The artistic gardening and lovely flowers of Mount Costa in La Trinidad, Benguet

We will spend our Christmas in Baguio City and for our fifth time, we decided to skip visiting places we frequented in the past, except at PMA for some nostalgic feel and at Camp John Hay for a coffee moment in the quaint old American bungalow of Starbucks Coffee. Guess where are we heading this time? It’s on Mount Costa! The newest attraction in the foggy land and the first stroll around garden of the North.

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Mounta Costa or the so-called “The Green Living Room” is located in the mountain of Lamtang in Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet. This 6-hectare garden was once a strawberry farm but was stopped due to pest infestation.

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Sometime in 2015, the land was developed and later was opened to the public on February 4, 2017. It is now a tourism landscape frequented by visitors who wanted to see something new.

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What so special about this place is that it boasts 12 uniquely designed themed gardens and 11 discoverable spots with paved or graveled walking trails, playgrounds, park benches, ponds, and lawns.

the 3 at Grid Garden

Yours truly, Kuya Pao and Shen as we explored the whole of Mount Costa. My hubby and my mom were left in the waiting area

The gardens are surrounded by a clean, fresh mountain smell and tranquil ambiance.

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Pao and Shen at the Inca Garden

What you will get

As you explore the gardens, you will be at peace walking on the trail. Your heart and mind will be filled with inner joy as you embrace the silence of the sound of nature. You may also enjoy seeing a hundred species of flora and fauna. There were lots of lovely flowers and what I love most was gazing at the pink petunias.

Lovely petunias

Lovely petunias

more lovely flowers

more lovely flowers

maroon plants.480The Signature Gardens

There are 12 signature gardens on Mount Costa. Each has unique designs and features. Some were donned with beautiful flowers and plants. These are the Inca Garden, Bud Garden, Maze Garden, Formal Garden, Concentric Garden, Koru Garden, Outdoor Musical Garden, Enchanted Garden, Romeo & Juliet Garden, Zen Garden, Grid Garden, and the Mirror Garden.

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The Maze Garden

Pao at Formal Garden

Pao at Formal Garden

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at Inca Garden

The Discoverable Spots

Mount Costa is not all about gardens in their entirety. There are 11 Discoverable Spots where your mind will be challenged to see and think why each sight was called that way. These are The Twig Art, Spectrum Garden, Land Art, Reflection Pond, Children’s Garden Space, Mini Bowl, Plant Stating Station, Chill Area, Al Fresco Dining Area, The Amphitheater, and 7 Green Living Rooms.

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The Twig Art on Blue trail

Shen at Spectrum Garden

Shen at Land Art

Visitor Center is near the main entrance where you will pay for your ticket. There are four Food Kiosks inside and four Comfort Rooms.

Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet

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The trek with nature

After paying the entrance fee at the Visitor’s Center, we asked for a map and descended to the walking trail. There are two trails to follow, the Yellow Trail and the Blue Trail. Either way, you will get to all the attractions.

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We decided first to hit the Yellow Trail and the trek officially started.

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The beautiful trail going to The Formal Garden

Tips

Do not rush as you walk. Savor each moment in every garden and discoverable spots. Relax and allow nature to rejuvenate your spirit. There are benches to sit in for a while in case you feel tired. If you are hungry there are Food Kiosks along the way. Eat, drink, and rest.

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one of the 7 Green Living Rooms

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Children may take a break from gadgets as they play at the Children’s Garden Space where they can slide or climb and hang on bars. For the little ones, there’s the Toddler’s Place Space where they can play and slide too.

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The Children’s Garden Space in Blue Trail

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These are my personal favorite spots:

The Enchanted Garden amazed me with the mysterious floating leaves, stones, and twigs.

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The Enchanted Garden

The Grid Garden reminded me of the Floral Clock in the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore only that the latter was round.

The Grid Garden

The Grid Garden

Mirror Garden had some magical feel as we encircle it.

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The Zen Garden had its unique style because pebbles and rocks were used instead of water to create a garden. There was a wind chime at the corner. A lovely tune wafted in the air when the hanging metal tubes danced gracefully with the wind.

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The happy moment

One of the happy moments exploring the gardens is the quality time spent with the whole family. It’s nice to walk on the beautiful trail, be amazed by the beautiful flowers, laughed, and took lots of pictures with them.

Me at Grid Garden

Me at Grid Garden

We were brought all together closer to nature. I could say, every garden and the discoverable spot is an adventure itself!

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the Reflection Pond in Yellow Trail

During our visit, we chanced upon seeing workers tending the garden. They are not the typical dark-skinned gardener in appearance. I guess they are the officers or maybe the owners of Mount Costa, the people behind the artful landscape and majestic sights of this beautiful themed garden.
 
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Did you know?

According to their website, the concepts and design of the gardens were created through the artistic mind of Mr. Pat Acosta, one of the owners of Mount Costa.

Ticket Price:

Adults – Php350.00
Students (with valid ID) – Php250.00
Senior Citizens and PWDs – Php250.00
Children below 3 years old – free
Green Living Room rental – Php1,000 (ideal for groups who plan to spend their whole day in the garden, can accommodate 6 to 8 persons)

Operating Schedules:

Park Hours – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Days – 7 days a week
Opens on January 1, November 1, and December 25

Garden Policies:

  • It is advised to drink water before the trek.
  • Food and water are not allowed on the premises.
  • No picking of flowers, plants, or rocks.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
  • Wear sunglasses and hats.
  • Bring an umbrella.
  • Smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere in the gardens.
  • Do not step on a flowerbed.
  • Dispose of trash properly.
  • Bring insect repellent, recommended for children to prevent insect bite.
  • Pets are allowed inside the garden.
Contact Info:
9 Sunshine Movers Corporation
24 Naguilian Road, Baguio City 2600
mountcosta@gmail.com
09177028292

In getting there:

Mount Costa is twenty minutes away from Baguio City. There are several routes to get there. It may be through Naguilian Road, Tam Awan Village (Long Long Road), or La Trinidad. You may either take a taxi or ride a jeepney.
Know more about their route here: https://www.mountcosta.com/how-to-get-there

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