One of the best ways to learn about a locality’s culture is to immerse yourself in the attractions that have shaped its people’s lives. With that in mind, we had the opportunity to visit one of Baguio City’s popular attractions, which was built in 2021 but quickly gained popularity. That alone piqued my curiosity about the place. A trip to Baguio City wouldn’t be complete without experiencing this attraction.
It was a Sunday when we visited the attraction, but we were hesitant to proceed with our plan because it was drizzling on our way to the park. We considered postponing our visit since the park is not sheltered and involves a lot of climbing. The road leading to the location was slippery, and the pathways inside the park were as well. However, as we arrived, the weather improved, and the drizzle stopped, so we decided to go ahead with our visit.
I was surprised to see so many tourists visiting the place despite the weather we were experiencing at the time.
Purchasing tickets is quite simple, as there is a ticket booth right before the park entrance. The ticket price for adults is PHP 130 (USD 2.24), while tickets for children and senior citizens are priced lower.
From the ticket booth, we entered the park right away, trying to take advantage of the brief moment when the weather cleared up. We were worried that it might start raining again since dark clouds were still hovering above us.
I noticed that most visitors often take photos of themselves between the golden statues before passing through the tunnel to enter the park’s main courtyard. Many people were queuing for this, and it’s not surprising why—it seems to be the only spot in the park with this particular theme.
Stepping into the courtyard felt like entering a whole new world, completely different from what I had seen from the road. It seemed secluded from the outside world, and standing at the center, I got a strong sense of being inside a fortress.
The space felt even larger as I took a 360-degree view of my surroundings. The stonework was consistent and absolutely incredible!
I noticed a unique icon that seemed to be the park’s most prominent feature—the white carabao, or water buffalo. It played a significant role in the park’s creation. According to the owner, he once saw a white carabao at this very spot. In local culture, such a sighting is believed to be a sign of good fortune and an indication to start a new venture. Taking it as a sign, the owner decided to build the Igorot Stone Kingdom!
The development of the park is still in progress, with some areas still under construction as it continues to expand. The completed sections of the stonework look incredibly impressive due to the consistency of the stone façade.
I learned that this craftsmanship is a specialty of builders from the Mountain Province region— a technique unique to this part of the country. This makes the Igorot Stone Kingdom exceptionally difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Another interesting activity for visitors here is renting traditional costumes and wearing them while exploring the park. It’s as if they are reliving the life of the indigenous people of the Mountain Province.
One of the main attractions in the park is crossing the Golden Bridge, which connects both sides of the park. What made it even more exciting was the moment I could touch the fog as it drifted through the park. The cold, misty air felt surreal, making the experience truly immersive.
The perfect snack after climbing through the Stone Kingdom is these fresh, vibrant strawberries. They are affordable and look both tangy and sweet!
Visiting the Igorot Stone Kingdom was an unforgettable experience, from its impressive stonework to the rich cultural significance behind its creation. The misty atmosphere, scenic views, and unique traditions made the journey even more special. If you ever find yourself in Baguio, this one-of-a-kind attraction is definitely worth exploring!
