THE BEAUTY OF ATOK

The beauty of ATOK <3

MUNICIPAL HALL OF ATOK

History (source: wikipedia)

Spanish period

The area of Atok was previously referred to by the natives and Spanish colonizers as Chontog, an Ibaloi word for "mountainous". Spanish military officials and missionaries arrived at Chontog in 1892, establishing precedencias (tax collection stations) in the area and its surrounding settlements.

The Ibaloi phrase Nay patok shi Chontog, which means "on the mountain top", was later shortened to Atok.

American period

During the American rule, Atok was established as one of the 19 townships of the province of Benguet, upon the issuance of Act No. 48 by the Philippine Commission on November 22, 1900.

On August 13, 1908, Benguet was established as a sub-province of the newly created Mountain Province with the enactment of Act No. 1876. As a result, six townships of Benguet were abolished, but Atok remained a constituent town of Benguet sub-province.

World War II

During the Second World War, Atok was the scene of fierce pitch battles between the military forces of the 1st, 2nd, 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, 1st Constabulary Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary, the USAFIP-NL 66th Infantry Regiments, the Igorot and Cordilleran guerrilla fighters and the Japanese Imperial Army forces. The steep terrain along the Halsema road suited Filipino troops, the Philippine Commonwealth military, and guerrillas to mount ambushes against the Japanese forces. One of these battles took place in what is now “Guerrilla Saddle” located at km. 26, in barangay Caliking.

Post-war era

On June 25, 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Executive Order No. 42 converting eight (8) of the thirteen (13) towns (designated as municipal districts) of Benguet into regular municipalities. Atok was among them.

On June 18, 1966, the sub-province of Benguet was separated from the old Mountain Province and was converted into a regular province. Atok remained to be a component municipality of the newly established province.

HOW?

From Sagada

Board a bus headed for Baguio. This can be found in front of the Sagada Church, which is along the main road. Keep in mind that the last bus to leave Baguio is at 1 pm.

Ask the driver to drop you off in Sayangan if you want to spend the night in Atok. If you just want a day hike, have the driver drop you off at KM 55 where you can start your hike or meet with a guide.

From Baguio

The famous half tunnel along halsema highway in Atok Photo by: www.cebucycling.com

Atok is approximately a 2 hour-drive from Baguio City (depending on traffic situation), you could ride using vans and buses. When riding vans it will cost you 120.00, the van station is at Km.5, La Trinidad, Shell Gas Station. When riding bus, the bus station is at Slaughter Compound, Baguio City. You can ride buses bound to Bontoc, Sagada or besao.

TOURIST SPOTS <3

Northern Blossom

• Entrance Fee: P250 (plus P20 registration fee)

Northern Blossom Flower Farm is the most famous destination in Atok, Benguet. Photos of their flowers went viral on social media back in 2018. Since then, the flower farm has been opened to the public. They are well known for their rose cabbages.If you love flowers, this place is a must-visit!

Haight’s Place (Sakura Park)

• Maintenance Fee: P80 (plus P20 registration fee)

Back in 2016, around 36 sakura trees were planted in Paoay, Atok in the land owned by the Haight Clan. In around 5 to 10 years, the trees would be mature. Now, you can still get a glimpse of the sakura flowers when the trees bloom around February to April. However, there are only a few flowers. While waiting for the trees to grow, Haight’s Place have planted cosmos flowers creating a field of pink/purple field of flowers! It’s a sight to see!

Lourdes Grotto

• Entrance Fee: Free

Lourdes Grotto in Atok, Benguet is a big rock formation. You can climb to the top and get a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and vegetable farms in the municipality. This is the best spot for sunset viewing!

Half Tunnel

• Entrance Fee: Free

When going to Atok, Benguet from Baguio, you’ll pass by a half tunnel before reaching Sayangan. It’s quite a sight so be sure to keep your eyes open.

Spanish Trail

The Spanish trail was called as such because of its construction during the Spanish period. Now, the trail has been divided into two because of a big obstruction inside the trail.

 Highest Point

• Entrance Fee: Free

Highest Point is apparently the highest point in the Philippines’ highway system. However, in 2019, it was declared that the highest point is now in Mount Gui’ngaw along the Kiangan-Tinoc-Buguias road

Tours

After visiting Northern Blossom Flower Farm, you can go to the Paoay Brgy Hall to avail of the following packages:

Circuit I

Price: P1,200 (good for 5 persons)

Places to visit:

• Sakura Park (Haight’s Place)
• 2nd Highest Point
• Lourdes Grotto

Circuit 2

Price: P1,800 (good for 5 persons)

Places to visit:

• Sakura Park (Haight’s Place)
• 2nd Highest Point
• Lourdes Grotto
• Mt Timbak

Circuit 3

Price: P3,500 (good for 5 persons)

Places to visit:

• Sakura Park (Haight’s Place)
• 2nd Highest Point
• Lourdes Grotto
• Mt Timbak
• Spanish Trail

If you want to visit Northern Blossom Flower Farm after the tour, you can ask your guide to drop you off there.

Where to Stay

Haight’s Place

• Contact: (09099253005) Catherine or (09095409059) Eddie

There are three rooms and one cabin you can book for an overnight stay. Each room can accommodate 4 to 6 persons and has its own mini kitchen and hot shower.

You can also camp. Just bring your own tents and sleeping bags.

• Good for 4pax – P3500
• Good for 6pax – P4500
• Kubo – P3500 with kitchen, toilet and bath, mattress on the floor
• Camping (if with own tent) – P100 head
• Tent Rentals – P500 plus P100/ head

Northern Blossom

• Contact: 0908 151 3368

If you want to spend the night, Northern Blossom has several transient houses and rooms that you can book.

• Good for 2 persons – P1,500
• Good for 3 persons – P1,800
• Good for 8 persons (2 rooms, and 1 toilet & bath) – P3,000
• Good for 8 to 10 persons ( 3 rooms, 1 toilet & bath, living room, and kitchen) – P3,500
• Good for 8 to 10 persons (4 rooms, 2 toilets & bath, kitchen, and living room) – P4,000

Others

You can also contact the Atok Tourist Information Center (09465147799 and 09301892757) for places to stay in Atok.

Where to Eat

I’d recommend Ricken Star. This is one of the most common van/bus stops when traveling around Halsema Highway. Their food is really tasty.

There are also several restaurants you can find in the town.

Responsible Travel Tips

When traveling to one place, make sure you practice responsible tourism. Here are some tips to do so.

1. Respect the environment

Don’t litter. Please hold onto your trash until you find a garbage can.

2. Avoid single-use plastic

Bring your eco bag and refuse single-use plastic.

3. Shop local

Keep the traditional crafts alive and support local artisans. Buy from them. And try not to haggle, P20 may seem small to you but it can mean a lot to them.

4. Always ask permission

Be sure to ask for permission first when taking photos or videos especially when it comes to children.

What to Pack for Atok

• Eco-friendly Reusable Water Bottle
• Thick Jacket
• T-shirts, a nice top, and a long-sleeved shirt
• Power Adapter
• Packing Cubes
• Eco bag
• Microfiber Towel
• Travel Insurance
• sneakers, hiking shoes (if you’re planning to hike) and some flats
• reusable straw and reusable bag (no to single-use plastic!)     

watch the video below for more informations!

THANK YOU! <3

BY:

  RIMANDO, THREXCIA ANNE

  BANISA, JU-ANN

NOTE:

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