About Mt. Tabayoc
Mt. Tabayoc is the second-highest peak in Luzon at 2,842 meters above sea level, located in Barangay Ballay, Kabayan, Benguet within the Cordillera Central range on the Benguet-Ifugao border. It is notable for its mossy forests, grassland summit, and proximity to four high-altitude lakes. The mountain offers panoramic views of the Cordillera and is a major hiking destination often linked with nearby Mt. Pulag.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a strenuous hike through pine forests, mossy forests and grassland slopes leading to a broad summit with 360-degree views of the Cordillera Central. The trail from Ballay passes ridges and viewpoints overlooking four small lakes - Lake Ambulalacao, Lake Detap, Lake Letep-ao and Lake Ballay. There are no permanent structures at the summit; visitors explore open grassland, campsites and viewpoints for sunrise and sea of clouds.
Key highlights
- 01
Second-highest peak in Luzon at 2,842 meters above sea level
- 02
Summit views of Cordillera Central and sea of clouds at sunrise
- 03
Proximity to four high-altitude lakes near the trail
- 04
Mossy forest and pine forest ecosystems along the trail
- 05
Part of the Kabayan-Barangay Ballay jump-off for Mt. Pulag-Tabayoc traverse
Culture & Context
Located within the ancestral domain of the Kalanguya, Ibaloi and Kankanaey peoples of Kabayan; the surrounding highlands are traditionally used for grazing and are culturally valued as part of the Cordillera mountain landscape
Route
| By air | Fly to Clark International Airport or Loakan Airport in Baguio, then continue by road to Kabayan |
|---|---|
| By road |