Northern Blossoms Flower Farm: A Guide to Visiting and Exploring the Farm
Northern Blossoms Flower Farm in Atok, Benguet, is a stunning flower plantation that covers 2 hectares of land. The farm is a family-owned business that opened its doors in 2018 and has since become a popular tourist destination.
The farm is filled with various flowers, such as different colors of snapdragons, larkspurs, rice flowers, Matthiola, cabbage roses, and more. The flowers are planted in wide rolling fields that provide a picturesque view of the surrounding mountains. The farm is situated along the Halsema Highway, known for its breathtaking scenery and cool climate.
Visitors can take a tour of the farm, which takes about an hour, and enjoy the beauty of the flowers. The Northern Blossoms Flower Farm is a must-visit destination for flower enthusiasts and nature lovers.
History and Background
Northern Blossoms Flower Farm is a family-owned business located in Atok, Benguet. Mellany Ganayan and her husband, who manage the farm and a flower shop business in Dimasalang, Metro Manila, own the farm. Since most of their flowers are rare, their shop has catered to many flower arrangement stylists who want to create unique and stunning arrangements.
The Northern Blossoms Flower Farm opened its doors in 2018. It covers 2 hectares of land along Halsema Highway and is becoming a top tourist attraction in the region. The farm is known for its rose cabbage plantation and several other colorful flowers.
The farm started as a small venture, with only a few plots of land and a handful of employees. However, as the business grew, the owners expanded their operations and invested in more land and equipment. Today, the farm is a thriving business that provides employment opportunities to the local community and attracts tourists worldwide.
At Northern Blossoms Flower Farm, they are committed to sustainable farming practices. They use organic fertilizers and pesticides to ensure the flowers are healthy and safe for consumption. They also employ local farmers and workers, providing them fair wages and benefits.
Location and Accessibility
Atok, Benguet is home to Northern Blossoms Flower Farm, a two-hectare farm with many flowers and a stunning view of the mountains. This section will discuss how to get to the farm by bus or car.
Getting There by Bus
If you’re coming from Baguio City, you can take a bus or a van to Atok. Two terminals ply the Baguio-Sagada or Baguio-Bontoc route: one in Baguio Center Mall and one in Barangay Slaughterhouse on Magsaysay Avenue. You can take a Victory Liner bus from Cubao or Pasay to Baguio City and then transfer to a bus or a van to Atok. The bus or van ride fare is around PHP 100-150.
Once you arrive in Atok, you can take a van to Northern Blossoms Flower Farm in Sayangan. The van ride fare is around PHP 100-150. You can also use the Waze app to navigate your way to the farm.
Driving Directions
If you’re driving from Baguio City, you can take the Halsema Highway to Atok. The drive takes about two hours. Once you reach Atok, follow the signs to Northern Blossoms Flower Farm in Sayangan.
If you’re coming from Manila, you can take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) to Baguio City. From Baguio City, you can follow the driving directions mentioned above.
Admission Details
Northern Blossoms Flower Farm aims to provide our visitors with a memorable experience that is both enjoyable and informative. This section will provide you with all the essential details regarding admission to our farm.
Entrance Fees
Our entrance fees are as follows:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular | P250 |
| Senior/PWD | P200 |
| Kids | 0-5 years old – free / 6-10 years old – P50 |
The entrance fee includes a snack after the tour, which consists of a muffin and unlimited coffee. Please note that Northern Blossoms Flower Farm is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly. Our operating hours are from 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, with a lunch break from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
Guide Services
We highly recommend availing of our guide services to fully appreciate the beauty of our flower farm. Their knowledgeable guides will take you on a farm tour and provide information about our different flower varieties. The guide fee is P200 per group, and we also have environmental fees of P20 per person.
Please note that the guide services are subject to availability, so please book in advance to ensure that you have a guide during your visit. They also have separate fees for photography and videography, so please inquire with our staff if you plan to take photos or videos during your visit.
