Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Let’s Go to Baguio
Baguio (derived from the Ibaloi word for moss) is the Summer Capital of the country. Baguio City is otherwise known as the City of the Pines — it is a highly urbanized first class city established by Americans in the 1900. It was incorporated as a city in September 1, 1909.
Baguio City is home to a presidential mansion, a supreme court office, and legislative offices. Baguio is also the capital of the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines.
At an altitude of 1500 meters, Baguio is nestled in a tropical pine forest which is eight degrees cooler than any lowland area on the average. Baguio seldom exceeds 26 degrees centigrade (about 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit) even during the hot summer months. From November until May, Baguio turns into a tropical paradise as greens become more distinct emphasized by the beautiful terrain marked by low verdant knolls and hillocks. The cool climate, the panoramic views of lovely flowers and foggy hills is enough to delight the soul. This makes Baguio a favorite summer destination by local and foreign tourists.
The tourist sites in Baguio City include Burnham Park (named after the city’s planner Daniel Burnham), the Baguio Cathedral, Session Road (the city’s commercial center), Baguio Grand Mosque (caters to thousands of Muslim families), Camp John Hay, the Philippine Military Academy, an Orchadium, Asin Hot Springs, and a whole lot more.
Baguio City has 109 hotels, inns, and lodging houses totaling to about 4,700 rooms available for rent. There’ll be times when these lodging facilities will be way packed with visitors and tourists during the peak summer season. Due to the demand on lodging, local residents may allow visitors to rent a room in their homes or even just let tourists stay as guests.
Cost for lodging in Baguio would be from Php 500 to a whopping Php 4,000 for the whole stay. That is pretty much the average cost when compared to lodging rates in Manila. Baguio City also has 1,117 restaurants so you don’t have to worry about your dining needs.
So how do we get to Baguio? We can travel by air to Baguio’s Loakan Airport (located 20 minutes south). Flights from Manila to Baguio are scheduled only during the morning since visibility drops down to zero when the afternoon fog starts to form. The flight from Manila to Baguio is approximately 50 minutes.
If you want to drive to Baguio then you’ve got about six hours of driving ahead of you — if you take the Kennon Road going up to Baguio City. The Kennon Road is truly as scenic as it is dangerous to travelers since it winds through a narrow steep valley. It is the fastest route compared to the Marcos Highway (which will take you about fifteen minutes longer to get to there) and the Naguilian Road which may add three solid hours to your travel.
If you plan to go to Baguio by bus the regular bus companies that can take you there are the Philippine Rabbit, Partas, Victory Liner, Dangwa Tranco, Dagupan Bus, Saurog Transit, Genesis, and Greenland. The average bus fare would cost around Php 300 but that can change depending on the bus company and if you’re traveling to Baguio on a first class trip or not.
If you’re looking to find a way to beat the summer heat in the Philippines go to Baguio and enjoy a fun-filled cool summer.
[Tags]Baguio, Luzon, Philippines, Philippines Rabbit, Burnham Park, Cordillera[/Tags]
Baguio Hotels and Resorts
Overview
Baguio hotels have a noticeable advantage over the others in the whole country. Baguio has a cool climate, clear blue skies and surrounded by so much greenery that one really feels closer to nature. Top it off with a picturesque view of the mountains and what one gets is a dream vacation in Baguio.
Camp John Hay Manor
Camp John Hay Manor is a known Baguio hotel and it is also right in one of the tourist spots of the area. Reviews of this Baguio hotel are all positive and their facilities include a driving range, hiking trails and of course, a golf course. The rooms at Camp John Hay Manor are cozy and the cool breeze blows right into the rooms especially if one gets the suites located on the top floor. The bar at this Baguio hotel is also famous for serving great cocktails and the staff are all well trained and very accommodating. The suites at Camp John Hay Manor are so spacious that 4 people can fit in it comfortable. All rooms have their private bathroom, cable television and the suites even have 2 bedrooms to accommodate families or large groups. Rates at Camp John Hay Manor range from US$120 to 180.
