Things To Do
in Tublay
Tublay is a highland municipality in Benguet province, perched in the Cordillera region with cool, breezy air and lush green surroundings. It blends agricultural life, pine forests, and scenic hilltop views that seem to slow time down. The area serves as a gateway to rural Cordillera experiences while remaining within reach of nearby towns like La Trinidad and Baguio.
Visitors can enjoy quiet mornings, dramatic sunrises over rolling hills, and welcoming local communities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Tublay and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a breakfast featuring local delicacies to kickstart your adventure. Meet with a local guide who will introduce you to the area and provide insights into the culture and history of Tublay.
Spend your afternoon exploring the town center and visiting the Baguio Bontoc Road for scenic views. Stop by local artisan shops to see traditional crafts and souvenirs. Afterward, have a leisurely lunch at a nearby eatery and try some local dishes.
As evening falls, stroll through the town and enjoy the cool mountain air. Dine at a local restaurant while savoring authentic Filipino cuisine. Conclude your day by gathering around a bonfire, sharing stories with fellow travelers.
Start your day with an invigorating breakfast before heading out into the picturesque nature trails of Tublay. As you hike, take in the lush natural surroundings and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including a variety of bird species.
Continue your journey with a guided tour to the nearby waterfalls where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Have a packed lunch at a scenic spot, relishing the sounds of nature. Capture stunning photographs of the breathtaking landscapes around you.
Return to Tublay and unwind at your accommodation, sharing the day's experiences with fellow travelers. Enjoy a delicious dinner, focusing on regional flavors and ingredients. As night falls, take in the stars, away from city lights, for a serene end to your adventurous day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Cup of coffee/tea | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Budget lodging (per night) | $15-40 |
| 🚌Public transportation fare | $0.50-2 |
| 🧺Souvenir item | $2-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cool climate and scenic highland landscapes
- Warm, welcoming communities and easy access to nearby attractions
- Rich agriculture and opportunities for farm visits and fresh produce
- Limited nightlife and amenities within Tublay itself
- Winding mountain roads can be slow and challenging in rain
- Healthcare facilities are more ample in nearby Baguio; plan for major needs there
- "Naimbag nga aldaw" - Good day
- "Agyamanak" - Thank you
- "Mabalin kadi ti tulong?" - Could you please help me?
- "Wen" - Yes
- "Saan" - No
Places to Visit in Tublay
Visit one of these nice places.
A high-elevation viewpoint along the main road offering sweeping Cordillera panoramas, especially dramatic at sunrise.
Fields framed by distant mountains; late afternoon light or early morning mist creates soft, colorful compositions.
A shaded, winding road through pine stands with morning fog and emerging sunbeams for moody landscape shots.
Food in Tublay
Tublay Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Cordillera specialty: smoked or cured meat often served with rice and fresh vegetables, reflecting the highland farming heritage.
Must-Try!
A vegetable-forward dish featuring local greens and squash, seasoned with a modest amount of bagoong (fermented fish paste) when available.
Dishes that showcase the region’s harvests, such as sautéed greens, squash, and beans, commonly found in local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for fresh produce, herbs, eggs, and regional snacks; excellent for sampling street bites and buying supplies for day trips.
Mobile snack carts and small stalls offering banana cue, boiled corn, fish balls, and local fried treats—great for a quick bite on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Offer a polite greeting when meeting locals; address elders with deference and avoid raising your voice in public spaces.
Ask permission before photographing people or private farms; some households or communities may prefer not to be photographed.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or small settlements; keep noise levels down in residential areas and dispose of trash properly.
Safety
Tipping in Tublay
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving small tips (5–10%) for good service is common. Taxi drivers and tour guides may appreciate a tip for longer trips.
Cash (Philippine Peso) is widely accepted in markets and small establishments. Major credit/debit cards are more common in larger restaurants and hotels, with ATMs available in towns like La Trinidad and nearby Baguio.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with sunny days and cool nights. Great for long hikes and outdoor photography; occasional afternoon showers can occur, so carry a light rain layer.
June through September brings frequent rains and potential landslides on mountain roads. Start early, check road conditions, and bring waterproof gear.
November through February brings cooler temperatures, with chilly nights and misty mornings. Layered clothing is essential; frost is rare but fog can limit visibility.
Tublay at Night
Hiking in Tublay
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular nearby trek offering expansive valley views and a rewarding highland experience.
A shorter, scenic ridge hike through pine and scrub with forested sections and broad valley vistas.
Airports
How to reach Tublay by plane.
Major international airport serving Northern Luzon; usual gateway to the region with road connections to Tublay taking several hours depending on traffic.
Main international hub in Manila; from there, land travel to Tublay typically takes several hours via road or bus via the North Luzon Expressway.
Small airport serving light domestic flights; travel typically requires a drive to larger hubs like CRK or MNL for most services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous groups contributing to the cultural tapestry of Benguet, with distinct languages and traditions alongside Ilocano and Filipino-speaking residents.
Families involved in vegetable farming, strawberry production, and market trade that sustains rural livelihoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in schools, towns, and informal courts; a common community pastime.
Pleasant due to the cool climate and scenic terrain; popular among locals and visitors seeking day trips.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tublay.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy a variety of fresh vegetable dishes, beans, and rice. When eating out, ask for dishes with no bagoong or meat stock, and look for fresh veggie options or mushroom-based dishes.