Baguio City – A Cool and Cozy Destination in the Philippines

Baguio City: A Cool and Cozy Destination in the Philippines

Baguio City is a city in the province of Benguet, Philippines, that is known for its cool and cozy climate, scenic and cultural attractions, and delicious and diverse cuisine. It is one of the most visited destinations in the Philippines, especially during the summer season, when the temperature in the lowlands becomes unbearable. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the reasons why you should visit Baguio City, as well as some of the best places to see and things to do in this amazing city.

Why Visit Baguio City?

There are many reasons why you should visit Baguio City, but here are some of the most compelling ones:

• Baguio City has a pleasant and refreshing weather all year round, thanks to its high elevation of about 1,540 meters above sea level, which makes it conducive for the growth of pine trees, orchids, and other plants. The average temperature in Baguio City is around 18 degrees Celsius, which is much lower than the average temperature in Manila, which is around 30 degrees Celsius. This makes Baguio City a perfect place to escape the heat and enjoy the fresh air.
• Baguio City offers a variety of attractions and activities to suit different tastes and preferences. You can enjoy nature and adventure activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and horseback riding, or culture and history activities such as museum-hopping, heritage-walking, and festival-joining. You can also relax and unwind in the various parks, gardens, and spas, or shop and dine in the various markets, malls, and restaurants.
• Baguio City has a rich and diverse culture and history, which you can learn more about by visiting its museums, churches, and landmarks. Some of the notable places to visit are the Baguio Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Cordillera region, the BenCab Museum, which displays the artworks of the national artist Benedicto Cabrera, and the Laperal White House, which is a haunted house that was used by the Japanese during World War II. You can also visit the historic landmarks of the city, such as the Baguio Cathedral, the Bell Church, and the Diplomat Hotel, which showcase the religious and civic aspects of the colonial society.
• Baguio City has a vibrant and delicious culinary scene, which features local and international cuisines, as well as organic and healthy options. You can savor the famous dishes of Baguio City, such as the strawberry taho, a soybean curd with strawberry syrup, the ube jam, a purple yam jam, and the peanut brittle, a crunchy peanut candy. You can also try the specialties of some of the best restaurants in Baguio City, such as Hill Station, Cafe by the Ruins, and Vizco’s Restaurant and Cake Shop.

How to Get to Baguio City?

Getting to Baguio City is easy and convenient, as there are many ways to reach the city from Manila and other nearby provinces. Here are some of the options you can choose from:

• By plane: The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Baguio City is by flying directly to its airport, which is located about 15 km from the city center. There are daily flights from Manila to Baguio City, operated by Philippine Airlines, the only airline that serves the destination. The flight time is about an hour and a half. You can book your tickets online through the Philippine Airlines website¹ or through travel agencies. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a van to your hotel or resort, which will cost around 200 to 300 pesos per ride.
• By bus: The cheapest and most accessible way to get to Baguio City is by taking a bus from Manila or other nearby provinces. There are many bus companies that offer trips to Baguio City, such as Victory Liner, Genesis, and Joy Bus. You can board the bus at various terminals in Manila, such as Cubao, Pasay, and Sampaloc. The fare is around 500 to 700 pesos per person, depending on the bus company and the destination. The travel time is about 5 to 7 hours, depending on the traffic and the weather. The bus will drop you off at the Baguio City Bus Terminal, which is located near the city center. From there, you can take a taxi or a jeepney to your hotel or resort, which will cost around 50 to 100 pesos per ride.
• By car: Another way to get to Baguio City is by driving your own car or renting one. You can take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and exit at Tarlac City, then follow the MacArthur Highway until you reach Baguio City. The travel time is about 4 to 6 hours, depending on the traffic and the weather. You can also take the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) and exit at Rosario, then follow the Kennon Road or the Marcos Highway until you reach Baguio City. The travel time is about 3 to 5 hours, depending on the traffic and the weather.

Where to Stay in Baguio City?

Baguio City has a lot of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, hostels, guesthouses, and homestays, depending on your needs and wants. Here are some of the best places to stay in Baguio City, based on customer reviews and ratings:

• The Manor at Camp John Hay: If you want to splurge on a luxury stay, you can’t go wrong with The Manor at Camp John Hay, which is one of the most prestigious and elegant hotels in Baguio City. The Manor at Camp John Hay offers cozy and spacious rooms and suites, with modern amenities and breathtaking views of the pine forest and the golf course. You can also enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services, such as the indoor pool, the spa, the fitness center, the restaurant, and the bar. You can book your stay online through the The Manor at Camp John Hay website² or through travel agencies.
• Azalea Residences Baguio: If you prefer a more affordable and family-friendly stay, you can opt for Azalea Residences Baguio, which is one of the newest and most popular hotels in Baguio City. Azalea Residences Baguio offers comfortable and stylish rooms and suites, with contemporary amenities and kitchen facilities. You can also enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services, such as the outdoor playground, the spa, the restaurant, and the bar. You can book your stay online through the Azalea Residences Baguio website³ or through travel agencies.
• Baguio LeFern Hotel: If you want to experience a more cozy and romantic stay, you can choose Baguio LeFern Hotel, which is one of the most charming and quaint hotels in Baguio City. Baguio LeFern Hotel offers exquisite and spacious rooms and suites, with vintage amenities and wooden accents. You can also enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services, such as the garden, the restaurant, and the coffee shop. You can book your stay online through the Baguio LeFern Hotel website⁴ or through travel agencies.

What to Do in Baguio City?

Baguio City has a lot of activities and attractions to offer to its visitors, from nature to culture to adventure. You can enjoy walking tours, carriage rides, pottery making, and weaving, or join festivals, events, and shows. You can also explore the nearby towns and provinces, such as Bantay, Caoayan, Santa, Sinait, and Ilocos Norte, which offer more sights and experiences to discover. Here are some of the best things to do in Baguio City, that you should not miss:

• Burnham Park: The most iconic and must-see attraction in Baguio City is the Burnham Park, which is named after the architect of Baguio, Daniel Burnham. Considered as Baguio City’s most popular park, it offers various sights and activities for all walks of life. Some of which include boating, biking, skating, walking, and picnicking. You can also enjoy the flower garden, the orchidarium, the children’s playground, and the skating rink. You can also shop for souvenirs, snacks, and street food at the various stalls and vendors around the park.
• Mines View Park: Another great attraction in Baguio City is the Mines View Park, which offers a stunning view of the mining town of Itogon and the Amburayan Valley. You can also see the Cordillera mountain range and the Benguet pine forest from the park. You can also enjoy the various activities and attractions at the park, such as horseback riding, wearing native costumes, and taking photos with the famous St. Bernard dog. You can also shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and plants at the various stores and stalls around the park.
• Explore the museums and landmarks: Baguio City has a rich and diverse history and culture, which you can learn more about by visiting its museums and landmarks. Some of the most notable ones are the BenCab Museum⁴, which showcases the artworks of the national artist Benedicto Cabrera, the Laperal White House⁵, which is a haunted house that was used by the Japanese during World War II, and the Baguio Cathedral, which is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia.
• Taste the local cuisine and delicacies: Baguio City has a vibrant and delicious culinary scene, which features local and international cuisines, as well as organic and healthy options. You can savor the famous dishes of Baguio City, such as the strawberry taho, a soybean curd with strawberry syrup, the ube jam, a purple yam jam, and the peanut brittle, a crunchy peanut candy. You can also try the specialties of some of the best restaurants in Baguio City, such as Hill Station, Cafe by the Ruins, and Vizco’s Restaurant and Cake Shop.