Supreme Hotel
If one is in Baguio for a meeting or conference, then a transient home such as Camp John Hay Manor ought to be reconsidered since this was designed for those who prefer to stay at fully self contained units. An option for the business traveler would be Supreme Hotel which is conveniently located in the city itself. The rooms at Supreme Hotel are modern and have television, a phone and its own bathroom so they do live up to their guest’s expectations of being fully equipped. This Baguio hotel also has a business center and a pool where one can swim before the day starts or to relieve stress at the end of it. The Supreme Hotel is relatively competitive when it comes to rates and it ranges from US$49 to 50.
El Cielito Inn
Another option aside from the Supreme Hotel is the El Cielito Inn. The El Cielito Inn is actually not only found in Baguio but in other tourist destinations in the Philippines. This Baguio hotel though is also located in the city so very close to the commercial district and to the malls. El Cielito Inn is a 2-star Baguio hotel as compared to Supreme Hotel which is 3-star but it has 30 amply furnished rooms and they provide attentive service to their guests.
Baguio Hotel Guide
Named as the Philippines’ Summer Capital, Baguio City is known for its relaxing and refreshing climate, as well as for its inviting atmosphere. Aside from these, many travelers also show interest in visiting the place for it offers attractive sightseeing and recreational spot. To make sure that people will have a comfortable place to stay in the city, it is best that they look for Baguio hotel guides that feature numerous hospitality service providers. Hence, by using Baguio hotel guides, travelers can have ideas about the facilities, ratings, as well as accommodation rates of inns, lodges, and hotels in the area.
Ratings: Special Features in Hotel Guides
When deciding where to stay in Baguio, Philippines, it is important that tourists use hotel guides to know the star ratings of different hospitality service providers in the place. For those who are in search for hospitality service providers that offer elegant facilities and amenities, they can look at five-star and four-star hotels like Camp John Hay The Manor Hotel, which are commonly featured in Baguio hotel guides. Meanwhile, the guides also feature three-star hotels in Baguio, Philippines, that provide efficient services and affordable accommodations such as El Cielito Inn, Concorde Hotel, and Microtel Inns and Suites Baguio.
Hotel Facilities: Important Details in Baguio Hotel Guides
Regarding accommodations, people can always look at Baguio hotel guides to know the facilities available in a particular hospitality service provider. For instance, some hotels in Baguio, Philippines, like Green Valley Country Club Hotel and Resort features leisure facilities including swimming pools for the enjoyment and relaxation of all of its guests. On the other hand, several hotels such as Agoo Playa Hotel feature special amenities in their guestrooms for the convenience of travelers.
Accommodation Rates and Location
In terms of accommodations, Baguio hotel guides also offer accommodation rates in all of the hospitality service providers that they feature. For example, travelers who are on tight budget can easily find hotels in the famous Philippine city that provide affordable accommodations by using Baguio hotel guides. Furthermore, the guides also help vacationers and travelers look for hospitality service providers that have accessible and strategic location.
Hotel guides are surely helpful to those who want to visit the other tourist destinations in the Philippines. With all the special features that the guides offer, all travelers in the Philippines are encouraged to use hotel guides to assure that they will have a memorable, enjoyable, and worry-free vacation in the various parts of the country.
Baguio Shopping
Named as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City has numerous shopping options to offer to local travelers as well as to foreigners who like to have a remarkable time at one of the most inviting and popular tourist destinations in the country. People can relax and have fun at some of the Baguio shopping malls and souvenir shops that can be found in the heart of the city. Aside from these establishments, there are numerous retail stores and specialty shops situated at downtown that sell cheap native products and local treats. Additionally, the city has a night market that offers great bargains to residents and tourists.
