Visiting the Tam-awan Village, Baguio

27 November 2018

Tam-awan Village was our first destination on our 2nd Day in Baguio.  We wanted to see the reconstructed Ifugao houses in a natural setting.  

There were also a lot of art pieces made by local artists.  A cafe and art gallery are also in the premises.

It is located at 367 Long Long Benguet Rd, Baguio.  Entrance Fees are P60 for Adults and P40 for Students.

We weren't able to visit here during the first time we came to Baguio because it was a little out of the way.  But today, our accommodations were a bit closer so it's easier for us to reach Tam-awan Village.  On a side note, it's better to come early because there's hardly any parking space at the venue.  We had to park on the street quite near "The Farmer's Daughter" restaurant.  

Anyway, this was our first stop - the entrance where we got our tickets.  Tickets are P60 for adults and P40 for students.  They also gave us a map to help us navigate our way through the Village.  However, from my experience it wasn't really helpful and we made a few mistakes and had to go back on our tracks a few times.  

With the map, it's your choice where you want to go first.  Maybe you'd like to go from top to bottom or vice versa.  We actually just went where there were less people at the moment to get nice, clean shots :)

Wishing Pond

We checked out art pieces in the Ugnayan Gallery.

Ugnayan Gallery

We went inside the Bugnay Hut (Bugnay Gallery) with our shoes off.   It's a small hut so it can only accommodate maybe 2-3 people at a time.

These pieces stood out for me and Dana.

 Next was the Luccong Hut.

Luccong Hut

The aroma of freshly cooked dishes and savory coffee tantalizes your senses at the Tam-Awan Cafe.  But this caught my eye when I went to the toilet.  At first, I just saw the words and worried that I didn't understand what it meant.  Then my eyes focused on the image and boom! I knew where to go hehehe

From the restrooms, you'll pass the Dukligan Hut or the Fertility Hut and the Modern Hut.  Both were locked.  So, we headed up to the Gazebo.  The place may be difficult for the elderly because it involves a bit of hiking and at the time that we were there, the floor was muddy and slippery so it can be nerve-wracking to hike up stairs with no banisters especially if you're not wearing the proper shoes :)  Fortunately, we were all wearing rubber shoes, although there were times when they held no traction on the slippery slopes.

Granted, the view was spectacular.  The flora and fauna were growing wildly :)

After walking through lush foliage, we reached View Deck 1.  Had a bit of rest here.  It can be tiring walking up and down steep slopes :)

Spirit House

We would've gone up to the View Deck 2 but there was a guide near the path who told us that it's better for us not to head straight to the top because of the kids.  They may not make the trek because it was more muddy and slippery at the top.  They're limiting the visitors to more able-bodied people. 

So, we just headed down and saw the Dunsuan hut (not in picture) and this art piece was on the top from that incline.  It's imposing so you can't miss it ;)

The kids were excited to see the Bridge so we took pictures here :)

On the lower path, this "Reflect" mirrors are on the path down.  You can take a short cut through this path to head up.

Our next stop was the Souvenir Shop and Village Gallery where we saw an artist doing a portrait of a guest. 

These are other art pieces that you can't miss:

All in all, it took us about an hour to go around the place.  It could take longer if you were to go up to View Deck 2. 

It would have been nice if we'd seen some traditional cultural shows. 

Anyway, at least we were able to visit :)