Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Cordillera

BENGUET [Bakun]

Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
I keep coming back to this place I also call home. I’ve been to Bakun four times and I never missed out on hiking Mt. Kabunian. This mountain will always have a special place in my heart.

🇵🇭BAKUN ADVENTURE PRIMER🇵🇭

✈🛳🚌 How to get to Bakun, Benguet:
⏺ Ride a bus from Metro Manila to Baguio City (e.g. Victory Liner in Cubao or Pasay; travel time is 5 – 7 hours depending on traffic condition and number/duration of stop-overs).
⏺ Ride a taxi or jeepney to La Trinidad, Benguet (alight at the terminal of bus bound for Bakun Poblacion).
⏺ Take the bus bound for Bakun (travel time: 5 – 7 hours). There is only one trip daily and it leaves between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM.
⏺ If traveling with a group, rent a jeepney in Baguio City to get to Bakun to save on time.

🏄🏝🚴 Sites to Explore/Activities (Bakun Trio):

⏺ Mt. Patullok / Mt. Lubo
📌The hike from the jump-off to reach the summit takes about 1.5 – 2 hours depending on your pace.
📌Traversing from its summit to Poblacion takes about 2 – 4 hours.
📌The trail is exposed to the sun so bring enough hydration. There are also available water sources along the trail.
📌This mountain is relatively easier compared to Mts. Tenglawan and Kabunian.
📌Mountain leeches/limatik are present along the trail for traverse especially during rainy season.

⏺ Mt. Tenglawan
📌The hike duration for this mountain is the longest among the three mountains. It would take about 5 – 7 hours from Poblacion to reach its peak depending on your pace.
📌This is not advisable for first-timers.
📌There are two available water sources along the trail and the majority of the trail is exposed to the sun.
📌Mountain leeches/limatik are present by the second water source.
📌Mt. Tenglawan is known for its famous Carrot Peak and you will be rewarded with views of Benguet and Ilocos Sur once you reach its peak.

⏺ Mt. Kabunian
📌This mountain is known for being the most scenic among the three.
📌This is also not advisable for first-timers.
📌Most of the trail is exposed to the sun and you will pass by two water sources.
📌It would take about 4 – 5 hours from Poblacion to reach its summit depending on your pace.

🏄🏝🚴 Other sites to visit (coordinate with the municipal staff if you wish to visit these spots):

Mt. Gedgedayan
Pattan Falls
Mangta Falls
Sakup Falls
Pikaw Falls
Beey-Kawit Falls
Tekip Falls
Rice Terraces and Hanging Bridges

Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
2014 marked my first Bakun Trio adventure. It was my first major hike. I have to admit, I sort of underestimated hiking the summits of Bakun. It never crossed my mind that mountaineering could be that strenuous. But for a beginner, who would have thought that I would be able to finish these three mountains in three consecutive days?
📍Mt. Kabunian
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
I joined an organized hiking event and together with my newly found friends, we embarked on a journey to the majestic peaks of Bakun.
📍Mt. Kabunian
Mt. Lubo, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
It was a three-day itinerary so we left Manila in the evening and arrived in Baguio City at dawn. We transferred to our rented jeepney that would take us to the jump-off point of our first mountain, Mt. Lubo. We reached the registration area at 9:00 AM.
📍Mt. Patullok / Mt. Lubo
Mt. Lubo, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Honestly, I was surprised that it was a relatively easy hike. We strolled through some houses and vegetable farms before reaching the trail of this mountain which kind of reminded me of Mt. Balagbag.
📍Mt. Patullok / Mt. Lubo
Mt. Lubo, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
We had lunch here at the summit before beginning our traverse to Poblacion. Boy was the descent so hard. Bakun is really not for first-time hikers, I reckoned. Fortunately, we were only bringing our lunch and water in our small daypacks since our jeepney would be taking our huge backpacks to the town proper.
Mt. Lubo, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
I’d seen some photos of this mountain’s mossy forest on the internet that’s why I was already bracing myself for some action with mountain leeches or “limatik”. Thank the gods it was dry season so I didn’t see any. The only challenge was hiking Mt. Patullok with experienced mountaineers so I had to run down the steep trail so I won’t be left behind. I did my best to keep up the pace.
Mt. Lubo, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
I think we reached Poblacion by 4:00 PM. The laid-back town center welcomed our tired bodies as we made our way to the old municipal hall where we would be staying. We waited for the remaining hikers to arrive before signing our waivers at the tourism office where the staff also conducted the orientation for this municipality’s visitors.
📍Mt. Patullok / Mt. Lubo
Mt. Lubo, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Right after eating dinner, I washed up then prepped for the night. It was going to be a huge day tomorrow, I thought to myself. Honestly, I was nervous of what kind of trail lay ahead.
📍Mt. Patullok / Mt. Lubo
Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Most of us were already up by 3:00 AM the next day. I usually don’t eat breakfast. But because I needed to have enough energy for that day’s climb, I had bread and milk. We packed up our lunch and off we went when our guides arrived to pick us up. The trek began with the unending descent then assault after two hanging bridges. After an hour or so, the group took a rest. We asked our guides how far the summit is. According to them, mountaineers usually reach the peak after six or seven hours. Oh my gods, I AM SO TIRED. A friend of mine who’s been to Bakun warned me that it would take 6 – 7 hours to reach Mt. Tenglawan’s summit. I thought back then that maybe she was just kidding. Unfortunately, she wasn’t. It felt like I could no longer continue. My body ached due to our hike to Mt. Patullok the previous day. Every step was excruciating especially when braving the steep portions of the trail. It was only 5:30 in the morning. I looked back to where we came from. I could see the faint lights amidst the darkness and cold weather. I was thinking of going back. I’ve been blaming myself that I shouldn’t have joined this trip because I wasn’t yet physically ready for this kind of hike. But I can’t go back alone in the dark so I forced my legs to move. “I can do this,” I told myself. Mind over matter. It was my mantra as we proceeded.
📍Trail en route to Mt. Tenglawan
Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
I could already see the crest of Mt. Tenglawan as you’ll notice in this photo. But don’t let this picture deceive you. It may seem like a stone’s throw away but the hardest part is just about to welcome its visitors. The heat of the sun was already slowing us down when we reached the steep staircase going to the mossy forest. We then refilled our water containers (thank the gods the leeches were nowhere to be found). The last leg of the assault before reaching the flat portion near the summit was the hardest for me. I think it took me an hour to conquer this part.
Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
I could still remember what I ate for lunch. A cup of rice and canned tuna. Damn, why do I have to bring an extra tiny container for rice? I was so hungry that it felt as if my tummy didn’t feel the food it received. We took a rest before going to the summit which is less than 15 minutes away. I first had my photo taken at this spot. I was actually just standing on top of an uprooted tree. I carefully crawled through the tree’s rough body as the roots might break which meant falling off the cliff below.
📍Mt. Tenglawan
Carrot Peak, Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Seeing Benguet and Ilocos Sur on the other side was an overwhelming proof that I have finally conquered this mountain. I was like, “I am taking back everything I said, all the expletives and complaints as I was trekking towards the peak.” Everything was worth it.
📍Carrot Peak, Mt. Tenglawan
Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
We took pictures here at the summit whilst waiting for our friends left behind. We all agreed to descend by noon. We were supposed to reach Poblacion much earlier but our rest stops took too long because we had to wait for others who lost their way. There was even an instance when we were stuck along the trail as a group of cows were about to attack us which meant we had to wait for our guides to manage the situation. They are locals of Bakun after all so they’re used to growing cattle. It was already dark when we reached Poblacion. I was with the first group to arrive. Time check: 6:30 AM. A total of 12 hours including breaks in between. The last group arrived at 9:00 PM. It may have taken aeons but at least all of us were safe.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Admitting that my whole body hurt was an understatement. Every movement brought pain to my muscles because of our Mt. Tenglawan adventure. I was not also able to get a decent sleep the night before as my heart rate was still hyped up from our Tenglawan hike. I couldn’t get my body to cool down. It was already 11:00 PM and I was still awake. I dozed off then got up at 3:00 AM to prepare for our last mountain to complete the trilogy.
