1. Experience simple living at Mt. Kalugong Cultural Village

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Showcasing the part of the Igorot culture during the days of yore, Mt. Kalugong Cultural Village doubles as a park. It is composed of simple dwellings like Igorot huts and the poor man’s cabin.

This is done in order to preserve the primeval practices and designs of this indigenous tribe so visitors will not find a single modern item or amenity here. In line with that, the village challenges its visitors to experience a much simpler way of life and get away from the modern lifestyles they are accustomed to.

Mt. Kalugong Cultural Village

Address: OF-012 Mt. Kalugong Cultural Village, La Trinidad, 2601 Benguet

Website: Mt. Kalugong Cultural Village

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

2. Purchase plants at Living Gifts Nursery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Staying true to its name, Living Gifts Nursery is an agri-tourism farm site offering a variety of plants that are sold wholesale to visitors. Walk through what is essentially a garden filled with so many different species of plants.

Gardeners, landscapers, and those looking for some great home decorations are in for a treat as this nursery has so many plants that each have its own set of beauty and appeal. Some of these plants include cacti, succulents, small plants, and even venus fly traps.

Living Gifts Nursery

Address: Riverside, Alno, La Trinidad, Benguet 2601

Website: Living Gifts Nursery

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 7:30am - 5pm (closed on Tue)

3. Appreciate unique artworks at Roofless Art Studio

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Praise the sun. Created by the award-winning Filipino solar artist Jordan Mang-osan, Roofless Art Studio showcases a plethora of magnificent art pieces created with the power of the sun. Jordan Mang-osan continually updates his roster and adds new artworks to his collection which brings a lot of life and beauty to his studio.

These masterpieces are inspired by nature and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Filipino people as well as showing how proud this magnificent artist is of his heritage, culture, and the beauty of nature.

Roofless Art Studio

Address: Pico Rd, Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet

Website: Roofless Art Studio

4. Taste the sweet, red strawberries from the Strawberry Farm

When people think of Baguio, the first thing that comes to mind is strawberries, not knowing that most of the fruit sold in the city is not grown in the city, but in La Trinidad. In fact, La Trinidad’s Strawberry Farm, a 20-hectare (49.4 acre) farm, is the only place in the country that produces the fruit on a commercial scale.

Just outside the actual farm are several stalls and vendors selling just about every kind of strawberry product there is out there, from ice cream and jam to keychains and wine. Those who are looking to try out something different may want to taste the strawberry taho, which is made from silken tofu with syrup and sago pearls.

Try to visit the Strawberry Farm early in the morning to avoid the crowds. That way, you will be able to get your pick of strawberries.

There is no entrance fee to the Strawberry Farm. However, those whose who want to go strawberry picking will need to pay around 100 PHP (2 USD) to pick one kilogram (~2.2 lbs) of the fruit. Do note that, depending on the season, picking your own strawberries may cost more than simply purchasing these just outside the actual farm. However, the number of visitors choosing this option indicates that the price is worth it for the experience.

On a related note, La Trinidad holds the Annual Strawberry Festival every March 18. As with other Philippine festivals, this event is celebrated with a bang. In 2004, the residents won a slot in the Guinness Book of World Records for preparing the largest strawberry shortcake.

Strawberry Farm

Address: Km. 5 Baguio-La Trinidad-Bontoc Road, La Trinidad, Benguet

Price: Strawberry picking costs around 100 PHP (2 USD)

Opening Hours: 6 am to 11 pm

Contact: +6374 422 6733/+63998 189 0955

5. Breathe in the sweet smell of the brightly colored flowers at Bahong Flower Farm

Another product of La Trinidad that is commonly attributed to Baguio is its flowers. In fact, it also delivers blooms to different parts of the country including Manila. As such, it comes as no surprise that the valley is dubbed as the Rose Capital of the Philippines.

Bahong is actually a village in La Trinidad. Aside from roses, they also grow carnations, chrysanthemums, and hydrangeas.

In addition to a tour of the farm, visitors can also try out flower harvesting. They can also learn about growing their own blooms.

Bahong Flower farm

Address: Barangay Bahong, La Trinidad, Benguet

Price: Entrance fee is 20 PHP (0.40 USD)

Opening Hours: 6 am to 11 pm

Contact: +63947 821 4555

6. Taste fresh greens

Strawberries and flowers are not the only things grown in La Trinidad. The valley is also known for being one of the largest agricultural producers in the country. The rich soil and good weather allow farmers to grow all types of vegetables including lettuce, carrots, eggplants, celery, cucumbers, cabbages, and such. The rich agricultural business in the area has led to efforts to promote agricultural-based tourism there.

