Garden in the Sky

Anyone who's been to Baguio for several times already would find the place a bit boring. Actually, people who have been there and still visit the area are normally not after site-seeing. They are there because of the weather. But of course, you'd normally end up visiting the same old places (common Baguio Experience) because you have no other choice.

I was looking for a unique place to visit in Baguio. While it's been a while since the last time I visited the place (2004), I wanted something different. I wanted to make the Baguio Experience quite more interesting (of course the common Baguio Experience would still be there).

A friend mentioned about Tam-Awan Artists' Village. So I checked it out on Google and found its website. The original plan was to stay in a traditional hotel/motel somewhere near the downtown. But when I found out that Tam-Awan offers accommodation, I decided to place a reservation. It was indeed a brilliant decision.



Tam-Awan Village, Garden in the Sky, is a perfect place to have a glimpse and feel of Cordillera. Chanum Foundation Inc. reconstructed Ifugao houses and placed it in Baguio (Pinsao Proper). It's really such a bright idea to make cultural heritage more accessible to people. Not everyone can go to Sagada (that includes me).



Entrance fee (if you’re not lodging) is 10 pesos for children and 20 pesos for adults. You will have to go to an Eco-Trek to tour around Tam-Awan. You’ll be assisted by a tour guide (you’ll learn a lot from these students). When you go to the area, you will really have that feel of cultural authenticity. There are a number of Ifugao huts in the area. They are all authentic: nail-less. We stayed in one of the Ifugao huts called Luccong (An octagonal shaped hut. Trivia: the shape of a hut defines a family’s economic status). (Other Ifugao huts are available for accommodation.)

What made the place more interesting is that it serves as home to Filipino artists. Tam-Awan has regular exhibits for Filipino artists to showcase their works. It also serves as a practice venue for artists. There are artists stationed at the area that sketch portraits of interested visitors. Just approach them and pay a donation of 100 pesos for 2-3 sketches.



You can also catch a cultural show on Ifugao dances, I think on Saturdays.



The best way to enjoy the feel of Tam-Awan is to lodge there. Just imagine staying inside an Ifugao hut? It’ll make your Baguio Experience really interesting. Not to mention, the cost of accommodation is cheap.

How to get to Tam-Awan:

From Victory Liner Terminal, it’s better to take a Taxi if you’re going there in group. Fare costs around 60-70 pesos. But if you want more adventure, you can take a jeepney ride from the terminal to the Plaza. From the City Market, there are jeeps bound to Tam-Awan.