Tam-Awan Village is located at the outskirts of Baguio City at 366-C Pinsao Proper. Getting there by car may be a bit difficult, by taxi is the easiest as the place is known to taxi drivers and as usual, the cheapest mode of transportation is by jeepney.
According to Baguio Attractions and Historical Landmarks,
Due to the temporary unpassable road at the end of Naguilian Road, a few kilometers to the heart of Baguio City, we found ourselves traversing the road less traveled going to La Trinidad, Benguet.
Tam-awan in the local idiom means "vantage point," an apt name for a colony of Cordillera Huts that sit on a hillside that affords visitors a magnificent view of the South China Sea on a clear day.
The Chanum Foundation, Inc., started reconstructing Ifugao houses in Baguio with the intention of recreating a native village accessible to those who have not had the opportunity to explore the different parts of the vast Cordillera region in the Philippines, laying the houses out just like a traditional Cordillera village. Tam-awan Village is also a venue for art exhibits, workshops and other activities that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Cordillera people.
Due to the temporary unpassable road at the end of Naguilian Road, a few kilometers to the heart of Baguio City, we found ourselves traversing the road less traveled going to La Trinidad, Benguet.
While nearing our destination, as shown by Waze Apps, and after a sharp curve I suddenly look on the right side of the road and saw the sign “Tam-Awan Village”. But, it was too late to stop…so we traveled a few meters more for Jonjie to find an area big enough to maneuver for a “u-turn”.
This is one classic examples of a “blessing in disguise”. I have been reading raves about the village on the web but it was never been part of our itinerary. And if not for the road construction at the end of the Naguilian, we will not be forced to the road that led us to Tam-Awan Village.
At the entrance, we paid a minimal amount: Adult = P50, Children = P20,Students / Senior Citizens = P30. After paying we were given a brochure and the map of the village. My words will not be enough to describe the treasures that we found inside the village. And so, I will let the pictures speak for it. But be reminded that though pictures can convey the beauty of a place or an object, still it is best to see it with your own eyes…
Things you can do while inside the village:
1) Take pictures
Yes, take out you cameras. Take pictures of all the things that caught your attention...it will be worth it.
2) Be inspired with the Beautiful Paintings and Artworks
Visit the hut beside the Tam-awan Cafe and feast your eyes on the beautiful paintings and artworks of the local artists. Most are for sale…so splurge if you can.
3) Climb the stairs until you reached the highest area
We were not able to, it will be one of our “things to do” on our next visit.4) Eat at the “Tam-awan Café”
Since it was still early for lunch when we arrived, we tried their freshly brewed Benguet Blend Brewed Coffee at P30 (with a refill) with the huge Lady Finger cookies at P20.
5) Experience wearing the ethnic Ifugao costume
For free, but you can drop a donation, and take unlimited pictures with all the poses that you can do.
6) Stay for the night
Experience how the ancient people live in the traditional Ifugao Hut.
How to Get to Tam-awan Village
- By car -- from Burnham Park: take Harrison Road and go up Abanao Road and proceed to Naguilian Road. From Naguilian, turn right to Quezon Hill Road 2, which connects to Tacay Road. On Tacay Road, keep going straight till you reach a fork on the road, Take the road on the left and keep going until you reach Tam-Awan Village. See Map.
- By taxi cab -- just tell the driver take you to Tam-awan Village, Pinsao Proper. All cabbies know where this visitor attraction is located.
- By jeepney -- take the Plaza-Quezon Hill-Tam-awan jeepney or the Long-long via Tam-awan Jeepney from Kayang Street, behing and above the Baguio City Market.
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