Information about Mt. Timbak

Mt. Timbak

With an elevation of 2717 MASL, Mt. Timbak in Benguet is the 3rd highest peak in Luzon and the 9th highest in the Philippines.  Its major jumpoff point is at KM 55, Atok, Benguet and is easily accessible from the Philippines’ Summer Capital of Baguio City. Mt. Timbak is also known with its other name of Mt. Singakalsa and is usually done as part of the “Luzon 3-2-1”, wherein hikers take on Luzon’s top three highest peaks (Pulag, Tabayoc, Timbak) in one hike.

Sea of Clouds

While Mt. Pulag has gained much popularity not just being the country’s highest peak but also for witnessing the “sea of clouds” in the summit, Mt. Timbak is also gaining fame among hikers and tourists for this natural spectacle. There is no definite time as to when these cloud formations rolling and sweeping across the mountain ranges form but if they do, consider yourself among the lucky ones. 

The hike is approximately 6 kilometers on paved concrete road. Hikers will be greeted by views of vast vegetable patches or terraces and majestic views of other Cordillera mountains such as Mt. Amuyao, Mt. Ugo, and Mt. Kalawitan. Three crosses are mounted at the summit of Mt. Timbak, hence it is also referred to as “mini Calvary” among hikers.

Other Attractions

One of Timbak’s esteemed spots is the Timbak Burial Caves, known to house mummies. The Ibalois people of the region showed respect to their elders by doing this traditional burial ceremony. The corpses are referred to as Fire Mummies because they were set on fire to be preserved. No picture-taking is allowed once inside the burial caves.

Not far away from Mt. Timbak is the Northern Blossom Farm in Atok, Benguet, a two-hectare flower farm that is best known for its rose cabbages, sunflowers, and other flower varieties carpeting mountainsides, with the mighty Mt. Pulag as its backdrop.