BAGUIO CITY: A PRACTICAL TRAVEL GUIDE FOR DIY & BUDGET TRAVELERS [UPDATED as of 2021]

Note: As a precautionary measure in this time of COVID-19 pandemic, it is best to check with the authorities the updated travel requirements and possible restrictions that might affect your travel plan. Visit visita.baguio.gov.ph, an online unit of Baguio tourism center and an extension of the local government which facilitates tourist processes and all forms of travel assistance for Baguio. You need to sign up to be fully assisted.

Remember to always follow the health and safety protocols imposed from your travel origin to your destination. I wish you a safe trip ahead!

Traveling to Baguio City for the first time? This detailed DIY travel guide is exactly what you need. Scroll down and take note of the outlined information from sample itinerary and budget, best places to visit, top things to do, recommended transports, budget-friendly accommodations, and other travel tips. Have a fun and enjoyable trip ahead!

START HERE!

BAGUIO AT A GLANCE

Before all other top destinations in northern Philippines jump into the tourism bandwagon, there already was BAGUIO CITY.

Over the years, this veteran in the field of travel has earned praise worthy appellations from tourists: being “the city of pines,”the breezy city,” and “the summer capital of the Philippines”, for its sweeping pine forests and year-round cool atmosphere.

Yes, the city of Baguio is cold primarily because of its location. It rises to an elevation of 1,500 meters in the highlands of Benguet and is 8 degrees cooler on the average than in any place in the country which makes it the go-to destination during the hot days of summer.

More than its climate and panoramic landscapes, Baguio is most visited for its diverse culture. It is an old-meets-new kind of place where there is a strong presence of ethnicity intertwined with a modern way of thinking. It hankers to remain relevant time and again, a pursuit made possible by its homegrown talents in the likes of national artist Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera who is known for his contemporary arts, mixed-media artist Santiago Bose who co-founded the Baguio Arts Guild, and sculptor Ben-Hur Villanueva who is notable for his metal and wood works.

Baguio’s constant reinvention has produced a surplus of delights that even extend to its food and shopping scenes. Go hip, chic, rock or sweet, Baguio has enough choices for you.

Days may pass by but for certain, with the beauty its bright morning, misty afternoon, and romantic evening bring, added with a vibe of light and tourist-friendly people, the city of Baguio will remain a top destination in the Philippines no matter what.

WHERE TO STAY IN BAGUIO

The best place to stay in Baguio is near the Session road where most activities happen especially at night time. Here are the best-rated accommodations in Baguio that are near the area and are within the city proper. Click the photo for more details.

HOW TO GET TO BAGUIO

The city of Baguio can be reached only by land from different areas in Luzon.

Via Metro Manila – travel time is 6 hours, fare is P450. (If you are looking for a travel guide for Manila, check this link: Manila Budget Travel Guide)

• Dagupan bus at Cubao (02) 727-2330
• Genesis bus at Cubao (02) 709-0803
• Joy bus at Cubao and Pasay (02) 733-8622, (02) 853-3115
• Victory liner at Pasay, Caloocan and Cubao (02) 727-4688

Via Aurora – travel time is 8 hours, fare is P300

• D Liner bus at Maria +63 919 622 1649
• Lizardo Trans at Baler

Via Bataan – travel time is 7 hours, fare is P530

• Genesis bus at Mariveles (047) 237-3310

Via Clark – travel time is around 4 hours. From the airport, take the shuttle service to Dau terminal. Fare is P100, travel time is close to 20 minutes. At the terminal, take a Victory Liner bus with trips at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to Baguio City. Bus fare is P300.

