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