Benguet Hotels

Known for its proud indigenous culture and cool weather, Benguet is a province to behold. It is teeming with a variety of cultural and natural attractions making it a truly remarkable place that you shouldn’t miss.

At A Glance

Today, Benguet is one of the leading tourist destinations in the Philippines, abuzz with activity and progress. Known for the rich, colorful culture and traditions of its indigenous people, it has caught the attention of many travelers around the world. In addition, the province also earned the moniker “Salad Bowl of the Philippines” because of the large amount of vegetables and other crops that it produces every year.

How to Go

By plane

The Loakan Airport in nearby Baguio City accepts flights from Manila. There is usually one Manila-Baguio flight scheduled daily, a journey that lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.

By land transportation

One of the most popular ways of traveling to the landlocked province of Benguet is by bus. Many bus lines offer trips to Benguet every hour. For bus trips, passengers have the option to of choosing between a one-way ticket and a two-way ticket. After purchasing a ticket, one need only sit back and take the ride, which lasts between 6 to7 hours.

Getting Around

It is fairly easy to move from one point to another in Benguet. Visitors can ride any public transportation they prefer. Jeepneys, tricycles (auto rickshaws), pedicabs (bicycle rickshaws), taxis, vans or buses can be found throughout the province, varying in availability depending on the area. If using a private vehicle, locals can be asked for directions, and road signs are usually very accurate and dependable.

Tourist Attractions

Home to some of the country’s most iconic farms as well as popular natural and man-made attractions, the province offers a plethora of things to see for all visitors.

Those entering Benguet province from Manila by bus will pass through Baguio City, so why not stay in this city for little while? Baguio is a highly urbanized city within the province, although it is independent from Benguet. Baguio City is known as the Summer Capital of Philippines because of its cool weather all year round and for the festivities held in the summer months. Visitors can go see the largest church in Baguio, the Baguio Catholic Cathedral, as well as the breathtaking views of Benguet's mines and mountains at the Mines View Park.

Travelers who love taking magnificent shots will find delight in visiting the four lakes of Kabayan town. The beautiful views of Lake Tabeo, Lake Ambulalacao, Lake Letepngepos, and Lake Incolos are sure to make visitors feel like they’re in a fairy tale land. Beautiful photographs are guaranteed!

Those who know of the beautiful roses of Bahong Flower Farm in La Trinidad will be glad to know that farm is still very much in business. Touted as the Rose Capital of the Philippines, Bahong is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountain peaks. This farm is one of the main sources of fresh blossoms for Baguio's Panagbenga Festival. Visit the farm during harvest season (February to March) to enjoy the view of a sea of roses.

Lastly, the sight of the ancestral burial sites at the Tinongchol Cave, where the mummified dead of the Ibaloi people were laid to rest, will also leave visitors amazed. Coffins can be seen inside holes bored on the rock from decades ago.

Top Things to Do

From relaxing boat rides to adventurous treks up the mountain, there's something for everyone in the province of Benguet. Aside from stopping by bustling Baguio, travelers can also challenge themselves to climb Mount Pulag in Kabayan, Benguet. Mount Pulag is famed for being the highest mountain in Luzon, and for its mesmerizing view of a sea of clouds at the peak. Climbers can choose to take the Akiki Trail (longer trail) climbing up or the Ambangeg Trail (shorter trail) going down, and they can also do it in reverse.

Climbers also have the option of hiking up Mount Kalugong in La Trinidad. This mountain has various rock formations and traditionally-built houses that can be rented. It is also a good stop for picnics with family and friends.

There are a handful of large farms one can visit in Benguet, especially in La Trinidad, which is famous for its vegetable and strawberry farms. It is because of the abundance of strawberry crops in the city that it has become known as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines. Visitors can actually pick strawberries from these farms and purchase them afterwards.

Where to Eat

One can expect a wonderful dining experience in Benguet because of all the fresh produce that restaurants use in their cooking.

Hill Station Restaurant in Casa Vallejo, Baguio City, offers one the finest dining experiences anyone could have in this region. Found at the oldest hotel in the Philippines, the Hill Station Restaurant serves Spanish delicacies and slow-cooked meals. Chocolate lovers will also surely love their famous dessert option, Death by Chocolate, which is a decadent chocolate lava cake with ice cream.

La Trinidad's Calajo Restaurant, on the other hand, also satisfies appetites with their Filipino and Chinese dishes. The restaurant’s very affordable meal sets and generous servings makes it a favourite among big families. Make sure to try their delicious yogurt and bestselling polpog (pork bits soaked in vinegar and spices).

Nightlife

As a bustling city, Baguio City offers some of the best bars and pubs. The Tasting Room at Baguio Craft Brewery is one of them. This brewery has an extensive selection of craft beer.

Visitors can also have a lively night out at the Purple Lounge at Upper Session Road. One of the hippest party places, this club has a huge dance floor, nice lighting, and a good selection of cocktails and beers.

For those seeking a quiet evening, visitors can cap their week off at the Manor Hotel Bar. Here, one can from a variety of wines, beers and non-alcoholic drinks.

Where to Stay

Baguio is home to the iconic Baguio Country Club, which was founded in 1905 by William Cameron Forbes, the American Governor General of the Philippines. In this city, other top-rated hotels like Baguio Holiday Villas, Azalea Residences Baguio, The Manor at Camp John Hay, and The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay can also be found.

For adventurous travelers who want to explore mountains and caves in Benguet, homestays are the go-to lodging option. Homestays are similar to dorm rooms and are very popular in La Trinidad and Kabayan, as hotels are harder to come by outside of Baguio City. Hikers and trekkers of Mt. Pulag or other mountains often choose to rent comfortable homestays. One such homestay is Buban’s Homestay, a cozy and affordable haven away from home.  

Travel Tips

• Buy vegetables and fruits directly from La Trinidad. Purchasing the vegetables from La Trinidad is much cheaper and usually more fresh.

• Dress warmly, and layer up when necessary. Benguet province is about 1,500 meters above sea level, as a result, this province experiences cool temperatures even in the summer.

• Summer is considered the best season to visit Benguet, particularly from the months of March to May. It is not too cold or hot, and most crops are harvestable.

• Respect the mountain. Mt. Pulag is a sacred burial site for the Ibaloi people. Kabayan residents pay utmost respect to this mountain and its surrounding grounds. Minimize noise while climbing and camping, and do not mark trees, stones or paths. Also, do not leave behind any trash or garbage.