Via Cagayan – travel time is 6 hours, fare P350

• Dalin bus at Tuguegarao and Aparri (074) 424 4301
• Gabriel trans at Aparri+63 927 515 0170
• Van at Tuguegarao+63 947 148 2544

Via Cavite – travel time is 7 hours, fare is P500

• Saulog at Cavite City (02) 727-2330

Via Laoag – travel time is 6 hours, fare is P480

• Farinas trans (077) 772-0126 to 27
• Gabriel trans +63 927 515 0170
• Partas (077) 771-4898

Via Ilocos Sur – travel time is 5 hours, fare is P480

• Partas at Vigan and Candon (077) 771-4898
• Philippine Rabitt at Vigan
• Van at Candon +63 930 326 5492

Via Ifugao – travel time is 6 hours, fare is P480

• Ohayami at Banaue and Lagaue +63 916 600 9333

Via Isabela – travel time is 7 hours, fare is P500

• Northern Luzon bus at Santiago +63 977 339 8480
• Van +63 947 148 2544

Via La Union – travel time is 3 hours, fare is P250

• Van at San Fernando +63 930 326 5492

Via Nueva Ecija – travel time is 4 hours, fare is P240

• Solid North at Cabanatuan
• Van Ban Trans at Cabanatuan and San Jose (074) 304-2795
• Van at Gapan +63 926 637 9697

Nueva Vizcaya – travel time is 4 hours, fare is P240

• Van at Isabela +63 947 148 2544

Via Pangasinan – travel time is 3 hours, fare is P200+

• Dagupan bus at Dagupan
• Genesis bus at Dagupan
• Victory liner at Dagupan
• Victory liner at Bolinao
• Van at Dagupan
• Van at Carmen +63 916 588 1845

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN BAGUIO

Here are top eleven (11) tourist spots in and near Baguio City that you can cover in one-day tour or with an itinerary for 2 to 3 days.

BURNHAM PARK

The heart of Baguio city, Burnham park is a historic urban park reservation which was built in 1905 at the downtown area of Baguio. It features an athletic bowl, garden and leisure areas, an orchidarium, a playground, skating rink, and a big lake where one can embark on a boat ride for 30 minutes for P100. A side car rental is also available for P40 good for 1 hour to tour around the vastness of the park.

To get there, go to lower Session road and walk towards Hotel Veniz. From the hotel, the park will only be a sight away.

Rating: 3/5

MINES VIEW PARK

Mines View Park is a ridge overlooking the once gold and silver mines of the Cordilleras. The park has loads of gift shops and food places. Activities in the park apart from looking over the outskirts of Benguet include dressing up in a traditional costume for P20, photo opportunity while back-riding on a horse. There is no entrance fee.

To get there, go to the lower Session road in front of Danes bakeshop and take a jeepney with a Mines View sign. Fare is P10. Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowd. Additional note: The Good Shepherd is only a walking distance where you can buy the cheap Baguio favorite ube jam.

Rating: 3/5

BOTANICAL GARDEN

Botanical Garden is a vast area of flowers and pine trees. At the site, you will spot a bas-relief sculpture that bears the name of the garden with cement figures showing different Igorot rituals. There are also native Igorots in the same corner who will be willing to pose for a photo souvenir in exchange of a small fee. The garden is notable for its Japanese tunnel and large statues of Cordillera tribesmen and symbols. There is no entrance fee.

To get there, you can either take a jeepney that goes to Pacdal with a Plaza signboard at Lakandula street beside Metrobank Magsaysay avenue or the ones with Mines View sign at lower Mabini street fronting Danes bakeshop. Fare is P10.

Rating: 3/5

WRIGHT PARK

Wright Park is another scenic park in Baguio that is notable for its pink ponies, St. Bernard dogs and a long pond called “the Pool of Pines.” To get there, take a Mines view or Pacdal bound jeepneys at the lower Session road. Fare is P10.

Rating: 3/5

THE MANSION

The official summer palace of the President of the Philippines built in 1908. As of late, the Mansion is off limit to guests and can only be viewed from its gate.

The Mansion is right across Wright park. To get there, you can take a Mines View or Pacdal bound jeepneys that can be found at the lower session road. Fare is P10.

Rating: 2/5

BELL TOWER

The bell tower is visited for its quaint temple design. Notable features in the temple are its vibrant archways and lily pond.

Rating: 3/5

TAM-AWAN VILLAGE

Located at Pinsao Proper, Baguio city – the village of Tam-awan is a repository of Cordillera’s exquisite crafts and indigenous aesthetics. If you are lucky, you might witness the male Igorots performing their dance rituals. The village has a cafe and a few Cordillera huts that can be rented as low as P500 per person for an overnight stay. Entrance fee is P50 for adults, P30 for students and P20 for children. Contact them at +63 917 510 8196, +63 921 588 3131.

