Mt. Tenglawan Bakun Benguet Climb Guide

Introduction

Mt. Tenglawan is known for its Carrot Peak and is located in the municipality of Bakun in the province of Benguet. It is part of the Bakun Trio mountains and it is considered by many the hardest to climb among the three mountains. Mt. Tenglawan has a height of 1943 meters above sea level or 6374 feet. It offers mountaineers an excellent view of Mt. Kabunian, Mt. Lobo, and Mt. Data. Mt. Tenglawan has a difficulty of 5/9 and has a total trail length of 13 kilometers.

According to its past history, Mt. Tenglawan is the home of the God Insaking who is the ruler of wicked spirits. The inhabitants of Bakun often indicate that the summit of Mt. Tenglawan is very akin to a half face of the devil and the Carrot Peak is like a horn. For this reason, the locals sometimes referred to this mountain as the devil mountain. Nevertheless in June 2022, the Bakun municipality was recognized as the second placer in the 2022 Roadside Beautification Program by the Provincial Government through the Provincial Tourism Office. As of today, Mt. Tenglawan is the most cool and laid-back hiking destination in the Philippines.

Name: Mt. Tenglawan
Difficulty: 5/9
Jump-Off: Barangay Sinacbat, Bakun, Benguet
Hours to summit: 3 to 4 hours
Features: Carrot Peak, pine-forested trail, mossy forest, impressive views of Benguet province, communities of Ilocos Sur, and the municipality of Bakun.

My trip to Mt. Tenglawan

Someone said that one day I leave this planet Earth behind so just live a life you will remember. For this reason, I search on Facebook for hiking groups for day hike events scheduled on weekends. Fortunately, I haven’t had a hard time to found the groups that I will be joining. I message the tour organizer and she immediately replied to me about the Mt. Tenglawan day hike itinerary and other important details about the upcoming trip on Sunday. The event fee is 2200 pesos excluding the monster jeep ride. The group is divided into two van. For this reason, I prepare the things that I will be bringing in the climb and I condition myself to be strong prior to the day hike event.

Saturday night when I board a taxi going to Mandaluyong. It was 8:10 pm on Saturday when I arrived at our designated pick-up point in Greenfield District in the city of Mandaluyong. From here, we waited for several minutes for the other group members to arrive. It was 8:27 pm when our van left Mayflower Parking and started rolling to pick up the rest of the group members to their respective location within Metro Manila, Bulacan and Pampanga.

After that we have our stopover at Leeza’s Restaurant in Pangasinan around 1:15 am. We have our early breakfast and I buy lugaw with egg and Pangasinan tupig to satisfy my craving. Later our night road trip continued and at this time I felt like I was going to vomit because of too many zigzag roads and bumpy roads going to Bakun. Luckily I was able to stop it. Even so, I stay awake all night because it’s hard to sleep inside the van.

After almost nine hours of roller coaster road trip, our group arrived at Bakun around 5:15 am. Then at 5:30 am we board a monster jeep going to Sinacbat Barangay Hall. Some group members position theirselve at the top of the monster jeep to have an exciting adventure. Our monster jeep passes many ravines. Nevertheless, I appreciate again the beauty of Benguet province, the green terrain, sea of clouds under the endless mountain and the sunrise is a sight to behold even though I was sleepy at that time.

The monster jeep ride last for one hour and twenty minutes. It was 6:50 am when our group arrived at Sinacbat Barangay Hall. From there, we take our breakfast, some drink coffee while other eat bread. Then I thought that the barangay hall is the main jump-off point of Mt. Tenglawan but to my surprise its only for registration. After our final preparation, we have a briefing about the mountain trail and have a silence prayer send to heaven.

After that we boarded the monster jeep ride but this time going to the main jump-off point of Mt. Tenglawan. Fast forward we reach the main jump-off point and the four tour guide have been introduced to us. Our tour guide composed of three women and one men namely Euselbia, Mary Anne, Shiela and Rodel. Then we have our group picture taken with the background of Mt. Tenglawan. At 7:48 am we started the hike.

The initial trail runs on a straightforward trail that passes vegetable plantations and some small villages. Then I noticed that the locals were very welcoming. The locals greeted us good morning as we passed their houses. Also the dogs, and cows bark at us. After several minutes of hiking, we can already see the Carrot Peak, the well-known Tekip Falls and Mt. Kabunian. Without a doubt, I’m so overwhelmed by the great creations of God. I definitely fall in love with valleys, farmland, fields, vegetable terraces, waterfalls, and mountains. For this reason, we stop for several minutes to take astounding pictures of the meadow scenery.

Afterward, we resume the hike and this time the trail became a continuous descending thick greeny forest that stretches for about two kilometer. Then we take another rest at the forest knowing that the trail is starting to gradually rise. At 9:10 am we resumed the hike and we passed a stair railing implant on the side of the mountain. From here we can already see the mountain range of Bakun, the rocky cliff of Mt. Tenglawan and several falls. For this reason, we take photos and videos of the beautiful surroundings.

