Benguet Between Mountain Ranges and Valleys

Benguet is a mountainous province within the Philippines’ Cordillera Administrative Region. Within the broader Cordillera travel destination, the region is home to the Cordillera Central mountain range. In Benguet, peaks, ridges and ravines shape the landscape; the climate is considered temperate and generally pleasant.

The Four Lakes of Kabayan offer a glimpse of how varied the mountain landscape can be. The group includes Lake Tabeo, Lake Bulalacao, Lake Incolos and Lake Letep-ngapos. Trails connect the lakes and lead through mossy forests. If you plan to hike there, check trail conditions and access arrangements in advance.

Mt. Ulap offers another trekking option: its moderately difficult route is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. In Atok, meanwhile, the Northern Blossoms Flower Farm showcases celosia, sunflowers, roses and seasonal blooms. The two places appeal to different interests—a trekking route on the one hand, a flowering cultivated landscape on the other.

Mountain Art, Crafts and Culture

In La Trinidad, StoBoSa is a mountain mural made up of painted houses. Its name combines Stonehill, Botiwtiw and Sadjap—the places where the artwork is located. With community participation, selected houses were painted and transformed into a large-scale mural on the mountainside, depicting well-known images of the region. The community effort behind its creation is as much a part of the place as the visible artwork.

Tuba also brings together different cultural discoveries: the Sinco area is home to a community of woodcarvers. The private BenCab Museum houses the extensive art collection of Benedicto Cabrera, also known as BenCab. In Atok, Haight’s Place tells a different story: the site dates back to the early 1920s, and walls from the original homestead were reused in its buildings.

The Adivay Festival brings together Benguet’s cultural heritage, traditions and indigenous identity in an annual celebration. The program includes street dances, cultural presentations, agricultural and trade fairs, and community events. As the specific dates depend on the festival calendar for each year, check them before traveling.

Harvest Season and Outdoor Activities

La Trinidad Strawberry Farm offers strawberry picking. During the harvest season, the fields are filled with ripe strawberries, so timing matters if picking is the main focus of your visit. You can travel to the farm in the Balili area by jeepney, taxi or private vehicle. Transport options may change; check locally for the latest information.

In Atok, Goatcliff Adventure and Camping offers a range of activities along the cliffs: via ferrata climbing, rappelling and guided cliffside trails. Before visiting, check which activities are available and what safety measures apply. Ambuklao Dam in Bokodforms a reservoir surrounded by forested mountains and rolling hills. Completed in the 1950s, the dam offers a different view of Benguet’s landscape from its trails, lakes and flower fields.

Discover more destinations: Baguio, Bokod.

Back to the broader travel overview: Cordillera.