The Halsema Highway was once regarded as one of the world's most dangerous highways. Commuters, transporters, visitors, and residents from Baguio and Mt. Province braved steep crags, narrow and sheer drop offs, some exceeding 1000 feet, every day. However, the road has since improved, and it is now a pleasant journey along an asphalted road that follows a circuitous route through the vast Cordillera Central mountain range on Luzon's island.
The Halsema Highway (also known as the Baguio-Bontoc Road or Mountain Trail) is a 150-kilometer two- to four-lane highway in the Philippines that connects Baguio City and Bontoc, Mountain Province. It also passes through several of the country's most isolated provinces. Landslides are a risk on the Halsema Highway, as they are on many other poorly managed mountain roads, where large stones and debris tumble from peaks. With the cloud forests comes mist, which can make vision difficult.
The 150-mile Halsema Highway connects Baguio and Benguet provinces to the rest of Northern Luzon and is known as the Cordillera's "main artery." The road continues on to Sagada, which is 29 kilometers away from the intersection. This road is prone to landslides, mud slides, and dropping rocks. On these narrow paths, bus drivers ride at high speeds, making it extremely dangerous for smaller vehicles. During the rainy season, foggy conditions and slick asphalt make driving more difficult, making the road even more dangerous.
The Halsema Highway is the Philippines' highest mountain road system.
It is the Philippines' highest altitude highway, with its highest point located in Atok. Around 2,255 meters above sea level is the highest point. It is therefore higher than the summit of Mount Banahaw. Engineer Euseibus Julius Halsema, after whom the highway is called, led the road's opening in 1930. Before the most recent renovations, the road was notorious for rock slides, mud slides, and buses speeding dangerously close to the edge of the road's narrow passage. Foggy conditions today, as well as slick asphalt during the rainy season, make driving more difficult and risky.
Halsema Highway was once ranked among the top ten most dangerous roads in the world. It was in poor condition and was the scene of several incidents and overturned buses each year. Landslides and rock falls were popular, and motorists were often stranded for long periods of time. Foggy conditions exacerbate the already hazardous conditions on the Halsema Highway. The lane, which was once deadly and risky, now offers travelers a glimpse of otherworldly beauty. Don't be afraid to drive on this road. Feel the cool breeze by rolling down the windows. Take in every natural wonder you come across. The drive through Halsema offers breathtaking scenery as well as an opportunity to visit Sagada.
It was considered one of the few dangerous roads in the Philippines in the 1980s. It's a long stretch of what they call "twistis." The path is now in good shape. Because of the road conditions, driving a sedan is now possible. Make sure your camera has enough batteries to take pictures because you will be treated to some spectacular views. Along the way, there are a few gas stations. Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
A few reminders
Always make sure the brakes and tires are in good working order. The best time to drive is during daylight hours. It is not recommended to drive at night since there are no lamp posts. Often change to low gears when going downhill and never depend solely on the brakes. You would be safer on the road as a result of this. Drive at a steady pace. You're not in a competition. Keep an eye out for cars stopping in the middle of the road. They park on the main thoroughfare.
I did watch a video on youtube about this road after reading your article. Dangerous but beautiful