Whenever you hear about the Philippines, you automatically feel warm, since the country does not experience freezing winters. But it has a diverse topography that ranges from the lowlands to the high altitudes, where the cold breeze tingles the senses of people. In the Cordilleras, Baguio City and Benguet stand out due to their alluring landscapes and sceneries that can even touch your heart. Besides, local tourists go to those places during summer to escape the heat from the plains.
In this blog post, we will capture the essence of two of its most picturesque locations – Baguio and Benguet. As we journey through these idyllic regions, let’s pay homage to the vibrant flowers, succulent strawberries, and the therapeutic power of nature, that create an enchanting symphony of natural bliss.
Blissful Baguio
Nestled high in the embrace of the Cordillera Mountains, Baguio holds an irresistible allure that bewitches its guests. Not without reason is it known as the ‘Summer Capital of the Philippines’, but the magic of Baguio is not confined by the calendar. As you traverse the twisty mountain roads, you’re warmly welcomed by the sight of majestic pine trees standing proudly against the backdrop of the clear blue sky.
At Burnham Park, you can immerse yourself in the calming cool breeze, absorbing the serene pulse of the city. Each breath brings with it an intoxicating mix of pine and freshness, helping you to unwind and rejuvenate. The city’s lush landscapes offer a panoramic smorgasbord of visuals that is a testament to the region’s picturesque charm.
A visit to Mines View Park is like stepping into a postcard. It’s where the city unfurls beneath you in all its verdant splendor, and you can’t help but feel a part of the captivating panorama. As you take in the view, you might feel an overwhelming sense of oneness with nature, making you realize why Baguio is indeed a paradise for those who are smitten by the great outdoors.
Whether it’s the grandeur of the pines or the tranquility of the parks, Baguio crafts a potent spell of natural beauty that is hard to resist. Each corner of the city reveals a new facet of its charm, ensuring that your exploration is filled with delightful surprises. The city encourages you to slow down, soak in its beauty, and celebrate the spirit of nature. Through its untamed beauty, Baguio imparts a silent yet profound message – that we are but tiny threads in the vast tapestry of nature.
The Majestic Flowers in Atok, Benguet
The voyage from the captivating Baguio to the fascinating Benguet is akin to journeying through a fairy tale. Nature unveils its astounding palette, and we find ourselves enveloped in the heart of it, as we arrive at the serene town of Atok. The town is a riot of colors, blooming with a rich variety of flowers that sprinkle the landscapes with vibrant hues.
The pièce de résistance of Atok, Benguet is undoubtedly the Northern Blossom Flower Farm. A terraced wonder that stretches as far as the eye can see, this flower farm is a wonderland of flora. An array of flowers, each more beautiful than the last, vie for your attention as they sway in the gentle breeze, their petals dancing to an unchoreographed ballet. From the bold marigolds to the dainty daisies, from the radiant roses to the alluring lilies, the farm is a canvas painted with nature’s most beautiful colors.
Standing amidst this floral splendor, it’s impossible not to be captivated by the beauty and tranquility that envelopes you. Each flower seems to whisper a tale of nature’s marvel, leaving you awestruck. The air, laden with the sweet scent of blossoms, seems to carry away all your worries, leaving you with a sense of peace and contentment.
Each step you take in this floral paradise reveals a new marvel, ensuring your journey through this natural wonderland is an adventure filled with awe-inspiring moments. As you wander through this Eden, you can’t help but appreciate the meticulous artistry of nature and the simple yet profound joy it brings. The charm of Atok, Benguet, and its stunning flower farms lies in the fact that it allows you to witness nature at its finest and most beautiful, providing you with memories that will last a lifetime.
La Trinidad Strawberries
The adventure in Benguet takes an indulgently sweet turn as we find ourselves in La Trinidad, a haven for strawberry lovers. A picturesque panorama of sweeping strawberry fields greets you, as thousands of bright, ruby-red berries pepper the lush green canvas. It’s a sight that leaves you both visually and gastronomically enchanted.
In a world where everything is pre-packaged and readily available, the experience of handpicking your own strawberries offers a delightful deviation. Wandering through the neatly arranged, verdant rows, bending down to pluck the ripest strawberries, you’re not just picking fruit, but cherishing a connection with the earth that bears these sweet gifts. Each plump berry you pick feels like a little reward and adds to the fun and gratification of this activity.
As you bite into a freshly plucked strawberry, its unique sweet-tart taste bursts in your mouth, painting your palate with flavors fresh from nature’s lap. It’s not just about the taste though, but the entire sensory experience. The tactile joy of plucking, the visual treat of vibrant red against lush green, the sweet aroma that pervades the air, and finally, the taste – everything culminates into an exquisite celebration of nature’s abundance.
In La Trinidad, strawberries are not just a fruit, but a way of life. This humble berry forms the backbone of the local economy and is a source of pride for the locals. So, as you relish these succulent delights, know that you’re also appreciating the hard work and dedication of the local farmers. After all, a trip to Benguet is incomplete without experiencing the simple pleasures offered by the La Trinidad strawberry fields.
The Healing Power of Nature
In our fast-paced digital lives, we often forget the incredible healing power of simply being in nature. Baguio and Benguet serve as perfect examples of this, with their unspoiled beauty, tranquil ambiance, and panoramic views that work in unison to soothe our mind, body, and soul. Picture this – taking a deep breath of the fresh, cool mountain air, listening to the soft whispers of the wind rustling through the leaves, and bearing witness to the spectacle of a sunrise cresting over the towering peaks. The gentle grandeur of such moments can rejuvenate our senses and offer a refreshing respite from the routine grind.
In these verdant locales, we find ourselves detaching from the screen-glow of our devices and immersing in the glow of nature. It’s a therapeutic disconnection that paves the way for an enriching reconnection with our natural surroundings. This reconnection isn’t superficial but deep and profound. It’s an invitation to reflect, to introspect, and to find balance. The chirping of the birds, the rustling of the leaves, the gurgling of a distant stream, or even the silence – they all speak a language that doesn’t need words but resonates with our soul. This resonance results in a kind of emotional detox, a purging of the worries and stresses that often weigh us down.
Baguio and Benguet aren’t merely picturesque destinations to satiate your travel cravings; they are nurturing habitats that remind us of our inherent bond with Mother Earth. In the heart of nature, in the midst of the pines or amidst the burst of blossoming flowers, we find a potent healing energy. It’s an energy that wraps us in its calming embrace, nudging us towards a serene state of mind, nourishing us physically, mentally, and emotionally.
This engagement with nature isn’t a one-way process but an exchange of gifts. While nature showers us with its bountiful gifts – the views, the air, the peace, we give it our respect, our admiration, and our commitment to preserve it. This mutual exchange forms the essence of our relationship with nature, a relationship that not only heals us but also empowers us.
In conclusion, the magic of Baguio and Benguet is not confined to their captivating landscapes, but extends to the healing they offer through their natural wealth. Whether you’re an ardent nature lover or a casual traveler, spending time in these natural retreats can give you a renewed sense of appreciation for the beauty and harmony of nature. It’s a therapeutic journey that doesn’t just heal, but also invigorates and inspires, teaching us invaluable lessons about life, balance, and the unfathomable depth of nature’s wisdom. Indeed, a trip to these regions is less about the distance traveled and more about the insights gained, the tranquility experienced, and the memories created.