SM Baguio
Known as the premier shopping mall in the city, SM Baguio features interesting boutiques and specialty stalls. Customers who want to purchase quality but affordable items can check the mall’s department store. When it comes to food and basic house needs, this commercial establishment features a spacious supermarket. After purchasing all their needs, customers can rest and dine at fast food stores and restaurants inside the mall, which include Mini Shabu Shabu, Wood Nymph Korean as well as Carlo’s Pizza. The mall provides a nice overview of some of the fine and attractive spots in the city like the Baguio Cathedral.
Mines Views Park/h3>
Mines View Park is another convenient Baguio shopping place that tourists should see. This place is known for its relaxing sceneries and numerous souvenir shops. Most of these shops sell native products and handicrafts like bags, rugs and home decorations. In addition, people can also buy affordable accessories like necklaces, earrings as well as bracelets at this place. Above all, tourists can purchase local treats like ube jam, peanut brittle and strawberry jam for as low as 25 pesos at the park.
Session Road/h3>
Tourists who want to take a walk and do some shopping at night can go to the market at Session Road. Most of the items sold at this area have affordable prices. Shoppers who have limited budget can look at the used items offered by some of the stalls featured at this place. Aside from the retail stores, customers can eat delicious and affordable snacks offered by food vendors. Some of the products available are clothes, bags, accessories and home decorations. The prices of these items usually range from 50 pesos to 200 pesos. To have a comfortable shopping time at Session Road, customers are encouraged to visit the place at around seven or eight in the evening.
Baguio City – A Cool Summer Destination
There is so much to see and explore in the beautiful city of Baguio. Located in northern Philippines, it is one of the most favorite travel destinations in the country attracting tourists from different parts of the world.
Hailed as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio boasts of a year-round cool climate and nature-clad landscape. Also called The City of Flowers and The City of Pines, a diversity of flora and fauna can be found here as well.
Situated amid pine-covered hills with an expanse of scenic parks, enthralling mountain views and refreshing pine-scented air, it is an excellent place for relaxation as well as exciting discoveries.
What to Explore
Burnham Park – Located in the heart of the city, it has a promenade, a man-made lake ideal for boat rides, a biking area, a skating rink, an athletic field, a grandstand for concerts, a children’s park, and a plant and flower market (the Orchidarium).
Botanical Garden – Also known as Igorot Village, it has Igorot houses amid a garden of plants and flowers where Igorot tribesmen can be seen dressed in their traditional costumes.
Mines View Park – Gives a spectacular view of the valley and the mountains, and Baguio’s old mines.
Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary – Offers an eco-tour of nature through Baguio’s cool climate.
Wright Park – Provides a pony ride around the park.
Baguio Flower Festival (Panagbenga) – Showcases nature’s feast of local flowers in a parade of lovely flower floats, exciting street dancing and exhibits.
Camp John Hay – Formerly the American military personnel’s rest and recreation station, it maintains the best recreation facilities in Baguio, including an 18-hole golf course and a hiking trail; it is also the city’s biggest pine tree conservation area.
The Mansion – The summer residence of the Philippine president, visitors can stroll around its lovely garden.
Philippine Military Academy – A military training institution, hailed as the country’s “West Point,” that has beautiful and green school grounds.
Tam-Awan Village – Has native huts, an art gallery and uphill forest trails ideal for hiking and trekking.
Itogon Wood Carver’s Village – Features the works of independent indigenous wood carvers.
Asin Hot Springs – Has a natural hot spring where swimming pools have been built for the enjoyment of visitors.
Baguio Cathedral – A majestic rose-colored Catholic church built on top of a hill in the heart of the city.
Lourdes Grotto – A shrine located on a hill that has the image of the Lady of Lourdes and can be reached by climbing 252 steps or driving on a narrow, winding road.
Session Road – The main avenue and commercial center of Baguio where numerous shops and restaurants are located.
City Market – One of the country’s best, heaving with fresh vegetables, strawberries, flowers, fruit preserves, peanut brittle and handicrafts, including beautifully woven sweaters and clothing; bargain shopping (ukay-ukay) can also be enjoyed here.
Strawberry Farm – A strawberry plantation where fresh strawberries can be picked/harvested and bought right from the fields.
