Benguet Between Mountain Lakes, Blooms and Culture

Benguet is a mountainous province in the Philippines and part of the Cordillera Administrative Region. Peaks, ridges and gorges shape the landscape; the climate is temperate and generally pleasant. Exploring the province offers a range of reasons to visit: lakes and mossy forests, flower fields, hiking trails and places where local art and history come to life.

Mountain Lakes, Forests and Trekking

The Four Lakes of Kabayan are located in Kabayan and comprise Lake Tabeo, Lake Bulalacao, Lake Incolos and Lake Letep-ngapos. Trails connect the lakes through mossy forests. Since trail conditions and access can change, it is advisable to check conditions before your visit. The Ambuklao Dam in Bokod offers a different landscape: its reservoir is surrounded by forested mountains and rolling hills.

Mt. Ulap is a good option for a trekking trip. The route is considered moderately difficult and suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Taken together, these destinations offer different highlights: the Four Lakes focus on lakes and forest trails, Ambuklao Dam on a reservoir landscape shaped by hills and forest, and Mt. Ulap on trekking. You can plan your outings around the landscapes that interest you most.

Blooms and Outdoor Activities

In Atok, Northern Blossoms Flower Farm features fields of celosia, sunflowers, roses and seasonal blooms. La Trinidad Strawberry Farm offers strawberry picking; during harvest season, its fields are filled with ripe strawberries. Picking is seasonal, so you should check conditions before your trip. Visitors can reach the farm by jeepney, taxi or private vehicle. Since transport arrangements can change, checking locally is recommended.

If you’re looking for a more active outing, Goatcliff Adventure and Camping in Atok offers via ferrata climbing, rappelling and guided trails along the cliffs. Availability and safety arrangements may change; check them before your visit. Mt. Camisong Forest Park and Events is another ecotourism destination in Benguet.

Art, History and Local Culture

In Sinco, Tuba, there is a community of woodcarvers. In La Trinidad, StoBoSa forms a hillside art wall made up of painted houses in Stonehill, Botiwtiw and Sadjap. Benguet–Kōchi Sisterhood Park offers a different highlight: it is home to Sakura, or cherry blossom, trees donated by Kochi Prefecture. Their blooming is seasonal.

The privately owned BenCab Museum in Tuba houses the art collection of Benedicto Cabrera. Haight’s Place, meanwhile, is a historic site with origins in the early 20th century. Walls from the original homestead were reused for the structures. Together, these places offer different ways to experience art and history—from a contemporary-looking house wall to a collection and a historic site.

Festivals and Harvest Season

The Adivay Festival is an annual celebration in Benguet. Its program includes street dancing, cultural performances, agricultural and trade fairs, and community events. If you want to include the festival in your travel plans, check the exact dates in advance. It is also worth checking seasonal conditions for the strawberry harvest. This makes it easier to fit scheduled events and seasonal experiences into your trip.

Discover more destinations: Baguio, Bokod.

View the broader travel guide: Cordillera.