Valley of Colors (STOBOSA Hillside Homes Artwork) | Baguio

Information

Landmark: Valley of Colors (STOBOSA Hillside Homes Artwork)
City: Baguio
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Valley of Colors (STOBOSA Hillside Homes Artwork), Baguio, Philippines, Asia

The STOBOSA Hillside Homes Artwork, also known as the Valley of Colors, is a massive community art project located in La Trinidad, Benguet. It is one of the largest communal murals in the Philippines.

Visual Characteristics

The site consists of over 180 tightly packed residential houses spanning three sitios (Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap) painted in a vibrant, multi-colored mosaic. Viewed from across the Balili River, the hillside appears as a giant abstract mural. The houses are painted in bold shades of yellow, pink, blue, and green, forming patterns that resemble a sunflower or a mountain landscape from a distance.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Baguio-La Trinidad-Bontoc Rd, La Trinidad, 2601 Benguet.

Access: Located right along the main highway connecting Baguio City and La Trinidad.

Transport: Accessible via any jeepney labeled "La Trinidad" from Magsaysay Avenue or the Baguio City Public Market. Taxis are also a convenient option.

Entry: There is no entrance fee to view the artwork from the road or the designated viewing bridge.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The project was inspired by the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the Gamcheon Culture Village in South Korea. It was launched in 2016 through a collaboration between the Department of Tourism-Cordillera, the local government, and the Tam-awan Village Artists. The initiative aimed to transform a crowded residential area into a vibrant tourist destination while fostering community pride and improving the aesthetic of the Balili River area.

Key Highlights & Activities

Photography: The primary activity is taking photos from the pedestrian bridge across the Balili River, which offers the best perspective of the entire hillside.

Community Immersion: Visitors can walk through the narrow alleyways and staircases between the painted houses to observe the local neighborhood up close.

Balili River View: The bridge provides a vantage point to see the river, which is the subject of ongoing local rehabilitation efforts.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site features a small viewing deck and a pedestrian bridge. There are no dedicated public restrooms or large parking areas on-site; visitors typically park briefly along the highway or use facilities at nearby establishments. 5G cellular coverage is excellent.

Best Time to Visit

The artwork is visible 24 hours, but the best time for photography is during the morning (07:00–10:00) when the sun illuminates the hillside directly. Avoid visiting during heavy rain, as the colors may appear muted and the footpaths can be slippery.

Facts & Legends

The name "STOBOSA" is an acronym for the three component sitios: Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap. The project utilized thousands of liters of eco-friendly paint, much of which was donated by private corporations.