This travel season, include Benguet on your bucket list

The Philippines is not just famous for its islands and beaches; the country also boasts of natural and scenic landscapes with the landlocked province of Benguet on Luzon Island housing a number of them. Found at the southernmost part of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Benguet is nicknamed the Salad Bowl of the Philippines, since it’s one of the main sources of fresh vegetables in the country. With picturesque mountain views, a tranquil atmosphere and cool breeze, Benguet provides a refreshing escape from the busy city life.

Taste the finest strawberries

Benguet’s capital is La Trinidad, where vegetables and strawberries are produced. Visitors may take the leisure of picking their own bunch of the freshest strawberries and vegetables at the farm for a fair price. Since La Trinidad is abundant in strawberries, they have treats that are strawberry-flavoured and are a must-try for those visiting. Some of the top picks include strawberry taho (hot silken tofu with sweet syrup and sago pearls), strawberry ice cream and strawberry jam.

Admire colourful hillside houses

Through community participation, settlements along identified barangays were painted and transformed into a giant mountain art wall that portrays images notable in the place and which signifies “re-blooming” and “re-greening” of the environment. The project was initiated through a collaboration with major paint companies, artist groups and the local community. Known as ‘Stobosa’, the initiative serves more than a beautification project: it signifies the collective desire to instil sustainable development of communities, to influence and change mindsets, and to create a living environment where the people could live harmoniously and productively. Stobosa is therefore one large mural where the vision for a better and more prosperous clean environment is imbibed through community involvement and participation. Areas identified for this project are Sitios Botiwtiw, Stonehill, and Sadjap at Barangay Balili in La Trinidad, Benguet. These colourful houses are reminiscent of the favela murals of Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro and make for a perfect photo-op.

Scale Mount Pulag

For nature-lovers, a hike on Mount Pulag to see the fascinating sea of clouds is nothing less than awe inspiring. Hikers can brighten their day with a mix of colours from flowers and vegetable gardens, and a very noticeable red from strawberry fields when they visit Benguet. Visitors will also get a glimpse of how the Igorot people (one of the ethnic groups of Luzon) lived in the native houses and carried their Kayabang (woven basket) around where they put their day’s harvest.