There are perfect places to go to during summer in the Philippines, some spend this season on a beach, hikers take a break to prevent exhaustion from extreme heat, but others go to highlands, like Benguet, to spend summer on top of a mountain. We are that others.

Upon spending 2 days and 1 night in Atok, Benguet, I realized that this province is really far different from Metro Manila and its surrounding provinces. Not just the weather, which is by the way around 30° Celsius lower than our hometown, but also with how they treat their fellow human beings. They are so polite and far from being “ganid” and sometimes, this lead to them being exploited by the “ganid” ones especially their farmers.

Prices of vegetables there are so low, like 5 pesos per cabbage is being sold, celery is free, carrots can be as low as 10 pesos per kilo, passion fruit is 10 pesos per piece, and the list goes on. The government should not forget to prioritize and protect our farmers, in fact, there should be a week in a month where they must travel certain part of the country so they’ll know what’s going on and what to respond to, na sariling sweldo nila ang gamit, hello, ang laki-laki ng sweldo niyo tas uupo lang kayo at ipapagawa sa mga secretaries ang paperworks?

Anyway, since you’re not here for my political views, here are the perfect photos we took at Mt. Olis:

 

Meanwhile, here are the photos during our stay in Goatcliff Adventure and Camping:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are our side trips:

1. Half Tunnel

2. Highest Point of Philippine High Way

We didn’t pursue going to Sakura Park and Northern Blossom Farm because our whole being is already satisfied with our Mt. Olis and Goatcliff experience, but you are encouraged to visit them too.

If you’d like to fully visualized our adventures, here is the video documentary of our trip: https://youtu.be/Ev3wUNTvzbU?si=G-nM9mWTdmLJX2Je

And I know you are looking for the itinerary, so here:

Here’s the budget breakdown for our DIY Atok Benguet Overnight:

Additional fees:

Drone – 200 per shot (but Goatcliff’s drone service is much cheaper, it just so happened that the operator was not available on our visit)

Firewoods for campfire – 80 per pack

To summarize what to expect on Mt. Olis and Goatcliff Adventure and Camping, here:

1. Schedule your visit at Mt. Olis very early (6:00AM) to witness sea of clouds;

2. Go right away to Goatcliff or earlier so you can do your adventures in the morning where clearing is a high probability, it is advisable to have an appointment (early booking). Just message Goatcliff Adventure and Camping’s FB Page. They respond to all queries;

3. Weather is unpredictable, but cold weather is 100% sure to experience, bring protection from cold weather. Pray for a good weather on your stay;

4. Campfire is allowed which is perfect for nighsky watching;

5. The staff and the whole management is very accommodating and approachable, they’re not overpricing their services;

6. Use of Toilet / CR is free;

7. Drivers are free of charge both in Mt. Olis and Goatcliff, they offer free coffee for them too;

8. If you can, schedule your travel on weekdays, weekends are very crowded;

9. Meals are available; and

10. Adventure is optional, you can just rent the camp area if all you need is a camp stay away from city noise;

Meanwhile, here are additional photos that declare the glory of God, I mean, no one can deny God’s existence with these creations (they are more beautiful in the naked eye by the way)

 

 

 

Thank you for clicking the ads, enjoy your tour!