Baguio City is the first destination I experienced. It’s my first time flying to an aircraft, my first time in Manila. We decided to choose Baguio City as it is one of the most popular, highlighted tourist spots in the Philippines. And I wanted to experience the cold weather in Baguio City. It is known to have a cold weather due to high lands.
So we booked our tickets via Cebu Pacific Air. We did a short time wandering in Manila when we arrived, particularly in Mall of Asia.
We travel to Baguio City at night time. We headed in Pasay, to Victory Bus Liner terminal. The travel time to Baguio City is 4 hours from Manila. It’s a long ride that’s why we opt to travel at night so we can at least sleep in the bus.
When we reached Baguio area, you’ll notice that the road is nicely curved and you can see the Baguio City lights down from the road. It was already past 1am when we arrived. The weather is so cold, no rain just a fine weather but its still so cold. I noticed all people are wearing jackets. So you don’t forget to bring one with you. And finally, here we are, I welcome myself to Baguio City!
We checked in Riders Inn. We got a taxi cab to reach our accommodation. Baguio City is a small improving town with very nice and honest people. The taxi drivers are honest and kind. Their taxi meter worked just fine unlike our experience in Manila taxi drivers, you know what I mean if you’ve been in Manila too.
We woke up early. We had a few hours of sleep but our excitement is on the highest level, so we went to do Baguio city tour immediately. We booked a taxi driver to tour us around. There are lots to see in Baguio city. We enjoyed it a lot.
Places to Visit in Baguio City
1. Baguio City Bell Church Temple
One nice spot that I like the most is the Baguio Bell Church. We can usually see some Chinese temple in Cebu City and in Davao City but I think the Baguio City is the best Chinese temple I have ever seen. You will have a great experience climbing the top of the temple and see the breathtaking view from the top. Since it is a high land, you will really need to exert effort climbing so that you can reach the very top.
In the temple, you will see a nice sculptures like a sea dragon, the great lion, Chinese writings and garden sculptures. It is really a great experience and must visit this when you are in Baguio City.
2. Baguio Botanical Garden
Located along Leonard Wood Road, lies between Wright Park and Teacher’s Camp, is the Baguio Botanical Garden. The place is a serene escape and a cultural hub in the heart of Baguio City.
The Baguio Botanical Garden is more than a garden—it’s a perfect combination of nature, history, and culture. You can actually rent those tribal costume for photo ops. The Baguio Botanical Garden offers an enriching culture experience, it’s worth exploring.
3. The White Mansion in Baguio City
The next spot is the White Mansion in Baguio City. It is most famously known as the Laperal White House—a historic, colonial-style home with a mysterious past and haunting reputation. As you’ve heard, Baguio City is also know to have many places with paranormal thingy, haunted and usually features in a local horror movies. I’m not sure if tourist are allowed to go inside the White house. We just took photos with the white mansion behind us.
4. Baguio City Mines View
Another nice place we visited is the Mines View. This is the best spot for me. Mines View is the highest place in Baguio City, it’s overlooking. At Mines View also you can see Douglas, a large St. Bernard dog breed. This is one of the best places I traveled and must be also included in your travel list.
5. Wright Park Riding in Baguio City
Wright Park Riding Circle is one of Baguio City’s most beloved and iconic attractions, offering visitors a chance to enjoy horseback riding.
6. Boating at Burnham Park, Baguio
Surrounded by pine trees, flower beds, and walking paths, the lake is a perfect spot to slow down, reconnect with nature, or simply enjoy quality time with friends or family. You can enjoy boating experience, paddling around.
7. The Philippine Military Academy (PMA)
There’s so much to see in the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City (PMA). The PMA Museum, which displays vintage weapons, military gear, and memorabilia. They have Outdoor exhibits like tanks, helicopters, and armored vehicles stationed across the grounds. The area has a beautiful open spaces, statues, and monuments honoring Filipino soldiers throughout history.
8. Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, Baguio City
We didn’t missed the Strawberry Farm in Baguio City for sure. We went to La Trinidad and fresh strawberries are available at a low price, 70 pesos per kilo and you can pick them from the farm if you wanted to. They also have delicacies like preserved strawberry jams, strawberry wines, candies, and pies.
9. Night Market in Session Road Baguio City
After a long and tiring Baguio City tour. We went back to our hotel and take a short rest. Then at night, we went out again and headed to Session Road. This place is busy at night as it has night market, food stalls and a lot to do and try. Live bands and bars are available here too. A good place to relax after a long day of city tour. A good place to buy souvenirs as well.
How To Get There: DIY Guide to Baguio City
We do recommend a DIY travel to Baguio City. We booked a flight from Davao City to Manila via Cebu Pacific Air and from Manila, you can ride a bus going to Baguio City. There are two bus terminals in Manila that are bounded to Baguio City. We choose the Victory Liner bus terminal in Pasay City since it is much nearer from Mall of Asia.
You have 3 options in bus fare. There is a non-air-conditioned with a cheaper fare, PHP500.00 for an air-conditioned bus with 3 stops and PHP700.00 for a non-stop deluxe airconditioned bus. Approximately the travel will take you 4-5 hours so better travel during sleep time so you can save the remaining time on your city tour and then travel back daylight to witness the nice view of whole Baguio City. Book a Baguio City tour guide ahead of time. We booked a taxi going around the city. It’s much cheaper.
Baguio Tour Guide and Taxi rental: Kuya Sam +639173554788 (Globe)
Where to Stay in Baguio City
For affordable inns, you can try Tuvera Inn or Riders Lodge at Naguilian Road, Baguio City, Philippines. They accept online booking too. They are little far away from the town proper but it’s cheap. PHP900.00 for 4 persons in 1 airconditioned room.
Events & Festivals
Best time to visit Baguio City is during the Panagbenga Festival where you can witness more of their culture, fun events and floral parade. Panagbenga Festival happens around in February to early March.
Practical Tips
- Go for a DIY travel to same money
- Travel at sleep time to maximize your time
- Travel back at day time to enjoy the scenic view
- Book an air promo ahead
- Opt in for a taxi to tour you around. It cost cheaper.
- Avoid buying strawberry jams in a bottle if you are in a light travel mode
- Maintain good travel etiquette.
Suggested DIY Itinerary in Baguio City
Day 1
10:00 am Davao Airport
12:00 NN ETD Davao Airport
01:00 pm ETA Manila Airport
01:30 pm Mall of Asia Tour
06:00 pm Dinner
07:00 pm ETA Pasay Victory Liner Bus Terminal
08:00 pm ETD Bus Terminal
01:00 am ETA Baguio City
02:00 am Lodge at Rider Lodge (Suggested Inn-PHP900.00 for 4 persons in 1 airconditioned room)
Day 2
06:00 am Breakfast
07:00 am Prepare for Baguio Tour
08:00 am Strawberry Farm
09:00 am ETD Strawberry Farm
09:30 am Botanical Garden
10:00 am Horse Riding, Wright Park
11:00 am Lunch
01:00 pm Philippine Military Academy
02:00 pm Burnham Park
04:00 pm Mines View, Pasalubong outside Mines View
05:30 pm ETD Mines View
06:30 pm Dinner at SM Baguio
10:00 pm Session Road
12:00 mn Bus Terminal
01:00 am ETD Terminal
06:00 am ETA Manila Pasay Terminal
My Baguio City Travel Reflection
Baguio City is the first destination I had experienced. It’s my first time flying to an aircraft and my first time to travel outside my home town. The people in Baguio are kind and their culture is amazing. This inspires me to travel more, create beautiful memories. And through Baguio City, it’s the birth of my travel blog – I Wander Philippines. I started writing this Baguio City travel guide and looking forward to more travels in the future. Thanks for reading!
