You'd think 1 day won't be enough to explore a place, but Baguio begs to differ! That's what I discovered during my trip with the family last March 2017. For more or less 24 hours, we were able to visit 12 - again, TWELVE! - tourist spots. So if you got a free day to spend (especially on the weekend for the hustlers) then I will show you what to do and where to go!
Starting point: MANILA
Transportation: GENESIS / VICTORY BUS LINES - PASAY, CUBAO TERMINALS (Hourly trips)
Fare: 455 PHP (REGULAR AIRCON) / 750 PHP (FIRST CLASS) (Victory Liner)
Travel time: 7 - 8 HOURS
Whether you wake up in Baguio or arrive there in the early morning, here's a super fun and loaded itinerary. But first! To roam around freely and comfortably, do as we did. A taxi driver offered to take us around; we agreed and haggled the total cost to 2,500 PHP! There were 6 of us so basically, that's 417 / pax. WINNER.
Here's where he brought us then! Take notes~
STRAWBERRY FARM
Location: La Trinidad, Benguet
Our day started around 8 AM and our first stop was to see and pick the lovely strawberries!
Entrance Fee: NONE
Strawberry Picking: 350 PHP ONWARDS PER KILO
There are beautiful flowers around as well. Just pay a fee to get inside the area and take those pretty shots~
Read more: Strawberry Farm
BELL CHURCH
Entrance Fee: NONE
Chinese or not, anyone is welcome to come here. Teehee. If you're interested in history, especially that of China's, then this will be an exciting visit. Do remember to stay quiet since this is a sacred temple where people pray and meditate.
Doesn't it seem like you're abroad?
Read more: Bell Church
LOURDES GROTTO
Location: Dominican Hill, Baguio
Entrance Fee: NONE
The image of the Lady of Lourdes is found here. Get ready to climb 200+ steps! At the top, light up candles for your prayer intentions.
There are vendors around so you can buy the candles from them. Some offer snacks and water too.
Again, there's a lot of steps so don't bring anything heavy!
Read more: Lourdes Grotto
DIPLOMAT HOTEL
Location: Dominican Hill, Baguio
Entrance Fee: NONE
Just uphill the Lourdes Grotto! Well, it's actually the Dominican Hill and Retreat House of 1915. It was originally a vacation house, then a seminary and a place of refuge during the World War II, etc. A lot of changes until it became known as the Diplomat Hotel.
It's apparently haunted It was creepy for sure, but it was more so because research said it was. See and feel for yourself!
Read more: Diplomat Hotel
CAMP JOHN HAY
Location: Loakan Road, Baguio
Entrance Fee: 60 PHP (Adults)
The entrance you're paying is for the Camp John Hay Historical Core. Inside, there's the Bell Ampitheater, the Bell House, the History Trail, the Cemetery of Negativism, among others.
Read more: Camp John Hay
THE MANSION
Location: Leonard Wood Road, Baguio
Entrance Fee: NONE
If you wanna have a glimpse of the official residence of the Philippine president in Baguio, here it is. You can only set foot just a little bit behind the gate though.
When we were there, it was the PMA graduation and President Duterte was there! There were extra security measures so we were only able to stay and take pictures in front of the entrance.
Read more: The Mansion
WRIGHT PARK
Location: Leonard Wood Road, Baguio
Entrance Fee: NONE
This park is literally just across the Mansion. It's a fitting place to just chill and rest. You can also try out Igorot costumes here for 20 PHP / pax.
It's said that there's a long stairway leading down to an area with ponies. We didn't get to go there ourselves, so please proceed and enjoy!
Read more: Wright Park
MINES VIEW PARK
Location: Gibraltar Road, Baguio
Baguio is definitely crowded with tourists, but this place is the most crowded of them all. There are a lot of shops, both inside and outside, so you can still do your pasalubong shopping. If you haven't already~ *wink*
Just as I said, the crowd was crazy but more so here by the observation deck. Nevertheless, you've got the view to make up for that.
Read more: Mines View Park
BOTANICAL GARDEN
Location: Leonard Wood Road, Baguio
Entrance Fee: NONE
Here's to more flowers~
Pretty much chill here; soaked ourselves more with nature.
Read more: Botanical Garden
Afterwards, you can visit Burnham Park, Session Road and Harrison Road. The latter houses the Night Market with ukay-ukay and street food. We shopped and scoured around for cheap finds until 11 PM! But remember to mind your belongings since there's a lot of people and not much space. Oh, and these places are near / walking distance from each other. Uh-huh
In summary:
Well, I hope you did take notes~ Again, all these spots for only 2,500 PHP! And Kuya was also a local and skilled driver, so we were able to avoid traffic and such. I don't remember your name, Kuya, but thank you!
Have a great time in Baguio and don't forget to drop a line or two below if this was of help!
1 Comments
ikaw na!
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