The Stunning Northern Blossom of Atok Benguet

It is not always that one gets to see a mountain slope that is covered with all sorts of flowers, some of them I can't even pronounce, but what a stunning view it is.  I instantly thanked the Creator for giving humans such lovely forms of nature upon seeing that breathtaking sight.  This is what welcomes guests upon arriving at Northern Blossom up in the mountain of Atok, Benguet.  

Location of  Northern Blossom:

Northern Blossom is located up in Barangay Sayangan, in Atok, Benguet, along the Halsema Highway.   Halsema is that highway that you'd come out of Baguio through until the Municipality of Atok.

It is a particularly great ride if your favorite cruising songs are playing in the background and you are overlooking a tranquil mountainside in the early morning with faint sunrise lighting up the early dawn.  And the cold morning breeze envelopes your face...you'd wish the journey would be neverending.

Entrance Fee to Northern Blossom:

Adults - P250 - inclusive of brewed native coffee and cookie upon exiting the flower farm

Senior citizens - P200

Children - P50  (6 to 10 y/o)

There is an additional P20 for environmental fee.

The management tries to control the number of guests, so each group is asked to wait in a waiting room, until there is a group that has left.  Each group is given an assistant that will provide information regarding the flowers and also take photos,  if by chance you don't like selfies.

  

One of the flowers or plants that I saw is the cabbage rose.  There is a wide, wide part of the flower farm devoted to the cabbage rose.  I think it is a popular centerpiece or table decor for events like weddings or other forms of parties.   And they are edible too.  Incidentally, cabbage roses belong to the succulent and cactus family.  

Northern Blossom Flower Farm has a long history of farming and selling cut flowers.   Most of their products have been used in the wedding of some of the prominent personalities in the Philippines like the wedding of Dingdong Dantes to Marian Rivera and Senator Chiz Escudero to Heart Evangelista. 

Brief History of Northern Blossom

The owner, Lany Ganayan, runs the Northern Blossom flower shop in Dangwa bus station.  A year ago, she decided to open to the public their farm in Atok because travelers would often stop over to enjoy the view of the carpet of flowers covering the mountain slopes.    

Today, Northern Blossom has become the mecca of people who appreciate flowers and grow flowers.

How to Get to Northern Blossom: 

The most logical take off point would be Baguio City Dangwa Bus Station.  From there, you may take the bus going to Sagada/Ambasing, Bontoc, Besau via Sagada.  These routes will all pass by Northern Blossom.  If you take an ordinary bus or A/C, the trip which is 1.5 hours will cost P75 to 85.  

Schedule and Time of Operation

Tuesday to Sunday -  6 a.m.  to 4:30 p.m.

Northern Blossom is closed during lunch break which is: 

11:30 to 1:00 p.m.

 

Useful info in going to Northern Blossoms: 

1.  Do travel before sunrise to avoid the sun when you go around the farm.  If you arrive after sunrise, it gets really hot and warm, so be ready with shades, sunblock, drinking water, etc.   

2.   Succulents and other cacti are available on the farm and neighboring stores for as low as P20.  

I bought 10 items and got 1 for free.    

3.   Prenups and drone flying will require permission and additional fee.

4.  Wear comfortable footwear as you will be doing a lot of walking, exploring, stepping down and stepping up as you move around the farm.  

5. Try to finish your trip at least by 3 pm to avoid getting stuck in traffic going back to Baguio.  

6.  Transportation going back to Baguio can be found at the drop off point and also at Marosan eatery.

Have fun and enjoy the scenery!!!