Places to Visit in Baguio, Philippines, Asia

Places to Visit in Baguio, Philippines, Asia

Baguio is a well developed city in Benguet Province in the Northern Luzon Island of Philippines, situated about 250 kms north of national capital Manila. Baguio is the political capital of Cordillera Administrative Region and the major educational and commercial hub in Northern Luzon.

The economy of Baguio is heavily based on tourism and educational sectors and also few small and in addition medium scale industries helping the economy of Baguio. Baguio is packed with full of shopping malls, super markets, first-class cinema halls, hotels and restaurants.

Geography of Baguio:

Baguio is the summer capital of Philippines located between 16°25′ N latitude and 120°36′ E longitude at an altitude of 1,610 meters. It covers an area of 57.5 sq. km. Baguio experiences a subtropical highland climate.

Etymology and History of Baguio:

It is said that, Baguio is derived its name from the word ‘Bagiw’ in Ibaloi and its meaning is ‘moss’.

Basically Baguio was founded by the Americans in the year 1900 at the place of an Ibaloi village called as Kafagway and formed as a chartered city on September 1, 1909 by the Philippine Assembly. Ibalois were the first settlers of Baguio.

How to reach Baguio?

Baguio is served by Baguio-Loakan Airport located 8 kms away from the city and another major airport of the country ‘San Fernando Airport’ located about 60 kms from the heart of Baguio.

Baguio is well connected with national capital Manila and other major cities of the country through bus and operators include Victory Liner, Dagupan Bus, Philippine Rabbit and Partas Bus.

Tourists may use car, jeepney or taxi for local travel.

Things to do in Baguio:

Horseback riding
Rent a tricycle
Hike on Camp John Hay
Spa de belles fleurs
North Haven Spa

Culture, Food and Shopping in Baguio:

Roman Catholics people forms the higher majority of Baguio population and spiritual centers include Jesus Is Lord Church, Presbyterian Churches and Iglesia ni Cristo.

Panagbenga Festival (Flower Festival) and Chinese New Year are the major festivals in Baguio and both the festivals are celebrated in the month of February every year. Kankana-ey, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Ilocano, Kapampangan and Pangasinan are commonly spoken languages in Baguio.

Good Shepherd is one of the best shops in Baguio and tourists can buy different woven articles and wood carvings at any handicraft shops of Baguio. The best food corners in Baguio include:

Star Cafe & Restaurant
Flying Gecko Restaurant and Cafe
Forest House Bistro & Cafe
PSD foods
Barrio Fiesta

Places to see in Baguio:

Mines View Park:

Mines View Park is a beautiful park and a viewpoint located in Baguio.

John Hay:

John Hay is a country club known for 18-hole golf course, horseback riding and camping.

Burnham Park:

Burnham Park is park with stunning lake. The entrance fee is ₱100 per hour.

Other tourist attractions near Baguio are:

Philippine Military Academy
Strawberry Fields
Session Road
University of Baguio
Baguio Cathedral
Saint Louis University
University of the Philippines Baguio

Best time to visit Baguio:

From October to May during dry season is the ideal time to visit Baguio.

Accommodation Options in Baguio:

The facilities available in hotels of Baguio include cable TV, telephone, private toilet & bath with 24 hour hot shower, room service and many more. The list of best hotels in Baguio is as follows: