Haight's Place

Best time to visit

Cherry blossom season is the big draw — the sakura trees typically bloom from late March into April and last only about two weeks. Other flowers take turns through the seasons, so the gardens reward a visit year round. Weekdays are quieter than weekends and holidays.

What to bring

Cash for entrance and the cafe. Atok sits at high elevation along the Halsema Highway and the wind can be chilly, so pack warm layers, a jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Rooms come with linen, towels and hot showers, and tent rental is available, so overnight guests can travel light. Pets are welcome in the outdoor dining area if yours travels well.

Things to do

• Wander Sakura Park among the first Japanese cherry blossoms in the Philippines
• Admire seasonal blooms like alstroemeria, cosmos, sunflowers and hydrangeas
• See the highland vegetable farm
• Relax over coffee or a meal at the cafe
• Stay overnight in a log cabin or traditional kubo
• Camp on the grounds with a rented or your own tent
• Bring your dog to the pet-friendly outdoor dining area

Getting there

The farm is in Paoay, in the Sayangan area of Atok, right along the Halsema Highway about 1.5 hours from Baguio. Buses toward Sagada or Bontoc from the Dangwa and Slaughterhouse terminals in Baguio pass the site — ask the driver to drop you at Marosans Restaurant in Sayangan, and the farm is close by. Driving yourself gives the most flexibility on this winding mountain road.