📍Mt. Kabunian
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
As I was scaling the technical trail of this mountain on Day Three, I remembered what I’ve read from blogs that Mt. Kabunian is the most scenic among the three mountains. It was the reminder that I needed to push through.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Even if every step meant agony just to reach this mountain’s peak, I still continued the ascent. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Good thing I didn’t surrender. For views like this, it’s all worth it. Too bad some of our friends chose to stay and rest at Poblacion after hiking Mt. Tenglawan. They were not able to witness what Mt. Kabunian has in store for us.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
There is really not much to see at the highest point of this mountain as it’s full of pine trees. But the views along its trail are breathtaking compared to Tenglawan and Patullok. This spot is the last open portion of Mt. Kabunian where you can see the unobstructed views of Bakun.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
You will see this awesome natural infinity pool along the trail of Mt. Kabunian. I decided to take a dip while waiting for my friends. They excitedly joined once they saw me frolicking atop the waterfall.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
I think one of the most difficult parts of going back to the town center from Mt. Kabunian was climbing the concrete staircase of more than a thousand steps. We had to stop and rest every ten steps or so because we were so exhausted. At least my training in Mts. Balagbag and Maranat the week before my Bakun climb paid off. Those two mountains may not be as technical as Bakun’s but I didn’t go to war empty-handed nonetheless. This picture of me staring at Mt. Gedgedayan was captured when my friends and I were taking forever to brave the seemingly unlimited stairsteps back to Poblacion.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Every time I visited Bakun, I’d always get sunburnt. Most of the mountains’ trails are open and there are no trees to cover the hikers. But for a mountaineer like me, I’d still choose scorching heat over rain and fog. I don’t want to go home wet with muddy shoes and pants and no decent photos.
📍Mt. Kabunian
Mt. Lubo, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
I visited Bakun the second time after almost a year had passed. I joined another hiking event which followed the same itinerary. Our climb here at Mt. Lubo was a bit disappointing because it was already covered with clouds a few minutes after we reached the summit. The moisture from the fog made the mossy forest wet so I was already preparing for loads of leeches. I was lucky enough that I wasn’t bitten by any.
Mt. Lubo, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
We traversed the steep trail to Poblacion as if we were running for our lives. I could already hear the deafening sound of the impending thunderstorm. I was part of the first group to arrive before 5:00 PM at Poblacion. The heavy rainfall followed right after. My other friends were all wet from the rain when they reached the old municipal hall.
📍Mt. Patullok / Mt. Lubo
Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Just like my first Bakun trip, we also left for Mt. Tenglawan by dawn on Day Two. Always make sure to leave early, preferably 4:00 AM; earlier is much better. But it will also depend if your guides will arrive on time to pick you up. That same nerve-racking assault of Tenglawan greeted me in the dark as if annoying and asking me, “Did you miss me?” My shirt was already wet from sweat when we made our first stop to rest.
📍Mt. Tenglawan
Carrot Peak, Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Usually between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, the clouds will begin to cover up the summit and Carrot Peak leaving you with no clearing. If my memory serves me true, we reached the summit by 9:30 in the morning.
Carrot Peak, Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
This is what I love about action cameras. They offer you a different perspective especially if you’re taking selfies. This was shot on top of Carrot Peak. Please be careful when you get to this spot as it’s a 90-degree fall from where I am in this picture.
Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Make sure you stick close to your guide and hiking buddies. Don’t wander alone since there are lots of forks going to Mt. Tenglawan. There were a couple of instances when some of my friends already got lost on our way back to the jump-off.
📍Trail en route to Mt. Tenglawan
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
The hellish trek back to Poblacion from Tenglawan was aggravated by a heavy downpour. The muddy and slippery trail was so difficult to deal with. Boy was I so wet and cold. I tried to brush the situation off as I continued the last leg of ascent to reach the concrete road near the old municipal hall. I distracted my mind with the excitement to see my most favorite mountain the next day.
📍Mt. Kabunian
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
It was still dark as we descended the stairsteps to Kabunian. We then continued the steep ascent towards the first hanging bridge. It was a familiar feeling as the smell of pine trees mixed with the cold breeze. It always feels like going home. John Muir is right after all.
📍Mt. Kabunian
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
There was a fire that burnt this portion of Mt. Kabunian’s trail but the color of the recovering pine trees gave a nice tint to this picture.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
This second visit of mine to Mt. Kabunian was a short one. I didn’t go to the summit as my hiking buddy was injured. It would be hard for him to endure the last ascent towards the summit. I couldn’t let him go back to Poblacion alone so I decided that it was time to return to the jump-off. Besides, I have already summited Kabunian in 2014. And considering it’s my second time, I already know the trail going back to the town proper. We just took photos like this one along the way.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Before my friend and I finally bid goodbye to Mt. Kabunian, we had a side trip to this cool spot which I discovered during my first hike. The natural infinity pool streams down this cliff. You can find it along the trail by the river and hanging bridge before commencing your final assault to the first water source. If you still have time on your descent, you can bathe and freshen up before going back to the jump-off.

