November 29, 2009Baguio City, The Summer Capital of the Philippines, due to its high altitude temperature decreases which gives a mild climate joining the nice smell of the pine trees around the city. Just a glimpse of its historical background, Baguio City was established by Americans in 1900 at the site of an Ibaloi village known as Kafagway. Baguio City was designated by the Philippine Commission as the Summer Capital of the Philippines on June 1, 1903 and incorporated as a city by the Philippine Assembly on September 1, 1909. There is a presidential mansion, as well as Supreme Court and legislative offices in Baguio. Baguio is the seat of government of the Cordillera Administrative Region. The name of the city is derived from the word bagiw in Ibaloi, the indigenous language of the Benguet Region, meaning 'moss'. The city is at an altitude of approximately 1500 meters (5100 ft) in a moist tropical pine forest conducive to the growth of mossy plants and orchids.
How to get to Baguio City, There are three main access roads leading to Baguio from the lowlands are Kennon Road, Marcos Highway, and Naguilian Highway for those who come from the Ilocandia Region. Kennon Road starts from Rosario, La Union and winds through a narrow, steep valley. Kennon road, the popular zigzag road presents a thrilling ride to the mountain city with glorious scenes along the way. This is the fastest route to Baguio but is dangerous, with landslides during the rainy season. Marcos Highway, which starts from Agoo, La Union, and Naguilian Highway, which starts from Bauang, La Union, are longer routes but are safer than Kennon Road and are the preferred routes for coaches, buses and lorries. Baguio City has its own airport to cater to local and foreign passengers at exactly 45 minutes from Manila.
Due to its mild climate, wild and beautiful flowering plants grows abundant in Baguio City a perfect place to celebrate the so called “Panagbenga Festival” or the Baguio Flower Festival, an annual event happen every month of February. There are a lot of activities such as the Floral and Float Parades resonate with feet dancing to gongs echoing sounds. At the same time, bands play the Festival hymn as floats fashioned with flowers glide down the parade route. Moreover, Flowerscape in various guises showcases flowers which blend colors and shapes with nature's perfumes.
There are also scattered tourist attractions in Baguio City and one could be it exhilarating, romantic, awesome and peaceful.
* Burnham Park
* The Wright Park
* The Mansion House – Baguio mansion housed a long line of Philippine presidents and American governors-general.
* Crystal Cave
* Mines View Park
* Botanical Garden
* Camp John Hay – formerly a rest and recreation station of US Military troops. The 535-hectare haven boasts of a world class 18-hole golf course, wooded hiking area, a skating rink, bowling alleys, tennis courts and a mini-golf course
* Teachers Camp
* Tam-awan Village – a replica of an Igorot Village that was built in the side of the hill
* The Baguio Cathedral
And shop till you drop from the following shopping centers SM Baguio, Burn City, Session Road (at the heart of downtown Baguio). This incline cuts through a row of business establishments which includes restaurants, groceries, bookstores and other specialty shops, Maharlika for those who are shopaholic and of course the Central Market which is the life vein of Baguio City that showcase the fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, preserves, handicrafts and among others.
It is nice to go to Mines View Park first, overlooking the cliffs of the mountain from the other side, where miners used to mine. After site-looking take a walk or ride in a jeepney to the Botanical Garden of Baguio City, also known as “The Flower City of the North”, then, at the Wright Park and the Mansion House. After which it is nice to take a walk in along the Session Road and feel free to take a snacks. Then to Burnham Park where you can relax and sit for a while or even you can take a boat ride.
I’ve been to Tam-awan Village once, it was so nice and it really depicts a replica of Igorot lifestyle, their houses, the designs and the culture which are well-preserve by the care takers of the village when you enter there is a minimal costs which used to preserve the village. And the Teachers Camp is used as a quarters for its room amenities and also function halls to cater seminars, conventions, and congress.
You should try to stay like 3-5 days to know what is in Baguio City, the night life, the tourist attractions, shopping galore and among others.
Our Itinerary…
November 29 (Day 1) Saturday
9:00 – 10:00 – Naguilian – Baguio City
10:00 – 10:45 – Walking from Bus Terminal – Session Road – SM Baguio
10:45 – 12:00 – SM Baguio
12:00 – 1:00 – Lunch Break
1:00 – 5:25 – Mines View Park, Wright Park, the Mansion House, Botanical Garden & Teachers Camp
5:25 – 5:30 – Burnham Park
5:30 – 6:15 – SM Baguio
6:15 – 8:00 – Session Road (Part 1)
8:00 – 8:30 – Dinner
8:30 – 9:55 – Session Road (Part 2)
9:55 – 10:30 – Bus Station
10:30 – 11:30 – Baguio City - Naguilian
Expenses..
Php
110.00 – two-way fare Naguilian-Baguio and Baguio to Naguilian
200.00 – other operating expenses ex. public utility vehicles fares
250.00 – 1L and 1D
250.00 – 3M (health breaks – snacks)
810.00/person
Expenses accumulated from souvenirs (souvenir clothes, preserves, fruits, vegetables, etc.) and shopping are not included.
Baguio City is also popular for its vegetable and strawberry produce. It is ideal place for golfers and those who love to trek and hike. It is an interesting place that promotes environmental awareness and education for both young and young at heart. It is a mountain of paradise with a cornucopia of attractions that will surely entice every tourist.
Don’t forget to buy souvenirs which you can see around you anywhere you will go around the city, from foods like preserves, clothes, key chains and many others for your love ones.
Accommodations in Baguio City are amenable; there are pension houses and inns offer rooms for as low as Php 1, 000.00. It thus varies, among hotels, inns, pension houses which you can chose to fit your own lifestyle.
For more information about Baguio City, Philippines:
http://www.baguio.gov.ph
http://www.baguiocity.com
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