Philippine Travel: Baguio
One of the few places in the Philippines with a cool climate
Baguio is on average eight degrees cooler than the normal
Philippine temperature. 1,500 meters above the sea and 250
kilometers north of Manila, most Manila folk head for Baguio in
the summer to escape the summer heat. Hence it has been called
the "summer capital" of the Philippines.
Going to Baguio from Manila, visitors can take a 45-minute
flight via Philippine Airlines landing in Baguio Airport or take
the six hour bus ride through Kennon Road.
Halsema Highway connects Baguio with other parts of Benguet,
Kalinga-Apayao and the Mountain Provinces. Bus ticket
reservation is recommended during peak season (Novenber-May).
Average one-way fare is P150.00 per person. It's then easy to
flag down a cab to get to your accommodations from the airport
or bus terminal.
The Americans in the 1800s, who perhaps longed for colder
climates saw the potential of Baguio. Building Camp John Hay,
the Americans proceeded to carve Kennon Road from the side of
the mountain, the road which links Baguio to Manila.
One of the first things you should visit in Baguio is Session
Road. You will find numerous shops and restaurants with
American, Italian Japanese and Chinese cuisine. From here you
can take a cab to Baguio's other attractions which include:
Burnham Park - Found at the center of the city, Burnham is the
popular venue for the city's celebrations. Named after the
city's chief planner Daniel Burnham, its man-made lagoon is the
site of boating excursions. Skaters, hikers, bikers and delight
in the park's walkways. A promenade in the rose gardens is
perfect for romantic couples.
Mines View Park - Its mostly shopping here: hand woven blankets,
silver ornaments and jewelries, various jams and strawberries.
The Park also has a breathtaking view of the hills and valleys
of the Cordillera as well as the gold mines of Benguet.
Camp John Hay - The former Rest & Recreation center of the
United States Armed Force personnel in the Philippines, it
features hotel type rooms, food outlets, basketball and
volleyball courts, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a
six-lane bowling center, and a heated swimming pool.
Baguio Cathedral - This is just one of the many religious
establishments in Baguio. The Bell Temple north of the city, the
brilliant gardens of the Maryhurst Seminary, and Lourdes Grotto
with its 252 steps to heaven are among them.
Places to Stay:
Benguet Prime Hotel
Session Rd. cor. Calderon St. Baguio City
(074)4427066 / (074)4428363
Conference facilities, Coffee Shops, Standard
Accommodations
El Cielito Inn
50 North Drive, Baguio City
(074)4434846 / (074)4425272
Manila Contact:(02) 8158951 to 54
Deluxe/Standard Rooms, apartels, restaurants and function
rooms
Hotel Supreme
113 Magsaysay Ave. Baguio City
(074)4432011 to 18
Superior/Executive rooms/suites, restaurants, bar and grill,
function rooms, pool, spa, jacuzzi and sauna