To get there, go to the lower Session road near the market area fronting Danes bakeshop. Take a jeepney bound for Quezon Hill with a Baguio Long-Long Tacay Tam-Awan sign. Fare is P10.

Rating: 3/5

BENCAB MUSEUM

Home to the artworks of national artist Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera and other indigenous Filipino artists, BenCab museum is a perfect marriage for art and nature. Entrance fee is P150. Operating hours is from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. from Tuesdays to Sundays only, no Mondays. The museum also has a cafe, the only area where food and drinks are allowed. To get there, take a jeepney bound for Asin at the terminal near Baguio market. Fare is P12.

Rating: 4/5

LION’S HEAD

Lion’s Head is a large rock with a natural shape like that of a lion located at Kennon road. Over the years, the Lion’s head has gone several changes on its coloration. The most present is the one in the photo. To get there, go to Harrison road where you can find a jeepney terminal for Camp 7. Tell the driver to drop off at the Lion’s head. Fare is P15.

Rating: 2/5

STRAWBERRY FARM

Strawberry Farm is a wide field of strawberry plantation notable for its strawberry picking activity for P400. The best time to visit is during November to May on its high picking season. Outside the farm, you can find local shops selling strawberry products of all sorts. To get there, ride a jeepney bound for Buyagan or Pico La Trinidad located at the Centermall. Fare is P14.

Rating: 3/5

STOBOSA HILLSIDE HOMES

Known as the “Valley of Colors”, Stobosa Hillside Homes is a community of rows after rows of 200 colorful houses at the hillside of La Trinidad, Benguet. It is an artwork village designed by the Tam-awan Village group as part of Rev-Bloom Urban Redevelopment Tourism campaign in 2016. To get there, go to Magsaysay Street and take a jeepney with TOMAY signboard. Tell the driver to drop off where there are colorful houses. Fare is P10.

Rating: 2/5

TOP THINGS TO DO IN BAGUIO

Here are top things to do and activities that are worth a try in the city of Baguio.

1. Take a visit at the abandoned Diplomat hotel and experience the ghost stories it is widely known for.
2. Jog around the famous parks of Baguio early in the morning, join in the zumba session, or just walk around to breathe the cold, fresh air.
3. Try the strawberry taho, one of Baguio’s staple food.
4. Test your wits, play chess with some of the bright locals at Burnham park.
5. Stroll the hillsides of Baguio and appreciate the wild sunflowers that grow during the months of November to May.
6. Feel Baguio’s vibe and join the Panagbenga flower festival in February.
7.  Appreciate the local scene and artists at play by going around the Session road.
8. Go on a reading spree at Baguio’s most famous bookshop, the Mt. Cloud Bookshop.
9. Bargain for some vintage clothes, hip jackets and fine pair of boots at Ukay-Ukay boulevard on a night market.

BAGUIO SAMPLE ITINERARY & BUDGET

In getting around Baguio, you may avail a tour package or go DIY if you are on a shoestring budget. The sample Baguio City DIY itinerary below is good for 3 days and 2 nights which assumes a party of two and will set back a budget of P1,270+ per person, excluding expenses for activities in the park, accommodation, souvenir and other incidentals.

Things to note for this Baguio itinerary:

1. BenCab Museum is closed on Mondays.
2. The jeep terminals are mostly located near Baguio Public Market at the lower part of the Session road.
3. The Harrison Night Market is the most known place to buy Ukay-Ukay clothes. Stalls will start opening at 9:00 p.m. and closing at 2:00 a.m.

