Philippines

Besao

Besao

Besao is a municipality located in the province of Mountain Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines. It is a pi…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Exploring with transit or a car
  • Hiking travelers
  • Cultural immersion travelers
  • Visiting in December to February
Recommended stay
3-5 days days
Best time
December to February
Walkability
Spread
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Besao is a strong pick for hiking & cultural immersion — plan about 3-5 days days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: December to February.

Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 75/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈17.8 km span)

9 Places to explore
3-5 days Recommended days
December to February Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: December to February

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: June · September · October

Weather

Cool

November

Rainy

June to October

Summer

March to May

How to get there

How to Reach Besao, Philippines

Besao is a beautiful municipality located in the province of Mountain Province, Philippines. Here are a few ways to reach Besao:

By Air:

The nearest major airport to Besao is the Loakan Airport in Baguio City, which is approximately 160 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Besao.

By Land:

If you are coming from Manila, you can take a bus bound for Bontoc, Mountain Province. Several bus companies operate daily trips to Bontoc. From Bontoc, you can hire a jeepney or van to reach Besao, which is around 15 kilometers away.

By Private Vehicle:

If you prefer to drive, you can take the NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) from Manila and continue on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway) until you reach Rosario, La Union. From there, you can take the Manila North Road (MNR) towards Baguio City. Once in Baguio, follow the road towards Bontoc until you reach Besao.

By Public Transportation:

Once you reach Besao, you can easily explore the municipality by hiring a tricycle or by walking, as it is a relatively small town. The locals are friendly and can provide directions to various attractions within Besao.

Enjoy your journey to Besao and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this charming municipality!

Getting to know Besao

Besao is a municipality located in the province of Mountain Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines. It is a picturesque town known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Situated in the heart of the Cordillera Mountains, Besao offers mesmerizing views of lush green valleys, terraced rice fields, and majestic mountains.

The town is primarily inhabited by the indigenous people of the Igorot tribe, specifically the Kankanaey and the Ibaloi. Their vibrant culture and traditions are still very much alive in Besao, and visitors can immerse themselves in traditional rituals, music, dances, and colorful festivals throughout the year.

One of the highlights of Besao is its traditional rice terraces, locally known as "payao." These terraces showcase the ingenuity and agricultural practices of the Igorot people, who have been cultivating rice in these mountains for centuries. The beautifully terraced fields provide a breathtaking backdrop and serve as a reminder of the town's agricultural roots.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Besao is also home to various trekking and hiking trails that allow visitors to explore its hidden gems. Adventurers can embark on a journey to the famous Mount Polis, where they can witness panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and experience the tranquility of nature.

Despite being a relatively small town, Besao offers a range of amenities for travelers, including cozy accommodations, local eateries serving traditional cuisine, and souvenir shops where visitors can find authentic handicrafts made by the local residents.

Overall, Besao is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique cultural experience, stunning natural beauty, and a chance to connect with the indigenous people of the Cordillera Mountains.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Pack comfortable hiking shoes
  • Try local delicacies like pinikpikan and etag
  • Respect the culture and traditions of the community
  • Bring a raincoat or umbrella during the rainy season
  • Capture the stunning landscapes with a good camera

Places worth exploring

9 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Besao?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days days in Besao, Philippines.

When is the best time to visit Besao?

High season is typically December to February.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Besao?

Travelers often find better value in June, September, October.

What kind of trip is Besao good for?

Besao suits Hiking, Cultural immersion, Nature exploration, Photography.

Is Besao walkable?

Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops.

Any local tips for Besao?

Pack comfortable hiking shoes

Build your trip

Add Besao and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.

Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Besao → Sagrada → Sagada · ≈7 km
  • Besao → Sagrada → Sagasa · ≈7 km
  • Besao → Sagasa → Sagrada · ≈7 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

Explore nearby

Nearby places worth adding to your trip

Sagada

Philippines

6.8 km · Best: November to February · 3-5 days days · Moderate

Sagada is a small town located in the Mountain Province of the Philippines. Situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, this i…

Sagasa

Philippines

6.8 km · Best: December to February · 5-7 days · Moderate

Sagasa is a small yet charming municipality located in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. Situated in the Bicol Region, this pictu…

Sagrada

Philippines

6.8 km · Best: December to February · 3-5 days days · Moderate

Sagrada Philippines is a breathtaking tourist destination situated in the heart of the Philippines. With its stunning natural beauty and ri…

Dalican

Philippines

11 km · Best: December to April · 5-7 days days · Moderate

Dalican is a small municipality located in the province of Maguindanao, Philippines. Situated in the heart of Mindanao, Dalican is known fo…

Tubo

Philippines

13 km · Best: December to May · 5-7 days days · Spread

Tubo is a small municipality situated in the province of Abra, Philippines. Located in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Tubo is nestle…

Tadian

Philippines

18 km · Best: December to February · 3-5 days days · Moderate

Tadian, a small municipality in the Mountain Province of the Philippines, is a hidden gem tucked away in the lush and scenic Cordillera mou…

Sadanga

Philippines

19 km · Best: December to February · 3-5 days days · Spread

Sadanga is a municipality located in the Mountain Province of the Philippines. It is nestled in the heart of the Cordillera mountain range…

Bauko

Philippines

20 km · Best: November to February · 3-5 days · Moderate

If you are a nature lover seeking a tranquil escape in the Philippines, look no further than Bauko. Nestled in the heart of the Cordillera…