Things To Do
in Bakun
Bakun is a municipality in the province of Benguet, Philippines. It is known for its picturesque rice terraces and lush green mountains. The town is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering various trekking opportunities.
Bakun is home to several indigenous communities that preserve their traditional way of life and culture.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a nature hike at Mount Kabunian. Enjoy the stunning views and fresh air as you trek through the lush greenery.
Have lunch at a local eatery and then visit the Bakun Falls for a refreshing swim. The scenic waterfall is perfect for photography and relaxation.
Wrap up your day with a local dinner that highlights Bakun's traditional cuisine. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere as you reflect on your day's adventures.
Visit the local market early for a glimpse of Bakun's culture and crafts. Interact with vendors and taste local delicacies.
Join a cultural workshop where you can learn traditional weaving techniques. This hands-on experience will provide insight into local customs.
Attend a community gathering or cultural show if available. It’s a great way to witness local traditions and music.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich natural resources including water, minerals, and biodiversity.
- Potential for hydroelectric power generation due to the Bakun Dam.
- Scenic landscapes that attract tourists and promote eco-tourism.
- Cultural diversity and vibrant local communities.
- Development projects can lead to improved infrastructure and economic growth.
- Environmental concerns related to deforestation and biodiversity loss.
- Displacement of local communities and indigenous peoples due to development projects.
- Risks associated with hydroelectric power, such as potential flooding and impact on river ecosystems.
- Limited access to basic services in remote areas.
- Potential for social conflict over land use and resource management.
Best Activities in Bakun
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience breathtaking views and diverse flora and fauna while hiking to the summit of Mount Pulag, one of the highest peaks in Luzon.
Visit various stunning waterfalls in the area, such as Bunga Falls and Nawal Falls, perfect for swimming and picnicking.
Discover the natural caves in the region, offering adventurous explorations and opportunities for spelunking.
Engage with the local Igorot community and learn about their traditions, crafts, and way of life while enjoying the scenic outdoors.
Enjoy a thrilling river trekking experience, walking along rivers and streams while taking in the natural beauty of Bakun.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bakun with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bakun
Visit one of these nice places.
A sprawling natural park featuring stunning landscapes, lush forests, and panoramic views of the Cordillera mountains, perfect for hiking and photography.
This vantage point offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, making it an ideal spot for landscape photography.
As one of the highest peaks in the region, it provides a challenging hike in exchange for mesmerizing views of the Bakun range and beyond.
A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and mountains, great for capturing tranquil waterscapes and reflections.
With its cascading waters and natural beauty, this waterfall is a fantastic spot for dynamic photography.
Offers stunning sunrise and sunset views, making it a perfect location for capturing the changing colors of the sky.
The clear waters and surrounding hills create picturesque scenes ideal for both photography and relaxation.
This specific spot is known for its remarkable golden hour views, attracting photographers looking to capture the perfect sunset.
Food in Bakun
Bakun Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Cordilleran dish of chicken marinated in spices and then beaten with a stick before cooking. It is best enjoyed at local eateries and during community celebrations.
Must-Try!
This native dish consists of smoked pork, seasoned with herbs and spices, and then simmered with local vegetables. It can be savored at small local eateries and food stalls.
A popular snack made of mashed sweet potatoes or bananas mixed with coconut milk and sugar. You can find it at street food stalls and local market gatherings.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bakun better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Bakun Sunday Market is a bustling hub of local flavors, where visitors can relish a variety of street food such as grilled skewers, native delicacies, and fresh tropical fruits.
Belwang is famous for its food stalls offering a range of authentic street food delights, including grilled meats, rice cakes, and empanadas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Bakun, elders are revered and often play a significant role in decision-making within the community. It is essential to show respect by greeting them appropriately, listening to their advice, and addressing them with honorifics.
The community spirit is strong in Bakun. Participating in communal activities and respecting local customs during festivals or gatherings fosters good relationships. Always prioritize community needs over individual interests.
