Philippines | Each year, my whole family would take a road trip up north. As most of our relatives are from Manila, we had to make sure that the itinerary and sites were worth the travel. I can tell you that the Northern Blossom Flower Farm did not disappoint.
Where is this flower farm exactly? Located deep in the mountains of Benguet, the flower farm rests in the town of Sayangan, Atok. Though Atok is famed for its Highest Point tourist spot, the Flower Farm is quickly becoming a known highlight.
2 hours away from Baguio City, we drove through the winding roads racing to catch the sunrise. After paying the entrance fee of ₱250 ($5) per person, our guide brought us to a raised portion that allowed us to take in the entire farm at a bird’s eye view. As the sunrise enveloped the valley at just the right time, the various flowers and plants seemed to glisten. The view is incredible, and it made our 4 am alarm clock worth it.
Stepping down a few, we then reached a canopied area that housed flowers in hues of rose pink, red, and orange. In between the carefully arranged rows allows for an Instagram-worthy picture. If you stand at the right spot, it will look as if you’re embedded in them. It’s good to note that though pictures are welcome, visitors are asked to practice care while passing in between the rows so as not to disturb the well-arranged flowers. The gardeners meticulously maintain them and appreciate it when we treat their work with care.
Just outside the canopied area, is the main field. With plants ranging from dozens of varieties, you come to appreciate the beauty of both the farm and nature itself. As someone who grew up in the Philippines, seeing flowers and cabbages you don’t normally encounter in the country was a treat. Our guide explained that the farm’s distinct and unique variants were a nod to the Japanese farm they were imported from. Because this site was different from most it felt like we were in a different country.
To take in the whole experience, feel free to ask your guide as many questions as you’d like. They are knowledgeable about the story behind a plant’s name, how to maintain one, and even its relationship with the environment.
Pictured below are cabbage roses. Yes, they’re edible but are not usually used. They come in different sizes and colors, hinting at purples and even reds. They look to be the perfect flower and vegetable hybrid.
Pointing the camera top-view, you get to appreciate and capture the rows of cabbage roses wrapped around by the mountains. Standing there looking out at the sea of clouds, it’s not hard to feel struck by how vast everything is.
The farm is arranged in a series of layers. As we ventured down to its lowest, we were welcomed by a field of golden sunflowers. Standing between 4 to 6 feet tall they make for the perfect photo. A rose bush of summer pink and deep red and marigolds also neighbored the sunflower field. We never realized how many flowers there were in the world as we stood in a field of them. Beautiful wasn’t enough to describe it.
Trekking back up to its top layer, the cold morning promoted us to stop by the farm’s humble café which also doubled as its souvenir shop. The entrance fee of ₱250 ($5) is inclusive of free-flowing coffee and a platter of biscuits. Though cup noodles, biscuits, and tarts were also sold separately. As we sat there coffee in hand overlooking the farm, we were glad we made the trip. Whether you’re from Manila or a tourist from halfway across the globe, the Northern Blossom Flower Farm is a place worth traveling to.
If you are planning on going on a full journey road trip up north, I highly recommend starting your morning here. Serene, unplugged from the modern bustle we try to escape from, the farm was the perfect start to our family road trip. After the farm, we visited the town of Sagada – famous for its hanging coffins – and then the town of Banaue famed for its rice terraces. We visited Vigan City and enjoyed walking through its Spanish streets and cobblestones. Our last stop was the province of Abra where we united with close friends. This route only took us a week of travel, and we enjoyed every second of it. You will be glad you ventured up north to experience what the Cordilleran mountains have to offer.
QUICK NOTES:
- Opens at 6 am. Best to get there early to get a parking space.
Entrance fee:
- ₱250 ($5) for adults, ₱50 ($1) for children between ages 5-10 years old.
To wear:
- Jackets, windbreakers, scarves. Lipbalm as well since the cold can chap your lips.
- Wear sturdy shoes preferably with rubber soles as the soil can get muddy.
Duration:
- We spent 1-2 hours here, including breakfast.
Travel by car:
- 1.5 hours from La Trinidad
- 2 hours from Baguio City
The farm is closed on Mondays.