Travel Guide: Revisiting Baguio City

View of the mountains from Good Shepherd. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Brief Information About the City

Baguio City or the “City of Pines” has always been a favorite all-year-round destination of local and foreign tourists in the Philippines. Located some 250 km north of Manila, it is a highly urbanized city in mountainous province of Benguet. Its location, 1,540 meters (5,050 feet) above sea level, creates a favorable cool weather all year round. Hence it is also dubbed as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines”.

Those garlands speak of Baguio City. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Activities in Baguio City

            The increased accessibility and urbanization of Baguio City have caused this city to become even more popular to tourists. It is safe to assume that this popularity has led the local government and the Department of Tourism (DOT) to rehabilitate and reorganize the existing attractions and infrastructure and for businessmen to open more shops, leisure parks, and restaurants.

Baguio Cathedral (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

            From the last time I was here, I noticed huge improvements in the city and additional activities that tourists from all walks of life will enjoy.

1. Native Handicraft and Souvenir Shopping

2. Biking at Burnham Park

3. Boating in Burnham Park Lagoon

4. Picking Strawberry and Harvesting Vegetables at Strawberry Farm

5. City Tour 
    a. Lourdes Grotto 
    b. Easter Weaving 
    c. Chinese Temple 
    d. Strawberry Farm 
    e. Botanical Garden 
    f. Wright Park 
    g. Mansion House
    h. Mines View Park 
    i. PMA
    j. Crystal Cave
    k. Burnham Park
    l. Baguio Silver Shop

6. Spelunking

7. Ukay-ukay Shopping on Harrison Road

8. Tree Top Adventure at Camp John Hay

9. Horse Back Riding

10. Just Enjoying the Cool Weather

Highly Recommended to Try

Best tasting strawberry sorbet. (Photo by Gregg Manalo) 

1. Strawberry Sorbet 

The best-tasting strawberry sorbet I have ever tasted. You can get this mouth-watering sorbet from local vendors.

Taho made even tastier. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

2. Strawberry Taho

The abundance of strawberry in the area has probably given birth to this version of the well-loved Filipino snack food. One serving costs Php 30.00.

Night Market on Harrison Road (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

3. Ukay-ukay Shopping on Harrison Road

I would say a local and simpler version of South Korea’s Myeongdong area. The entire stretch of Harrison Road near Burnham Park transforms into a huge night market where you can enjoy ukay-ukay shopping from 21:00 – 2:00. Who knows, you might spot an authentic vintage LV there?  

Getting Around Baguio City

1. Taxis

            Taxis are probably the most convenient way of getting around Baguio City. The flag down rate (as of writing) is 30 pesos and I would that all of them are very honest and reliable. If you’re a group of 4 or 5, your total taxi fare divided by the number of passengers would be comparable to a jeepney fare. So I could say that taxis are really affordable here.

2. Jeepneys

            Jeepneys like in all places in the Philippines have specific routes and your destination might be off track. However, most tourist spots in the city can be reached by jeepneys.

Look for this signage when you get off the jeepney. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

How to Get to Strawberry Farm from Baguio City

            Strawberry Farm should not be missed when you visit Baguio City. Though this is located in the provincial capital of La Trinidad, it is just a jeepney ride from Baguio. This farm has gone a complete transformation for the better. It is greener, more presentable, more organized and more enticing for the visiting tourists to pick strawberries and harvest vegetables.

Luscious strawberries. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

To get there, proceed to Magsaysay Terminal. Take a jeepney going to Tomay (refer to the signboard or ask the driver). Tell the driver to get you off at Demshang where the Strawberry Farm is located. The fare is Php11.25. The driver will normally remind you, but if it may help, the landmark is Benguet State University. 

A more organised and greener strawberry farm. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

On your way back, you may want to drop by at Bell Church or Chinese Temple. It is located at the boundary of La Trinidad and Baguio City. The landmark is the boundary/welcome arch. The entrance is free, but it is closed to public from 11:30 – 13:30.

Drop by this scenic Bell Church on your way to/back from Strawberry Farm. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

How to Get to Baguio City from Manila

Most transients and hotels follow the 12:00 noon check-in time. Keeping this in mind, you may want to have an early trip to make the most of your stay. Several bus companies offer daily and hourly trips to Baguio. Additionally, there are also 3-hour and 6-hour trips to the City of Pines. Students enjoy discounts on bus fares, so do not forget to take tour school IDs with you when you book your tickets. Verify with the following bus companies of their trips to Baguio City:

Joy Bus

            Avenida (Manila) – (02) 733-8622

            Cubao – (02) 421-1314; (02) 421- 1322; (02) 421- 1325; 
                         (02) 709-0803

            Pasay – (02) 853-3115

Victory Liner

    Caloocan - (02) 361-1506; (02) 361-4665 to 66       

            Cubao - (02) 727-4688; (02) 410-8986; (02) 727-4534

            Kamias - (02) 920-7396

            Manila - (02) 559-7735

            Pasay - (02) 833-4403; (02) 833-5019 to 20

Travel Guide: How to Get to Las Islas De Gigantes

Cabugao Gamay or Mini Boracay. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Brief Information About Gigantes Islands  

    Gigantes Islands form part of the municipality of Carles in Iloilo. It is composed of two big islands, Gigante Norte and Sur and several islets where pristine and unspoiled white sand beaches are mostly found.
 
