ONE PERFECT DAY AT THIS UNDERRATED BENGUET GEM

Every time I go out of the country,” begins Ludette Y. Querubin, chairman of Mt. Camisong Property Management, Inc., “I have park envy.”

- By ANDREA PANALIGAN

While the country still has a long way to go in building green spaces, the Mt. Camisong Forest Park, which first opened its doors in February this year, offers a glimpse of what could be.Located in Itogon, Benguet, around a 30-minute car ride from Baguio City, the park is a sprawling 10 hectares of mountainside terrain where every structure was meticulously built to minimize impact on existing trees. Everything was built around nature; as a result, guests get to enjoy ample space and breathtaking views unlike anything this writer has had the fortune to witness before.

This December is the perfect time to visit as Mt. Camisong celebrates its first holiday season with “Marahuyong Pasko,” a month-long festival. The park is also extending its usual hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.: “So those who want to experience the sea of clouds at Alapaap as early as 6 a.m. may do so. Those who want to witness the twinkling lights of the park and the night sky may do so, too,” says Oliver A. Samala, president of Mt. Camisong Property Management Inc.

While we offer a guide to the park below, check Mt. Camisong’s social media at @mtcamisong for regular updates and any changes.

Beyond the breathtaking views of Benguet’s pine trees, Mt. Camisong Forest Park in Itogon boasts immersive local art, inspired dining and thoughtful leisure.

BEFORE YOU GO

• Keep in mind that the park is sustainable. This means there are no single-use plastics, including to-go bags, plastic water bottles, or plastic utensils and cups.

• Hydration stations will be everywhere. Because the park doesn’t sell water in plastic bottles, hydration stations are dotted around the park, so you can refill your own reusable bottle.