
- The admiration of the community towards the mountains can be seen in mythical storeys, which have been transmitted across the ages and thus has ensured continuity of culture.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- There is also the freshest cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and beans which can be bought directly on the farms and which provide an unfiltered flavour of the so called Salad Bowl which makes Buguias come to be called so.
- The coffee produced locally, grown in the Cordilleras, and processed in small family shops is known as Cordilleran coffee, which has a small, gustatory taste that is appetising when taken during an afternoon walk.
- Igorot dishes, including traditional dishes like Inun-unan (boiled greens), and Kinalao (sweet potato stew) also emphasise the dependence of the area on local ingredients.
- The hawkers offer hot bowls of steaming bowl of Pula-pula (spicy broth) which offers a natural warmth to counter the cold mountain air.
- Dessert products made out of the local fruits, such as desserts of young coconut, or Buko serve to sweeten up the otherwise savoury meals in case of explorations.
- There are seasonal harvest festivals and communal meals, during which visitors have an opportunity to taste a great variety of different dishes, which are made of local natural ingredients.
Fun
- Booking with the world pinoy flights will provide a clear-cut gateway between Manila and the Malibcong Area where after that, the travellers can use the local bus to Buguias, this will provide them with a clear cut travel experience. holidays to Buguias are an adventure.
- The twisting Halsema Highway per se is an adventure in itself, and every twist of the road opens up new horizons that will please the lovers of scenery and the freedom of the highway.
- Hiking trails like the Mt. Kalawitan offer healthy challenge to the hikers and the reward at the end of the trail is the panoramic views which will justify the effort and physical effort.
- Farm-to-table tours allow the visitor to go out to the farm and pick their own vegetables, followed by assistance in the preparation of a meal, thus transforming an otherwise basic experience into an interactive food tour.
- Local markets are turned into social centres where tourists can blend in with the locals, exchange storeys and jokes over farm goods and homemade delicacies.
- The festivals are mixed with music, dancing and colourful parades that give the visitors an opportunity of taking part in exuberant celebrations reflecting the jubilant spirit of the community.
Fashion
- The traveller is to carry with them thermal clothing including fleece jackets and cotton shirts to help them stay warm in early-mornings when they are hiking and yet remain comfortable in case the sun comes out.
- Waterproof boots are also thick and necessary to walk over wet trails and unexpected rain showers and make sure that people are not at risk of falling.
- The beautiful combination of bright colours and geometric shapes of the local Kankanaey handwoven garments, which are commonly used during festivals, is a very popular souvenir.
- Having a light scarf to cover the neck will not only make you warm but also will help boost your respect of the coolness of the local climate.
- A heavy backpack with a rain cover helps to keep all the things dry when walking through the high altitude trails, particularly when there is sudden rain.
- UV-protective Sunglasses are used as a means of protection against the mountain rays that are harsh on the eyes and a wide-brimmed hat/cap can provide some shade on hot afternoons.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- Vegetable terraces are considered as living laboratory of agricultural engineering; in this case irrigation channels and stone walls interact in an unison to uphold crops in rough landscapes.
- The mossy and pine forests which cover Mt. Kalawitan would be a cool refuge with diverse native flora and the unmistakable sound of the birds.
- The rivers are referred to as high-altitude ones, whose clear waters supply irrigation systems and the streams within the area, which explains the importance of water in the ecology of the region.
- The valleys have seasonal wildflowers, including rhododendrons and alpine lilies, that form a colourful tapestry, which is a draw to nature photographers.
- The trail network also has a range of difficulty, with easy walks at the foot of Mt. Kalawitan, or more challenging trails that reward the endurance of those who are willing to make the effort with stunning views.
- Local guides usually put an emphasis on conservation and they educate the visitors to respect trails, do not litter, and also to be in favour of sustainable tourism practises that will keep this clean environment.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The Adivay Festival is a demonstration of the cultural pride of the province where the traditional dances, music, and a parade are observed welcoming the locals and tourists to celebrate the heritage.
- After the peak season, they have local harvest festivals where the communities can offer gratitude to the abundant harvests by sharing meals and dancing in front of their communities.
- Traditional canao- feasts, which are celebrated in honour of spirits and ancestors, are shared moments particularly between close friends and family members which include telling of storeys over fresh produce.
- There are also annual flower festivals that emphasise the horticultural beauty of the region where processions of flowers and competitions attract visitors to the neighbouring provinces.
- The young performers are also encouraged through seasonal music and dance competition, which encourages the sense of pride and continuity among the Kankanaey community.
- The year-long rhythm of life is supported by a calendar of more minor celebrations organised by the communities, which means that each month will be a new chance to feel the genuine hospitality of the Filipinos. holidays to Buguias are culturally rich.