Floral Attractions
Northern Blossoms Flower Farm is home to a wide variety of rare and exotic flowers you won’t find anywhere else. This section will highlight some of our signature flowers and seasonal blooms that make our flower farm a must-visit attraction.
Signature Flowers
Some of our signature flowers include:
- Roses: They have various roses, including cabbage roses, known for their large, full blooms and pastel colors.
- Sunflowers: Their sunflowers are a sight to behold, with their large, bright yellow petals that can grow up to 12 inches in diameter.
- Hydrangeas: Our hydrangeas come in various colors, including pink, blue, and purple. They are known for their large, showy blooms lasting for weeks.
Seasonal Blooms
In addition to their signature flowers, we also have a variety of seasonal blooms that are only available at certain times of the year. Some of our seasonal blooms include:
- Snapdragons: These colorful flowers are a favorite among visitors. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and orange.
- Rice Flower: These delicate white flowers bloom in the fall and are a popular choice for wedding bouquets.
- Rose Cabbages: These unique flowers have a cabbage-like appearance and come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white.
Visitor Experience
Facilities and Services
The farm has several facilities and services to make your visit comfortable and memorable. They have a souvenir shop where you can buy unique flower-themed souvenirs to take home with you. The café serves refreshments and light snacks, perfect for a quick break during your tour. They also have a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine.
They have accommodation options for those who want to stay longer. You can also visit the Lourdes Grotto and other tourist spots. We recommend visiting during weekdays and in the morning to avoid the crowds and catch the beautiful sunrise.
Travel Tips and Recommendations
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Northern Blossoms Flower Farm is from December to February when the cabbage roses bloom. According to our guide, the flowers and cabbages take about 3 months to bloom, which means that the best time to visit the farm is during these months. Visiting the farm during sunrise or sunset is also recommended to witness the beautiful scenery.
What to Bring
Since the farm is located in the northern part of the Philippines, the temperature can be quite cold. It is recommended to bring a jacket or sweater to keep you warm. Also, it is best to wear comfortable shoes since the farm has uphill and downhill paths.
If you plan to visit other nearby tourist spots, such as Sagada, Bontoc, and Mt. Pulag, it is best to bring a private car or hire a local guide. The Circuit 2 and Circuit 3 tours are popular among tourists and cover the former highest point, Spanish Trail, and Sakura Park.
It is also recommended to bring snacks and drinks since the area has limited food options. However, there are small stores where you can buy snacks and drinks. Tour packages are also available for those who prefer a hassle-free trip.
Practical Information
If you’re planning a trip to Northern Blossoms Flower Farm, here’s some practical information to help you make the most of your visit.
Accommodations
Several transient houses in the area offer affordable accommodations for visitors. Some of the most popular options include Atok Municipal Hall, which offers basic rooms for as low as P300 per night, and Lany Gan’s transient house, located near the flower farm and offers cozy rooms with hot showers and free Wi-Fi.
Dining Options
The area has a few dining options, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food and picnic on the flower farm. If you’re looking for a place to eat, try the small eateries near the Atok Municipal Hall or head to the nearby town of Buguias, where you’ll find a broader range of restaurants and cafes.
Cash
It’s a good idea to bring enough cash with you, as there are no ATMs or banks in the area. Most establishments accept cash only, so ensure you have enough to cover your expenses.
Seniors
If you’re traveling with seniors or people with mobility issues, be aware that the flower farm is on a hill and requires some walking. There are benches and shaded areas where you can rest, but it’s still a good idea to bring comfortable walking shoes and a hat or umbrella to protect yourself from the sun.
DIY
If you’re on a budget, you can explore Northern Blossoms Flower Farm independently without hiring a tour guide. The farm is easy to navigate, and plenty of signs and markers help you find your way around. Just follow the rules and regulations, such as not picking the flowers or trampling on the plants.
Travel Tips
If you are planning a trip to Northern Blossoms Flower Farm, here are some travel tips to keep in mind:
- Dress warmly, as the farm is located in a cool and breezy area.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking around the farm.
- Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery and flowers.
- If you are unfamiliar with the area, you can hire a guide or taxi to take you to the farm.
Lany Gan, the owner of Northern Blossoms Flower Farm, is passionate about flowers and farming. She has created a unique and sustainable business that benefits the environment and the local community. We are proud to be a part of her vision and to share it with our visitors.
Contact Information and Bookings
If you’re planning to visit Northern Blossoms Flower Farm, it’s important to have their contact information handy. You can contact them directly to inquire about their tour packages, travel guide, or itinerary. Here’s how you can get in touch with them:
- Phone Numbers: You can call Northern Blossoms Flower Farm at +63 950 253 6313 or +63 908 151 3368 for inquiries and reservations. They are open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
- Email Address: You can also email them at [email protected] for any questions or concerns.
- Facebook Page: You can visit the Northern Blossom Flower Farm Facebook Page for updates, photos, and reviews from other visitors.
Local Customs and Etiquette
When visiting Northern Blossoms Flower Farm, it is important to be mindful of the local customs and etiquette. As visitors, we should respect the community’s cultural heritage and the practices passed down from generation to generation.
A critical aspect of local customs is asking for permission before taking photos or videos. While the flower farm is a popular tourist destination, it is still a working farm, and the owners and workers may not feel comfortable being photographed without their consent. It is also essential to respect the flowers and plants and not damage them while taking photos.
Another aspect of local customs is to dress modestly and appropriately. As the flower farm is located in a rural area, wearing comfortable and practical clothing is best. It is also important to cover up when visiting local communities or religious sites out of respect for the local culture.
When interacting with locals, it is important to be polite and friendly. Greetings are an important part of Filipino culture, so it is always a good idea to say hello and introduce ourselves. It is also customary to address elders and people in positions of authority with respect and to use formal titles such as “po” and “opo.”
Photography and Souvenirs
At Northern Blossoms Flower Farm, visitors are encouraged to take photos of the beautiful flowers and scenery. With the stunning backdrop of the mountains and the colorful fields of flowers, it’s hard not to take a great shot. We recommend bringing a camera or smartphone with a good camera to capture the beauty of the farm. Some of the popular flowers to photograph include snapdragons and hydrangeas.
For those who want to take their photography to the next level, we suggest visiting during the golden hour, the hour after sunrise, and the hour before sunset. The lighting is soft and warm during this time, making beautiful photos. We also recommend taking advantage of the different angles and perspectives available at the farm. Get up close to the flowers or take a shot from a distance to capture the vastness of the fields.
After taking photos, visitors can stop by the souvenir shop to browse various items. The shop offers a range of products, including postcards, magnets, and keychains featuring photos of the flowers at the farm. They also have a shop that sells Ukay-Ukay jackets, pants, and bonnets. Visitors can also purchase plants and fresh flowers to take home with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accommodations are available at Northern Blossoms Flower Farm?
Unfortunately, there is no accommodation available at Northern Blossoms Flower Farm. However, visitors can stay at homestays and lodges in Atok, Benguet, only a few minutes from the flower farm.
What are the visiting hours and schedule for Northern Blossoms Flower Farm?
Northern Blossoms Flower Farm is open to visitors daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, visiting the farm in the morning or early afternoon is best to avoid the crowd.
What is the best time of year to visit Northern Blossoms Flower Farm?
The best time to visit Northern Blossoms Flower Farm is from November to February when the flowers bloom. However, visitors can still enjoy the farm’s beauty throughout the year. It is best to avoid visiting during the rainy season (June to October) as the weather can be unpredictable and the farm can be muddy.
Want more updates about other Atok, Benguet tourist spots? Like, Follow, and Subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, and Team out Of Town on YouTube for more Atok, Benguet Travel Spots.
Read: Cordillera Heritage Warrior: Day 4 – Exploring the Vegetable and Flower Terraces of Benguet