    Accommodations are very few on these islands and they offer very basic services. 24-hour electricity and water supply are some of the challenges that residents and visitors encounter while staying on these islands.

    Resort owners and residents switch to solar panels and generators to power their appliances. Hence, you might need to take power banks to continuously replenish the battery life of your cellphones. Hence, you will have to forget for awhile your wifi and social networking sites once you step on the islands.
  

Lantangan to Stance Ferry and vice versa. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

How to Get to Las Islas De Gigantes

1. Take a Plane to Roxas City

    Although there is an option to use Iloilo Airport as your jump-off point, but Roxas City seems to
    be the nearer, faster, and more convenient way. Local airlines regularly fly to Roxas City; check
   their websites to book for possible flights. Choose the early morning flights (latest 10:00 AM) so
    you could catch the 13:00 Ferry from Estancia to Langtangan.

2. Hire a Van (1,200-1,500 each way) or take a bus (Php 86.00 each way) from Roxas City to Estancia.

    There is a van station located just across the airport. If the driver charges more than 2,000 pesos,
    proceed to the tricycle station just outside the airport. Tell the tricycle driver to take you to the van  
    station that goes to Estancia. You can either hire a van or if you're not in a hurry, just pay the
    regular pay. Hiring the van is definitely faster. The van is also faster than the bus. I suggest taking
    the van so you could catch the ferry going to Langtangan. There is only ONE ferry schedule from
    Estancia to Lantangan which is at 13:00.
    On your way back from Lantangan, you will need to rent a tricycle (Php30.00)  from Estancia Port
    to the Van/Bus Terminal going to Roxas Airport. Again, i suggest taking the van.

3. Take a Ferry (3 Sisters J) from Estancia to Langtangan (Fare: Php 75.00/head). 

            

Schedule:       Estancia to Lantangan – 1:00 PM

                                   Lantangan to Estance – 8:00 AM

Activities 

There is no night-life on the Island except probably for videoke singing in select resorts which is only allowed until 22:00. However, there are a lot of nature-related activities in the area. 

1. Island Hopping

    The most popular activity in the area and the very reason why you should come here. My very own island hopping experience is well-documented in the entry entitled, Las Islas De Gigantes: Island Hopping at Its Finest. 

2. Snorkeling

    Forms part of island hopping so make sure you tell your guide to direct you where you can snorkel. 

3. Trekking to Boulevard

    According to the locals, it will take approximately three hours to reach the summit of the cliff so 
    better ready your hydration supply, flashlight, and emergency kits. Local guides from your resort    
    may be tapped for a minimal fee (a tip would suffice if you're staying at 3 Sisters J). 

4. Cliff Jumping 

    If you want to experience adrenaline rush, you might want to experience cliff jumping. The most 
    popular is the one just at the entrance of the famous Tangke. 

5. Spelunking 

    Pawikan Cave is the most popular cave in the area, but there are smaller ones that you can also 
    explore. 

6. Fishing  

    You can arrange this with your resort. 


Where to Stay

The group together with the hospitable owners of 3 Sisters J  Homestay. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

1. 3 Sisters J Homestay 

            

Contact Person: Evelyn Robles : 09477871690

            Cost of Stay without Island Hopping: Php 250.00/person

If your main purpose for travelling to Las Islas De Gigantes is island hopping and swimming in various areas, this is one place which I can strongly recommend. The accommodation is very basic like in all resorts in the area, but it has one great advantage. Not only that the ferry boat from Estancia Port will dock you directly here, the owners who happen to be the operators of the Ferry know the entirety of the different islands that comprise Las Islas De Gigantes. 

            If you opt to arrange island-hopping tour with them, you will pay the following fees including food, one-day island-hopping tour, and accommodation. Great deal! 

View  of the Bay from 3 Sisters J Homestay. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

1-day Island Hopping + Food + Accommodation:

            Php 1,500/per head (minimum of 15 persons)

            Php 1,800 per head (minimum of 10 persons)

            Php 2,500 per head (for two persons)


2. Antonia's Island Beach Resort 

    Contact Numbers: (0919) 268-58-96
                                  (0908) 616-42-62

3. Pawikan Beach Resort (www.pawikanresortatislagigante.com)
 
    Contact Numbers: (0907) 086-34-87; (0909) 396-15-66; (0915) 661-7118

    Contact Persons: Nestor or Nanette Alonzo; Nikki Alonzo

    Amenities: Air conditioned cottages
                       Function Room
                       Restaurant
                       Souvenir Shops
                       Free Breakfast
                       Free Wifi

4. Maruja Flora's Island Paradise Resort

    Contact Number: (0939) 9212456

   Contact Person: Maruja Bolivar-Reyes

5. Phamrhel's Resort

   Contact Number: (0918) 2844137

  Contract Person: Amerind Bung-ao

NOTE: Please contact the Resort you will be staying with and ask for assistance regarding ferry rides.

