Highest Point Philippine Highway System, Halsema Highway – Atok, Benguet

I enjoy stopovers, especially if I’m on a long trip. It couldn’t get any better if you’re on the Highest Point of the Philippine Highway System at daybreak. Whenever you pass by Halsema Highway, then you won’t miss this point.

As a part of our hiking event in Mt. Timbak and Mt. Tabayoc, we had our stopover here at Highest Point, in Atok, Benguet. It has an elevation of 7,400 ft above sea level.

 

 

While On the Road

Quite frankly, I couldn’t get a good sleep while in the jeep. Aside from the undeniable coldness, the coffee I had earlier have kicked in since we departed from Baguio past 3 in the morning. My eyes are shut but my mind is wide awake. Finally tired of pretending to be asleep, I took my light-capturing contraption and took my first glimpse of the sunrise.

 

 

The Stopover (around 6AM)

It didn’t took that long until we finally reach Highest Point. It wasn’t my first time setting my foot in this place but it is my first time to catch the sunrise here. The feeling is totally exhilarating!

 

This is the view deck located in the area. We were lucky because it was a clear sunny morning.

 

 

Our time for this stopover is limited so we only took as many photos as we can. We have to get to Mt. Timbak by 7AM. Hence, here were my shots:

 

 

 

And here is when I thought that my phone camera takes better pictures than my DSLR:

 

 

 

 

Here you’ll see a view of the mountain ranges, vegetable garden farms, and beautiful cloud formations (especially in the morning).

Break’s over. Off to Mt. Timbak.

 

Same Place, Different Time

Using a private transport, going here from Baguio is just around 1hr15mins to 1hr30mins trip. It was cloudy when we went there and we can barely see anything. And yes, the cold breeze goes through my thin jacket.