Igorot Stone Kingdom: What to Know + Insider Tips for Travellers

Baguio is famous for its cold weather and strawberry taho, but the Igorot Stone Kingdom has quickly become a massive staple for travelers. This sprawling cultural park showcases the incredible history and stone-stacking craftsmanship of the Cordilleran people. If you want to check out this massive hillside castle on your next weekend trip, here is a simple guide on what to expect.

Also read: Life in Baguio City: Here’s What It’s Really Like 

What we know about the Igorot Stone Kingdom in Baguio City

This massive attraction frequently goes viral on social media for its unique look. Surrounded by a thick pine forest, the park features hand-stacked stone structures built to mimic the look of traditional rice terraces. Visitors can follow paved walking paths all the way to the peak of the mountain. The outer walls look exactly like a medieval castle, giving the whole area a striking fantasy look.

Surrounded by tall trees, the massive Igorot-themed park contains stone structures that appear like stair-like rice terraces. Visitors can stroll through walking paths that lead them to the top of the kingdom, while encountering rocks that are arranged in heart-shaped patterns along the day. Interestingly, the design of the outer walls of the stone attraction resemble a medieval castle’s fortifications as well.

“The Igorot Stone Kingdom is a cultural revolution. This is meant to once and for all wipe away the misconceptions and disinformation about us the Igorots,” as mentioned on their Facebook page.

“We once had a culturally advanced Igorot Kingdom that was lost and forgotten. We are now reviving this culture to show the world who and what we are. We’re proud, we are the Igorots.”

Filipino travellers experience the ingenuity of Cordillerans

Video footage of the Igorot Stone Kingdom was also captured by Baguio resident and YouTube vlogger Dhenz Nazareno (ibagew Vlogs), who discovered the attraction while biking near the area. In his video, Nazareno states that the site is located a few metres away from Tam-awan Village, a reconstructed village with traditional Ifugao houses and art exhibits. Watch the full video below:

In November 2021, Filipino traveller Nicollo Lagmay visited the site, which was then already open to tourists.

“I learned that the Igorot Stone Park is based on the tale of Sab-angan, an Igorot kingdom thought to have existed thousands of years ago,” Lagmay shared with TripZilla Philippines.

“Its owner, Pio Velasco, says the park is a symbol of both new and old Igorot culture. It also honours his Igorot mother, Rita ‘Rosing’ Gal Velasco, whom he regarded as a strong and patient woman.”

“The stone walls of the Igorot Stone Kingdom are inspired by the rice terraces of Batad in Banaue. Made of riprap with only stones or boulders interlaced, the walls are unconventional as they only use cement as a topper for strengthening,” he continues.

Also read: Should Travellers Visit Baguio During COVID-19? These Locals Say ‘No’

Know before you go

The Igorot Stone Kingdom is open daily, from 6am to 6pm. Entrance costs ₱100 for adults; and ₱80 for senior citizens and children from four to 12 years old. Toddlers three years old and below can enter for free. Parking is also available for free.

As of February 2022, walk-ins are allowed. However, all visitors must follow the standard health and safety protocols. Wear a mask and keep social distancing at all times.

How to get to the Igorot Stone Kingdom

To get to the Igorot Stone Kingdom from downtown Baguio, you can take any of the following modes of transportation:

1. Via car or taxi: Pin its address, 362 Longlong Road, Pinsao Proper. Taking a taxi from the city centre will cost you around ₱80.

2. Via jeepney: From the Otek Street terminal near Good Taste Restaurant in Burnham Park, ride a jeepney bound for Tacay-Longlong. You can also find a Long-long or Tam-Awan bound jeepney from Kayang Street. A one-way jeepney ride will cost you ₱20.

Tips for travellers who want to visit

Lagmay shares tips based on his experience visiting the attraction.

• Wear comfortable sneakers. The terrain is very steep and consists entirely of stone stairs.

• Arrive early in the morning to beat the tourist crowds and avoid the afternoon fog.

• Follow the leave no trace policy by throwing your trash in the proper bins.

• Check out the on-site cafe for local Cordilleran dishes like pinikpikan or kinuday after your climb.

• Keep your pets on a leash if you bring them inside.

Quotes were edited for clarity, style, and flow. All images credited to Nicollo Lagmay and Neil Armstrong Ymana.