⏰⏳ SAMPLE ITINERARY:

DAY 0
9:00 PM Assembly
10:00 PM ETD for Baguio City

DAY 1
3:00 AM ETA Baguio City
4:00 AM Ride rented jeepney bound for Bakun (breakfast along the way; buy packed lunch)
9:00 AM ETA Mt. Patullok jump-off / register and secure guide/s
9:30 AM Start trek
11:30 AM ETA Summit (lunch)
1:00 PM Commence traverse
4:00 PM ETA Poblacion
5:00 PM Registration and orientation for Mts. Tenglawan and Kabunian
6:00 PM Dinner
8:00 PM Lights out

DAY 2
3:00 AM Wake-up call (breakfast / prepare packed lunch)
4:00 AM Start trek to Mt. Tenglawan
5:30 AM ETA First water source
7:30 AM ETA Second water source
8:30 AM ETA Summit
10:30 AM Head back to Poblacion
3:00 PM ETA Poblacion
6:00 PM Dinner
8:00 PM Lights out

DAY 3
3:00 AM Wake-up call (breakfast / prepare packed lunch)
4:00 AM Start trek to Mt. Kabunian
5:30 AM ETA First water source
7:30 AM ETA Second water source
8:00 AM ETA Summit
10:00 AM Head back to Poblacion
1:00 PM ETA Poblacion / wash up
3:00 PM ETD for Baguio City
8:00 PM ETA Baguio City (dinner)
9:00 PM ETD for Manila

💰💶 ESTIMATED BUDGET (for a solo joiner of an organized hiking event): Php 5,000 – Php 6,000 (inclusive of event fee + food + supplies for three days)
***Expenses may vary depending on organized event fee and personal consumption of food and other necessities.

