Baguio City, Philippines…

The name Baguio conjures, for both the international and domestic traveler, a highland retreat in the Grand Cordillera in Northern Luzon, with pine trees, crisp cold breezes and low verdant knolls and hillocks. Through the numerous decades Baguio has morphed from what was once a grassy marshland into one of the cleanest and greenest, most highly urbanized cities in the country. It has made its mark as a premiere tourist destination in the Northern part of the Philippines with its cool climate, foggy hills, panoramic views and lovely flowers. Being the ideal convergence zone of neighboring highland places, Baguio is the melting pot of different peoples and cultures and has boosted its ability to provide a center for education for its neighbors. Its rich culture and countless resources have lured numerous investments and business opportunities to the city.

HISTORY:

The arrival of the Americans in the early 1900s spurred development in the City. The American Governor Luke E. Wright commissioned Architect Daniel H. Burnham, a prominent Urban Planner to develop a plan for a health resort where the American soldiers and civilian employees could find respite from the sweltering lowland heat. This plan, better known as the Burnham Plan greatly altered the original mountain settlement and provided the first physical framework plan for the City. It paved the way for rapid physical development, the undertones of which are still visible up this date.

The physical framework as embodied in the Burnham Plan integrates a road and park system into one. It envisioned evolving in a compact garden city for 25,000 to 30,000 people. Supporting this development plan was the enactment of a charter approved on September 1, 1909 that provided administrative as well as managerial autonomy for the city. Soon after the city’s charter was enacted, scenic Kennon Road was opened to vehicular traffic. This triggered the mining boom in surrounding areas in the early to mid 1930’s. Baguio City was the service and operations center for the mining industry, and hence a direct beneficiary of the economic growth. The events of the Second World War stalled all development, leaving the city in total devastation. Fast placed development however ensued following the war years. Such development trends transformed the city into what it is today, a premier urban center north of Manila, performing a municipality of roles, as an educational, trade, tourism and administrative center.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

Baguio City probably has the most visitor attractions clustered in a relatively small area compared to other tourist destinations in the Philippines.

The most popular tourist attractions are located near each other, on the East and South sides, although there are a few near the residential areas.

Just 8.2 km from east to
Tam-awan Village, Baguio City Philippines
west and 7.2 km from north to south and with inexpensive public transportation available, the City of Pines is one of the easiest places to explore.

The first thing to do when touring is to buy a map ($1-$3 at the nearest gas station, bookstore). I suggest you select a map that marks or indicates the attractions I will be enumerating below, so you have an option of exploring Baguio on your own instead of taking a guided tour. That would save you more money — to spend shopping instead!

Burnham Park

Burnham Park is the very heart of Baguio City in the Philippines. It is located at the most valuable piece of Baguio real estate and is free for the enjoyment of visitors and residents alike. more…

Baguio Cathedral

The Baguio Cathedral, a majestic church located on top of a hill in the heart of the city. From Session Road it is accessible more…

Session Road

The main avenue of Baguio City and its commercial center, with quaint shops lining each side, Session Road is the most popular road in the City of Pines. more…

Camp John Hay

Baguio City’s most popular attraction is so beautiful and a destination in itself. After all, for almost the whole 20th century it is what made Baguio City “Little America” in the Philippines. more…

The Mansion

The official summer residence of the President of the Philippines, the Mansion is located on the eastern part of the city along Carlos P. Romulo Drive. more…

Wright Park

Directly across The Mansion is Wright Park that features the much photographed Baguio landmark, the “Pool of Pines”. One will see a gazebo and a long flight of stairs down the hill leading to the Wright Park Riding Circle, where hundreds of horses and ponies of various sizes are for hire.

Mines View Park

Located at the extreme northeast side of the city, past The Mansion and Wright Park, Mines View Park boasts of a spectacular view of Benguet’s gold and copper mines and the Cordillera mountains. Many houses have been constructed below the ridge, closer to Baguio City, though. more…

Baguio Botanical Garden

Also known as the Igorot Village, it showcases the native houses of the different Cordillera tribes. Tourists can usually take pictures with the Igorot tribesmen dressed in their traditional native dress. It is also the home of the Baguio Arts Guild.

Botanical Garden is named such because it is tasked with growing pine seedlings and other flora and fauna for the constant “greening” of Baguio.

Just recently, the Botanical Garden has been renamed Centennial Park as the City of Pines celebrates 100 years since its founding.

Philippine Military Academy

Since 1905, the PMA has made its home here in various locations, Camp Henry T Allen, Teachers Camp until it transferred to a sprawling 373-hectare compound in Loakan, Fort del Pilar about 10 kilometers south of downtown Baguio in 1950. more…

Kennon Road

Historic Kennon Road is the shortest access route to Baguio City. As it snakes through Bued River Canyon, one will see many beautiful waterfalls, pine trees and wild sunflowers.  more …

Mount Santo Tomas

This is Baguio’s highest peak, the one that offers a 360? degree view of Baguio City, La Union Province below and the South China Sea on the horizon. Apart from that, there’s not much development on top but it is a nice place to go to. Bring a picnic basket and relax.

On top of the mountain are giant twin radars that last saw use decades ago, earning Mount Santo Tomas the nickname “Ra-dar.”

Lourdes Grotto

The Lourdes Grotto is another Catholic shrine and place of meditation in Baguio. It is located on a high hill in the western part of Baguio City where you will find the image of the Lady of Lourdes. It is a favorite pilgrimage site during Holy Week most especially during Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Access to the top of the grotto could be made by climbing the long steps or by driving up a winding road.

Bell Church

The Bell Church is located north of Baguio along the road leading to the capital town of La Trinidad, Benguet. Within its compound are intricately designed arches and buildings adorned with flags, bells and dragons. It has a pagoda, and landscaped gardens. There are some Buddhist artifacts to be found there, as well as some literature about the history of China.

Tam-awan Village

A reconstructed native village which also has an art gallery and attracts many indigenous artists, most noteworthy of whom is BenCab. Directly across Tam-awan Village is sculptor Ben Hur Villanueva’s gallery “Arko ni Apo” that is also worth a look.  more …

Asin Hot Springs

Actually outside city limits, but considered a Baguio resource, it contains natural hot springs. Some resorts have sprung up in recent years and the area is pretty much underdeveloped but is still a place that tourists should visit.

Wood Carver’s Village

Three kilometers of independent indigenous wood carvers. The works of these carvers range from very small figurines to huge statues. It is located on Asin Road on the way to the Asin Hot Springs.

Easter Weaving Room

This is place to visit for native fabrics and other handicrafts. Here one can witness the actual process of cloth weaving as practiced by the natives of the Cordillera provinces for ages.  more …

Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary

Take the “Cosmic Journey” through a pine forest that details the story of the universe in fourteen station trek. Art exhibits are also held regularly at the gallery. more …

Balatoc Mines & Crosby Park

Right outside the City of Pines, about 30 minutes away is the mining town of Itogon, where you can take a tour of the undergound mines more…

CONTACT INFORMATIONS:

Website: http://www.baguio.gov.ph/