DAY ONE

Activity	Time	Budget
Arrive in Baguio	1:00PM	–
Check in	2:00PM	–
Burnham Park	3:00PM	–
Explore Session Road	5:00PM	–
Dinner	6:00PM	P200
Mt. Cloud Bookshop	7:00PM	–
Ukay-Ukay (optional)	10:00PM	–

DAY TWO

Activity	Time	Budget
Sunrise at Mines View Park	5:00AM	P10
Try Strawberry Taho	7:00AM	P20
Buy Souvenir at Good Shepherd	8:00AM	–
Wright Park	9:00AM	P10
The Mansion	10:00AM	–
Botanical Garden	11:00AM	P10
Back to City for Lunch	12:00PM	P200
Strawberry Farm	1:00PM	P15
Stobosa Art Mural	2:00PM	P15
Lion’s Head at Kennon Road	3:00PM	P15
BenCab Museum	4:30PM	P200
Chill at BenCab Coffee shop	5:00PM	P200
Back to City	6:00PM	P15
Socials	7:00PM	–

DAY THREE

Activity	Time	Budget
Lourdes Grotto	8:00AM	P15
Old Diplomat Hotel	9:00AM	P15
Bell Church	10:00AM	P15
Camp John Jay Eco Trail	11:00AM	P15
Lunch	12:00PM	P200
Tam-awan Village	1:00PM	P100
Check out and depart	2:00PM	–

QUICK TIPS AND FACTS ABOUT BAGUIO

Here are few facts and tips to consider when traveling around Baguio.

1. The best time to visit Baguio is during the months of February to May when the place is drier than usual.
2. A flower festival called Panagbenga or the “season of blooming” in the words of the Kankanaey ethnic tribe is celebrated month-long in February. The festivity includes street dancing and parade of floats covered in creatively designed patterns of flowers.
3. On an average, the temperature in Baguio ranges from 15˚ to 26˚C and can drop to 8˚C on the cold days of November to January; adding up its altitude and forest situation, the place can go pretty foggy and damp and visitor may need to wear thick clothes, and a pair of socks or gloves.
4. Baguio is the gateway to the highlands of Cordillera region where a number of notable rice terraces are located.
5. Never go out without bringing an umbrella during the rainy season. Days may appear bright in the morning but may rain at a later time in the day.
6. Public transportation in Baguio observes a curfew at 9:00 p.m. except those that are traversing to Trancoville and Pacdal roads. You can take a taxi or go on foot to roam around the city passed curfew time.
7. Baguio has a city ordinance prohibiting the use of styrofoam and plastic. Bring an eco-bag or your own container when buying souvenir items.
8. Like in Metro Manila, there is a number coding rule for private vehicles traveling around Baguio City on weekdays. To get a coding exemption pass, visit the tourism office at City Hall Loop or contact them at (6374) 300 6500.
9. There are five (5) major highways that lead to Baguio City. Kennon road with an entry point at Rosario, La Union is the most popular for its zigzag road and short route that takes you to breathtaking views over hills and mountains. While taking the road, take extra caution of the ravines and cliffs especially during night time and in wet season. On the other hand, the Marcos Highway which also has an entry point at Rosario and another in Agoo, La Union is favored for its wider and safer lane.
10. The rainy season posts danger while travelling to Baguio because of its road situation and cold atmosphere. Before travelling, know the weather condition and check your fog lights if the day goes likely to be damp and foggy. The streets of Quirino hill are prone to landslide, drive slowly and take extra careful while traversing.
11. Baguio is a small town and oftentimes becomes very crowded. While here, it is advised to be aware of the surroundings for pickpockets specially when you are too occupied while walking or buying souvenirs at the public market or at the Session road.
12. Igorots in native costume may ask that you take a photo with them for souvenir. You are expected to pay in return. Politely turn down the offer if you don’t have the money to pay.
13. It is advised to buy a return bus ticket as you arrive to avoid the long lineup that usually happens on a weekend.

USEFUL PHRASES

Like in any parts of the Cordillera region, the locals can speak and understand English in Baguio. However, here are some good phrases that might prove useful when you find yourself endearing with the locals.

English to Ilocano (the most prevalent language among the locals in Baguio city)
Thank you – Agyamanak
Good morning – Naimbag a bigat
Good afternoon – Naimbag a malem
Good evening – Naimbag a sardam
How much is… – Sagmamano ti…
Where is… – Ayanna ti… 

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

The nearest top destination from Baguio is Sagada and Batad. Click the link for each travel guide for more details.

• Sagada Travel Guide
• Batad Travel Guide

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Mindanao

• Siargao Budget Travel Guide here.

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