Igorot Stone Kingdom Complete Travel Guide (Itinerary + Tips)

Introduction

The Igorot Stone Kingdom is a man-made park and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Baguio City. It showcases the Igorot rock-laying skills, their creativity as well as their indigenous culture, values, way of life, and tradition. The Igorot Stone Kingdom is located at a mountainside of Long Long Road, Pinsao Proper, Baguio City. It is just two minutes away from the prominent Tam-awan Village and it’s just five kilometers drive away from the Baguio City downtown proper.

According to its history, Pio Velasco, the owner, and designer of Igorot Stone Kingdom encountered a white carabao in the year 2020 as a sign to build the structure which results in the construction of the stone kingdom. During his childhood days in the Mountain Province, he has a dream to put up fantasy stone castles and towering walls. Moreover, he has consistently imagined a fantasy realm ever since he was a child. Because of his vision and the whole concept in his mind of what the stone kingdom will look like, he later figured it out slowly.

According to Pio Velasco, the Igorot Stone Kingdom is a symbol of both ancient and contemporary Igorot culture. In addition, the theme park honors and tribute to his mother Rita Velasco whom he considered a courageous and understanding Igorot woman who taught them to have patience. Also, it pays tribute to the first Igorot people who believe there is a compassionate God, and the tradition and values of the family were brought out by the Igorot’s skillful hands of stone laying.

The Igorot Stone Kingdom was officially opened to the public in the year 2021. It is widely considered by many as the Temple of Leah of the Northern Philippines. It is surrounded by tall trees and different symbols related to Igorot past history, culture, and the old Igorot Kingdom legend named Sab-angan.

The Igorot Stone Kingdom has a size of 6000 square meters or 0.6 hectares. The stone walls are very akin to those rice terraces located in Banaue, Ifugao. The Igorot Stone Kingdom contains different towers namely the tower of Igorot God Kabunyan which pays tribute to God Kabunyan, the fertility tower, and the tower of Gatan and Bangan which portray and reflect their fancy tale and the two survive the great holocaust. So if you are looking for a new place to explore and capture your attention in Baguio City then the Igorot Stone Kingdom is the perfect place for you. Make sure to add this to your itinerary and next travel bucket list to see the beautiful layers of stone-formed castle structure.

Name: Igorot Stone Kingdom
Location: #86 Long Long Road Pinsao Proper, Baguio City, Philippines
Features: beautiful layers of the stone-formed castle structure

My trip to the Igorot Stone Kingdom

In the past few days, I was so bored and I have a strong feeling that I needed to go to another place to unwind and relax. For this reason, I search on the internet for some popular day tour trips. One day I found what I’m looking for and a trip to Baguio City and the Igorot Stone Kingdom day tour trip cost 1500 pesos. I did not hesitate to join the day tour trip so I immediately went to a local bank and deposited 500 pesos for my slot reservation.

It was Sunday morning when our private van reach the Igorot Stone Kingdom. We pay for the ticket to enter the theme park which cost 100 pesos per head. After that, we started exploring the theme park and to my surprise, the place was really nice. It was my first time visiting this place and it was superb to see the fascinating stone temple which gives tourists and travelers a brief history of the Igorot tribe. Also, the park is so wide and the pathways are so long that our group has good exposure to highland culture and arts there.

As we reached the top of the Igorot Stone Kingdom we noticed that there was a small cafe and eatery where people flocked into. For this reason, we buy some food and drinks at the small cafe. At the top of the theme park, I really appreciate the manual work and real stonework of the Igorot. It was beautiful that I can’t close my eyes for a single second to see this kind of castle. The scenery is magical. In addition, I feel like I’m in another country. The theme park was very similar to those found in Portugal and Saudi Arabia.

Then we can see some proud Igorot playing local musical instruments which are so entertaining to see. They showcase their skills as artisans and entertainers. For this reason, lovely visitors are having fun at the park. From distance, we can see an underground and a bridge which is a picturesque view. For this reason, we take many pictures and videos at the top. Indeed it is one of the must-visit places in Baguio City.

After staying for thirty-three minutes at the top, we go down the long stairs and we get a closer look at the interlocked stone walls that are built on riprap. That riprap protects the structures against water where cement is put on top. In my opinion, this is the main highlight and attraction of the Igorot Stone Kingdom which is inspired by the rice terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, and the legend of Sab-angan which is considered to be the lost Igorot Kingdom that once existed a thousand years ago.

In addition, our group noticed that the theme park was built on a mountainside which is truly amazing. On the other hand, as we walk by the stone wall walkway we saw some areas that are not yet fully developed. Then one of our group members said that if this theme park is fully developed it will be the most visited place in Baguio City.

In fact, there are four attractions here. First is the stone walls pathway that was inspired by the Banaue rice terrace. Tourists can go up and go down freely as well as snap photos. The second is the Igorot gold mine. The third is the steel bridge and the fourth and the last are the modern-day castles that are made up of hollow blocks and cement. Tourists can have a 360-degree overlooking view of the entire castle. I said to myself that the Igorot Stone Kingdom will have more attraction sites in the future because of its wide space and relaxing view.

