The summer capital of the Philippines is 5,000 feet above sea level and thus enjoys cool weather all year round. Previously an Igorot settlement until the Americans arrived, resorts were built here by the colonizers to escape the sultry summer of Manila. However despite the rise of resorts, the leisurely charm of this place has been maintained. There are several Baguio destinations that one must make a point to visit.
The Baguio Sunshine Park is a place where flowers that only grow in cool climate can be found and this Baguio destination is also a place where cultural shows are presented. A whole day can be spent at the Baguio Sunshine Park just admiring the beauty, color and fragrance of the flowers and the cultural shows are very educational. Not a long distance from the Baguio Sunshine Park is Leonard Wood Road where Imelda Park brings a different kind of wonder for tourists.
Imelda Park is very different from the Baguio Sunshine Park in that what is on display here is not the different varieties of flowers but the prototypes of the dwellings that the mountain tribes used to live in and some where they continue to live. At the entrance of Imelda Park tribe people greet the visitors and one can snap pictures with them for a souvenir.
Another Baguio destination that one must go to is Burnham Park. This Baguio destination is named after an American architect who designed the whole city. There’s a lagoon with shallow water where one can rent a boat to row across amidst weeping willows. The children can play at the playground in Burnham Park. There are also several restaurants that are a walking distance from this Baguio destination and they serve both Asian and international cuisine. Very different from the Baguio Sunshine Park, Burnham Park is a place where family gatherings are commonly held.
Aside from Burnham Park, Imelda Park and the Baguio Sunshine Park, there are so many places that one can go to when at the summer capital. These Baguio destinations are more enjoyable because of the cool climate and the warm reception that awaits visitors. For those who like partying at night, Baguio has a very colorful night life with several bars that can go to and listen to a live band with some friends, karaoke, or perhaps go dancing while having a couple of drinks.
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.
Philippines is considered a tropical country and hanging out in a 'cooler' place would definitely spell total relaxation. Baguio City has been the country’s 'Summer Capital' because of weather that is cooler than the average scenario around the Metropolitan Manila. Philippine Military Academy or PMA is also situated a Baguio City. The said place had been training military men for Philippine army, navy and the air force for years since its foundation. Another usual sight going 'up' to Baguio is the big lion’s head where visitors and tourists alike could not resist taking some pictures with the head in the background.
During the month-long festival of Panagbenga, literally, all roads lead to Baguio City. Panagbenga is held annually and it literally means 'season of blooming'. Various displays, arrays and parades of flowers flock the city's main roads. In short, during the festival, it is all about flowers. It is totally 'flower power' festival. As a tip, tourists and visitors should be booked one (1) to two (2) weeks ahead for accommodation. If there are relatives, friends or contacts, better be alerting them for lodging. During the peak week of the festival, expect that bus terminals at Metropolitan Manila are crowded, but they assure that there are enough busses available for visitors going to Baguio. Upon arriving at Baguio (after four to six hours), it would be wise to book tickets going home to avoid hassle or unlikely chance passengers' 'dilemmas'.
Resolving these issues in visiting Baguio City during this period is very easy. As always, give time allowance for preparing the trip. This tip goes best especially for first timers who do not have any contacts or relatives residing at Baguio City. For first time tourists and visitors, and staying in Baguio City during the festival, one best option is to contact travel agencies. There are a lot of travel agencies in Baguio City to name a few there is Baguio Travel Company located at Patria de Baguio. Another one is Brightstar Travel and Tours situated at 25 Magsaysay Avenue. Esgala Travel and Tours International is also a travel agency which is located at 238 Halsema Road La Trinidad. All of these following agencies are located around Baguio. Better be searching further details like contact numbers through the net for latest updates.
Tourism in Baguio City is flourishing that is why the local government makes a great deal of effort maintaining and upgrading the local tourism. Agencies like these really help a lot in encouraging visitors and tourists alike to be more at home and feel very comfortable. Enjoy the trip!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
Being the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” people troop to Baguio City to enjoy the scenes, have a relaxing vacation, try out their food, or simply have time for enjoyment. However, people who are not accustomed to the cool weather in the city may be prone to become sick, get involved in an accident or other unfortunate events.
Bear in mind that the temperature in Baguio City is several degrees lower compared to other places in the country. The good news is that tourists need not worry about being sick or injured because Baguio hospitals and health care offer the best facilities and equipment to help visitors during times of emergencies.
Planning to undergo cosmetic surgery in Baguio City? Unfortunately, there is a shortage of medical supplies since these procedures are not usually undertaken in the city. The health care centers are capable of addressing medical needs. The health care centers are into traditional and holistic treatment.
Health care service providers thrive in Baguio City offering excellent medical assistance programs to patients. There are private medical institutions, such as Pines City Doctors Hospital, Baguio Medical Center, Hospital of the Sacred Heart, among others. If you are tight on budget, there are also hospitals and medical facilities that can help you with your medical expenses, such as Benguet
You need to be aware of those who claim that they are professional healers. It is always best to check their credentials or proceed to the nearest hospital rather than a small clinic or health center.
The Department of Health of Baguio City focuses on living a clean and stress free lifestyle through an improved and institutionalized health services and ensuring prompt delivery of service. City health centers focus on making heart-related information and service accessible.
Prescription drugs and medicines are readily available at several drug stores or pharmacies where they can be purchased. Session Road is a good starting place for buying everything that you need.
When going on a vacation or business trip in Baguio City, it is always best to take all the necessary precautions. Stay away from animals and avoid provoking them due to the fact that rabies is prominent in the entire country. If you are taking prescription medicines, make sure that you bring them along with you.
Avoid taking roads which you are not aware of and if possible have someone who know the place guide you. Baguio hospitals and health care require taking all the necessary safety measures to ensure that you will have a memorable and worthwhile visit in the city.