Melo Villareal
Besao Budget Travel Guide: A Beautiful Town in Mountain Province
(Besao, Mountain Province, Philippines) – Blessed with spectacular viewpoints and panoramic views of lush mountain slopes, the town of Besao is definitely a potential tourist destination in Mountain Province.
Church in Besao – Besao Travel Guide
Besao Travel Guide
If you are in Sagada and have ample time to explore another interesting destination, consider visiting the mountainous terrain of Besao. Although the tourism industry of this town is not yet developed, visitors will be amazed at the beauty and breathtaking landscapes of this place.
Where is Besao?
Besao is a fourth-class municipality located in the western part of Mountain Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) of Northern Luzon, Philippines. It is nestled high in the Cordillera mountain range at an elevation of approximately 1,300 to 1,500 meters above sea level, giving it a cool climate and spectacular views of mountains, forests, and rice terraces.
The municipality is bordered by Sagada to the east, Tadian to the south, Quirino, Ilocos Sur to the west, and Tubo, Abra to the north. Its strategic location makes it a quieter alternative to Sagada while offering equally stunning natural attractions and rich indigenous culture.
Besao is approximately 420 kilometers north of Manila, around 65 kilometers from Bontoc, the provincial capital, and about 20 kilometers west of Sagada. The town is accessible by bus, jeepney, van, or private vehicle via the scenic Halsema Highway and mountain roads connecting Baguio, Sagada, and Bontoc.
Known for its peaceful atmosphere, traditional Igorot heritage, ancient rice terraces, and breathtaking mountain landscapes, Besao is an emerging destination for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures in the Cordillera region.
How to Get to Besao, Mountain Province
Besao is a quiet municipality in the western part of Mountain Province, known for its rice terraces, indigenous culture, and scenic mountain landscapes. Although there are no direct flights, reaching Besao is part of the adventure and offers spectacular views of the Cordillera mountains.
From Manila by Bus (Most Practical)
Option 1: Via Baguio and Sagada
- Take an overnight bus from Cubao or Pasay to Baguio (approximately 4.5–6 hours).
- From Baguio’s Dangwa Bus Terminal, board a GL Trans/Lizardo Trans bus bound for Besao or Ambasing via Sagada. If a direct trip to Besao is unavailable, take a bus to Sagada and transfer to a local jeepney or van bound for Besao. The Baguio–Besao journey takes around 6–7 hours via the scenic Halsema Highway.
Option 2: Via Bontoc
- Ride a direct bus from Manila to Bontoc (about 9–10 hours).
- From Bontoc, take a jeepney, van, or local bus to Besao, which is about 1.5–2 hours away.
By Private Car
Driving from Manila to Besao takes approximately 8–10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The two most common routes are:
- Manila – Baguio – Halsema Highway – Sagada – Besao (most scenic)
- Manila – Nueva Ecija – Banaue – Bontoc – Besao (ideal if visiting the Banaue Rice Terraces)
Travel Tips
- Travel during daylight if driving through the mountains, as roads have steep curves and occasional fog.
- Road conditions may change during the rainy season due to landslides.
- Book long-distance bus tickets in advance during holidays and peak travel seasons.
- Bring cash, as ATMs and card payment facilities are limited in Besao.
Are you planning to visit Besao in Mountain Province?
After exploring the more popular town of Sagada, it would be a great idea to visit Besao in Mountain Province. The area has a unique history and culture. The word “Buso” from Ilocano means ‘head-hunter.’ The people near these mountains believed that early “Besaos” were fierce head-hunters, and later the word evolved into “Besao.” It is also said that this place used to be home to a fierce tribe whose lineage included the most elite warlocks and head-hunters.
Roaming Cows in Besao
The lands of Besao
It lies in the western part of the Mountain Province, where it’s bounded by Tubo, Abra on the north, Tadian on the south, Sagada on the east, and Quirino, Ilocos Sur on the west. It’s nearly 28 kilometers from Bontoc, which is the capital of Mountain Province, while 8 kilometers is the distance it has from Sagada.
St Benedicts Parish Church in Besao
The entire town of Besao is settled on forest lands, where 52.02% is classified as forest reserve, 25.95% as timberland, and 22.03% as unclassified forest. However, the current land use shows that there are many built-up areas in this municipality, while 10% of the region’s area is used for agriculture.
Hotels in Besao, Mountain Province
There are currently no DOT-accredited hotels, inns, and Hostels in Besao.
Things to do and see in Besao
Nestled in the rugged Cordillera highlands, Besao is one of Mountain Province’s best-kept secrets. Less crowded than neighboring Sagada, it offers breathtaking mountain scenery, rich indigenous culture, and peaceful outdoor adventures.
1. Visit the Stone Calendar of Gueday
One of Besao’s most fascinating historical landmarks is the Stone Calendar of Gueday, an ancient agricultural calendar created by the Agawa people. This mysterious arrangement of stones was traditionally used to determine planting and harvesting seasons by observing the movements of the sun and other celestial bodies, showcasing the advanced indigenous knowledge of the early Cordillerans.
2. Admire the Baknad Rice Terraces
The Baknad Rice Terraces are among Besao’s hidden gems. These centuries-old terraces cascade down the mountainsides and reflect the ingenuity of the local communities. They are especially beautiful during the planting season, when the terraces shimmer with water, and during harvest, when they turn vibrant gold.
3. Enjoy the View from Mt. Mogao View Deck
For spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Cordillera mountains, head to Mt. Mogao View Deck. On clear days, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of lush valleys, pine forests, and neighboring municipalities. Sunrise and sunset are particularly rewarding for photographers.
4. Hike to Kit-kitaw-eng Falls
Adventure seekers can trek to Kit-kitaw-eng Falls, a scenic waterfall surrounded by pristine forests. The hike offers opportunities to experience Besao’s natural beauty while enjoying the cool mountain climate.
5. Visit Mt. Calvary
Mt. Calvary is a peaceful hilltop destination featuring the Stations of the Cross and impressive views of the town. It is both a religious pilgrimage site and a scenic viewpoint that offers a tranquil atmosphere.
6. Explore the Banao Lakes
Nature lovers should visit the serene Banao Lakes, surrounded by rolling hills and forests. These quiet lakes provide a relaxing escape and are ideal for picnics, photography, and appreciating Besao’s untouched landscapes.
7. Discover World War II Fox Holes
History enthusiasts can explore the preserved World War II foxholes, remnants of defensive positions used during the war. These sites provide insight into the region’s wartime history and its strategic importance in the Cordillera.
8. Witness the Famous Besao Sunset
Besao is renowned for its stunning sunsets, where the mountains are painted in shades of orange, pink, and gold. The cool mountain breeze and peaceful surroundings make sunset viewing one of the town’s most memorable experiences.
9. Experience Indigenous Culture
Spend time with the local communities to learn about traditional Igorot customs, farming practices, music, dances, and cuisine. If you visit in February, don’t miss the Ubaya Festival, which celebrates the agricultural calendar with colorful cultural performances and thanksgiving rituals.
10. Trek Through Besao’s Mountain Trails
Besao offers numerous hiking trails through pine forests, rice terraces, and mountain ridges. The municipality remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, making it an excellent destination for travelers seeking solitude, authentic cultural experiences, and spectacular Cordillera scenery.
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Read:
- Hanging Coffins of Sagada: A dying Igorot tradition
- Spending Holy Week in Sagada
- 5 Reasons why you should visit Sagada
- Sagada Travel Guide: 10 Things You Should Know About Sagada