Then a few moments later we passed a small mossy forest and a small stream. Shiela, one of tour guide saw a snake hissing his way. So we hurried up to refill our water bottle and we continue the assault. At 9:45 am our group passed a pine forested trail which is very similar to Mt. Ulap traverse and Mt. Ugo descending part.

Without a doubt, the mountain provides our fortress from the extreme heat of the sun. In addition, the aroma of pine trees and the cool temperature is so refreshing to our exhausted bodies. To be honest, I never thought that Mt. Tenglawan has this kind of beauty to offer. From here, I take several good pictures as my souvenir to this superb place. The pine forested trail stretches for about 2.5 kilometer.

We savor the view while we slowly make our way to the top. Then at 10:28 am we reach the captivating immense mossy forest of Mt. Tenglawan. We navigate for fifteen minutes to this kind of trail and I said to myself that Mt. Tenglawan is definitely a test of endurance. Then I noticed that I don’t have any bite of blood leeches or limatik maybe because we have very slow pacing and those who came before us were the ones who were bitten by blood leeches.

Anyway, we reach the summit of Mt. Tenglawan at 10:44 am. The feeling at the top of the mountain again after six months of no hike is really indescribable. I can’t express it in words. The up and down trail rewards us with one of the most breathtaking sceneries I’ve ever seen in my life. All of our tiredness wears off at the summit and we enjoy the unforgettable view that will last a lifetime. 

Occasionally at the summit of Mt. Tenglawan, we can see the other two prominent mountains of Bakun Trio which are Mt. Lobo and Mt. Kabunian. As we wait for our turn to take pictures at the Carrot Peak, we eat our trail food and talk about leeches that bite some group members and other famous side trip in Baguio City. Afterward, I started taking pictures of Mt. Tenglawan. I’m so delighted that I already explored this awesome place. Then I noticed that the installed handrail at the summit is good for our own safety.

A few moments later after we waited for a good clearing, our group decided to climb the Carrot Peak. We descend a little bit and afterward we use the installed rope to help us reach the peak. It was 11:50 am when we reached the Carrot Peak of Mt. Tenglawan. I take selfies and pictures of the amazing rocky peak with a white cross background. Then one group member flies his drome camera to take magnificent pictures of the outcropping rock and a sheer wall.

A few moments later our tour guide named Rodel told me that the white cross that was erected at the Carrot Peak is a tribute to the Parish priest of Bakun. We stayed at the Carrot Peak for seventeen minutes. It was a superb experience for all of us to be at the peak even though for the most part it was foggy.

After that we have our last glance of Mt. Tenglawan Carrot Peak at 12:45 pm before we started to descend. Indeed, Benguet province boasts nature at its finest. Later we do backtrail and some group members run on the trail to have a faster pace. We pass again the enchanting mossy forest and pine forested trail. 

The descent is much easier and faster compared to the assault earlier. For this reason, we managed to reach the vegetable plantation at 1:56 pm. From there we regroup and eat our remaining trail food. We even talk about the traffic situation in Metro Manila and the craziness of law enforcers and motorcyclists.

We finish the hike at around 2:40 pm and we finish the entire climb in seven hours. I noticed that we are the only group that climbed Mt. Tenglawan on that day. Even so, when we are about to board a monster jeep going back to Sinacbat Barangay Hall we find out that one group member is missing. For this reason, some are mad because of the delay of the itinerary. The name of the group member who get lost is Kervin, a solo joiner. After thirty-three minutes of waiting, finally he was rescued by our tour guide and the rain started to pour. Nevertheless, the monster jeep ride started.

At 3:54 pm we reached the barangay hall and from there we bathed and changed our smelly and dirty clothes. Also, we have our mouthwatering merienda prepared by the locals there. Our afternoon meal is chicken tinola with rice and native coffee. Then I noticed that the water at the barangay hall is super cold. Then I told myself that this barangay doesn’t need any aircon anymore because of the chilly atmosphere.

Before we leave the Sinacbat Barangay Hall, one of the locals thanked our group for visiting Mt. Tenglawan. Around 5:15 pm, we left the Sinacbat Barangay Hall and board a monster jeep going to the designated location where our van was waiting for us. Then at 7:25 pm we go inside the van and the road trip going to our side trip Baguio City started. We leave the municipality of Bakun with all smiles on our faces. Just kidding, we are so sleepy and tired of the long road trip.

Around 3:10 am when we finally arrived in Metro Manila and later got home safe and all right. Thanks be to God for being our strong tower. Also, I thanked everyone who gladly share their trail food and water to the other group members along the trail. Lastly, I want to thank our beautiful organizer Lynn Gerona for a fantastic and enjoyable day hike event in Benguet.

