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.
One of the reasons that people go to Baguio is to watch the Baguio Flower Festival called Panagbenga. 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.
Panagbenga 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.
Today, it is organized annually and has become a major tourist attraction in the city. History The first Flower Festival was only for three days. It was held at Camp John Hay with the aim of celebrating the flowers of Baguio. The Baguio Flower Festival is now an annual event and is held every year around February.
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.
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.
In the town’s main plaza, a stage has been set up and a crowd of about 10,000 people has gathered to listen to a group of musicians and dancers perform traditional dances from various parts of the Philippines.
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.
Long before some tourist attractions or spots in the Philippines became famous, the city of Baguio had been a favorite vacation spot and getaway for locals residing in Metro Manila. The place was developed by Americans as a retreat place to escape or to have some break away from the warm ambiance of Metro Manila area. The place was hailed as the 'Summer Capital' of the Philippines because of its relatively cooler weather all year round. The place is said to be as well the 'City of Pines' because of the pine trees all over the area.
The best time to witness the culture and wonders of Baguio City is during the Panagbenga Festival. The festival is a yearly flower festival in Baguio City. The word 'panagbenga' is of Malayo-Polunesian derivation that means 'season of blooming'. The festival is characterized by colorful display of floral-themed parade, costumes and creative floats. The main streets of Baguion would really look like a garden of beautiful flowers especially during its culminating days. The feast is also defined by street dancing and merry making. It is a month-long celebration held annually in the month of February.
Upon arriving to Baguio City, one of the landmarks that would be flocked by tourists is the Philippine Military Academy. It is located within the Fort del Pilar, Loakan. It was created for potential officers of Philippines Armed Forces. This military academy has museum that displays war paraphernalia (uniforms, weapons, gears, vehicles, etc.) of the past to the contemporary period. Another notable spot in Baguio City is the oldest park in the place, the Burnham Park. Tourists could be relieved some of their tensions by simply just walking, biking or reflecting on the good things in life. The park is famous of the man-made lake where visitors could rent a boat just to row around the lake. The Baguio Cathedral is another place to check in Baguio City. It is also known as Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral. Its unique twin spikes, hundred steps and a wonderful view (located at a top of a hill) gives church goers, devotees or tourists a bird’s eye view of the full commercial center.
Baguio City needs to keep up with the pace regarding economic progress and growth. One of the widely use tools nowadays is to harness the power of the internet. The official website (http://www.baguio.gov.ph) for the local government of Baguio City gives concise details regarding Baguio City’s events, directory, services and all related information regarding the place. If a tourist plans to enjoy the Panagbenga Fetival in Baguio City, it is necessary to make preparation because Baguio City would be flocked by visitors during the said festivity and checking the official website is a helpful suggestion. Having an idea of where to go, where to stay and where to eat as a visitor or tourist in a vacation spot, would make the tour more memorable.
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.
The Mines View Park is a highly recommended tourist spot to visit when in Baguio. The place is a must see for all visitors. Here's what you can expect when you visit the Mines View Park.
A trip to Baguio won't ever be complete if you won't ever get to Mines View Park. You'll be treated to a really breathtaking view of Benguet's gold and copper mines and the beautiful contours of the Cordillera mountain region. The Mines View Park is the most visited spot in all of Baguio.
Mines View Park is just four kilometers from downtown Baguio. It's just a jeepney ride away and is very accessible. If you plan to go to Mines View Park you should plan ahead to go there in the earlier part of the day. The regular afternoon fog might restrict your view of the landscape in the Mines View Park if you come there late in the afternoon.
The Mines View Park used to be a mining area for small-scale miners before the American occupation. Most visitors usually visit the place after making a stop at the Mansion or the Wright Park. An observation deck can be found in the Mines View Park. To get to the observation deck visitors will have to take the winding stone-covered stairway, which is right next to the parking area. The steps on the stairway can be quite slippery after some rain, so be very careful.
There are benches for visitors where they can rest and enjoy the view. For about Php 10 you can rent binoculars and take a spectacular view of the nearby valley and mountains. Native Igorot tribesmen also frequent the Mines View Park and would be willing to pose for a picture with the tourists for a few pesos. They may even rent their outfit to some tourists who would like to try them out.
At the entrance of the Mines View Park are stalls and cafes that cater to visitors. You can buy native handicraft, silver products, jewelry, and a variety of souvenirs. You'll sure be tempted to sample the abundant strawberries, grilled or steamed corn on the cob, and other food served at the snack bars and small stores found at the Mines View Park.
A kilo of strawberries would cost around Php 150, but prices change every now and then. The food costs as much as regular food including the coffee.
A short walk from the Park is the Good Shepherd Convent where you can get delicious jams and native delicacies. While at the Mines View Park you might like to try horseback riding. Horses at the Mines View Park can be rented for a small fee. This is a favorite activity among the little kids.
If you want to see Baguio's best, make sure to visit the Mines View Park first. You'll get a panoramic introduction of what Baguio has to offer.
[Tags]Baguio, Mines View, Philippines, Luzon, Tourism, Horseback Riding, Tourist Destination, Travel, Filipino[/Tags]
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Cool mountain air in precipitous settings often marked by sights of low clouds caught in clusters of tall pines. This mostly characterizes sightseeing in Baguio City. But this is not all. To maximize a Baguio tour here is a Baguio sightseeing guide.
Baguio is among popular tourism centers in the north which is dominated by Ilocano-speaking folks both from Baguio itself and the nearby lowlands. So it would do well to take along an Ilocano-speaking tour companion or a Baguio sightseeing guide, perhaps a relative or friend, to enjoy the City of Pines more.
If there’s nobody available, just make sure to speak in English when talking to people, tourists or locals. Most conversation in this city is in Ilocano, Tagalog, or English. Only with this Baguio sightseeing guide or tip can tourists and vacationers really enjoy the many scenic spots in the city as well as the anticipated shopping spree.
Be sure to bring petty cash when sightseeing in Baguio. Almost all tourist spots here have souvenir stalls or shops, many of them in colorful clusters that look so appealing they never fail to lure tourists. So instead of sulking in a corner watching in envy other tourists doing their shopping binge, take this advice from this Baguio sightseeing guide and bring cash along and indulge.
The first stop is often Session Road. Most Manila-to-Baguio buses stop at the upper end of this road, or somewhere near. Just ask around the bus station which way to Session Road and it’s likely a few meters away. The next logical stop would be Baguio Cathedral. The entrance to this famous historical church is along Session Road. This practical Baguio sightseeing guide would save visitors’ time.
Then, Burnham Park, which is near the lower tip of Session Road, should be the next stop. Families on vacation in Baguio always enjoy this park where various park leisurely activities like boating, biking, and roaming are available. Then, this Baguio sightseeing guide recommends going to other places outside the city proper, like Mansion House, Mines View Park, and Wright Park, among others.
Whatever tour itinerary visiting folks decide on, they should make it a point not to miss Baguio City market to spend their major shopping spree in (and to buy the crunchiest peanut brittle), Trinidad Valley for fresh hand-picked vegetables and strawberries, Mines View for the best ube jam, the Philippine Military Academy for military souvenirs.
There are a lot more places to see and things to do in Baguio City. However, this Baguio sightseeing guide prioritizes what includes a traditional Baguio tour.
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.
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.