Six hours away from Manila by bus, Baguio can be reached via three routes: Kennon Road –the fastest route but most dangerous due to frequent landslides during the rainy season, Marcos Highway or Naguilian Road. It can also be accessed via a fifty-minute airplane ride from Manila.
Whichever route is taken, Baguio is a cool and great travel destination to spend summer in when in the Philippines. It is a beautiful gateway to the wonders of nature –the next best thing to a mountain retreat, and an enthralling experience that may even make you want to keep coming back.
[Tags]Philippines, Baguio, Session Road, Flower Festival, Camp John Hay, Burnham Park[/Tags]
Baguio Restaurant Guide
Where are the best eateries in Baguio City? A good Baguio tour always involves a good and delightful chow. So here is a Baguio Restaurant guide.
Most fast food chains in Baguio are along the busy Session Road and simpler but recommendable eateries are on its inner streets and alleys. Popular fast food stores like Jollibee, KFC, Greenwich, Chowking, McDonalds, and Sizzling are located on Session Road. So at breakfast or lunch time, this Baguio restaurant guide recommends being in the vicinity of Session Road for quick dinner access.
However, other restaurants are also located elsewhere in Baguio offering unique dishes and service. When looking for special eateries other than fast food eateries, then try Bliss Café on Gibraltar Road for fresh vegetarian dishes, the famous Café By the Ruins on Otek Street (near Baguio City Hall) for ethnic Baguio cuisines, and Eve’s Garden on Lamtang Road for unique preparations of fresh lettuce dishes. What this Baguio restaurant guide recommends is try various restaurants for different meals.
Say, visit John Hay early in the morning and have breakfast at Little John’s for tasty American breakfast choices and then try its special Chocolate Fondue topped with fresh strawberries, marshmallows, and bananas. Then proceed to Burnham Park and Baguio City market and later have lunch at O’Mai Khan along Otek Street for some Mongolian dishes, especially barbecue. As a slight digression, this Baguio restaurant guide suggests roaming nearby Rizal Park after a meaty lunch to let all those barbecued dishes properly digest in the tummy.
Next, in the early afternoon, walk leisurely up Session Road for window shopping or an actual shopping extravaganza, checking all the shops and “ukay-ukay” stalls. This would be a tiring adventure so drop by posh Pizza Riccio on upper Session Road and grab a bite of their mouth-watering lasagna and pizzas. This is located in the Baden Powell Inn. Or try Pizza Volante on Session Road and sample its 14-inch pizza.
Later in the evening, return to the hotel for a quick shower and fresh clothes and then go back to the city proper for a good supper at Rose Bowl, which is along Harrison Road near Session Road. This Baguio restaurant guide thinks a cold night in Baguio City is better enjoyed with a hearty supper. So enjoy real Chinese dishes cooked in this pioneer Chinese restaurant which practically grew up with the city.
There are many good Baguio restaurants and many more ways to enjoy them. The foremost Baguio restaurant guide or advice is enjoy as many of them as possible.
Baguio Festivals and Events
Location and How to Get There
Baguio has been dubbed the “Summer Capital” of the Philippines because it is the only place that is saved from the intense heat during the months of February to early June. Baguio is accessible by land from Manila by bus ride of about 6 hours. Of course, one can also opt to bring one’s vehicle to make going around Baguio easier but if that is the main concern, rest assured there’s plenty of public transportation there. Baguio is also accessible by air. The best time to go to Baguio would be when festivals such as the Kadayawan Festival and the Baguio Flower Festival are celebrated.
Baguio Flower Festival
One of the reasons that people go to Baguio is to watch the Baguio Flower Festival. Because of the cool climate in Baguio and the rich topsoil, there are a lot of flowers that grow here that would normally not last a day in Manila. During the Baguio Flower Festival, a parade is held along Session Road of the most beautiful and uncommon flowers which are uniquely designed and placed on mini stages. The fragrance of the flowers as they pass by is heavenly and visitors line the street snapping pictures of the parade. The Baguio Flower Festival is an event of its own and one of the reasons that tourists visit Baguio. The Baguio Flower Festival began in 1995 when the then Director of Camp John Hay spearheaded the project and solicited the support of the different sectors of the community.
