NORTHERN BLOSSOMS FARM, ATOK BENGUET

Define ELATION. e•la•tion (noun) a great happiness and exhilaration. This is merely the profound feelings we felt as he head to the mountains of flowers. Full bloom floras makes me feel very stoke. My parents back home in the province grows their own small garden which adds aura to the environment, thus makes the house nicer.

So, Isda and I went to Baguio last year, but it seems that this place has limited places to offer and we still wanted to extend our wanderlust itinerary. From which we've both decided to go further and visit this famous flower nursery farm in Atok, Benguet. The NORTHERN BLOSSOM FLOWER FARM. It was starting to be the hype of social media and the talk of the town, unfortunately we haven't  had  the persistence for blogging at that time, so this may be the right moment to do so. As the place started to boom locals got a lot of opportunities and be able to promote their place as well. Good enough reason.  Luckily, we are able to visit the place during a weekday sched and with a few visitors.



🚌HOW TO GET THERE:

To get to Nothern Blossoms, you need to head to Baguio first and then ride a bus going to Atok Benguet.

📌 From Manila, take a bus bound for Baguio. Victory Liner has buses to Baguio from Cubao, Pasay and Caloocan. Alternatively, you may also take Genesis Bus or Joy Bus.

• Bus Fare: Ranging from 450- 750 pesos, depending on the type
• Travel time: Approx. 4-7hrs

📌In Baguio, make your way to Dangwa Bus terminal or slaughterhouse. You can choose any of the buses bound for Bontoc or Sagada. Buses schedule start as early as 5:30 am until 1pm with 30 minutes interval. This may be subject for change without prior notice.

• Fare: 75- 85 pesos, depending of the type of bus.

📌 Alight at Brgy. Sayangab, Atok Benguet. The driver should drop you off at Atok Municipl Hall or in front of Marosan's Restaurant.

📌 Walk towards the small street uphill and register and pay at their tourism office. 20 pesos each person for the environmental fee. Ask the locals how to go to the farm, it's a walking distance.

📌 If you own a private car, just search Northern Blossom Farm on waze. But, be sure to get a skilled driver due to its perilous roads, risky slopes and falling rocks. So drive at your own risk.

🔑 When you reach the farm, you need to pay 250pesos for the entrance fee and log your names. Discounted fees applied to seniors and children respectively. Fee includes free bread, softdrinks or water and coffee. You may hire a tourguide and give a small donation of a minimal amount. No fixed price.

                                       

 

📝 IMPORTANT TIPS:
✔️ Be sure to stack as much cash as possible since there are no ATM machines in the area. But in case of emergency, there is an Easy-debit, a micro ATM in a small store beside Palawan express.
✔️Both day tour and overnight stays are possible in the area. There are 3 homestays to choose from. Prices ranges from 250- 500 pesos. If you opt to take a day tour be sure to take the last trip heading back to Baguio before 1pm. Otherwise you cab take a passenger van.
✔️ Be sure to bring your jackets, warms socks, pants, lotions, lipbalms as the weather drops up to -8 degrees.
✔️It's better to visit the farn as early as possible as the sun may be overwhelming.

📎 NOTE:
✔️ Be polite and respectful. The locals are very welcoming and warm. Pmease respect their cultures and sensetivity.
✔️ Be a model traveler. Always keep in mind leave no trace.
✔️ Indulge and enjoy the festive colors.
✔️ Pre-nup photoshoots are welcome here. Please ask the Northern Blossom for more details.









🌙 OVERNIGHT STAY: 

There are (3) three homestays in Brgy. Sayangan, Atok. The most popular of the (3) is in Northern Blossoms Farm. Be sure to book ahead especially if you are visiting on weekends, holidays and peak seasons as they can only accomodate limited guests.

You can also include on your itinerary this other places to visit, Mt. Timbak, Lourdes Grotto, and Sakura Park. Sakura park is optional as there minimal grown flowers yet and the tress are still little. The reason why we want to go back.

If you want to witness the early breathtaking view of the mountains during sunrise better to stay here overnight.







🌸 WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT: 

According to the tour guide it is best to visit Northern Blossom from January to April, when the flower cabbages starts to bloom. Usually take (3) moths to reach full bloom. Very cold temperature make them witter, so be sure to catch them during peak season.







Before heading back to Baguio, do not forget to drop by the HIGHEST POINT, Philippine Highway system. Located at brgy. Cattubo, Atok along Halsema highway at km. 52. Just a 500 meter drive from the farm. It has an elevation of 7,400 ft. Above sea level. There is a view deck wherein you can enjoy an amazing view overlooking the vegetable gardens and verdant pines.

There are also cabbages, flowers and succulents for sale in the area if you want to bring home something from Atok.

🧮 OUR TIMELINE: (private car)
4:30 am- Departure from Baguio
6:30am- Arrival at the tourism office in Atok
7am- start of tour at Northern Blossom Farm
9am-rest and snacks
10:30am- head back to Baguio
12nn- Arrival in Baguio


For more of our adventures please visit: https://www.facebook.com/IsDagaa/