Kibungan Circuit

Kibungan, Benguet, is a quiet mountain-top municipality situated just 62 kilometers north of Baguio City. The deep ravines, tall pine ridges, and cool atmosphere give the place the feel of a foreign country – of course, the rice terraces carved into the slope by native hands serve to remind visitors that this scenic town is still very much within the Philippines.

Several trails crisscross the town and its many mountains, including some footpaths that lead down into La Union and Ilocos Sur. But the most popular of these trails is the Kibungan Circuit, which has two variations. Route 1 is an overnight hike that climbs up to Mt. Tagpaya (1,820 meters above sea level). Once at the peak, hikers can climb down a different path that passes by Lungsad Falls. Route 2 is slightly more challenging and can take up an additional day: from Mt. Tagpaya, hikers can continue on to the higher peaks of Mt. Oten (1,875 MASL) and Mt. Tagpew (2,105 MASL).

On a clear day, the Kibungan Circuit offers majestic views of the rest of Benguet Province, and a sweeping panorama of La Union, Ilocos Sur, and the West Philippine Sea. But even without these sights, hikers looking for some peace and tranquility can be assured of a quiet trek through idyllic forests, mountain ridges, and rice terraces.