Dressing modestly is important in Bakun, especially when visiting religious sites or community events. Wearing clean and appropriate clothing shows respect for local customs and values.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bakun with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bakun
Ensure a smooth experience
In Bakun, Philippines, tipping is not a common practice as it is in many Western countries. Service industry workers may not expect tips; however, it can be appreciated in hospitality contexts. For example, in restaurants or for guiding services, small tips may be given by tourists but they are not obligatory.
Payments in Bakun generally involve cash transactions, as many small businesses and local vendors do not have card facilities. The local currency, the Philippine Peso (PHP), is predominantly used. In more urban areas, electronic payments may be more common; however, cash remains the preferred method in rural or remote regions like Bakun.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Bakun.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the best time to visit Bakun as the weather is generally dry and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region. Expect mild temperatures, clear skies, and beautiful landscapes.
During this season, Bakun experiences heavy rainfall, especially from July to September. While it may not be ideal for outdoor activities, this is the time when the mountains and waterfalls are most vibrant and lush. Travelers can expect cooler temperatures but should be prepared for possible delays and muddy conditions.
Bakun at Night
Hiking in Bakun
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of the highest peaks in Luzon, Mount Pulag offers stunning views, cooler temperatures, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is known for its sea of clouds and various trekking trails suitable for different skill levels.
Located in the Benguet province, Mount Purgatory features a challenging hike with beautiful landscapes. The trail offers an opportunity to see local wildlife and enjoy the cool mountain air.
A popular hiking spot near Bokod, Mount Kalugong is known for its unique rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding area. The hike is relatively easy and suitable for beginners.
A great spot for those looking for a shorter hike with rewarding views. Mount Yangbew is located in La Trinidad and offers a peaceful trekking experience with sweeping vistas of the valley.
This mountain in the province of Benguet provides a striking landscape for hikers. The trails vary in difficulty, and the summit offers a breathtaking view of the Ambuklao Dam and the surrounding mountains.
Aiports
How to reach Bakun by plane.
Located approximately 120 kilometers from Bakun, CRK serves as a major international gateway to the Philippines, offering flights to various destinations in Asia and beyond.
Situated around 250 kilometers from Bakun in Metro Manila, MNL is the busiest airport in the Philippines, handling numerous international flights and connections.
Approximately 300 kilometers away from Bakun, CEB serves the Visayas and Mindanao regions and is a major hub for international flights in the central Philippines.
Located about 35 kilometers from Bakun in Baguio City, BAG has limited international flight options but serves primarily domestic routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Igorot people are a group of indigenous peoples from the Cordillera region of the Philippines, known for their rich cultural heritage, traditional farming practices, and community governance.
These groups, primarily of Luzon and Visayan descent, migrated to Bakun for agricultural opportunities, contributing to the demographic diversity of the area.
Some localities may have members of Muslim communities, contributing to the cultural and religious diversity of Bakun.
People from various regions of the Philippines settle in Bakun, further diversifying the community with different cultural backgrounds and practices.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is extremely popular in Bakun, played in various communities and local leagues, with many players participating in both informal and formal competitions.
Volleyball is a favored sport among many youth and women in Bakun, with regular games played in schools and community events.
Football has been gaining traction in Bakun, with local teams forming and participating in regional tournaments.
Various traditional Filipino games are played, especially during local fiestas and community gatherings, promoting cultural heritage.
Given Bakun's mountainous terrain, mountain climbing and trekking are popular recreational activities for adventure seekers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bakun.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional dishes often feature meat, many local eateries and restaurants in Bakun offer vegetable-based dishes such as pinakbet (a mixed vegetable dish), and fern salad. Additionally, some restaurants can prepare vegan versions of local dishes upon request.
Rice is a staple in Filipino cuisine, making gluten-free options readily available. Visitors with gluten restrictions can enjoy dishes such as grilled fish, fresh tropical fruits, and steamed vegetables without worry.