To watch the Baguio Flower Festival will not cost anything and it’s loads of fun. The community comes alive with dances, colorful outfits and the participants spend days preparing their designs. The goal of the Baguio Flower Festival is to increase awareness on the need to preserve the environment.
Kadayawan Festival
The Kadayawan Festival is another event that plays an important role in increasing tourism in Baguio. The local government units take part in the Kadayawan Festival by participating in dances known as Indak-Indak. This 19 year old festival is made colorful each year with new segments being added. From the very first time that the Kadayawan Festival was celebrated, it has undergone a lot changes and now there are more dances, there is now a festival hymn and the tribal community also participate. The Kadayawan Festival is Baguio’s way of showing the world that no matter how different the Filipinos may be, they stand united.
Baguio Travel Guide
When touring Baguio, Philippines in a private car, people may get more comfort and convenience, but not the excitement of a Baguio FX cab adventure. Here’s a Baguio travel guide on how to get more from an FX cab ride around Baguio City.
First and foremost, an important Baguio travel guide reminder is always look for FX cabs roaming the city once one sets foot on Baguio soil. They are usually found in a queue just outside bus terminals, waiting for bus passengers to step out of the terminal. This is often the scene around terminals in the Philippines. And why opt for them when in Baguio? They are a big help to one’s itinerary in many ways.
First, Baguio FX cabs charge very cheap fare. They start at a Php 25 flag down just like in Manila but the proceeding charge per kilometer is cheaper and slower. Hence, a hundred pesos can go a long way. They’re not difficult to look for. And the same can be said of them in most parts of the Philippines. They’re just outside bus stations. When a public jeep is opted for in Baguio, people will have to walk the distance from the bus terminal to the jeep terminal. So, as this Baguio travel guide recommends, upon alighting from a bus, look for an FX cab.
Second, there’s no limit to where a Baguio FX cab can take tourists around the city. Public jeeps in the Philippines have a fixed route to take day or night, and they’re mostly unavailable at midnight or in the wee hours of the morning. With FX cabs, people are brought to specific destinations even at midnight or dawn. So a vital Baguio travel guide tip especially when taking night or early morning trips to or from Baguio is to seriously consider hiring an FX cab.
Third, most FX cab drivers are friendly and can act as tourists guides. They are mostly natives of Baguio City and conversant in English and Tagalog, aside from Ilocano, of course. They are among honest and courteous drivers in the Philippines. Hence, no wonder this Baguio travel guide and most others are promoting FX cabs as public tour vehicles.
However, take note that Baguio FX cabs often have no seats available at the back. So at most, FX cabs in Baguio can accommodate 6 passengers, excluding the driver.
For a more meaningful Baguio tour, this Baguio travel guide suggests using FX cabs.
Baguio Sightseeing and Activities
With Baguio’s year-round cool temperature, a visitor will find it very enjoyable to some of its places and landmarks. From shopping, playing golf, horseback riding and site seeing the city has many activities to fill the time of a visitor.
Parks
Baguio has many parks scattered around the city. Located in the downtown is Burnham Park. The main attraction Burnham Park is its man-made lagoon where one can row in it by renting a small boat. Beside it is the track where one can ride an assortment of bicycles.
Out of downtown along Leonard Wood Road is the Baguio Botanical Garden. It is also known as Igorot Village. Igorot tribesmen are stationed in its façade where tourist usually takes photographs with them to get an authentic Igorot experience. Inside the park are trees, flowers and plants that usually grow in Baguio.
Near the Botanical Garden is the Mansion House and Wright Park. Mansion House is the official summer presidential residence located along Carlos P. Romulo Drive. Across it is Wright Park where one goes horseback riding around the Wright Park Riding Circle. Up the hill, a long flight of stairs will lead up to the gazebo and see the Pool of Pines.
