CITY OF PINES 2022: MT. KALUGONG CULTURAL VILLAGE

I first got wind of Mt. Kalugong when a friend of mine posted photos about it on Facebook last December. Intrigued, i snooped around a bit, and realized it was located around 30 min away from Baguio city. 

As i have been to Baguio many times, and didn't intend to do touristy stuff like boating at Burnham Park nor kabayo-ing at Wright Park, i thought this seemed the perfect activity to try.

So it was that on one hot, muggy day, we set off for Mt. Kalugong Cultural Village.

For background, the name 'kalugong' comes from the local term for 'hat'. Apparently, the rock formations at the peak look like a hat when viewed from below. 

To get there: Ride a jeep bound for Camp Dangwa or Upper/Lower Tomay (this is the same jeep that goes to the strawberry farms in La Trinidad). Alternatively, just as we did, we took a taxi.

Make sure to tell the driver to drop you off at Brgy. Cruz. This is well-known to PUV drivers, and the road is quite a busy one with many commercial establishments; so finding a jeep or a taxi going back to Baguio afterwards will not be a problem. 

This is the jump-off point, so once you see this, you are in the right place: 

At the corner is where Benguet Memorial Service is located. But hey, don't let any macabre thoughts creep into your mind :-D  To my knowledge, no one has expired yet while going up to Mt. Kalugong and needing memorial services! Here's a closer look:

The road going up is well-paved, and winding in some parts, and steep. Make that very steep. We stopped periodically to drink water and catch our breath. 

Signages along the way, providing encouragement :-D

 

 

 

 

Eventually, the paved road reaches a private subdivision gate (take note the gate is closed from 6PM to 6AM). Only a few houses built so far. 

 

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I realized this is one other way of getting to Mt. Kalugong: Rather than huffing and puffing from the jump-off point, one can actually bring a private vehicle and go up the paved road, and park along the road of this very quiet subdivision.  (Or take a taxi and pay the driver extra to bring you up to this point) 

This way, one cuts out most of the hike (and the huffing and puffing). But of course, slackers like me do not take the easy way out! Laban langggg! **puffs chest out in fake, vainglorious display of bravado**

 

(My friend S. told me later on that no need for an SUV, her Honda Jazz could manage the steep road)

 

 

 

Okay, so this is the end of the cemented road inside the subdivision. Another encouraging sign that "You are healthy"!! Woohoo!!! 

At this point onwards, one has to walk up going to the cultural village. We turned left and continued going up the foot path, which was narrow and uneven and rather muddy. Thankfully, one can hold on to the makeshift fence made from bamboo poles (watch out for the barbed wire, though)

 

 

 

 

Here's a short clip for better appreciation of the lovely view, as well as what the steps going up look like: 

 

 

 And after more huffing and puffing, we reached the ecopark. Yes!! [fist pump]

 

There is an environmental fee of PHP100.00/person (it is a private property, after all).   

 

 

So nice this place! Cool and tranquil.

 

 

 

Below is a campsite area, wherein one can actually stay overnight. 

 

 

  

Here's another look at it, from the opposite direction:

 

 

 

 In the next post of this series, we'll check out where these steps (note the ingenious of used rubber tires) lead to [hint: a coffee shop and some awesome views].

If you're interested in going, please check their Facebook Page 'Mt. Kalugong Cultural Village' for updates. 

Practical tips: Bring water, and make sure to wear proper footwear (hiking shoes like Merrell). 

Bonus: Check out the Youtube video of local guy The Torogi Wanderer, whom i reached out to prior to going; and he was very helpful with tips.