Mt. Timbak in Benguet (DIY Travel Guide): Everything You Need to Know

Here is your complete DIY travel guide to Mt Timbak, where clouds cascade amidst panoramic mountain views.

Mt Timbak in Atok and Kabayan, Benguet stands more than 2,717 meters above sea level (MASL). This makes it the third highest mountain in Luzon, just after neighboring Mt. Pulag and Mt. Tabayoc. Mt Timbak also ranks among the top ten highest peaks in the Philippines.

It was a long holiday when I and two unexpected companions decided to climb Mt Timbak. I have been living in the city for a while and my feet couldn’t wait to conquer new heights and set for thrill-filled adventures. Nature has always been my ultimate respite from the hustles and bustles of city life.

Quick Facts

• Major Jump-Off: KM 55, Atok, Benguet
• Elevation: 2,717 meters above sea level (MASL)
• Hours to the Summit: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Level 2/9, Minor Climb, Trail Class 2
• Special Features: Views of Mt Pulag & Mt Tabayoc, Vegetable Gardens, Sea of Clouds, Sunrise/Sunsets
• Best Time to Visit: February to April

READ: Mt Yangbew in La Trinidad (Travel Guide): How to Get there, What to See

Let our Journey Begin

We wanted to catch the sunrise atop Mt Timbak.

So, we decided to make our trip as early as possible. We rendezvoused at Shell Station in Km 5, La Trinidad. Vans plying the Halsema Highway are stationed here.

We took the first trip which departed at 3:30 a.m. After an hour and thirty minutes of ride, the van dropped us at what is called Km 55. Here, there is an alighting road. There is also signage and a waiting shade.

We then started following the road for some 40 minutes until we reached Timbak Elementary School. A few meters ahead of this, there was another road with signage indicating that it leads to Mt Timbak.

We trailed on this road for another 20 minutes until we reached the trailhead. From here, we hiked our way to the summit for around 10 minutes.

Yes, we finally reached the top! And we were just in time for the sunrise.

Just a reminder. It was a chilly morning walk. That is why don’t forget to wear a thick jacket and other stuff to warm you.

READ: Mt Amuyao: Barlig’s premium eco-hiking destination

Behold the Sunrise at Mt Timbak

As we gazed on the distance, we could see the bright orange rays of the sun slowly peeking over the mountains. After a few minutes, the sun rose and revealed its full display. Its glaring rays slowly uncovered breathtaking sceneries of towering mountain ranges and vast terrace of vegetable gardens.

From Mt Timbak’s peak, we could see Mt. Pulag and Mt. Tabayoc. Other notable Cordilleran mountains such as Mt. Amuyao of Barlig and Mt. Kalawitan of Sabangan are visible at a distance from here.

Unlike these mountains, however, the summit of Mt. Timbak has been converted into vegetable gardens.

According to a local, stunning sea of cloud formations occasionally occur. There is no definite period though of when such appear. So, if you chanced upon them, you are one lucky visitor.

The famous Halsema highway can also be viewed here as it snakes its way among the mountains.

READ: Mt Makiling (Your Complete DIY Travel Guide)

What to Bring:

When I go hiking, I don’t carry much except for the essentials. I simply want to walk with ease so I can make the most out of the experience. Normally, I only bring a bottle of water and a few chocolate bars.

If you are new to hiking, however, I would suggest that you bring the following:

1. Water Bottles. At least 1 liter of water per person.
2. Backpack (better if it’s rainproof or is wrapped in plastic). You never know if its gonna rain.
3. Snacks (e.g. Chocolates, Bread, and Skyflakes)
4. Jackets ( Preferably a thick jacket. I swear it’s freezing there during morning and night! Bring extra layers of clothes as well)
5. Sleeping bags and sleeping mat (That is if you will camp for a night)
6. Gloves, Bonnet, Cap (For extra protection/comfort)
7. Plastic Bag (This is where to put your trash into. Please never ever litter. Bring back your trash away from the mountain)
8. Camera (To capture moments and sceneries)

If you need to bring more supplies you deem necessary, I would advise that you ask for a guide to serve as a porter. If not, only bring with you what you can conveniently carry. The lighter, the better.

Extra Sights to See Near Mt Timbak

If you arrived at Mt Timbak’s peak early in the morning and still have the energy for more explorations, you might as well visit other spots nearby.