After this is the Mines View Park. This park offers a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. One can also go picture taking astride a horse or beside a big St. Bernard dog. For those who love shopping, there are several shops in the park that sells Baguio products.
Religious Places
For the tourist who wants to see the spiritual side of Baguio, the Lourdes Grotto and Baguio Cathedral are the places to visit.
Situated in the western part of the city, Lourdes Grotto is a pilgrimage site for devotees. By climbing a long flight of stairs or driving up twisting road, a visitor will reach the image of the Our Lady of Lourdes.
In downtown Baguio, along Session Road, is Baguio Cathedral. It is situated on top of a hill and offers a great view of the downtown where on can see Burnham Park.
Shopping Places
In the downtown area is the city market where one can shop for souvenirs (like woodcarvings, knitted clothing), strawberry products, flowers and vegetables.
Baguio is also famous for its Ukay-Ukay (Second-Hand clothing) shops. These shops can be found in clusters along Session Road, near Burnham Park or across the city market. These Ukay-ukay shops sell branded second hand clothing at a very affordable price.
Cool Down in Baguio
Fun in the sun isn’t for everybody. Summer isn’t just going to the beach and catching the perfect wave. The heat, at times, can be excruciating. Sometimes, a change in temperature is what one needs to relax and have a vacation.
In the Philippines Baguio is considered to be the summer capital of the country. Because of its location at a higher elevation there is a cooler climate than the metro. It is the perfect alternative destination to those seeking refuge from the summer heat.
Traveling to Baguio can be quite a ride. It takes 8 – 10 hours to get there via the Kennon road. This happens to be the most historic and scenic route to Baguio. It is best to travel during the early morning on a weekday to avoid traffic. Along the way, the North Luzon Expressway is equiped with various pitstops for meal and bathroom breaks.
One of the most remembered times of Baguio city is the devastating earthquake during the early 90s. Several people were killed with others injured and lost because of the natural disaster. Many of the city’s structures were destroyed into piles of rubble strewn about the ground. Many doubted if Baguio could recover from this tragedy. Doubters were set at ease as the citizens and several investors slowly restored Baguio to bring back tourists and travelers.
Baguio has also become a haven for bargain shoppers. Ukay-ukay, as most locals call it, is the very reason fashion lovers head to Baguio. Great prices on the trendiest items and a variety of choices make it only more attractive to visitors. Haggling and patience is needed to find the perfect clothes and get the full experience when bargain hunting in Baguio.
Ukay-ukay stalls are located near Session road which is one of the busiest areas in the city during daytime and nighttime. It is lined with various restaurants serving international cuisine ranging from Italian, Spanish, Chinese and of course Filipino style delicacies. Familiar fast food restaurants are also here for those on a budget. At night, Session road comes alive with the lights from bars and restaurants for people in search of a good time.
For the old fashioned, Baguio has a wide range of historic and cultural sites. The Botanical Garden (Igorot village), Mines View Park, Camp John Hay, and Baguio Cathedral are only a few of the attractions that Baguio has to offer.
Visitors can also head to the oldest park in Baguio for a look at history and for some fun. Burnham Park is perfect for picnics and strolls along the lush pine trees. Horseback riding, hiking in the nature trails are also available for nature lovers. Of course, there is always that great scenery to take a picture of for aspiring photographers to add to their photo albums.
Before leaving Baguio, it is a must to head to the marketplace and stock up on fruits and vegetables. Strawberries are quite the favorite gifts to bring home for friends and families. The vegetables are fresh, cheap and even taste better than those one could buy in the high end supermarkets in Metro Manila.
Going to the beach isn’t the only thing one could do in the summer. There are other ways to relax and enjoy oneself. Nature lovers, bargain shoppers, cultural explorers all have something to experience in Baguio. Sometimes, a change in temperature is the best vacation to have. Baguio gives the chance to relax and cool down during the summer.