Mt. Timbak Campsite (Ate Josie's)

Mt. Timbak (also written Timbac, local name Mt. Singakalsa, 2,717 MASL) in Atok, Benguet is the third-highest peak in Luzon and the ninth-highest in the Philippines. Located along the Halsema Highway near KM 55, the mountain is unique for its accessibility — the summit camp area is reachable by a short 1.5–2.5 hour hike through spectacularly terraced vegetable farms carved into steep slopes. The cold Cordillera climate supports the flower and strawberry farming that gives Atok its reputation. The primary camping base is at Ate Josie's homestay, a modest family accommodation near the summit, which offers tent pitching for PHP 100 per head, a living room stay for PHP 200 per head, and a bedroom for PHP 350 per head. An environmental fee of PHP 20 per person is paid at the tourism office in Sayangan (Paoay Barangay Hall). The campsite is a few minutes' walk from the sunrise viewing point. Temperatures can drop below freezing; a four-season sleeping bag is essential. Pre-registration at the barangay tourism desk is required.