Unique Places in Baguio City

2 more images

I have had several visits already to Baguio but only in my latest visit did I come to know of the Balatoc Mines Tour in Itogon, Benguet. Prior to entering the mine, you will be equipped with a pair of boots and a hard hat. (Make sure you bring a pair of socks with you). While waiting for the previous goup to finish the tour, your guide will already be giving a brief history of the mine. You will also be given a "chapa", a round metallic object that is being used by the miners as the ID.

The guided tour offers the visitor a chance to be come a miner for an hour or so. Upon entering the mine, the "chapa" is collected and at the end of the day, it is retrieved by the miner upon leaving the mine. Any uncollected "chapa" therefore would mean that a miner is still unaccounted for.

The tour also includes a ride using a mine train (if it is not being charged) and a live dynamite detonation inside the mine (of course you are situated a safe distance away from the blast area). You are also given a chance to try the drill that they use for mining.

Fee is 250 PHP for adult and 150 PHP for students/children as of October 2011.

This is a nice little piece of heaven in Baguio. Outside is the chaos of Marcos Highway. But one becomes oblivious to all the noise and pollution as one takes a stroll--which, at some points on the trail, can become a trek--at the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary.

It's an easy trail, even kids will be able to finish it. I'm more than sure that the kids will love it! There are secret nooks and caves to explore as you weave through the garden.

In a nutshell, the stroll is the story of evolution, man and religion. It's an interesting place to be. It's peaceful and quiet, conducive to meditation. It's also a nice place to be with the family. Great for taking lovely pictures, too. Lots of greenery, reminiscent of the Baguio of yesteryears.

This isn't very popular, at least not yet. I've suggested this to many of my friends already. I heard about this from a forum I subscribe to. I've been going to Baguio for 4 consecutive years now, but I have only discovered this recently.

From http://www.cityofpines.com/maryknollpark.html:
The Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary is located at 25 North Santo Tomas Road, Campo Sioco, Baguio City. To go to the sanctuary you can take the BGH-Campo Sioco bound jeepneys which are parked beside the Harrison Road overpass stairway, take a taxi, or drive your own vehicle. From the downtown area, proceed to the rotunda across the Baguio General Hospital then take the road to the right towards the direction of Marcos Highway. After passing Lina's Mart look out for the Amway and Agua Vida signages where you turn right and follow the road until you reach the Maryknoll gate.

3 more images

This is one of the best places to experience the old Baguio--the unpolluted, pine-scented Baguio. It's open to the public, so make sure you drop by.

My best memories are of running around the Borromeo Field and having my picture taken ala UP Oblacion statue. Little did I know that civilians were off limits this marching field!

But don't leave too late in the afternoon. It can get very chilly. Plus, you'll have to pass by the haunted Loakan Road!

The Flower Festival commonly called Panagbengan held every February of the month, I am lucky to witness this event you will amaze the different flower float parade at the end of the day there will declare the winner actually it is a whole week events.

2 more images

The famous zigzag road leading to Baguio City. However, this road usually experiences landslide that is why buses and trucks were no longer allowed to pass by Kennon Road. Either they use the Marcos Highway or the Naguilian Road.

From Baguio, take a bus up to Sagada. It's LOONG (7 to 9
hours) and ... er ... not exactly the most comfortable ride
in the world (part of the Sagada adventure is the journey
there). There are several lodging houses where you can
stay for around 2 to 3 US dollars a night. In the town
proper, you might want to visit the cemetery and echo
valley ... or buy Sagada-woven clothes.
Set aside AT LEAST an entire day for the REAL Sagada
adventure--spelunking and mountain hiking. You can catch a
GORGEOUS view of the rice terraces, less than an hour's
walk away from the town proper. After that, a must-see is
the hanging coffins in the ancient burial caves (just ask
for a guide to take you there--you can inquire about guides
at most restaurants)--be sure you have a flashlight with
you, and some snacks. If you really enjoy spelunking, a
single day won't be enough, because there are around 20
GORGEOUS caves to choose from ....
After a day or two in Sagada, you can take a jeepney ride
to Bontoc. Have your camera with you in the jeepney--the
view is breathtaking! From there, you can visit more rice
terraces, or visit the hot springs.

Got any questions about love, life, money? Get some help from up above! Visit the Bell Church Temple and know the answer.
First offer incense sticks at the temple. Then throw the stones, ask help from temple staff to get the number of your fortune.
They will read a number and pull out a piece of paper from the corresponding box and you will find the answer to your question.

BOTANICAL GARDEN The beautiful garden is a favorite among those who enjoy looking at different plant species that have adopted well to the climate of Baguio. There are trails that allow visitors to walk around the garden underneath the shade of tall pine trees. During the Marcos regime it was called Imelda Park but was later renamed as the Baguio Botanical Garden.