People now have more reasons in visiting Benguet province other than the cool climate, vegetables and strawberries. This Lenten season, Benguet province offers a new package for pilgrims and mountain trekkers.

The Department of Tourism Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) lured pilgrims and trekkers to visit the highest mountain of Cabuyao, Santo Tomas in Tuba, Benguet to experience the new pilgrimage and adventure tourism site developed by the Vicariate of Baguio-Benguet in cooperation with government and the private sectors.

Found in the new tourism site, located 12 kilometers away from Baguio City and 7,000 feet above sea level, was fourteen 3 x 3 size and 5 feet high structure of the Stations of the Cross and Our Lady of Miraculous Medal chapel. DoT-CAR Director Purificacion Molintas said the project was launched last February in preparation for the Lenten Season.

Dubbed as the Switzerland of Benguet, Mt. Cabuyao was an ideal place for pilgrimage because of the solemnity, the uniqueness and beauty of the place. The place has a cool invigorating climate, and the weather is cooler than the City of Baguio.

One of the unique features of the place is that vegetables and strawberry plants survived without being watered due to the scarcity of water supply. It relies only on the morning dew for its water supply. Going up the road to Mt. Cabuyao on a clear day, one can view Baguio City, the coastal area of Ilocos Region, Lingayen Gulf and the China Sea.

Unique Vegetation

Unusual black dwarf bamboo, raspberries, the usual pine trees and grassy lots at the summit. Expect to see vegetable farms since they have begun to move in on the middle slopes of the mountain in the past decade.

Notables

Aside from the Philippine Armed Forces Office at defunct large twin transceivers, there is also a growing community of locals at the summit. A reservoir, orginally built by the Americans, is located on the west side of the summit, this provides water for much of the southern portion of Baguio.

Travel Tips

Wear light but long sleeved shirts and a cap/bandana to avoid getting sunburned. The altitude is not very forgiving to the skintone-conscious. Don’t even think of hiking up the mountain during or a day after rain, the roads get muddy fast.

Getting There

Most taxis will take you as far as the Green Valley Country Club, from there you’ll have to walk. If you can wait there is also a regular jeepney service to the communities at the foot of the mountain. If you’re lucky you might be able to hitch a ride with some city services transportation (BENECO, BWD, DPWH) which normally go up summit once a day, then, of course, it wouldn’t be as enjoyable.

Geography

Height: 6,800 ft. (approximation)
Area: 15 sq.km. (approximation)
Average Temperature: 16°

Nearby is Mount Santo Tomas which is one of the country’s tallest mountains at 7,500 feet.

Related posts:

1. Mount Pulag Climb 2008, Kabayan jump-off KABAYAN, Benguet - This town considered by the Department...
2. Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary strongly demands visits by tourists. It...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.