   

Las Islas De Gigantes: A Piece of Paradise Waiting to be Explored

Bantigue Sandbar (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Central Philippines has probably the largest concentration of splendid white sand beaches kissed by crystal clear waters and limestone formations that are naturally carved by tranquil turquoise waves. One area that is now getting popularity is Las Islas De Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo.

Anyone who will visit this piece of unspoiled paradise will find himself or herself entranced by the natural beauty of the islands.  Las Islas De Gigantes are composed of two big islands (Norte and Sur) and several islets which will truly captivate the adventurous side of every visitor. This area is for people who want to enjoy nature at its purest and finest. Unlike the more famous beach destinations in the region, this area is not commercialized and not crowded. In fact, there are times when an islet could be yours for a day – no other visitors to interfere with your endless photo shoots and sunbathing. Just perfect!

What awaits every visitor at Islas De Gigantes::

Bantigue Sandbar (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

1.  Bantigue Sand Bar

This sand bar which emanates from two separate hills is more or less half-a-kilometer long and is only visible during low tide. It is like a sandy extension of the hills. Local guides will definitely know when is the right time to get there. To get a panoramic view of the sand bar, head straight to the lower hill (east side). Piece of advice: always take your slip-ons when walking especially at midday as the sand temperature could soar and burn your feet.    

Antonia's Beach Resort (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

2. Antonia’s Beach Resort

Located at the southeastern tip of Gigantes Sur, this island resort has possibly the best location in terms of beachfronts, wide and boat-free swimming areas, cliff jumping, and spelunking.  Rooms are limited, so it also offers beach tents for tenants. One downside that I can point out is its distance to the ferryboat station.

Entrance Fee:  Php 40.00

Cabugao Dako (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

3. Cabugao Dako (Grande)

If you’re island hopping, you should prepare packed lunch and water as these are not or seldom available on any island. Having said that, this spot is perfect to rest at midday, frolic on the sand, try cliff jumping, and enjoy your packed snacks or lunch. It has a comfortable picnic area and a makeshift restroom. 

Entrance Fee: Php 120.00   

Tangke Saltwater Lagoon (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

4. Tangke Saltwater Lagoon

It’s probably one of the most popular spots in the area. The lagoon is surrounded by high and steep cliffs of limestone which add to the dramatic view of the scenery. It’s best to drop by here when there’s few crowd and when the tide is high. Aside from swimming in the lagoon, visitors who seek adrenaline rush enjoy cliff jumping where adventure seekers jump some 10ft feet or so from the cliff into the sea.    

Entrance Fee: Php 70.00

Cabugao Gamay (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

5. Maruja Flora’s Island Paradise (Cabugao Gamay)

A few kilometers away from Cabugao Dako and Tangke Saltwater Lagoon is this piece of paradise. When you search for Islas De Gigantes, you’d probably encounter a picture of this islet on the Internet. And why not? The view is indeed very spectacular. Locals also call it “Mini Boracay”.    

Entrance Fee: Php 60.00

Pulupandan Beach (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

6. Pulupandan Beach (Ojastras Island)

About an hour boat ride from Gigantes Sur is Ojastras Island or more popularly known by the locals as Pulupundan Beach. This islet is completely covered with an amalgamation of white pebbles and sand. There is no entrance fee to this islet unlike some of the others that have been previously mentioned. Local fishermen frequent the island and spend their midday rest there before continuing their search for fresh catch.   

Balbagon Island. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

7. Balbagon Island 

Just across from Pulupandan Beach is a much bigger island which is rather empty most of the time. Balbagon island although not really popular among the tourists, possibly because of its distance from the main islands, is a private island with long white sand beach and unusually warm water that offers a perfect swimming experience. It’s a private sanctuary for those who want a beach of their own. 

View of the Lighthouse (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

8. Lighthouse or Parola

Located at Gigantes Norte, this is a modern lighthouse, but the ruin where the old lighthouse used to stand provides a perfect backdraft for photography enthusiasts.

Entrance Fee: Php 10.00 plus Php 100.00 if you want to climb the Lighthouse.

Excavated coffins of the supposed "giants". (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

9. Hideaway

This area although not as pristine as the others that I visited is a must-visit as it presents the history of the islands. Depending on the current, you might need to hire a motorbike (Fare: 20 per person) to get to Hideaway and see the coffins of the supposed giants (hence, Gigantes) who were buried in one of the caves in the area. 

Mayor's Beach. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

10. Higantillo and Higantona

These are rock formations jutting from the sea. According to a local resident, there used to be a resort in this area, but the onslaught of the super typhoon Yolanda brought the once pompous structure to its knees, and what remains now is a ruin. There is a high possibility for private swimming in this area. 

3 Sisters J Ferry takes passengers from Estancia to Langtangan (Gigantes Islands). (Photo by Gregg Manalo)