Kabayan

Tucked deep in the highlands of Benguet lies Kabayan, a mystical municipality that feels like it came straight out of a folklore book. Surrounded by towering mountains and ancient pine trees, Kabayan is not just a scenic paradise, it’s also one of the most culturally rich and historically mysterious places in the Philippines.

Kabayan is famous for its fire mummies, real, ancient, naturally mummified ancestors preserved in secret burial caves! These mummies, found in Mount Timbac, are considered sacred by the Ibaloi people and attract both curious tourists and serious researchers. The Kabayan Mummy Caves are a UNESCO Tentative Site and a cultural treasure that puts this sleepy mountain town on the global map.

Nature lovers and adventure seekers will fall in love with Kabayan’s rugged beauty. Climb Mount Pulag, the third-highest mountain in the Philippines, and experience the famous “Sea of Clouds” at sunrise. The trek to the summit rewards hikers with panoramic views and a spiritual high unlike any other. You’ll also find hidden waterfalls, mossy forests, and scenic rice terraces that complete the dreamlike setting.

Kabayan is predominantly inhabited by the Ibaloi, an indigenous group known for their deep spiritual beliefs, traditional practices, and reverence for ancestors. Their culture is seen in everyday life, from handwoven garments and ritual dances, to oral storytelling and indigenous music using gongs and bamboo flutes. The Ibaloi language is widely spoken, alongside Ilocano and Filipino.

Kabayan cuisine is simple but soul-satisfying. Try pinikpikan (chicken stew with smoked flavor), etag (salted pork), and fresh camote grown on the mountainside. Vegetables are organic and meals are often enjoyed with local rice varieties or root crops. Don’t miss the hot ginger tea to warm up in the chilly weather!

The town celebrates the Begnas Festival, a thanksgiving ritual for good harvest and community wellness. It features traditional dances, chants, and rituals performed by elders. There’s also the Mount Pulag Climb Festival, where outdoor enthusiasts come together for eco-tourism, cultural exchange, and adventure.

Kabayan’s musical soul is kept alive through Ibaloi chant traditions and Cordilleran instruments like the gangsa (gongs) and kulembeng (bamboo percussion). These echo through the valleys during special occasions, offering a haunting and beautiful soundscape that feels ancient and sacred.

• Home of the Fire Mummies
• Jump-off to Mount Pulag
• Ibaloi cultural heritage
• UNESCO heritage candidate
• Eco-tourism and spiritual treks
• Sacred burial caves and ancient traditions