French
Deutsch
Bokod is a municipality in the province of Benguet, Philippines.
Understand
[edit | edit source]Located at the upper reaches of the Agno River, along the boundary with Nueva Vizcaya, Bokod is a quiet town in the Luzon Cordilleras. It is inhabited by indigenous Ibaloi, Kalanguya and Karao tribes.
Get in
[edit | edit source]Bokod is along the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road. However, the highway bypasses the downtown, which is instead connected through a road in Barangay Ambuklao that leads north to Kabayan and Buguias. There are bus, van and jeepney connections to the town from Baguio. Travel time takes roughly two hours. On the Cagayan Valley side, there are less frequent services running from Nueva Vizcaya and Santiago City in Isabela on their way to Baguio.
Get around
[edit | edit source]There are tricycles in town, but a 4WD or any vehicle suitable for mountain roads is best used. Most attractions in town are accessible following extended hikes.
See
[edit | edit source]
The main draw in town is the Mount Purgatory trail, a 24 kilometres (15 mi) route that incorporates mossy forests and six of the town's major peaks along the boundary with Kayapa in Nueva Vizcaya.
- 1 Mount Purgatory (Mount Pangisi), Karao. A 2,210 metres (7,250 ft) high peak named because hikers during the American period compared their experience of climbing it as such.
- 2 Mount Pack (Mount Banshila), Karao. A second-highest peak in the Mount Purgatory trail, at 2,310 metres (7,580 ft). It is named after an American governor.
- 3 Mount Komkompol, Karao. A peak with roughly the same height as Mount Pack.
- 4 Mount Tangbaw, Karao. The highest peak in the Mount Purgatory trail, at 2,325 metres (7,628 ft).
- 5 Mount Mangagew, Poblacion. A 1,705 metres (5,594 ft) peak. It is the first accessible mountain along the Mount Purgatory trail and is home to an indigenous Ibaloi community.
- 6 Mount Bakian, Karao. A peak with an indigenous village, campsite and cottage accommodation.
- 7 Mount Purgatory Jump-Off Point, Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road, Sitio Japas, Bobok-Bisal (near the Iglesia ni Cristo). The starting point for the Mount Purgatory trail, set inside a pine grove.
Other attractions
[edit | edit source]- 8 Ambuklao Dam, Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road, Ambuklao. A massive hydroelectric complex built in 1956 to control the waters of the Agno River. There is a viewdeck on site.
- 9 Badekbek Sulfur Spring (Daclan Sulfur Spring), Daclan. A sulfurous spring featuring boiling mineral-rich waters and mud.
- 10 Bokod View Deck, Bokod-Buguias Road, Poblacion. A small shed with commanding views over downtown Bokod.
Do
[edit | edit source]Buy
[edit | edit source]All transactions are in cash. There are no banks or ATMs in town.
Eat
[edit | edit source]There are basic roadside eateries along Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road.
Drink
[edit | edit source]There are basic roadside eateries that sell coffee along Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road. Many barangays rely on natural springs for their drinking water.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]There are a few homestays in town.
Stay safe
[edit | edit source]Accidents and landslides are common along the mountain roads, with the danger compounded by low or nonexistent guard rails and fog. Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition.
Registration is mandatory for would-be trail hikers, with the required fees to be paid at the municipal hall. The hiking season runs during the dry season from November to May. While Benguet is often known for its cool weather, do not underestimate the effects of heat and exhaustion while climbing, especially as many of the slopes are directly exposed to sunlight.
- 1 Bokod Municipal Hall, Bokod-Buguias Road, Poblacion (in front of the parish church). 8AM–5PM.
Connect
[edit | edit source]The town’s postal code is 2605.
Go next
[edit | edit source]| Routes through Bokod |
| Baguio ← Itogon ← | W  E | → Kayapa → Aritao |