Rice Terraces of Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
My third Bakun adventure in 2016 was an entirely different experience from the previous ones. I opted to chase some waterfalls. My friends from the travel community and I joined a hiking event organized by another friend of mine who is a mountaineer.
📍Rice terraces of Bakun
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Unfortunately, our (mis)adventure began even before we reached the jump-off to Patullok. The muddy roads proved to be a hassle so it was a tad challenging for our rented jeepney to maneuver through the sharp turns en route to Bakun. Then our wheels got stuck so we had no choice but to alight off the vehicle and help in getting it out of the mud.
📍Mt. Kabunian
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
After dropping off the majority of participants at the registration area going to Mt. Lubo, my friends and I quickly climbed to the top of our jeepney to see the awesome views of Bakun as we continued to make our way to Poblacion.
📍Mt. Kabunian
Pattan Falls, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
We started preparing for our itinerary that day. After the orientation conducted by the staff of Bakun’s tourism office, we commenced our trek to Pattan Falls with our assigned guide. The trek was not as technical and hard as doing the trilogy but the cold weather due to the light drizzle was our enemy. Sadly, there was no water when we reached Pattan Falls because of El Niño. All we could see was the huge wall of rock with a very thin drop of flowing water from its source. This photo, on the other hand, was the view in front of the waterfall.
Pattan Falls, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
We rested for a while and took a handful of photos of this breathtaking view before finally setting off for the next phase of our adventure.
Mangta Falls, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Our next destination was still far from Pattan. We crossed bridges and concrete staircases before reaching this natural wonder. At least the waterfall was not dry when we visited. Some of my friends took a dip but the water was way too cold so I just took photos.
📍Mangta Falls
Rice Terraces of Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
We bid farewall to Mangta Falls after an hour or so and walked the same route that we took to get to our last stop in our itinerary that day.
📍Rice terraces of Bakun
Rice Terraces of Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
The overcast weather gave the illusion that it’s already dusk but truth be told, it was only 4:00 in the afternoon in this photo.
📍Rice terraces of Bakun
Rice Terraces of Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Bakun’s crying mountain (after a heavy rainfall, you will notice from afar a number of cascades flowing from the peak which makes it look as if it’s weeping), Mt. Gedgedayan is the perfect background if you opt to explore the town’s rice fields.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
If following the original Bakun Trio itinerary, we were supposed to climb Mt. Tenglawan on Day Two together with other joiners but we skipped Tenglawan to hike Mt. Kabunian that day.
📍Mt. Kabunian
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
One of Mt. Kabunian’s rest stops was the first water source. We proceeded then took another rest at this spot. We were just in time for picture-taking as the sun’s rays began to peek from the mountains surrounding Kabunian.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Mt. Kabunian always takes my breath away every single time. Its picturesque trail is to die for.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Mt. Tenglawan seems to be the hardest among the three because of the duration and distance you have to cover to finish the hike but this mountain, Mt. Kabunian, however, has the most technical trail.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
We began our descent by noon and captured more pictures along the way.
📍Mt. Kabunian
Beey-Kawit Falls, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
We concluded our second day here at Beey-Kawit Falls. The cascade coming from its source was not strong due to the drought. It may have been raining but the drizzling every now and then was not enough to fill the town’s rivers and waterfalls.
Mt. Gedgedayan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
It was the other joiners’ chance to see Mt. Kabunian on our third day. As for my buddies and I, we woke up early to see the majestic Tekip Falls. The locals had been telling us that the waterfall was dry and there’s nothing to see. We were still disappointed when we got there but this awesome picture of Mt. Gedgedayan would not be possible if we were not persistent to see the trail of Tekip Falls. This photo somehow reminds me of Konohagakure from the anime Naruto.
Rice Terraces of Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Considering Tekip Falls is just near Poblacion, we were back early at the old municipal building. We insisted to continue our journey to Pikaw Falls and Sakup Falls but we were only able to visit one since the other waterfall is way too far. The trail going to one of the falls was quite technical and the vegetation was too dense since only a few tourists venture to these waterfalls to see them up close. Besides, there were leeches along the trail. I almost had a cardiac arrest when I saw a leech. I shouted right away, “limatik alert” to my friends. We also didn’t get any photos because it was nearly impossible to get near the waterfall because of the huge boulders. On our way back to Poblacion, I saw this portion near some houses overlooking the verdant rice fields.
Rice Terraces of Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
As our trip was about to end, there was still one more thing I’d been dying to try out. Before returning to the town center, we changed into our slumber party outfits in the middle of rice fields with the crying mountain as our background. This is unquestionably one of the best woke-up-to-this photos I’ve ever pulled off.
Rice Terraces of Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Levitation Photography Skill Level: 1,000,000
Mt. Gedgedayan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
This is probably one of the most amazing basketball courts I have ever seen! This is situated in Poblacion in case you want to take a look. Every time I’d be looking at Mt. Gedgedayan, it feels like it is alive with those faces, as if they’re guardians protecting this place hidden in the mountains.

