Jump to: About Tekip Falls | How to Get There | What to Expect | Suggested Itinerary | Travel Budget | Where to Stay | Travel Tips
About Tekip Falls
Tekip Falls is a hidden gem located in the remote mountain municipality of Bakun, Benguet. Surrounded by lush forests and towering limestone cliffs, this multi-tiered waterfall offers cool, clean mountain waters and a tranquil escape deep in the Cordilleras. It’s a must-visit for adventure seekers, hikers, and nature lovers exploring the Bakun Trio or nearby barangays.
How to Get to Tekip Falls
- Jump-off Point: Bakun, Benguet (specifically Barangay Poblacion or Kayapa)
- From Baguio: Take a van or bus bound for Sinipsip or Mankayan, then transfer to a local vehicle to Bakun (approx. 6–8 hours total)
- Permit & Guide: Coordinate with the Bakun Tourism Office or local barangay for registration and guide assistance
- Hike: A short but sometimes steep trail (15–30 mins) leads to Tekip Falls
What to Expect at Tekip Falls
- 💧 Multi-layered waterfalls with natural pools and mossy rock formations
- 🌲 Surrounded by pine trees, wild flora, and scenic mountain terrain
- 📷 Ideal for nature photography, quiet picnics, and swimming
- 🧗 Often combined with treks to Mt. Tenglawan, Mt. Lubo, or Mt. Kabunian
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: - Early travel from Baguio to Bakun - Register at the barangay hall - Visit Tekip Falls and nearby natural springs - Camp or stay overnight at homestay in Poblacion Day 2: - Optional trek to Mt. Kabunian or other parts of the Bakun Trio - Head back to BaguioWhat happened was, instead of hiking Mt. Kabunian to finish the Bakun Trio, we visited Tekip falls nearby. This waterfall is still part of Poblacion, but we still had our own guide as part of the regulations. Honestly, with our Bakun adventure, we were fortunate with our guides; three of them were kind and smart in explaining their culture. Like the photo above, it’s a burial cave. According to them, decades ago, as part of their rich culture, caves served as the dwelling place for their love ones who passed away, like those in Sagada. But, did you know that Bakun burial caves can easily be distinguished whether they belong to a rich or a poor family? Our guide told us, rich people can be categorized by the number of their livestock and farmlands, but regardless of their economic status, rituals and ceremonies are done before and during the interment.
Sample Budget and Expenses
- Van/Bus Fare (RT Baguio–Bakun): ₱600–₱800
- Registration Fee: ₱30–₱50
- Guide Fee: ₱300–₱500 (per group)
- Food & Supplies: ₱300–₱500
- Optional Homestay: ₱250–₱500/night
- Total (2D1N): ₱1,500–₱2,500+
Where to Stay in Bakun
- Homestays: Available in Poblacion and Kayapa (ask LGU or guides)
- Nearest lodging hub: Mankayan or return to Baguio City for hotel options
🏨 View Baguio accommodations via Agoda
Travel Tips
- Prepare for rough roads — 4x4 or high-clearance vehicles recommended
- Best visited during dry months (March to May)
- Bring packed meals and drinking water — very limited stores in Bakun
- Respect the local culture and always leave no trace
Final Thoughts
Tekip Falls in Bakun is a breathtaking reminder of Benguet’s raw natural beauty. Whether you're hiking the Bakun Trio or just escaping into nature, this hidden waterfall is worth the long ride. Its pristine waters and mountain charm make it one of the most underrated spots in the Cordilleras. Want to explore more places like this? Here’s my full travel guide after visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines.
Also read: 4 Days of Backpacking in Cagayan, Apayao, and Isabela
