Safety Tips in Baguio City

A group of Baguio Homeowners Associations and Civic Groups have come up with a battlecry-"Baguio- Love It Or Leave It". Particularly addressed to Korean migrants of the city, who reportedly have been notorious in unwanton littering and "noise pollution", the motto "Love It Or Leave It" was meant to assert the locals' rights to maintaining the clean image of the city. So if you are Korean, expect less hospitality from the locals who are normally extra-friendly to foreigners.

Baguio City has become overpopulated because of the surge in migrants. Imagine how it would be like when it is peak season...but peak season or not, be careful with your cash and credit cards.

I myself was a victim of a pickpocket at the Mines View Park Souvenir Stores. There were so many people shoving their way through the crowd, so I didn't notice that my pocket was already being picked. But bad luck for the pickpocket, my wallet had very few cash left as I just finished buying vegetables at the local market. Good luck for me though, because I had a separate wallet for credit cards which I placed in a secret pocket inside my jacket.

Steer away from natives who volunteer to be your models in souvenir pictures. Most Igorots clad in native costumes who volunteer or allow you take their pictures are expecting to be paid in return. Be clear about his/her terms before you take pictures, or you will feel the ire and pressure of said natives. It is very disconcerting to be shouted at by the natives while you are in their "territory". You usually pay higher if you wear their costume or head gear.

A trip to Baguio will not be complete without buying the standard Filipino gifts (strawberries, walis or broom, wooden keychains, vegetables). If you do decide to buy, some peddlers overprice their wares so canvass around a bit before jumping in.

Careful going around Baguio specially when you go to the market and getting busy shopping. The crowd is full and busy and you might be one of the victims. Well, i was not but when we went there my brother gave us caution that there are group of people who will try to follow you all the way to session road and rob money from you. Its scary. Just be cautious!

Beware of new traffic scheme in Baguio, especially if you are bringing a car. Most of the streets in the city are one-way so be prepared to take detours. It is useful to carry a street map so you can figure out which road to take.

This was instituted early this year, to address traffic congestion in some areas.

I have never experienced the "pickpockets" in this city ever since. But, one of the local residents here just warned us to be careful and watch our belongings to those creepy creatures. Ohh well, I think, there are many of them in any part of the world?!?

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There are times when the roads are surrounded by a thick fog, and this usually happens all year round, especially when it rains. Be careful when driving throughout the city, especially when traversing through the streets of Quirino Hill where landslides often occur during heavy rains. It is best to check your fog lights before travelling and drive slowly, there are times when the streets are just beside mountainsides(bangin), so you really have to watch out especially when there's a fog.