Where does Halsema Highway start and end?
Philippines, asia
150 km
305 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Halsema Highway, folks! This 150 km (93 mile) stretch of National Route 204 is a wild ride from Baguio City to Bontoc, snaking its way north through the heart of Luzon's Cordillera Central mountains.
Once upon a time, this road was notorious, a real daredevil's delight with crazy drop-offs – some plunging over 1000 feet! But fear not, intrepid travelers, the Halsema has had a serious glow-up. It's now a fully paved, mostly two-to-four-lane highway that's ready for your road trip.
Opened in 1930 and named after Engineer Euseibus Julius Halsema, this "main artery" of the Cordillera climbs to a breathtaking 2,300m (7,400ft) in Atok. Keep an eye out, though. Even with improvements, the rainy season can bring landslides and visibility-killing fog. Watch out for those stones and debris, especially after a downpour!
Gas stations are available along the way. Ensure proper fueling and check brakes and tires for safety. When going downhill, shift to low gears and never rely solely on brakes for safety. Pay attention to cars stopping in the middle of the road, and avoid night drives as there are no lamp posts.
But oh, the views! Forget the danger, this road is all about the scenery. We're talking seriously jaw-dropping vistas, cloud forests, and that crisp mountain air. Plus, it's your ticket to Sagada, a must-see spot. So charge up your camera, roll down those windows, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Philippines
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 150 km
- Max Elevation
- 305 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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