I have an exclusive preference towards natural parks. This is probably attributed to my many wonderful hiking experiences in the past.

Whenever I am asked whelich I prefer more — theme parks or nature parka – I would in a heartbeat say “of course, nature parks!”

I mean, who wouldn’t? On a personal level, I love forest parks because they offer a serene and breathtaking natural environment. They’d iften give me opportunities to do physical activity like hiking, trail running, and that indescribable feeling of connecting with nature. It is my favorite escape from the chaos of life… it’s my way of improving my mental (and even physical) well-being through the unsullied fresh air that I get to breathe. And if you are an animal lover like me, nature parks often serve as a habitat for diverse wildlife, creqting a place to observe nature’s floral and fauna.

Living in the Cordillera comes with the perks of being g able to visit forests that are untouched by exagerrated urban life.

In February of 2025, nature takes center stage as Mount Camisong Forest Park opens to the public. Located at the heart of Itogon — a quaint neighboring town of Baguio – its serrated highlands feature carefully developed trails and walkways that are built around its pine dotted forest.

The park aims at protecting the natural wonders of its environ while simultaneously fostering a space for people to interact and enjoy nature. This new ecotourism spot in Benguet offers a unique mountain tourism experience with a commitment to sustainability and nature conservation.

Among its features include “𝘼𝙡𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙖𝙥” (Tagalog word that means “cloud”) View Deck, where visitors can enjoy a picturesque view of Benguet’s verdant serrated mountains and pine forests. Then there’s “𝘿𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙗” (Tagalog and Cebuano word that means “electricity”) Amphitheater serves as a venue for performances by local and visiting talents.

A cafe (offering Filipino cuisine( called “Marahuyo” (Tagalog word meaning “to be enchanted or attracted” opens on the date of its soft opening. Other developments, include a garden, a children’s park, and forest trails like the “𝘼𝙡𝙥𝙖𝙨” (Tagalog word that means “to break free”) — a mountain biking trail, a food hall, and a private diner/resto are all expected to be in completion within the yrar.

PS: one of the most anticipated features of Mt. Camisong us the glass walkway that would surely excite an adrenaline junkie’s heart (especially that it is perched atop a significantly high location).

This tranquil space near Baguio would certainly be an inviting hub for people to pause, breathe, and embrace the beauty of nature in its purest form.

Entrance Fees – see photo below.

Quick impressions:

Contrary to what most people say that the entrance fee is too pricey, I say IT’S WORTH IT!!!! The park is at par with most parks I’ve seen in Europe! Local yet there’s tgat international feel.

Amenities especially CR – superb!!! Ang linis, ang high-tech! Heated toilet seats! Despite having lots of staircases, it also features pavements for people with disability like me.

Park features: gandaaaa, the glass walkway maybe the hyped feature but the rest of the park from the wooden walkways to the forest trails and amphitheater are so nice.

Staff: from the guardhouse parking attendants, lobby receptionists to the ground attendants, and cafe staff- grabe the hospitality and asikaso to every visitor. Very polite, courteous… probably some kf the most well trained set of staff I have encountered.

Food: we had lunch at Marahuyo and all of our orders tasted pretty good. Serving may not be that huge but taste, quality is surprisingly good. I had chicken inasal with mango chutney. The mango chitbey had a lovely delicious surprise because it is curried. Plus the sides na kangkong sambal- is just wow maybe itll be an acquired taste to others but I loved it. My friends had Marahuyo adobo which is their version of chicken and pork adobo (it was very tasty) and their pigar pigar tapa was also flavorful. Their drinks, both the strawberry and the butterfly pea lemonade we had, were refreshing. The o my k e we didn’t like was the red empanada. The sweet taste in it wasn’t something I fancy.

📍Location: Mount Camisong Forest Park and Events is located in Loacan, Itogon, Benguet, just 16.5 kilometers from Baguio City. (The major thoroughfare you’ll use is the Ambuklao Road so expect to pass by Arcas Yard, Alphaland, Via Von Joy Cafe and Resto, Itogon Miuntain Village Cabins, Cafe Stella, and Arteo’s before you reach Mt. Camisong).

Take it easy.