One of the few places in the Philippines with a cool climate Baguio is on average eight degrees cooler than the normal Philippine temperature. 1,500 meters above the sea and 250 kilometers north of Manila, most Manila folk head for Baguio in the summer to escape the summer heat. Hence it has been called the "summer capital" of the Philippines. .
Going to Baguio from Manila, visitors can take a 45-minute flight via Philippine Airlines landing in Baguio Airport or take the six hour bus ride through Kennon Road. Halsema Highway connects Baguio with other parts of Benguet, Kalinga-Apayao and the Mountain Provinces. Bus ticket reservation is recommended during peak season (Novenber-May). Average one-way fare is P150.00 per person. It's then easy to flag down a cab to get to your accommodations from the airport or bus terminal.
. The Americans in the 1800s, who perhaps longed for colder climates saw the potential of Baguio. Building Camp John Hay, the Americans proceeded to carve Kennon Road from the side of the mountain, the road which links Baguio to Manila.
. One of the first things you should visit in Baguio is Session Road. You will find numerous shops and restaurants with American, Italian Japanese and Chinese cuisine. From here you can take a cab to Baguio's other attractions which include:. Burnham Park - Found at the center of the city, Burnham is the popular venue for the city's celebrations.
Named after the city's chief planner Daniel Burnham, its man-made lagoon is the site of boating excursions. Skaters, hikers, bikers and delight in the park's walkways. A promenade in the rose gardens is perfect for romantic couples.
Mines View Park - Its mostly shopping here: hand woven blankets, silver ornaments and jewelries, various jams and strawberries. The Park also has a breathtaking view of the hills and valleys of the Cordillera as well as the gold mines of Benguet. Camp John Hay - The former Rest & Recreation center of the United States Armed Force personnel in the Philippines, it features hotel type rooms, food outlets, basketball and volleyball courts, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a six-lane bowling center, and a heated swimming pool.
. Baguio Cathedral - This is just one of the many religious establishments in Baguio. The Bell Temple north of the city, the brilliant gardens of the Maryhurst Seminary, and Lourdes Grotto with its 252 steps to heaven are among them. Places to Stay:. Benguet Prime Hotel Session Rd.
cor. Calderon St. Baguio City (074)4427066 / (074)4428363 Conference facilities, Coffee Shops, Standard Accommodations. El Cielito Inn 50 North Drive, Baguio City (074)4434846 / (074)4425272 Manila Contact:(02) 8158951 to 54 Deluxe/Standard Rooms, apartels, restaurants and function rooms. Hotel Supreme 113 Magsaysay Ave.
Baguio City (074)4432011 to 18 Superior/Executive rooms/suites, restaurants, bar and grill, function rooms, pool, spa, jacuzzi and sauna. .
By: Noel
