SUMMER CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES
The name Baguio conjures, for both the international and domestic traveler, a highland retreat in the Grand Cordillera in Northern Luzon, with pone 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.
Local Attractions
Looking for a place where you could leave all your cares behind? Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines promises a haven to anyone who seeks its comfort. With its numerous tourist attractions and panoramic scenes and invigorating pine scented fresh air it seeks to provide a respite to any traveler, a hideaway to the romantics and respite to the weariest soul. Capture this one of a kind feeling as you browse through the vivid and vibrant scenes of the Summer Capital of the Philippines.
Man Made Attractions
Botanical Gardens
It is also called the Igorot village, which used to feature native huts typical of Cordillera architecture. This village captures the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorot dweller. The garden is also a site of cultural presentations and other tribal meetings.
Burnham Park
It is the oldest of all Baguio parks. One can unwind from the tension of the day-to-day bustle by biking, skating or simply reflecting on the day's experiences amid a soothing backdrop of colorful flowers. It is wooded and is great place to have picnics and concerts. There are tennis and basketball courts, a football field, athletic oval and an orchidarium.It is also called the Igorot village, which used to feature native huts typical of Cordillera architecture. This village captures the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorot dweller. The garden is also a site of cultural presentations and other tribal meetings.
Camp John hay .
It is still the extraordinary beautiful base, which the American forces turned over last July 1, 1991 to the Philippine government. It is now open to the public. Its excellent cottages, golf courses, bowling lanes, dining places and natural ambience are all preserved and maintained.
Mines View Park.
Appropriately named for its breathtaking views of mountain ranges and Baguio's "mineral bowl" where gold, silver and other ores were once quarried. There are now numerous souvenir shops around the park offering such items as woodcarvings, woven cloth, ashtrays, shell products and other curio items.
Wright Park
It is sometimes mistakenly called "Ride Park" by some who identify this pine tree park reserve for its kiddy horse rides. A long stairway leads to the "Pool of the Pines", a 100 meter long pool of water lined on both sides by the famous Baguio towering pine.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air transport
Loakan Airport in Baguio is about 20 minutes by car south of the city. Because of the length of the runway, commercial jet aircraft are not able to use the airport. The airport is only used by propeller-driven aircraft. Currently, Asian Spirit flies Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday to and from Manila, a 50 minute flight. Flights to Baguio are scheduled only in the morning, as visibility approaches zero in afternoons when fog starts to form.
Land transport
It takes an average of six hours to travel the 250 km distance between Manila and Baguio by way of Kennon Road. It is about fifteen minutes longer through the Marcos Highway and could take three more hours when going through Naguilian Road, which is the usual route for travellers from the North. Kennon Road is occasionally blocked by landslides during the rainy season and the same problem occurs on the other two access roads. The route to Baguio through Kennon Road is as scenic as it is dangerous. There is another access to Baguio from Aritao in the province of Nueva Vizcaya but this is less traveled, the road is not well maintained, and public transportation through this route is not as regular. Another road, Halsema Road (also known as "Mountain Trail") leads north through the mountainous portion of the Cordillera AutonomouS Region. It starts at the northern border of Baguio, in the Municipality of La Trinidad (Trinidad Valley).
There are several bus lines linking Baguio with Manila and Central Luzon, and provinces such as Pangasinan, La Union, and those in the Ilocos region. Most transportation companies also offer express and air-conditioned buses at a much higher fare, though some minibuses offer cheaper fares.
Bus services that ply Baguio include Philippine RabbiT, Dangwa Tranco, Dagupan Bus, Victory Liner, Partas, Genesis, Saulog Transit, Five Star, Viron Transit, and Greenland, as well as minibuses that come from other provinces.
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