📜✏ Tips/Reminders:
📌Inform the guides’ association beforehand if you plan on exploring Bakun.
📌No need to bring tents; just bring sleeping bags and earthpads. You will be staying at the old municipal hall.
📌Bring a day hike bag for your snacks, hydration and personal belongings.
📌If you opt to explore Bakun’s waterfalls and rice terraces in addition to doing the trilogy, allot at least 4 – 5 days for your trip.
📌There are no available eateries or restaurants in Bakun. You can ask the locals to cook food for you for a fee. You can buy supplies at Poblacion and cook your own food. Just bring your camping stoves and cooksets.
📌There are no available ATMs in Poblacion.
📌Smart is the only reliable mobile network in Poblacion while cellular signal for Globe is only available at the mountains’ peaks.
📌Don’t venture alone along the trails since there are forks specifically en route to Mt. Tenglawan. You might get lost.
📌Don’t forget your jackets, windbreakers and raincoats.
📌Expect rain and muddy trails during monsoon season (June-February).
📌You can join organized hiking events online to save on time and cut on costs.
📌Always observe the LNT principles.

Contact:
📌Ma’am Nenita of Bakun Tourism (09183523722)

Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Two years passed since my last trip to Bakun. I asked another friend of mine from the hiking community if he could organize a travel event. I immediately grabbed the opportunity to join when he agreed. After all, doing Bakun Trio DIY-style would break the bank.
📍Mt. Kabunian
Mt. Lubo, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
I could still remember the last time I passed by the houses and vegetable fields owned by the locals en route to Mt. Lubo. It was an easy trek towards the summit as the trail going to the peak is relatively beginner-friendly.
📍Mt. Patullok / Mt. Lubo
Mt. Lubo, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Mt. Pulag was closed that time due to the fire that burnt a huge portion of its grassland so Bakun was fully booked during that long weekend because of the holiday. At least we reached the jump-off to Mt. Lubo early so we were already here at the summit before hikers from other groups started arriving.
Mt. Lubo, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
This is the highlight of reaching Mt. Patullok’s summit: seeing the majestic Mt. Gedgedayan.
Mt. Lubo, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
We quickly took our photos on top of Mt. Lubo as it would get crowded in a bit. This is one of my go-to spots to take pictures just a few feet below the peak of this mountain.
Mt. Lubo, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
This basketball court of a school with a nice view as its backdrop will welcome you when you pass by the residential area near the jump-off point to Mt. Patullok.
Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
We didn’t traverse Mt. Lubo to Poblacion because we wanted to get to the town center early and get ample sleep for our hike to Mt. Tenglawan the following day.
📍Mt. Tenglawan
Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
We started our trek before 3:00 in the morning the next day. Since we wanted to avoid the crowd at the summit and Carrot Peak, it would be best to leave early to get solo photos at the top.
📍Mt. Tenglawan
Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
If there’s one thing I realized throughout my years of traveling, it’s that it’s always a different experience every single time even if you’ve been to the same mountain over and over again. Getting to Tenglawan or Kabunian countless times will never tire my desire to see the wilderness.
📍Mt. Tenglawan
Carrot Peak, Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
We were already here at the summit before 8:00 AM. Surprisingly, there were already a few hikers from another group. They must have started their trek way earlier than us. “Forget eating and taking a break. Let’s take our photos first before it gets crowded,” I told my friends.
Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
What I quickly noticed when we reached the summit was the guard rail surrounding it. I tried my best to not include it in my frames just like in this picture since it would ruin my photos. I do understand though that it’s for the safety of visitors.
Mt. Tenglawan, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