Mt. Tenglawan is my ninth major climb. We are humbled, silenced, and awed by this natural beauty. To see majestic places for the first time and hike through different landscape and sceneries is a reminder that we should never underestimate the healing power of nature. Also to experience hospitality and immerse with native localities and taste of local foods is an exceptional feeling. Overall, my hiking trip to Mt. Tenglawan sums up this sensational quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Sample itinerary to Mt. Tenglawan

DAY 0
6PM – Assembly within Metro Manila
6:30PM – Departure going to Bakun, Benguet

DAY 1
4:30AM – Arrive at Bakun, Benguet, ride a monster jeep
5:45AM – Arrive at Sinacbat Barangay Hall, registration and brief orientation, ride a monster jeep
7AM – At the main jump-off point of Mt. Tenglawan
7:15AM – Start hiking
10:30AM – Summit of Mt. Tenglawan, rest and take pictures
11:20AM – Start descending
2PM – Back at the jump-off point
2:15PM – Departure going back to Sinacbat Barangay Hall
3:30PM – At Sinacbat Barangay Hall, wash-up and have merienda
4:45PM – Departure going to Baguio City
9PM – Arrive at Baguio City, dinner and explore
10:15PM – Departure going back to Metro Manila

DAY 2
2:30PM – Arrive at Metro Manila

Disclaimer: the sample above itinerary is just a basis and you are free to make the necessary changes.

Things to bring on your visit to Mt. Tenglawan:

1.5 liters of mineral water
2 to 3 plastic bags
Comfortable hiking attire
Energy drinks like Gatorade or Pocari Sweat
Trail food like eggs, bananas, and energy bars
Mobile phone
Small flashlight or headlamp
A medical kit including band-aids, rehydration salts, and Immodium
Toiletries like soap, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and hairbrush
Jacket
Extra clothes and sandals
Pocket money
Alcohol
Dry bag
Raincoat or any rain cover during the wet season
Facemask and Valid ID
Vaccination Card
Packed lunch (optional)
Trekking pole (optional)
Umbrella, bonnet, cap, head buff, arm sleeves, and sunglasses (optional)
Whistle for emergency purposes (optional)

How to Go to Mt. Tenglawan

By commute

1. From Manila, ride a jeep going to the MRT Taft Avenue station.
2. At the MRT Taft Avenue station, ride a northbound train going to MRT Cubao Station. From there, walk for a few meters going to the Victory Liner bus terminal. Then ride a regular aircon bus bound for Baguio City.
3. At Baguio City, ride a taxi going to the jeepney terminal which is bound for Barangay Poblacion in Bakun municipality. The jeepney terminal is in the middle of Dap-ayan Restaurant and Kenwayne Commercial in the municipality of La Trinidad.
   
   
   
   

Reminders and Tips:

• Mt. Tenglawan is now open for all tourists starting from September 1, 2022. The registration fee per head is 240 pesos while the tour guide fee for each tour guide is 1200 pesos.

• Please be reminded to waterproof your important belongings or stuff inside your dry bag during rainy season.

• The road going to Barangay Sinacbat coming from Buguias-Halsema road is eighty percent cemented and a private van can come in.

• Pack light as much as possible.

• Don’t leave any garbage or trash along the trail. Put your trash in a designated trash can.

• Smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug use are strictly prohibited.

• Mt. Tenglawan is a major climb. Before the day of hiking make sure that you exercise a lot and do long walks for one week to properly condition your body.

• The approximate budget for Mt. Tenglawan dayhike is 2700 pesos including transportation and personal meals. 

• The entrance fee and environmental fee in Mt. Tengawan are 70 pesos per individual.

• Always follow the mountaineer’s creed while hiking and visiting tourist spots. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time, and keep nothing but memories.

• Hike at your own risk and expect the unexpected.

• If you don’t want to commute going to Bakun municipality then I deeply urge you to get an organized package tour online when you plan to climb Mt. Tenglawan. Included in the Mt. Tenglawan day hike tour are round-trip van transportation, a registration fee, an environmental fee or ecological fee, a local tour guide fee, a coordinators fee, a personalized bag tag, a parking fee, drivers food, and climb permit. On the flip side, excluded from the package tour are four by four monster jeep ride, personal food, an event shirt, and a bathroom fee.

• Please be reminded that the tour organizer or event coordinator has the right to change or adjust the itinerary with prior notice to all participants. Also, they have the right to cancel the event if the weather condition is not favorable and the required number of participants hasn’t been reached.

• The best month to visit Mt. Tenglawan is during the summer season which starts from February to April according to the locals we’ve talked to because there are clearings there and there’s no blood leeches.

• It’s highly suggested that you start the hike as early as 7 am in the morning to be able to reach the summit of Mt. Tenglawan at around 10 to 11 am. During the afternoon and midday the clearing at the top of the mountain is not that pleasant.

• There’s a strong Smart signal and 3G connection on the mountain trail.

• If your group have long vacation days then you can hike Bakun Trio in three consecutive days to maximize the adventure in Benguet. Bakun Trio is composed of Mt. Lobo which is the highest mountain in Bakun Trio, Mt. Kabunian and Mt. Tenglawan.

• For booking and inquiries, send a message to the Facebook Page – Bakun Municipal Tourism Council.

• Last but not least, kindly contact Rodel (tour guide of Mt. Tenglawan) at his cellphone number – 09307852945.
  
  
  
  

There you have it, mountaineer. Before you die live your life. Remember you can last a long time but if you ain’t getting it done you ain’t getting it done. Moreover, of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. Overall, I wish this Mt. Tenglawan dayhike guide has been thoughtful to you and inspired you to keep climbing. God bless you on all your hiking adventures and feel free to share this blog with your friends. Have a good day to you.