Have you ever dreamed of visiting the most famous flower farms scattered all over the world? To name a few, some of the most beautiful flower farms are located in the Netherlands, Amsterdam, and Japan. Worry not, since you no longer have to hop on a plane and travel for hours since one can get a similar glimpse of the world-renowned flower farms here in our country.
GETTING THERE
Northern Blossom Flower Farm is located in Brgy. Sayangan, Atok, Benguet.
Via Public Transport
Metro Manila to Northern Blossom Farm – board a bus bound for Baguio at the Pasay or Cubao terminals. Victory Liner, Genesis Transport, Joy Bus (Genesis’ Deluxe bus) and Partas are some of the bus companies that have regular trips to and from Baguio City. Travel time from Metro Manila to Baguio usually takes around 6 to 8 hours if you are taking the regular air-conditioned bus. On the other hand, if you boarded a deluxe bus, the trip would only take 4 to 5 hours.
Note: Deluxe bus ticketing terminals accept reservations one week prior to your desired date of departure. It is important to book a reservation early since the chance passenger queue could get long and there is no guarantee that you board the bus.
Baguio City to Northern Blossom Farm – upon alighting the bus, make your way to the Dangwa bus terminal located along Magsaysay Road and board any bus bound for Besao, Bontoc or Sagada. Inform the conductor that you will alight the bus at the Northern Blossom Flower Farm. Travel time will take 1 hour and 30 minutes up to 2 hours.
Via Private Vehicle
Baguio City to Northern Blossom Flower Farm – follow Waze’s directions heading to Northern Blossom Flower Farm. Travel time may take up to 1 hour and 30 minutes. If Waze is unavailable, make your way towards the junction at the La Trinidad Municipal Hall and take the road on the right until you reach your destination.
BUDGET AND EXPENSES
Upon reaching Northern Blossom Flower Farm, make your way towards the reception area and pay an entrance fee of P200 per person. This includes snacks and coffee to be served after your tour. You may also opt to hire a local tour guide who will explain the types of flowers and a brief history of these flowers. There is no fixed amount for the tour guide fee, but you may give any amount in exchange for their tour services.
SAMPLE DAY TOUR ITINERARY
09:00 – departure from Baguio City
10:30 – arrival at the Northern Blossom Flower Farm
10:50 – begin tour
12:20 – end of tour
13:10 – departure from Northern Blossom Flower Farm
13:25 – arrival at the Highest Point concrete marker
14:00 – departure from Highest Point bound for Baguio City
15:30 – arrival at Baguio City
WHAT TO EXPECT
ATM Availability: there are no available ATMs within the vicinity of the Northern Blossom Flower Farm, it is advised that you bring enough cash with you.
Cellular Reception: reception for Globe, Smart and Sun Cellular is available at the Northern Blossom Flower Farm area, but there is little to no reception along Halsema Highway.
Road Condition: it is not advisable to traverse Halsema Highway when there are intermittent rains since Halsema Highway is prone to rock slides and landslides. Halsema Highway is also known for its long and winding roads, so better make sure that both the driver and the vehicle are prepared and geared up for the long trip ahead.
Temperature: the temperature in Atok could drop down to a single digit, so if you are not accustomed to being exposed in cold weather, it is advised that you bring thick jackets, gloves and bonnets to keep you warm.
NORTHERN BLOSSOM FLOWER FARM + SIDE TRIP
A few kilometers from the Northern Blossom Flower Farm is the concrete marker for the Highest Point in the Philippine Highway System and a view deck where one can marvel at the beauty of the Cordilleran mountain range.
Update: As of March 20, 2019, this is no longer the Philippines’ Highest Point. See article: PH highway’s highest point now in Ifugao
Tara gala? 