The Halsema Highway runs through the Cordillera mountains from Baguio to Bontoc, in Mountain Province. It passes vegetable terraces on the way, and it leads on toward Sagada and Banaue. It is one of the hardest rides on this site.
The ride
The highway is 150 km long. Its highest point is 2,255.52 m above sea level, in the town of Atok, Benguet. Both figures are from Wikipedia. That is the highest point on the Philippine highway system. We have no reliable figure for the total climbing, so we give none.
For scale, Baguio stands at 1,500 m and has a mean annual temperature of 18.3°C, according to PAGASA, the national weather agency. You start high, in cool air, and go higher.
We rate this ride hard, and for most riders it is very hard. It is usually ridden over two or more days. Plan your overnight stops before you leave, and do not try it until long climbs elsewhere feel routine.
Good to know
- December to May are the drier months, following the national weather pattern.
- It is cold at altitude. Carry a jacket, full-finger gloves and something dry to change into.
- Check road conditions with local authorities before you set out, most of all after heavy rain.
- The highway is an open road. Use lights front and rear, and take the bends with care.
- Check your brake pads and tires before the trip. Long descents are hard on brakes.
- Carry food, water and cash, and do not count on finding shops between towns.
Getting to Baguio
One of the roads up to Baguio is Kennon Road, which is 33.534 km long. We could not confirm whether it is open to cyclists at present, so check locally before you plan to ride up it. If you bring the bike to Baguio by bus, ask the operator about bicycles before you book.