Conquering La Trinidad's Mount Kalugong (Travel Guide)
May 29, 2019
Tired of visiting the same old tourist spots? Feeling a little adventurous? You don’t need to go far away from Baguio to experience this majestic view of Benguet. If you want to experience what it feels like climbing rocks, relaxing over the view of La Trinidad, feeling like you're one with nature, then this is definitely a must-visit.
Mount Kalugong is known for their famous limestone rock formations. The trail going there might be easy but climbing rocks is not for the faint of heart. Nevertheless, if you are willing to see the scenic views of La Trinidad and experience standing (or sitting) atop of a rock formation, then it’s a must to visit and explore Mount Kalugong to see what it all offers.
WHAT'S INSIDE:1. Getting to Mount Kalugong2. Trail going up3. Mount Kalugong Eco Park4. Mount Kalugong’s Peak (Rock Formaiton5. Tips if you plan to explore
1. TAXI (COSTS P100-P150): Hail a taxi at any point in Baguio City. Tell the driver to take you at Baguio Memorial Services in KM 8 or Upper Barangay Cruz. Don’t worry as this establishment is just beside the main road. This point is the start of the cemented trail. Make sure to have Google Maps on the side! It will take you around 20 minutes from Baguio City proper.
2. JEEP (COSTS P30/pax ROUNDTRIP): Ride a jeep bound to Tomay or La Trinidad at Magsaysay Avenue. Their terminal is near Abanao Square at the back of the Baguio Market. Ask the driver to drop you off at Baguio Memorial Services in KM 8 or Upper Barangay Cruz. It will take you around 20 minutes from Baguio City proper.
The trail is relatively easy. From the bottom cemented trail to the Eco Park, it will take you around 15-30 minutes depending on your pace. Be careful as there are a few roaming dogs in this residential area. Once you reach the entrance to the Eco Park, a man will ask for you to pay their P100 entrance fee (for Mount Kalugong). From there, follow the trail going to the Mount Kalugong proper.
You’re almost on your way to see the top! But you will be welcomed first by their friendly eco park where you can do your picnic with your friends. We asked if people can pitch a tent and they said that they allow it! There are swings and hammock around to enjoy yourselves with. We enjoyed it as there were few to no people at all, very different from the usual crowded ‘relaxing’ spots of Baguio City. Oh yeah, did I mention that they have a coffee shop/ cafe here? We weren’t able to try it as we arrived too early but according to the people who have tried it, it’s a must when you visit Mount Kalugong.
Finally! From Eco Park, there’s an uphill trail to see their famous limestone rock formations. Honestly, it was a bit of a challenge to climb these rocks and see the majestic view of the town of La Trinidad. Since the rock surfaces are pretty smooth and sharp, you will really be needing some good rubber shoes that don’t slip off immediately. Nevertheless, once you reach the top, you’ll know it’s been worth it! More than the rock formations is the cool breeze of air that surrounds you. You can sit there for a minute and just release the stress that you’ve incurred from school or work. Inhale the fresh air and appreciate the beauty of nature. After that, take out your cameras and do Instagram work. We went there very early so we had the place all to ourselves!
Surely, climbing Mount Kalugong is a marvelous experience to try. It’s so nice to see the beauty of nature in a different perspective in Benguet. This just proves how one can explore Baguio and its nearby towns more than its usual tourist spots. If you’re going to La Trinidad to visit the famous Strawberry Farm, make a side trip to Mount Kalugong to complete your trip! I swear, it’s worth it!
1. Go there early in the morning but not before 6am. If you’re planning to catch the sunrise, unfortunately, you can’t. The entrance opens at exactly 6am and you won’t be able to enter the property before that time. One good reason to visit in the morning is that there are few to no people in the area so you can enjoy the place all to yourselves. It closes at 5pm.
2. Raining? We advise you to postpone your trip to Mount Kalugong. The trail will be pretty muddy at some part and climbing the rock formation would be hella dangerous. The rocks are slippery even when it’s not raining. Just imagine if it’s wet! The rock cliffs would be dangerous.
3. Bring jackets! It’s going to be chilly.
4. Bring food too. Since there are picnic tables around the Eco Park, you can eat there and enjoy some chill time with family and friends.
5. Lastly, please (x100) bring your trash with you. Sadly, we’ve seen a lot of trash in different areas of Mount Kalugong. Let’s be kind enough to leave the place without making a mark. Let’s be explorers, not exploiters.
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