Lily of the Valley Organic Farms is one of the main growers in the area. The owner, Jefferson Laruan, received the Outstanding Organic Agricultural Farmer”Award in 2012. Aside from touring and buying their produce and organic products, guests can also sit in lectures about organic farming.

It is possible to purchase food and stay (either homestay or camping) in the farm. However, reservations need to be made at least one day before arrival to allow them to make the necessary preparations.

Another option for guests who are interested in agricultural tourism is to visit Benguet State University, known for being the premier agricultural state university in the region. Guests can tour the demo farms and the gardens. It also has a processing center, where visitors can see how products, such as jams and spreads, are made.

If you do not have the time to visit a farm but still want to purchase fresh produce, you can always visit the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post, which sells vegetables at a cheaper price. It is recommended that you go here early in the morning, if possible before 7 am, so you can pick fresh veggies.

Lily of the Valley

Address: MC-076 Sitio Ampasit, Barangay Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet

Price: Room rates start at 1,400 PHP (28 USD) per night

Access: From the Pico and Puguis roads, go straight to the rotunda, and then left going up to the Motorpool. You will see a sign saying “Sitio Ampasit.” Go down the narrow road. Lily of the Valley Organic Farms is at the end of the path.

Contact: +63921 217 0430

Website: Lily of the Valley Organic Farms

Benguet State University

Address: Km. 5, La Trinidad, Benguet

Website: Benguet State University

La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post

Address: Km. 5, La Trinidad, Benguet

Contact: +6374 422 5995

Facebook: La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post

7. Hike across the verdant mountains and forests

The Cordillera Region is known for its beautiful mountain setting, and La Trinidad is no exception, with the countryside surrounded by pine trees.

Those who love both nature and adventure can find both here. One of the options to visit is Longlong Communal Forest, which doubles as a watershed. This is a good spot for hiking, or for having picnics. Climbing all the way to the deck will give you an overlook of La Trinidad.

Another option is Mt. Kalugong, which is a low mountain, the peak of which also overlooks La Trinidad Valley. You will also see rock formations at the top. Mt. Kalugong can be reached via Tawang or Tabangaoen. The best time to climb it would be at the crack of dawn so you can see the sunrise.

If you want a bigger challenge, you can try climbing Mt. Jumbo, otherwise known as Mt. Jhangbow, Jambo, Yangbew, or Yangbow, which is higher compared to Mt. Kalugong.

Make sure that you wear appropriate shoes and attire for hiking. The trails can be very slippery, especially after it rains, so make sure that you wear trekking shoes. Pants are also recommended, as the various shrubs and plants may scratch your legs.

Longlong Communal Forest

Address: Barangay Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet

Access: Take a jeepney to Longlong from Km 5. Ask to be dropped off at the Longlong Communal Forest.

Mt. Kalugong Eco-Park

Address: Barangay Tawang, La Trinidad, Benguet

Price: 50 PHP (1 USD) entrance fee

Access: From Baguio City, take a jeepney going to Tomay, Acop, or Shilan and ask to be dropped off at the Benguet Memorial Services in Barangay Cruz. On the right is the start of the trail.

Mt. Jumbo/Yambo/Jhangbow/Yangbaw/Yangbow

Address: Barangay Tawang, La Trinidad, Benguet

Price: 30 PHP (0.60 USD) entrance fee

Access: From Baguio City, take a jeepney going to Tomay. Ask the driver to drop you off at the intersection going to Barangay Tawang. The start of the trail can be seen from there.

8. Touch the solid grayness of the stone church

In Barangay Tawang, there is a stone church that you can hike to. Its quaint appearance makes for a good subject for photos.

Stone Church

Address: Barangay Tawang, La Trinidad, Benguet

9. Feast your eyes on the color explosion at the “Valley of Colors”

Drive through Barangay Balili and you will see that the houses along the road have been turned into a giant, colorful mural. This initiative, called the “Valley of Colors” or the “STOBOSA Hillside Homes Artwork” came as a result to beautify the area, which saw a sudden sprouting of houses within the last few years.

Valley of Colors

Address: Barangay Balili, La Trinidad, Benguet

10. Embrace the colorful Cordilleran culture

Your trip to the area will not be complete if you do not take the time to learn more about the Igorot people. Drop by the Benguet Museum to discover the history of the indigenous people of Benguet. Among the exhibits there are mummies, which were preserved following the local tradition.

Speaking of mummies, you can also find burial caves between Barangays Alno and Alapang, as well as hanging coffins in the latter village.

Benguet Museum

Address: Capitol, La Trinidad, Benguet

La Trinidad: a colorful destination for travelers

La Trinidad is more than just a neighboring town of Baguio City. Its rich culture and various attractions prove that it is one of the most colorful areas in the Cordilleras. Visit La Trinidad and immerse yourself in its colors!