Without a doubt, every step that we take is all worth it. I love the pleasant weather and the people. As of this writing, Baguio City is one of my favorite places to live in. The youngster and grown-up person will surely love this beautiful city. We stayed at the Igorot Stone Kingdom for nearly two hours and twenty minutes because of the amazing atmosphere. The place is indeed a cultural revolution for the Igorots. Also, the place is well maintained and well designed. I will surely come back to this magical place and appreciate the astounding view.

Sample 2 Day itinerary to the Igorot Stone Kingdom

Day 0
9PM – Assembly and meetup
10PM – Departure going to Baguio City

Day 1
4:30AM – Arrive at Baguio City
5AM – Breakfast
6AM – Arrive at Burnham Park, explore and picture taking
8AM – Visit Bell Church, Colors of Stobosa, Dominican Hill Retreat House, and Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
10:30AM – Explore Mines View Observation Deck, The Mansion House, Wright Park, and Baguio Botanical Garden
1PM – Lunch at Good Taste Café & Restaurant
3PM – Check-in at the transient house
4:30PM – Visit Camp John Hay
7PM – Dinner at 50’s Diner restaurant
8:30PM – Night market, buy souvenirs and other essential things
11PM – Sleeping time

Day 2
5AM – Wake-up call
5:30AM – Breakfast
6:30AM – Arrive at the Igorot Stone Kingdom
11AM – Check out and have a lunch
1:30PM – Explore The La Trinidad Strawberry Farm
4PM – Going back to Metro Manila
7PM – Dinner at Leeza’s Restaurant in Sison, Pangasinan
12PM – Arrive at Metro Manila

Note: this sample itinerary is just a basis and not absolute or will not be 100% accurate due to many reasons.

Things to bring on your visit to the Igorot Stone Kingdom:

Bottled water
Alcohol
Umbrella or cap
Jacket and extra clothes
Pocket money for personal expenses
Cellphone
A personal hygiene kit
Valid ID
Vaccination Card
Facemask
Handkerchief

Reminders and Tips:

• The entrance fee or admission fee in the Igorot Stone Kingdom is 100 pesos for adults and 80 pesos for kids and senior citizens. On the other hand, the entrance fee for a toddler is free of charge, and discounts are offered for senior citizens and for PWD (persons with disability). Note: Fees are subject to changes without prior notice.

• The Igorot Stone Kingdom is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm Monday to Sunday. 

• The best time to visit the Igorot Stone Kingdom is during weekdays and in the morning when there are only a few tourists going there. On weekends and holidays, the park becomes so jam-packed from 8:30 am onwards and it’s a little bit hard to take a decent photo.

• There’s a wide parking space available near the park which can fit many cars. However, there’s a time when parking is a little bit difficult and hassle because of too many visitors coming to this place.

• Transient houses for rent are available near the theme park. Just ask the locals there.

• Bringing of pets is allowed inside the park considering the pets are on a leash and the owners have a poop bag.

• You don’t need to worry about food and drinks because inside the park there’s a food stall or small store there on the right side that sells snacks and cold refreshments.

• As of today, walk-in is allowed in the Igorot Stone Kingdom so no need for booking a tour. 

• You can rent a native Igorot costume outfit for 50 pesos and you can take pictures of your own costume anywhere inside the theme park. Also please return the costume outfit before you leave.

• All visitors should comply and follow the social distancing protocols and wear a mask at all times.

• Wear comfortable slippers, shoes, and clothes for a better walk around inside the park. In addition, the pathway becomes slippery especially when it’s raining in the afternoon. So better visit this park in the morning.

• As of April 2023, the Igorot Stone Kingdom is finally open again to the public after months of closure.
  
  
  
  

How to Go to the Igorot Stone Kingdom (by commute)

1. From Manila, ride a train, jeep, or bus to go to the Cubao bus station terminal. 
2. Then from the Cubao bus station terminal, ride an airconditioned bus bound to Baguio City.
3. From downtown Baguio City, ride a taxi or a grab car going to the Igorot Stone Kingdom registration area. Another option is you can ride a jeep bound to Longlong road or Tam-Awan Village at the Otek Street jeepney terminal beside the famous Good Taste Café & Restaurant or at the upper Kayang Street at the back of  Baguio City Police Station and in the front of Pristine Hardware. The jeepney fare is around 22 pesos. 

Note: if you have a private vehicle then pin the Igorot Stone Kingdom on your Waze app or Google Maps.

There you have it, wanderer and explorer. Do what you enjoy and enjoy what you do. Be the person you want to have in your life because at the end of the day you are the master of your fate and you are the captain of your soul. On the whole, I deeply desire that this Igorot Stone Kingdom travel guide and reference has been pleasant to you. Stay safe until next time. Thank you for the time to read my blog.