First, there is the Station of the Cross, located just some minutes away from Mt Timbak’s viewpoint. This is a suitable place for prayer and meditation.

One local, however, mentioned that there are tourists who create loud noises and pose atop the crosses. I just hope that the local authorities will create guidelines prohibiting so.

On the other hand, one can walk for 30-40 minutes from Timbak Elementary School towards a mummy cave. It was temporarily closed during our visit. The entrance fee is 40 pesos.

The locals have been imposing certain restrictions to preserve the mummies. For instance, taking photographs or touching the mummies is no longer allowed.

Third, you can proceed to the former Highest Point viewpoint. From here, you could glimpse of the towering height of Mt Timbak and its pine-covered lower elevation.

There is also a waterfall at a distance. It measures around 50 meters high. It is best viewed during the rainy months.

From the Highest Viewpoint, one can then ride to the Northern Blossom Farm at Sayangan, Atok which is some 3 kilometers away. Every guest, however, first needs to pay an environmental fee of 20 pesos at the tourism office.

On the other hand, the entrance fee for the farm is 250 pesos. The farm is around two hectares and it sits on a terraced slope. Mt Timbak can be viewed from here. Different flower varieties can be seen here such as sunflower and cabbage rose.

Tips and Reminders

1. The best views of Mt Timbak are its sunrise and sea of cloud formations. That is why arrive here early in the morning. Or if possible, try camping for the night and brace yourself for a magnificent morning view.
2. Wear thick jackets. The weather is extremely cold during the early morning and night time. You wouldn’t want to catch a cold, would you?
3. Don’t ever litter. As much as possible, bring back your garbage or wastes from where you got them.
4. Be careful when passing along vegetable gardens to avoid damaging crops.
5. If you plan to hike Mt Timbak in the middle of the day, be sure to bring an umbrella because of the simmering heat.
6. Don’t forget to pay the environmental fee at the tourism office in Sayangan, Atok. That’s one way for you to help in the local economy.

How to Get to Mt Timbak (DIY via Atok Trail)

Like we did, you can also ride a van to reach Atok. The time of departure starts from 3:00 am to 3:00 pm. The station is at KM 5 Shell, La Trinidad, near the public market.

If not, you can ride buses bound to Sagada or Bontoc in Mountain Province. There are two bus companies to choose from namely, Rising Sun and GL Trans.

Rising Sun

• Station: Slaughterhouse Compound, Brgy Lower Magsaysay, Baguio City
• Time of Departure: starts from 3 AM to 4:00 PM
• Travel Time: 2 hours
• Fare: Php 120

GL Trans

• Station: Dangwa Station (back of Center Mall), Baguio City
• Time of Departure: starts from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Travel Time: 2 hours
• Fare: Php 120

If you want to save on budget, you can drop off at KM 55 just like we did. But that is only advised if you are an experienced hiker. Feeling lost? Ask the locals for directions.

But if you’re unsure about all that, you might want to avail of the tour packages offered by Atok Benguet tourism. For that, drop off at Sayangan, Atok in front of Marosan’s Restaurant instead of KM 55.

Follow a road for a few meters until you reach the Paoay Barangay Hall. Register here and pay the environmental fee of Php 20 per person.

Here are some of the tours inclusive of Mt Timbak:

Circuit 2 Tour (3 hours)

For a maximum of five persons in the group, rate for this tour is Php 1500. You’ll explore the following sights:

• Northern Blossom Flower Farm
• Sakura Park
• 2nd Highest Point
• Mt Timbak
• Lourdes Grotto

Circuit 3 Tour (5 hours)

The tour costs Php 3000 for a group with a maximum of five persons. You’ll glimpse of the following attractions:

• Northern Blossom Flower Farm
• Spanish Trail
• Sakura Park
• 2nd Highest Point
• Mt Timbak
• Sakura Park

If you avail of the above tours, you don’t have to worry about transportation. This is recommended if you’re travelling with a group.

But what if you’re a solo traveler or two and want to experience a unique adventure just like I always do?

You might want to organize your DIY tour this way.

