The entrance fee at Bell Church is typically set at PHP 20 for adults, though some sources report the temple charges no fee at all. That small cost — or the possibility it’s free — makes this one of the most affordable stops you can add near Baguio. Built in 1960 by Chinese immigrants from Guangzhou, the temple sits right on the border where Baguio meets La Trinidad. It’s close enough to tack on to a morning of strawberry picking or the StoBoSa colorful houses, but the place itself deserves your full attention.
Bell Church is a Taoist temple — though it also blends Buddhist and Christian elements — and it remains an active spiritual center for the local Chinese-Filipino community. It’s not a tourist trap dressed up as a temple. People come here to pray, light incense, and seek guidance. The complex climbs a hillside in terraced levels connected by stone staircases. Red and gold facades, curved rooflines, and dragon motifs run through every building. The bell tower that gives the temple its local name offers a view over La Trinidad Valley, and the whole place is wrapped in the scent of burning incense.
Founding Story and What the Temple Stands For
Bell Church was founded on August 4, 1960, by Ng Pee, a Chinese immigrant from Canton. According to PHTourGuide, the temple began as a small worship space inside Ng Pee’s own home before moving to its current spot as the number of devotees grew. The site was chosen for its feng shui — set between mountains with a view of the valley, and near a natural spring that locals considered a symbol of life and prosperity.
The temple represents a deliberate fusion of Taoism, Buddhism, and Christianity, built around an idea of universal brotherhood and peace. That mix shows up in the details: Taoist altars sit near Buddhist statues, and the
rings out during important ceremonies. A bust of founder Ng Pee stands on the grounds, and the site has been officially recognized as a major tourist destination since 1970.
When to Go and How the Season Changes Your Visit
The best time to visit Bell Church is right when it opens. The temple opens somewhere between 6:00 and 7:00 AM depending on the source — and closes between 5:00 and 6:00 PM. The early window (7:00–9:00 AM) gives you soft morning light and very few people. The late-afternoon slot around 4:00 PM delivers golden-hour lighting for photos, but you won’t have the place to yourself.
Here’s the thing most first-timers don’t think about: avoid major Chinese holidays, especially Chinese New Year. The temple gets packed, and some areas may be restricted for ceremonies. The crowded conditions during peak events can turn a serene visit into something you’d rather skip. A regular weekday morning in the dry season (November to April) is the sweet spot — cool air, thin crowds, and the incense isn’t overpowering yet.
The weather in Baguio and La Trinidad is generally mild year-round, but the rainy season (June to October) can make the stone staircases slick. The gardens still look good in the rain, but you’ll want a jacket and umbrella. The temple is mostly outdoors, so a downpour will cut your visit short.
Getting to Bell Church
| Option | Details | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi from Baguio center | Direct, comfortable — easiest option if you’re in a group | 15–20 min |
| Jeepney from Public Market | Take one labeled “La Trinidad” from the Baguio City Public Market or Magsaysay Avenue; final walk from the drop-off point to the temple is about 25–30 min on foot | ~40–50 min total |
| Bus from Manila | Joy Bus, Victory Liner, and other operators run to Baguio; from the bus terminal, grab a jeepney or taxi to La Trinidad | ~4–5 hrs (Manila to Baguio) + local travel |
The address is Bell Church Road, La Trinidad, Benguet, right off the Halsema Highway. The temple is basically on the boundary — you might hear it called “Baguio” or “La Trinidad” depending on who you ask. If you’re driving, it’s a straight shot from Session Road. Parking is limited, so arrive early or take a taxi.
For jeepney riders, the walk from the main road to the temple gate is uphill and takes about half an hour. It’s doable, but account for it in your timing — especially if you’re visiting with elderly family or small children. Taxis from Baguio’s city center run around PHP 150–200 and drop you right at the gate.
What To Actually Do There
Explore the Pagodas and Altars
Walk through the complex slowly. Each pagoda serves a different ceremonial purpose. The main prayer hall holds Buddhist statues and is the center of worship. Sit quietly for a few minutes — the atmosphere changes once you stop moving. You’ll notice the carved wood details, the red-and-gold color scheme, and the way the incense smoke drifts through the open walls. Photography is not allowed inside the worship areas, so just be present.
Ring the Bell (Not Really — But Understand It)
The “Bell of Peace” is rung during significant ceremonies. You can’t just walk up and ring it yourself. But the bell tower itself is worth climbing for the view over La Trinidad Valley. The terraced gardens and koi ponds below make a good foreground for photos, especially with the mountains behind.
Try Traditional Chinese Divination
In the courtyard, you might see devotees practicing jiaobei — a traditional method of divination using wooden blocks. It’s a ritual of asking questions and receiving yes/no answers from the deities. As a visitor, you can observe quietly. Don’t interrupt someone who is praying, and don’t take photos of the practice.
Combine With Nearby Spots in La Trinidad
Bell Church works well as part of a half-day loop in La Trinidad Valley. The StoBoSa Colorful Houses (0.2 km north) are a five-minute walk — a hillside community art project with rainbow-painted homes that make for great photos. Strawberry farms are about 2.5 km north, and Mt. Kalugong (with its limestone formations and Kape-an Cafe at the summit) is a short drive away. You could easily hit Bell Church, StoBoSa, and strawberries in one morning and still be back in Baguio for lunch.
Photography Strategy
The temple is a photographer’s spot if you time it right. The dragon sculptures at the main gate are the most popular subject. The red architecture against green mountain vegetation works best in the golden hour just after opening or just before closing. The koi ponds reflect the pagodas nicely when the water is still. Inside the temple buildings, keep your camera down — no photos allowed in the altar areas or of people at prayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the entrance fee at Bell Church? ▾
What are the opening hours? ▾
Is photography allowed inside? ▾
How do I get there from Baguio city center? ▾
How long should I spend at Bell Church? ▾
Is Bell Church Buddhist or Taoist? ▾
Plan Your Visit Well
Bell Church isn’t the biggest or most famous attraction near Baguio, but it’s one of the most genuine. The entrance fee is negligible, the architecture is striking, and the fact that it’s still an active worship space gives it a weight that most tourist stops don’t have. Go early, dress respectfully, and give yourself at least an hour to move through the terraces at a calm pace. If you combine it with StoBoSa and strawberry farms in La Trinidad, you’ll fill a morning with very little travel time between spots. Just check the current entrance fee and hours before you go — sources disagree slightly, and it’s better to know ahead than to arrive confused.
If this was useful, you might also want to read how to visit Baguio on a budget without missing the real experiences.
Sources
Avoiding the crowds in Baguio — Practical tips for visiting during off-peak hours and seasons, relevant if you want Bell Church to yourself.
Local crafts at Baguio Market — A guide to Baguio’s market scene, a natural next stop after a La Trinidad loop.
Bell Church La Trinidad travel guide. JMG Nest, 2024.
Exploring the Bell Church. PHTourGuide, 2024.
Bell Church Baguio landmark guide. Tour Landmarks, 2024.
Bell Church Baguio on Trek Zone. Trek Zone, 2024.
