Talking about the hot breeze of the air during summer, one perfect place to visit in the Philippines is Baguio City—the Philippines’ Summer Capital. With its cool climate even during summer, Baguio City has been dubbed as “the tourists’ hub” where one can find an escape from the chaotic scenes of the lowlands. It is the perfect home for those who need peace of mind.
The Philippines has been tagged as one of the best summer destinations in the whole world. However, I do not think that the Philippines could cater to our best destinations only during summer. In the past years, tourists have been coming to the Philippines all-year-long never just summer. This country could offer you a lot. From the beautiful waves of its sea to the breathtaking mountains, your stay here in the Philippines is surely something that you will never forget for the rest of your life.
How to get to Baguio City?
Found at 1,540 m (5,050 ft) in Cordilleras, Baguio has milder temperatures. And is quite temperate than the rest of Luzon and the country as well. Located at 244 kilometers away from Manila, traveling to Baguio would cost us four (4) to six (6) hours. Do not panic about such a long ride! Traveling is not as boring as you think. You will be passing a lot of beautiful places going to the summer capital. From, Manila, you must pass few provinces before reaching Baguio such as Pampanga, Bulacan, and Tarlac to name a few. Hence, most tourists would say that long roads are not disappointing if it is the way going Baguio.
Talking about mobility going Baguio, since the City has been known for such a magnificent destination, there are a lot of ways going there. You can either take a bus or a taxi, or you can even drive a rental vehicle. Taking a bus from Sampaloc, Manila would cost you Php300-Php600 and would take five to six hours. Though driving a rental car is an easier choice and not to mention less hassle, wouldn’t it be ‘more a travel’ if you are riding a bus? At least for me, it is. Driving a rental car would cost a little bit more expensive than riding a bus; Php950-Php1,400 is the calculated expenses if you are to use a car, however, it would be such a shorter ride for 3 to 4 hours.
Baguio City “the City of Pines”.
After taking a long drive, you deserve to experience serene scenery. The cool climate is not the only amazing thing that Baguio could offer. Its ambiance that is totally different from the disordered highly urbanized city makes you float in wilderness and solitude. Indeed, there a lot of things to do in Baguio and a lot of people have been there. They can tell ‘what is it like to be closer to the sky’.
Aside from being the summer capital, Baguio City has also been the favorite destination of ‘the balikbayans’, Filipinos returning from living and working overseas, and their families. Moreover, it has also been tagged as the country’s ‘Little America’ for such a nostalgic and unique terrain suited for those who want to taste a different Philippine setting. The City is also known for having tall Pine trees, hence, it is also called “the City of Pines”.
What to do in Baguio?
Visit Mt. Pulag.
Its mountains are perfect for wandering and soul searching. In fact, Luzon’s highest peak can also be found in Baguio—the Mt. Pulag. Standing at 2,926 meters above sea level, Mount Pulag empresses the visitors with natural beauty and an impressive glimpse of the lowland life. Lonely hours of dawn can be made soulful by catching a glance of the Milky Way Galaxy which is very clear during midnight. There is more! Mt. Pulag is also known for the magnificent gathering of clouds at its peak, called “the sea of clouds”.
Visit Burnham Park
If you are not into the adventurous type of traveling, Burnham Park, still found in Baguio City, is a famous to-go-place for a long time now. The place is ideal for family activities and gatherings. Boating, biking, skating, jogging, strolling, Zumba, picnic, and simply sitting on a bench and enjoying the aesthetic view are some of the things that can be done at Burnham Park.
Witness Panagbenga festival
On the one hand, the culture of Baguio is celebrated during the month of February. Panagbenga, a famous festival in the Philippines observed in Baguio is a celebration for the blooming season. Hence, Panagbenga comes from the word ‘Kankanaey’, meaning ‘season of blooming’. Beautiful flowers are decorated anywhere in Baguio during this celebration. People are enjoying the feast in the street while parades of beautiful ornaments are being done. Thus, Panagbenga festival is one of the biggest celebrations in the Philippines.
Shopping at Baguio Night Market
Baguio is also famous for its world-class local products. Works of ethnic woodcarving and weaves have taken their place in the international market. Its well-known strawberry jam paved the way for its developing agricultural exportation here in the country and abroad. Other locally made products creatively made by its local artists are perfect for souvenirs and are available at the favorite Baguio Night Market.
As much as the government wants to turn Baguio into a fully developed City, they also want to preserve the rich culture of the place. Behind its amazing terrain creeps a story of its culture that adds flavor to anyone’s Baguio experience. Music, dances, crafts, locally made products, and agriculture are what make Baguio different from the other traveling destinations. Above all, its people, who, for a long time now have been part of the development of this prosperous City make Baguio a special place for all of us.
Indeed, there is more to Baguio than what is being stated here and you must see it yourself. A lot of people have been there, and they went back to their homes with overwhelming memories. Hence, most tourists call the City a destination rather than a tourist spot. When you say destination, it is a journey, a place one has been destined to step. Who knows you are destined for Baguio?
The wonders of Baguio await you! Pack your things now because it will be a long road ahead. Top 20 Tourist Spots in Baguio Philippines
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