Benguet

Kabayan, Benguet

A Living Highland Tapestry of Culture and Nature

PUBLISHED November 17, 2016

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

Visiting Kabayan, Benguet feels like stepping into a highland world where nature, history, and culture intertwine. The serene peaks of Mount Pulag, the quiet lakes, and the profound legacy of the Ibaloi Fire Mummies make every moment feel both reflective and adventurous. Walking through mummy caves or exploring the highland trails, it’s easy to appreciate the depth of community traditions, the resilience of local culture, and the remarkable beauty of Benguet’s mountains. Every detail—from ancient rituals to pine forests—adds a layer to the story that lingers long after leaving.

Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Kabayan, Benguet with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!

Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Kabayan, Benguet. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.

Geography and Overview

Kabayan, Benguet is a fourth-class municipality in the Cordillera Administrative Region of northern Luzon, Philippines. Covering roughly 242.69 km² of mountainous terrain, it is home to around 15,000 residents across 13 barangays, including Adaoay, Bashoy, Pacso, and Población (Central). Bordered by Buguias to the north, Hungduan, Ifugao to the east, Bokod to the south, and Atok to the west, Kabayan’s highland location brings cool climate, steep slopes, and breathtaking vistas that define the region’s landscape.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.

Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.

ABOVE: Kabayan offers access to Mount Pulag National Park, where visitors can see the “sea of clouds,” trek the third highest peak in the Philippines, and enjoy panoramic views of hills, forests, and meadows.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The town is a key seat of Ibaloi culture, one of the Indigenous peoples of the Cordilleras, where ancestral traditions, community rites, and respect for nature are deeply rooted. Kabayan, Benguet is most renowned for the Fire Mummies, centuries-old bodies preserved using herbs, salt, heat, and smoke. These Ibaloi mummies are housed in Timbac Cave, Opdas Cave, and Tinongchol Burial Rock, with some caves containing scores of ancient remains. Recognized as Philippine National Cultural Treasures, these sites are now actively preserved and monitored by the National Museum of the Philippines, ensuring the protection of artifacts and local heritage.

ABOVE: On the roadside in Kabayan, Benguet, you’ll find a breathtaking view of the majestic mountains and the iconic rice terraces, a common sight in the town.

Natural Landscape and Biodiversity

Kabayan shares jurisdiction over Mount Pulag, the third highest peak in the Philippines at approximately 2,926 m. Known for the Sea of Clouds sunrise views, pine forests, mossy woodlands, and highland grasslands, Mount Pulag attracts mountaineers and nature enthusiasts alike. The area is home to rare flora and fauna, found only at high elevations, making it a prime location for eco-tourism and biodiversity observation.

In addition to Mount Pulag, Kabayan features scenic lakes such as Lake Tabeo and other bodies collectively called the 4 Great Lakes of Kabayan, framed by lush forests and mountain slopes. The Agno River Valley runs through the broader region, historically significant for indigenous communities and ecological richness.

Cultural Sites and Museums

The Kabayan Museum preserves ancient artifacts, exhibits on Ibaloi death rituals, plants used in mummification, and other cultural items. Currently under renovation with government funding, the museum aims to enhance preservation and provide interpretation for tourists and researchers.

ABVOVE: On the roadside in Kabayan, Benguet, enjoy a breathtaking view of the majestic mountains and the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Local Traditions and Festivals

Kabayan celebrates traditional festivals rooted in Ibaloi culture, such as Bendian dance festivals and eco-tourism events, which highlight community customs through music, dance, and social gatherings. Rituals like paanak, or offerings, and communal feasts reflect longstanding cultural practices, showing the enduring connection between the community and their ancestors.

ABOVE: Set in the scenic highlands of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Kabayan, Benguet charms visitors with its vibrant cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and notable historical sites.

Economy and Livelihood

The town’s economy is primarily agricultural, producing rice (including aromatic and red rice varieties), Arabica coffee, vegetables, and lumber products. Agriculture is complemented by cultural heritage tourism, creating sustainable livelihoods while supporting the preservation of local traditions.

Challenges and Conservation

The mummy caves face threats from natural deterioration, looting, and vandalism before protection measures were in place. Local authorities, national agencies, and international groups continue efforts to balance heritage preservation with community welfare.

Kabayan, Benguet is far more than a highland municipality—it’s a living tapestry of culture, history, and nature. From the mysteries of the Ibaloi mummies to the panoramic ridges of Mount Pulag, and from tranquil lakes to enduring traditions, every layer of Kabayan resonates with depth and authenticity.

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Geography and Overview

Historical and Cultural Significance

Natural Landscape and Biodiversity

Cultural Sites and Museums

Local Traditions and Festivals

Economy and Livelihood

Challenges and Conservation

LOCATIONS PROVINCES

ARCHITECTURE HERITAGE

CHURCHES FAITH

NATURAL & MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

LOCATIONS
PROVINCES

ARCHITECTURE
HERITAGE

CHURCHES
FAITH

NATURAL & MAN-MADE
ATTRACTIONS

FESTIVALS &
EVENTS