IGOROT STONE KINGDOM
The Igorot Stone Kingdom in Baguio City has been making noise online since it officially opened its gate to the public last May 2021. This new park in the city is now why we should visit/revisit the “summer capital” of the Philippines. The 6,000 square meter area features a castle-like structure from Igorot’s unique stone-laying skills inspired by Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue. It is based on the legend of Sab-angan which is believed to be the Igorot Kingdom that once existed thousands of years ago.
From the main road, one can tell the popularity and how busy this attraction is by the crowd heading toward the place. Indeed, Igorot Stone Kingdom is one of Baguio City’s top tourist spots.
Be cautious in taking steps at the stone walkway to the entrance ticket booth since it is narrow and steep. Street food is available before the entrance, you better grab something to eat and drink before going inside. Otherwise, you can buy food at the cafe located at the top of the modern-day castle.
Going up to the top, you will get a birds-eye view of the Igorot Stone Kingdom, which looks like a grandstand stadium. It features two types of castles, the modern-day and the old ones. The modern-day castle was built with cement and hollow blocks, while the ancient castle is made purely of stones or rocks of different shapes and sizes. The hanging bridge at the center is the easiest way to go from the old to the new castle and vice versa also a great photo spot.
Upon seeing this place, I felt proud that we have this kind of attraction in the Philippines. I thought I was in another place and time. The whole surroundings are impressive and Instagrammable.
Other attractions
Inside its 6,000 square-meter compound features different towers. Among them are the fertility tower, the tower of Igorot God Kabunyan, and the tower of Gatan and Bangan, which depicts their fantasy story. Gatan and Bangan are the Igorot man and woman believed to survive the great holocaust
Visitors can rent out Igorot traditional costumes for P50 and take a photo as a souvenir anywhere inside the park. There are also Baguio City items available if you plan to bring something that will remind you of your Baguio trips, like key chains, ref magnets, T-shirts, and bags, to name a few.
The famous Saint Bernard dog is also present for the visitors to take souvenir photos with the dog located near the park entrance..
Saint Bernard or St. Bernard is a breed of huge working dog from the Western Alps in Italy and Switzerland. They were originally bred for rescue work by the hospice of the Great St Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border. Wikipedia
Reminders and Tips before going to the Igorot Stone Kingdom:
- Entrance fee: P100 (adults and kids 13 and above) and P80 (kids 4 -12 y/o, Senior Citizens,s and PWD) Free ( kids below. 4 y/o).
- Operating hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Complete address: 362 Longlong Benguet Road, Baguio Benguet
- FB Account:facebook.com/ISK2600
- Contact Number: 09453112286
- The place is on a highland, and moving around requires more effort.
- Persons in a wheelchair and those with difficulty walking are not advisable to go up.
- Bringing pets is allowed. However, they must be on a leash and with a poop bag.
- It takes approximately two hours to navigate the whole place.
- Wear comfy shoes or slippers since the pathways are long and rough.
- Bring extra clothes, a handkerchief, bottled water, a face mask,
- The best time to visit is before 10 AM due to the influx of visitors from 10 AM and beyond.
- The place is popular on Google Maps, providing accurate driving directions.
Overall, we had a pleasant and enjoyable visit to the Igorot Stone Kingdom. This place is highly recommended for those who will visit Baguio City in the near future.
Keep safe everyone.