Baguio Favorites

Favorite thing: In no particular order, here are some things "to see" and "do" in the "summer capital" of the Philippines:

1.) Take a picture of the lion sculpture along the winding and scenic Kennon Road
2.) Shop at Session Road and the famous market for various indigenous handicrafts, textiles, produce and fresh fruits of the season
3.) Strawberry picking
4.) Horse-back riding at Wright Park
5.) Visit Burnham Park
6.) Visit Mine's View Park
7.) Visit Camp John Hay
8.) Visit the various universities in this "university town"
9.) Shop at the Ifugao wood carvers' village
10.) Experience the hot springs
11.) Hiking opportunities abound for the adventure-seekers
12.) Enrich yourselves in the rich cultural heritage of Baguio
13.) Partake of the fresh local food and goodies

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Favorite thing: Usually people says Philippines have this warm weather but not all of the part here is warm. Like this place where we called “the summer capital” of my country, the weather here is not warm and not that cold enough like snowing but sometimes this place is real cold. Its on top of the mountain where you can find many things to do like strolling around and visiting those nice place, shopping, and night life.

Fondest memory: I like the weather here and the taxi's are really different than Manila they are honest enough to give your 25 cent back and they will even invite you to visit this place and what to do. They give you some tips too. Believe me or not i can tell this place is the cheapest fair in taxi's.

Favorite thing: What a name! At first I thought I heard it wrong.... but the name is really scary.... Slaughter House!!!

Well, this is one of the many bus stations in Baguio. We were actually enquiry on how to get to Sagada. Some suggested that we should go to the Slaughter House road to get the bus - so off we went in search of this "scary" road name. It is a station for North-bound buses and is located near to upper end of the Magsaysay Avenue. When we arrived, we enquired and found most of the buses are actually bound for Bontoc and to get to Sagada, you will then need to catch another bus from Bontoc to Sagada. The buses there look kind of rickety and run-down and it's not air-cond.

We decided not to board the buses at Slaughter house. We moved on to Dangwa Bus station

Favorite thing: The jeepney is not only useful in transporting people but it is also used to carry and delivery of heavy goods. Boxes/cartons are stacked on top of the jeepney to be sent to various destinations. The multi-uses of the Jeepney!

Favorite thing: Dangwa bus station is located near the City Market along the Magsaysay Avenue. The road leading to the station is slightly upslope. At this station, you can also see lots of intercity jeepneys. There are a couple of eateries inside the station.

Favorite thing: For budget travelers and backpackers, Jungletown Rd and P.Valenzuela St offer you various forms of budget stay : transients, pension houses, homestays... with hot/cold showers, with/without attached bath.... your choice. It is also a convenient area as it is within walking distance to the main road ie the Session Road. Taxifare to the Dangwa Bus station is about 40pesos one way.

To get there:
From Session Road, walk towards SM mall. Keep to extreme left and walk along pavement, you will see an Elementary School, Senior Citizen Club and arriving at P.Valenzuela St. Turn left into this street, walk straight down till the end and turn right is Jungletown Rd.

Favorite thing: Get an EZ Map Baguio. You can purchase this at any large bookshops or magazine shops or upon arrival at the airport. Price is 100pesos. This map also shows the map of Sagada and Banaue, therefore it is really a good map for keeps.

Favorite thing: Baguio is for the most part a very pleasurable place to be in. The best time of the year in Baguio is during the cold months of December to mid February. During these time, the strawberry are at its freshest, the trees are so green, and the smell of pine is everywhere. Well, almost I should say.

For first time visitiors, it would be inevitable to go to the crowded landmarks and tourist sites because these are the so-called "trademarks" of Baguio. But then again, I always say that these are no longer reminiscent of the Baguio that used to be - when it was clean, not too crowded and pollution was taboo. I'd keep away from them but probably will advise new tourists to see 2 or 3 places. Highly recommended are Burnham park (because there are other sites at a walking distance from it) and wright park (because you can reach the mansion house, mines view park, botanical garden, teachers camp and the good shepherd convent to buy strawberry and ube jam).

take some pleasurable walk. Part of Baguio's allure is being under the pine trees. Camp John has is a wonderful place to do just that.

Take time to sleep and enjoy the weather.

Fondest memory: The best memory of baguio for me are those times when my family and I have picnics at Camp John Hay. we play games, tell stories and just simply take our sweet time together.