IT’S been awhile since I last visited Baguio, the City of Pines. Baguio is a city that I frequented when I used to live in the capital. I will never tire of exploring Baguio, and it’s nice to spend some time here, whether an overnight trip or an extended vacation.
The ambiance is quite different in this upland city despite the development that the place has been going through. It’s easy to get around because there are plenty of cabs that can take you to various parts of Baguio. For first-timers in this cool city in the mountains, there are plenty to visit and see. But let’s start with seven of the popular destinations in Baguio City.
Tam-Awan Village. One of my favorite attractions is the Tam-Awan Village because of the works of the local artists and the native houses of mountain tribes in this part of the Philippines. Guests can stay in the elevated huts for accommodation. Sometimes, the village is transformed into a campsite at night, when there are events and activities, which I still have to witness and experience.
Lourdes Grotto. Climb the 252 steps at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and offer a prayer when you reach the top. It is not only a form of exercise going up those steps but also a sacrifice for pilgrims.
Camp John Hay. This property has hotels, restaurants and various attractions for visitors and locals. It has a rich history as US forces used to enjoy and relax in this recreation facility. There are parks, jungle trails, and other activity spots around the resort.
Mines View Park. If you want to have a good view of the mountains, head over to the observation deck at the Mines View Park. There are also many eateries nearby, as well as a market for souvenir items. The Good Shepherd Convent is just a short distance away, where you can buy jams and other food to bring home to family and friends. There’s also a great view from the deck in the convent compound.
Burnham Park. When you get to the heart of Baguio City, you will not miss Burnham Park, named after American architect Daniel Burnham, who did the city planning of Baguio. The park has many clusters but its most identifiable feature is the man-made lake. The Melvin Jones Grandstand is also a venue of many events and important occasions in the city. There are also plenty of ukay-ukay stalls around the park.
Baguio City Market. If you’re looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, sweet delicacies, and other local goods, the Baguio Market is your best bet. It’s also a great place to be with the locals and interact with them. The market is clean, and it’s fun to go around and shop for native food and items.
Session Road. If you are up for some shopping, dining, drinking and blending with the locals, the inclined street of Session Road is a nice place to explore. Session Road is full of life at day and at night. The lower portion leads to the market while the upper portion connects to the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral or referred to as the Baguio Cathedral. Further up is SM Baguio. In between are shops, ukay-ukay stalls, restaurants, bars, and hotels.
There are more to see and do around SM. You can visit the local artisans and well-known Baguio artists. During the cold weather, hang out at the local restaurants and enjoy a warm cup of coffee, while taking in the beautiful view of the surroundings. Breathe in the fresh scent of the pines and let the mountain ambiance soothe your mind, body and soul.
All photos are by this author unless otherwise stated. Claire Marie Algarme blogs at http://firsttimetravels.com. Follow her as @firsttimetravel on Twitter and Instagram and like her Facebook page First-time Travels blog.