No Juan Is An Island

Baguio City, Philippines — Let’s admit it, traffic and long travel time can be a really bummer. It can even dwindle down our excitement during a much anticipated trip. Baguio City, being a popular destination from among us Filipinos, is frequented anytime of the year. With its lovely weather and topnotch scenic spots, Baguio has always been a go-to place to unwind.

While there are 3 established major roads going Baguio – Marcos Highway, Naguilian Road, and Kennon Road (the later being frequently closed to the public due to seemingly endless road works), going up the mountain city at times poses some challenges and errer… problems. Naguilian Road is way too far if you’re coming from Manila. Taking Marcos Highway, which by the way is the most commonly raken route, can be dragging and disappointing because of the traffic due to these impractical, unnecessary road repairs even if the roads aren’t broken. (Well, welcome to the Philippines — the country where “fixing/repairing something not broken or doesn’t require fixing is a favorite project of government officials just to show they are doing something but they are just actually in need of some public funds for their personal gains” kind of thing happens. Oooops, back to my blog post’s main topic.

So, do you want to go to Baguio City faster with less vehicle volume, less to no traffic on the road any time and day of the year (at least for now)? Please do know that there is an alternate road open to motorists to avoid the traffic congestion on Marcos Highway, the far and long travel time via Naguilian Road, and the always “on repair” Kennon Road.

In 2018, the Department of Public Works and Highways started encouraging visitors coming to Baguio to take the Asin–Nangalisan–San Pascual Road. Today, it is considered a major road in La Union and Benguet, Philippines, serving as an alternative route to Baguio. The road is passable to almost all types of vehicles. While the over-all road condition is pretty smooth, driving neophyte might find some parts challenging with the seemingly endless left and right turns, ascents and descents and a couple of single lane tunnels. Nonetheless, the view of La Union and Benguet along the way is a feast to the eyes.

How to Get to Asin -Nangalisan – San Pascual Road: if you are coming from Manila, take note of the Pugo town Junction, and instead of turning right at Marcos Highway for Baguio City, turn left. A few kilometers after raking a left turn, there is a diversionary road leading to the Asin – Nangalisan – San Pascual Road that officially starts in the town of Tubao, La Union. You will not get lost as there are plenty of signages that will guide you.

As I have shown in some photos here, landmarks/ structures like the Anduyan Bridge, some orange colored steel bridges (I think we passed by at least 2), two tunnels — are indications that you are on the right track. From time to time, allow yourself to be distracted by the sights of beautiful farmlands, flowing rivers, foggy mountain views and even waterfalls! Wish we stopped more so that I was able to capture some of these natural sceneries. Now if you finally see the Asin tunnels or the Bencab Museum, then you are already approaching Baguio. The exit point is at the Naguilian Road near Cooyeesan Mall. So there. Take it easy.