CITY OF BAGUIO, Benguet | Just 5 Of The Hundred and Forty Six Other Things To Do In Baguio

CITY OF BAGUIO | Benguet

Baguio City, core spot for trade in Cordillera Administrative Region, is one of the most hyped destinations by tourists in the province of Benguet. Boasting an altitude of more than 5,000 feet, it sure make as a nice hideout in the mountains. The roads tend to be packed by either cars or tourists during late afternoon especially on the busiest part – Session Road, so wear comfortable foot gear as you will be using your bottom most of the time. Pack enough sweatshirts of any type to keep you warm as it is going to be chilly at night. Yes, baby, it'll chilly. 

HOW TO GET TO BAGUIO CITY

From Manila

1. Several bus companies offer regular trips bound for Baguio. Victory Liner Inc., for one, accessibly scattered around the Metro - Cubao, Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan; transports passengers conveniently to and from Baguio at a fare of Php 450, with 15-30 minute interval. An hour to an hour and a half of regular rest room privilege is provided to commuters as you pass along the northern provinces. Travel time is approximately 6 hours. De luxe type, with built in rest room and seat back recliners, is also offered at Php 750, leaving at an hourly interval. Travel time is cut down into 4 hours.

** There are many ways to explore the city, you can rent  a cab, ride a PUJ or act like a pro and use your feet! **

The last is always the coolest and as always, GET LOST.

5 THINGS TO DO IN BAGUIO CITY

1. S N A T C H | A Morning Photowalk

SHOOT-TO-LAY-OUT | Photography, in a nutshell, is an extremely subjective argument, hence, undefined. For a piece to be judged if it's a good fit for an art, highly depends on the perspectival standpoint of the viewer. One theme which you find interesting might be nearly viewed at the same level of interest by others, and vice versa. To give a definite description is hard and the discourse might be endless. Though it is heeled towards being biased, it narrates story. The truth of the matter is incredibly simple; you are the maestro of your own orchestra, you set the format based on your chosen design, you collect the right amount of lighting and you click at your own pace. You don’t rely on what’s on hand; rather, you do a lot of testing and adjust your setting based on your liking. You crop the unnecessary and you just include what matters, the basic – your interest. In short, shoot-to-lay-out.

Due to the city’s ideal scenery, it has become a nice avenue for amateur and pro photographers, or whatnot. You can randomly capture cool spots as you make your strolls up and down and back up again unto hills. 

2. R E T R E A T | Basilica

OUR LADY OF LOURDES GROTTO | Dominican Hill Rd., Baguio, Benguet

OUR LADY OF THE ATONEMENT CATHEDRAL | Mount Mary Cathedral Loop, Baguio, Benguet

3. V I S I T | Museum and Bookshop

BENCAB MUSEUM | Km. 6, Asia Rd., Tadiangan Tuba, Baguio, Benguet

Entrance Fee : Php 100

T E A T R O | For the world is simply nothing but an amphitheater of mixed signals, consists of either random or choreographed encounters, with either theatrical actors or hopeful noobs.

MT. CLOUD BOOKSHOP | Casa Vallejo Bldg., DPS Compound, Access Rd., Baguio, Benguet

W R I T E  Y O U R  O W N  S T O R Y | Drift. Detach. Be you or transform into someone. Create. Observe. Or just do wonderfully something or nothing. You are not like them. You are a paradox of your own universe.

4. C O N S I D E R | Parks

BURNHAM PARK | Legarda-Burnham-Kisad, Baguio, Benguet

WRIGHT PARK | Leonard Wood Rd., Baguio, Benguet 

THE MANSION | Romulo Dr., Baguio, Benguet

MINE'S VIEW |Baguio, Benguet

CAMP JOHN HAY | Camp John Hay, Baguio

* Highly urbanized with numerous shops, cafe and even discovered Convergys is being housed in the area!*

* interesting pieces for home deco being sold inside! *

5. T R Y | Cafe's, Breakfast Just Anything In Betweens

STRAWBERRY TAHO* sold almost in every corner *

Rule number one: Do not leave the city without at least trying this staple pinoy street food - taho.

A single serve sold at Php 10

DINE & VIEW RESTO | * just a few steps from Mine's View*

Similar to the paluto style that we have in Dampa; same mouthwatering dishes in a different setting, the mountains - way, way nicer!

Paluto style; ranges from 200-300

DANES CAFE | Shagem St., Baguio, Benguet

On a budget? Then, do remeber this cafe for it offers different kinds of breads at low-end price tags. Individual packed of brownie is sold at Php 20.
Budget : Php50-100

ZOLA CAFE | 2nd Floor,  Session Rd., Baguio, Benguet

Zola Cafe, comfortably sited just accross SM Baguio and beside Baguio Cathedral, provides casual dining experience to travelers. Dim lights, huge windows for overlooking, great music tracks with elements of soulful and RNB, it sure make as a perfect hangout for groups and yes, even unchaperoned nomads.

Full English Breakfast at Php 135

HILL STATION | Casa Vallejo Bldg., DPS Compound, Access Rd., Baguio, Benguet

One word - sophisticated. The place packs several hints of complexities giving diners a chic yet homey feel. The bistro has nice coffee and pastry selection, if you want to make your experience a notch higher to your usual, go for their restaurant.

Latte - Php 110

Buuter Nutter - Php 65

Moist Choco Cake - Php 150

KAFFEEKLATSCH | 39, Sagittarian Unique Building, City Camp Road, Baguio, Benguet

One cool spot sheltered just within the vicinity of City Camp offering cocktails, beers, hot and cold coffee with pica selection at affordable prices. This was the place where I decided to punctuate my Baguio trip, the rustic feel is just enough to impress you without the overdo. You can rest those tired muscles after a day tour in the city while the good-feel acoustic plays in the background. 

Budget: 300-400

F I R ST  T I M E S

On the contrary of my usual itinerary, is city exploration. It's always been beaches over cities for me, but Baguio bids tempting deals too hard to resist. While many people have become so acquainted with this beauty, it's actually the first time I visited it. Its mainstream parks, delicacies, elevated topography, including all its oddities, make it a well storied place. Just the thought of having the chance to explore this famed city, made me overly excited like a 5th grader joining a field trip for the first time. First times, as always, are interesting.