NORTHERN BLOSSOM: Travel Guide, Budget, & Useful Tips

The Northern Blossom is the new reason why people are driving their way up to Benguet. It’s a 2-hour scenic drive from Baguio City and could be a part of your itinerary if you’re tired of the usual sights found in the City Of Pines. It will surely add a distinct flavor to your usual Baguio trip because other than a variety of colorful flowers, which are Instagram-worthy, it also enlightens you about the rich farm culture of the locals which they have cultivated in their lands for many years. Should you be willing to experience what this stunning place has to offer, allow me to give you some deets to help you with your visit.

My Northern Blossom Travel Story

I was only on a weekend trip to Baguio City when I decided to see the Northern Blossom in November. My hands were full with the BenCab Museum, food trips, and the night market on Saturday that I thought it would be better to go for it on a Sunday. Other than the farm probably being packed with people on Saturday, I figured I wanted to see more of the BenCab Museum because I only got to marvel at it briefly during my first visit. I was staying in Ferrione Pension House which is ideally situated near the SM Mall, Burnham Park, and the supermarket so going around the city was less of a hassle.

After a few bottles of San Mig Lychee, I finally dozed off the night. I was feeling really tired because a few hours earlier, I was at the night market braving the cold and the unbelievable crowd while trying to get my hands on cheap jackets and t-shirts. At 3 AM, my alarm went off but I still didn’t feel like waking up yet so I went back to sleep. I was instantly woken up from my slumber when I caught a glimpse of the sun from my window. Despite the freezing temperature, I walked myself out of bed, showered, packed my stuff, and checked out of the hostel.

The clock said it was just six in the morning. I was hoping to hail a cab in front of the hostel but none passed by. After several minutes of waiting, I gave up and started walking towards the Dangwa Terminal. I didn’t know where it was exactly but according to Google, it was just 20 minutes away from where I was on foot. I stopped by Baguio Cathedral along the way and quickly sent a prayer to the heavens. Baguio City is quite peaceful with only a handful of people in the streets in the early morning. The sun shone brightly but its warmth barely chased the cold away. After 25 minutes of walking, I finally reached the Dangwa Terminal.

I immediately inquired for the earliest bus bound for Sagada or Bontoc. A bus was already in the queue to depart at 7 AM. I bought my ticket and boarded the bus. Last night, I planned to witness the sunrise in the Northern Blossom but that would no longer be possible since I woke up late. Still, I wanted to see what this jewel up north has to offer. The bus departed on time. I was seated at the back since all the other seats were already taken. Still enjoyed the 2-hour ride though, despite the occasional bumps, entertaining myself with the view of the Cordillera mountains.

I arrived in Atok after two hours. The first thing I did was to look for a place where I could use the loo. The cold could be a bother, especially for someone who’s got urinary tract problems and loves coffee too much. I also had myself a quick breakfast over fried rice, beef tapa, and sunny eggs at a local eatery. A few minutes after finishing my meal with a cup of warm coffee, I walked my way to the Northern Blossom. It was only five minutes away from where the bus dropped me earlier. There were not many people at the park so I got accommodated right away. After paying the fee at the reception, I was ushered to the garden gates and was assisted by one of the staff.

The tour began with echeveria plants formed in Yin and Yang. It was followed by a vast garden of Matthiola. Then, I went a couple of steps down to a garden of rose cabbages. After which, I was ushered to a greenhouse of colorful delphiniums and snapdragons consisting of pink, purple, blue, and red. Several steps down were the rice flowers and a few walks away were the sunflowers. I took the time to take photos in each spot. The staff was also very capable photographers and I need not worry about capturing the best moments.

A few more steps down and I found me in the viewing area where I have seen the formidable mountains of the Cordillera. When I was climbing my way up to the cafe, I discovered the least explored area of the farm where hydrangeas sprawled in different sizes and colors. I stayed there for a moment to hide from the scorching sun. A few minutes after, I finished my tour with a cup of freshly brewed coffee and biscuits.

How To Go To The Northern Blossom

From Manila – Ride a bus from Cubao/Pasay Station to Baguio City. I prefer riding Victory Liner (5-6 Hrs : P485/way) but you may also try Joy Bus for a more convenient trip (P750/way).

From Baguio – Ride a taxi to Dangwa Bus Terminal. Take the bus going to Sagada or Bontoc (2Hrs ; P80/way) and alight in Atok.

From Sagada – Ride a van or a bus going to Baguio City and alight in Atok (4Hrs ; P150/way).

Book a Bus

Useful Tips To Travel To The Northern Blossom

• The best time to visit the Northern Blossom is during springtime, from February to April. You can expect the flowers to be in full bloom at these times.
• The farm is open as early as 4 AM so you can go here to witness the sunrise. Since renting a cab can be very expensive, you can instead ride a Lizardo bus that departs Baguio at 3 AM.
• The entrance fee to the farm is P250 which already includes the tour guides and a snack at their humble cafe at the end of the tour.
• Tour guides are not assigned to each group. Instead, an attendant is assigned in each part of the farm who can assist you while you explore.
• Exploring inside the Northern Blossom is done by letting in one group of visitors (max of 5) at a time to avoid a crowd that could destroy the flowers and other plants.
• It is advisable to go to the farm in the early morning. Other than the flowers looking more magical in the dewy morning, you also might want to avoid the sun, which could get a bit unbearable later in the day.
• Wear comfy clothes and footwear appropriate in exploring the farm. Wear caps and bring an umbrella if you plan to explore from 9 AM onwards.
• Avoid going here on the weekends if you hate the crowd.
• Going back to Baguio from Atok is pretty easy since passenger vans are waiting at the town center. Fare is P120/person. You can also wait for the bus.
• If your way is to Sagada you can simply wait for the bus in the town center. Passenger vans are also an option.

Where To Stay

Baguio City is the best place to look for a place to stay if you plan to explore the Northern Blossom. I suggest you book your accommodation in advance since hostels/hotels there are normally packed on the weekends and peak seasons.

Budget Hotels

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Transient Houses For Groups/Families

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Budget, Itinerary & Other Essentials

There you have it lovelies! The Northern Blossom is an eye candy especially if you have a thing for gardening, beautiful landscapes, and colorful flowers. This place is also one of the best if you seek agricultural learning and understanding. Much suitable if you seek to be entertained by magnificent scenery. I hope you find this post useful. For questions, just drop them at the comments. Until next time. Ciao!