One perfect day at this underrated Benguet gem • PhilSTAR Life

“Every time I go out of the country,” begins Ludette Y. Querubin, chairman of Mt. Camisong Property Management, Inc., “I have park envy.” While the country still has a long way to go in building green spaces, the Mt. Camisong Forest Park, which first opened its doors in February this year, offers a glimpse of what could be.

Located in Itogon, Benguet, around a 30-minute car ride from Baguio City, the park is a sprawling 10 hectares of mountainside terrain where every structure was meticulously built to minimize impact on existing trees. Everything was built around nature; as a result, guests get to enjoy ample space and breathtaking views unlike anything this writer has had the fortune to witness before.

Get an unobstructed view of Benguet’s pine trees at the Alapaap viewing deck.

This December is the perfect time to visit as Mt. Camisong celebrates its first holiday season with “Marahuyong Pasko,” a month-long festival. The park is also extending its usual hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.: “So those who want to experience the sea of clouds at Alapaap as early as 6 a.m. may do so. Those who want to witness the twinkling lights of the park and the night sky may do so, too,” says Oliver A. Samala, president of Mt. Camisong Property Management Inc.

While we offer a guide to the park below, check Mt. Camisong’s social media at @mtcamisong for regular updates and any changes.

Before you go

Keep in mind that the park is sustainable. This means there are no single-use plastics, including to-go bags, plastic water bottles, or plastic utensils and cups.
Hydration stations will be everywhere. Because the park doesn’t sell water in plastic bottles, hydration stations are dotted around the park, so you can refill your own reusable bottle.
Learn the house rules: no pets (sorry, fur parents!), no loud music, no outside food, no large luggage, and no flying of drones.
Wear comfortable shoes. While golf carts will be available to take you up and down the steeper main road, much of the park’s charm lies in being able to fully explore it. Make sure you dress the part, especially if you plan to trek the Kahilom Hiking Trail.

Getting there

By car: From Pacdal Circle in Baguio, turn right towards Pacdal Road. Drive straight on Ambuklao Road, passing through Beckel towards Brgy. Loacan.
Free shuttle: Taxis going to the park can get expensive. Mt. Camisong offers free daily shuttles from Pacdal Circle in Baguio and back, as early as 6:20 a.m. this December. The daily schedule is posted on their social media pages.

Entrance fee

Adult: P500
Student: P400
Local resident (Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay): P400
Senior/PWD: P350
Child below 7 years old: Free

There will also be a short orientation before you enter the park, and maps are everywhere if you want to see which areas you’ve explored.

Your itinerary

9 a.m.: Trail and glass walk

If you’re there to trek, the Kahilom trail offers beginner-friendly, moderate, and more daring routes. You will just be briefed on hiking guidelines, then you’ll be free to explore. Guests also line up early for the Alapaap View Deck, a cantilevered glass walk with unobstructed views of the trees.

10 a.m.: Christmas market

The Frosty Cabin, one of the local merchants at the park's Christmas bazaar

For December, the park opened a curated bazaar featuring small local businesses and special Cordilleran goods. The merchants include Mandeko Kito, an artisan collective from Baguio City; Danum Wines, a small-batch winery; Tawid, a jewelry brand; Narda’s Handwoven Arts & Crafts, handwoven fabrics; Abiakak, handcrafted crochet products; Nectar Knights, a local beekeeper; Reset Athleisure, a Baguio-based athleisure brand; Knitting Expedition, hand-knit toys and accessories by the women of the Ifugao rice terraces; Red Dot Collective, home and everyday essentials; Philippine Treasures, handcrafted Christmas and home decor; The Frosty Cabin, live doodles and handmade gifts and collectibles; and 3Dprintify, customized 3D-printed trinkets.

11 a.m.: Tree walk, book nook, and gift shop

Learn about the park's sustainability practices at Binhi.

The highlight for many is Samyo Gardens, which houses the 50-meter tree walk at the center of the park. Around the bridge are wire sculptures by Michelle Camolo, known as the Wire Lady of the Cordilleras.

At the center of Samyo Gardens is the 50-meter tree walk.

Near the gardens is a book nook, aptly named Binhi. Guests can borrow books for children and adults, including titles by writers from the region. This area also highlights the park’s sustainable practices, from its zero-waste kitchen to its use of clean energy. For thoughtfully made (and cheap!) souvenirs, make sure not to miss the Kalupi gift shop tucked away in the trees.

Guests can borrow books from homegrown authors at the book nook

2 p.m.: Lunch at Marahuyo Cafe

Filipino comfort food is Marahuyo Cafe’s bread and butter. Pair their tapa pigar-pigar rice bowl (P360) with Takipsilip (P80), a purple iced tea with blue tarnate and lavender. And of course, like every area of the park, your lunch comes with a gorgeous view of Benguet’s pine trees.

4 p.m.: Coffee at Muni-muni

Egg drop sandwiches at the Muni-muni Food Hall

For snacks and coffee, head to the Muni-muni Food Hall. You may choose from local concessionaires like Hatch Coffee, Kettle Pop, Scrambled’s egg drop sandwiches, Big Boy Birria tacos, Pica-pica’s build-your-own-snack bowls, and Samalamig beverages.

6 p.m.: Light show and puto bumbong

Everything in the park was built around nature, with minimal impact on existing trees

Set aside time for the park’s special light show, set to the tune of classic Filipino Christmas songs, happening hourly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Samyo Gardens and Luntian Garden Venue. Snacks are also available at Luntian, from puto bumbong, mulled wine, to ihaw-ihaw.

7 p.m.: Holiday dinner at Alapaap Dining

The park’s chef, Stanley Suva, curated a special holiday set menu (P2,500 for 2 persons, P4,800 for 4 persons) that guests can enjoy at the all-glass restaurant Alapaap Dining. The seven-course meal offers elevated Filipino flavors and value for money, with two starters, three mains, and two desserts. The menu, according to the chef, was designed for sharing, as Filipino families often do.

Alapaap a seven-course holiday set menu, curated by Chef Stanley Suva.

Among the standouts is the chicken liver pâté starter served with batard and baked onions, which was made entirely in the Alapaap kitchen, including the batard bread. The roasted chicken and orange watercress salad also offers a unique blend of flavors that makes it hard not to ask for a second serving of rice; make sure to follow Chef Suva’s instructions of pouring the gravy on the watercress salad, not just the chicken.

The holiday set menu is available until Jan. 2, 2026. To make a reservation for Alapaap Dining, call or message 0917-1629479.