• Drop off at Sayangan and pay the envi. fee at the Paoay hall
• Proceed to the Northern Blossom Flower Farm, a few meters away
• After enjoying the farm, walk towards the road and wait for any public bus or van. Hop on one and drop off at the 2nd highest point. Fare should be Php 20 or less.
• After relishing the sights there, hop on another passing public van or bus and drop off at KM 55. Fare should be Php 20 or less. From KM 55, hike to Mt Timbak.
• Done at Mt Timbak? Hike back to KM 55 and wait for a passing van or bus bound to Baguio or La Trinidad. If you wish to stay Atok for a longer time, drop off at Sayangan. Otherwise, travel straight to Baguio.
• If you’re an ardent hiker, you can also try the Mt Timbak – Mt Tabayoc adventure.

Where to Stay/Eat?

There is a homestay near Mt Timbak if you choose to spend the night there. You would have to pay 300 pesos each night per person.

The homestay also offers packaged and pre-cooked meals. Price rates for these ranges from 200 to 400 pesos. Cooked rice costs 25 pesos each. If you want to take a bath, you would also need to pay 25 pesos.

The homestay could only accommodate a limited number of guests at a time.

So if it is already filled to capacity, you can try setting up a tent. Just ask the locals for a vacant space. You may also stay on lodging accommodations at Sayangan. From here, you can just ride a garage the following morning towards Mt Timbak.

In addition, there is a store near the homestay. It sells common snacks and drinks. It also serves coffee. If you are looking for a souvenir, there are locals selling potted ornamental of different species.

Sample Itinerary:

April 17, 2019-April 8, 2019

• 8:00 PM: Departure from Victory Liner Station in Cubao, Quezon City (485 pesos)
• 2:00 AM: Arrival in Baguio City, Hired Taxi to Van Station (150 pesos)
• 2:30 AM: Arrival in KM 5, Van Station, La Trinidad (alongside Shell Station)
• 3:30 AM: Departure of Van (110 pesos)
• 5:00 AM: ETA Arrival at KM 55, Start of Hike
• 6:30 AM: ETA Arrival at the peak of Mt Timbak
• 7:30 AM: Breakfast at a Nearby Home-stay and Eatery (75 pesos)
• 8:30 AM: Start of Hike to Halsema Highway
• 10:00 AM: ETA Arrival in Halsema Highway
• 10:20 AM: Hoped on a van playing the Halsema Highway (30 pesos)
• 10:35 AM: Dropped by Sayangan, Atok and proceeded to Tourism Office to Pay Fees (30 pesos)
• 11:00 AM: Went strolling around the Northern Blossom Farm (250 pesos for adults; 50 for kids who are 5-10 years old)
• 11:30 AM: Early Lunch at the Farm (Yes, they have a snack house/cafe). 75 pesos.
• 12:00 PM: Rode on a Van to Baguio. (110 pesos)
• 2:00 PM: ETA Arrival in Baguio
• 2:00 PM-5:00 PM: Strolled around Baguio and La Trinidad
• 6:00 PM: Rode a Victory Liner Bus to Manila (485 pesos)
• 12:00 PM: ETA Arrival in Manila

NOTE: The above itinerary is just a reference. Remember. You can actually extend your length of stay if time suffices. There’s just a lot of places to explore near Mt Timbak aside from what I’ve mentioned above.

If you need assistance, I suggest that you first proceed to the tourism office. They can actually suggest a suitable itinerary depending on your situation and wants. And they’ll surely help clear queries you have.

You can, by the way, hire a guide to lead you to Mt Timbak. One guide is for five to ten persons. The fee is 500 pesos. Moreover, the above expenses may vary. Your expenses could be more or less.

But hoping that helps in setting up your itinerary and projecting possible costs.

READ: Mt Binaratan in Natonin, Mt Province (Your Ultimate Travel Guide)

For More Info on Mt Timbak

If you need more information that may help in setting up your itinerary to Mt Timbak and other tourist spots in Atok, do contact the following:

• Atok Municipal Tourism Office: 09301604886
• Atok Municipal Police Station: 09214801585
• Northern Blossom Farm: 0950 253 6313, 0908 151 3368

If you’re unable to reach these numbers for some reasons, you may post your inquiries in the comment section. Give us a day or two to get back on you.

You may also message us on our Facebook Page namely, Daniel’s Eco-Travels. I will be glad and more than willing to help you whenever I can.

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