One thing I love about climbing the mountains in the region of Cordillera is the cold weather. Even if it’s sunny, the cold breeze due to the elevation always feels like a treat to my exhausted body. Before beginning our descent, we stopped by this area of pine trees to have our lunch. Boy was I so starving. It was time to recharge for the long trek back to Poblacion.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Our hike back to the town center was full of rest stops and leisurely walks while chit-chatting. There’s no need to hurry as we still got loads of time to kill since we arrived early at the summit. The first thing we did when we’re back at Poblacion by 3:00 PM was munch on snacks at the small stores near the old municipal building. We’re finally done with Mt. Tenglawan. My most favorite mountain would be next the following day.
📍Mt. Kabunian
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
I could still remember the complaints of my co-hikers as we were braving the first leg of steep assault going to Mt. Kabunian. As for me, it felt so easy. Back then, the ascent was something I thought I would never do again because it was so difficult but now, it felt like I could even swiftly run and jump through the technical slopes of this mountain.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Because I was feeling extra euphoric that I would be seeing this mountain again for the nth time, I walked ahead of my friends alone. It felt creepy but wonderful at the same time as the pleasant smell of pine trees carried by the cold breeze enveloped the morning.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
It was still dark but even if I didn’t use my headlamp, I could already see my surroundings for the twilight guided my path. I tried to catch my breath as I was full of sweat from using all my extremities to reach the first water source where I waited for my friends.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
The first thing you will notice once you walk farther from the waiting shed where the water source is, is Mt. Tenglawan, as you can see in this photo. Zoom in and you will even see Carrot Peak, like a protruding canine. The first time I saw this view in person, I quickly had an idea of the nightmarish route we took when I saw the edges of Tenglawan.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
There was another forest fire that burned this portion of Mt. Kabunian’s trail but the orangey tint as the faint light from the sun which was about to peek in the sky seemed perfect for this picture.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
Stairway to heaven it is! Just like the stairsteps with guard rail in Tenglawan and Lubo, you will notice this staircase along Kabunian’s trail. I wonder how someone will go down this part of the trail in case there are no stairs or rope.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
The hike to Mt. Kabunian’s summit is way shorter than that of Mt. Tenglawan. But since its trail is so picturesque that you will want to take photos of every angle, it may still take time to reach its peak. This is by far my most favorite angle of this mountain.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
I waited for my friends at this spot which is the last open portion of Kabunian. Like I said before, the mountain’s highest point is full of pine trees so there’s really not much to see. The mountain you’re seeing over there facing me is Mt. Tenglawan. The first time I stood here in the flesh in 2014 while looking at the edges of Tenglawan, I was like, “So that’s what put me through hell yesterday?”
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
This is one of the iconic hanging bridges of Mt. Kabunian. You can get to the summit from this spot in less than an hour (excluding the time spent for picture-taking of course).
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
I went ahead of my friends to chill at this spot by the river and hanging bridge with a natural infinity pool overlooking Mt. Tenglawan which I’ve always visited since 2014. As they went down the trail, they noticed me taking photos by the cliff so they joined me right away for a quick swim before finally returning to Poblacion. We then traveled back to Baguio in the afternoon after everyone was done packing up. It always feels heavy leaving one of my most favorite places. I’ll be back for sure.
Mt. Kabunian, Bakun, Benguet, Philippines
fatigue, n.

If you had noticed the emptiness in my heart and if you had truly understood who I am and what I feel, we could have saved what we thought back then was worth saving between us. I guess I was just that someone you talk to when you’re bored while on a bus ride to get to the next destination or while trekking to get to the summit or waterfall.

I apologize for giving up. It was just hard to hold on when the only thing you made me learn was to let go and move on.

– Riley, The Dictionary of a Lost Traveler

***For other destinations in Benguet and Cordillera, you may visit this link.

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