Going Around Baguio City

Let us help you outline your itinerary during your stay in the Baguio. It will be a long exciting journey, so we suggest you take at least three-day leave for the City of Pines.

IMPORTANT TIP:

Prepare sneakers on your trip to Baguio City. The exciting and adventurous journey will take a lot of walking. 

DAY 1 Tour the nearby tourist spots inside the city.

First on the list is Mines View Park, a worthwhile attraction offering panoramic views of the Baguio’s surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can see the Cordillera Central mountain range. Things that will entertain you there include souvenir shopping, picture taking with Igorot costumes, and well-wishing.

Next, head to the Mansion House to look at the official summer residence of the Philippine President. In front of the gate and its surrounding area is a remarkable place to stroll, and worth taking photos, too. 

While there, take the long steps down to Wright Park for a coffee break. Then experience horseback riding around the large park for an additional thrill to your trip. You can opt for a ponyboy to escort you through a long journey. It is a one-hour rent, after all.

Down the hill is a 6-minute walk or 2 minutes ride to Botanical Garden. It is a refreshing park to rest at after your long walk from Mines View Park. Rich in indigenous plants that offer an atmosphere you will hardly forget. 

After that, Camp John Hay is another must-see place waiting right on the East side. You will find restaurants serving different kinds of cuisine inside the Gold Club. Otherwise, you can bring a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic with your friends or family. There is a picnic area close to the Secret Garden you can easily navigate when you get inside.

There will be much to see in Camp John Hay, such as:

• Cemetery of Negativism
• Bell House
• Bell Amphitheater
• The Secret Garden
• Tree Top Adventure
• Butterfly Sanctuary
• Scout Hill
• Camp John Hay Eco Trail (For Hiking and Trekking)
• Red Hydrants (For Hiking)
• John Hay Trade And Cultural Center

Take your last trip of the day to the Philippine Military Academy Gate, a 10-minute drive from Camp John Hay. You can drive in to learn about the PMA grounds. Enjoy the view of the cadets while they perform their drills. The PMA museum is also worth of time to explore. You will also see vintage tanks and other historical military weapons. PMA is full of tradition and magnificence.

To conclude the day, drop by the Baguio Country Club Christmas Village on your way back to your accommodation. It is a magnificent sight in the evening.

DAY 2 Visit the Heritage Sites

Start your day at Burnham Park, the city’s largest public park. Spread over 65 hectares, the beautiful gardens and open fields offer a peaceful green escape from the bustle of the city. Stroll along the paths, relax on the lawns, and admire the flowers and fountains. You’ll also find a lake, playgrounds, and food stalls within the park. It’s a lovely place to spend a few hours soaking up the fresh mountain air. Morning is the best time to be there to experience the beauty of nature inside the city. You can find restaurants around the area for breakfast. 

Around Burnham Park, you can also check the following nearby places:

• Rose Garden
• Melvin Jones Football Ground
• Baguio Athletic Bowl
• Baguio Museum
• Pine Trees of The World Park

Next, head to Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary. You should not miss the Heritage Hill and Nature Park Garden close by, which is a 10-minute drive. 

After that, drive 4 minutes to Mirador Limestone Walkways and another 3 minutes to Mirador Hill Peace Memorial. These places are good for sightseeing in Baguio houses and the sea of clouds. Places you can check here are:

• Peace Bell
• Bamboo Groove
• The Moon Gate

Then get ready for hundreds of steps to The Lourdes Grotto. It is a famous place for tourists to light a candle for a safe journey. It is also a perfect place for a packed lunch with your family while enjoying the view of the city.

To continue your heritage hopping,

Drive to Tam-Awan Village. It will take you 11 minutes to get there from Lourdes Grotto. From the name itself, this is an artist village featuring traditional Ifugao houses and art galleries. It is an indigenous village showcasing Cordillera culture and arts. If you want to learn more about the people of Baguio, whose roots are from the Cordillera side of the Region, you should not miss this place.

And here comes the main highlight of the day, the Igorot Stone Kingdom. (1-minute drive from Tam-Awan Village). This unique open-air museum showcases the culture and traditions of the Igorot people through stunning stone sculptures. Walk through the grounds to see replicas of Igorot houses, rice terraces, and statues of indigenous people going about their daily lives. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the past and a great place to learn about the history of the Cordillera region. 

If the adventure is not enough, fill in your trekking excitement at Tam-Awan Tree Park and Camp Ragsak, which are around the area. 

Don’t get too excited because there is more waiting for you to discover:

• The Warrior’s Nest
• AdMIRALS Farm Park
• Mount Costa

For those who want overnight camping around this area, try:

• ALAPO Adventure Camp, and
• Tiny House Japanese Trail

As you continue your trip, take the road to La Trinidad Valley. Visit the Strawberry Farm to experience harvesting fresh strawberries. 

Getting back to your accommodation, do not miss the sight of the Colors of StoBosa and the Taoist Architecture of Bell Church at Km. 3 La Trinidad.

DAY 3 Go Market Hopping And Shop For Souvenirs

Most tourists who visit Baguio never leave without buying beautiful souvenirs and local delicacies for their loved ones. 

Baguio City Public Market in the morning and a vibrant Baguio Night Market in the evening. These are recommendations where you can find all the native products of Baguio.

The Good Shepherd Convent is also a famous place to buy handcrafted gifts and Baguio specialties. 

For authentic Cordilleran souvenirs, Easter Weaving Room has various woven products. Here are some of the things you may buy here:

• Shawl
• Scarf
• Bag
• Wallets
• Table Runners
• Placemats
• Pillowcases, and more.

Lastly, make sure to visit Session Road for shopping and dining. Baguio’s main commercial strip. Shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars are lined from top to bottom. Wander along the pedestrian-only street and pop into the stores selling local handicrafts, jewelry, souvenirs, and more. Then refuel with some tasty Filipino and international cuisine. Session Road is bustling and fun, giving you a taste of city life in this mountain retreat. 

And if you take a short walk up the hill, it is where the mighty SM Baguio stands for more shopping galore.

If you still have time or want to extend another day of your vacation, here are some places you should not miss.

• Whether religious you are or not, take another hundred steps to the beautiful neo-Gothic church in the heart of Baguio city. -The Baguio Cathedral. 

If you are into arts, 

• Another must-visit place in Baguio City before going home is the Museo Kordilyera. Be in awe of the exceptional architecture while strolling around. 
• Take an additional trip to a world-class museum featuring the works of renowned Filipino artist Ben Cabrera. –The BenCab Museum. You will be glad to visit this place because of the magnificent art plus breathtaking scenery.
• While you are at the BenCab Museum, Asin Hot Springs is kilometers away for a swimming trip.
• Add your adventure journey with a historical Laperal White House tour. 
• If your way back home is through Kennon Road, do not forget to take a short stopover at the Kennon Road View Point and the Lion’s Head for picture takings.
• For those seeking inner peace and self-reflection, go to St. Francis Xavier Seminary Bamboo Educational Demo Farm. Also called Bamboo Sanctuary
• Experience the taste of Baguio’s Barako coffee at Panagbenga Park while enjoying the beauty of mother nature.
• Butterfly Sanctuary – visit and appreciate the beauty of butterflies.

Conclusion

Baguio City is a perfect place for people to unwind and want a short break from a chaotic workload. The list of tourist spots in this city is endless. There are still places we did not mention, but we will cover them in the next article. With the panoramic view and the Cordillera mountains, it will surely stir your soul. Enjoy the viewpoint overlooking nearby mountains and the cold wind over your face. Be ready for a breathtaking journey!