Experience Baguio with These DIY Tips
Baguio City, the country’s “Summer Capital,” is a top-of-mind getaway for family and friends even beyond the whole year round because of its cool weather, timeless charm, and infinity of things to do.
With the seamless interconnection of the metro’s tollway system, it has become a virtual next-door neighbor that can easily be reached anytime. But along with the ease of travel comes the issues of traffic jams, lack of parking spaces and overtourism, particularly on weekends.
And with the sought-after monthlong Panagbenga Festival just around the corner, we can expect tourists to troop to the mountain resort to participate in the festivities.
Below are some practical hacks to experience the city with less hassle and explore beyond the usual go-to places.
1. Take a bus.
Because of its allure and popularity, the city’s traffic situation has become a major concern. An alternative is to take point-to-point buses such as Joy Bus of Genesis Lines and Victory Liner Inc, which can take you there in just about 4 hours, under P 1,000 one-way and can be booked online. These premium coaches also go to the NAIA terminals, major malls, the Paranaque Integrated Transport Exchange (PITX), Clark Freeport, and other major cities for easier commuting.
Victory Liner boasts a spacious terminal and route network across northern Luzon and can bundle travel packages with Microtel Hotel. It recently launched its top-of-the-line Royal Class sleeper buses to give commuters a stylish transportation option where they sleep soundly while traveling.
If bringing your own vehicle is necessary, visiting on weekdays to avoid the weekend rush and when Session Road is closed to vehicular traffic for the outdoor market and interactive creative art activities is ideal.
2. Trek.
Rediscover the ageless charm of the “City of Pines” through the Camp John Hay Forest Bathing Trail, where you can trek, commune with nature, and get a therapeutic experience as you cut across the pine forest.
Local birdwatchers and the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region validated the presence of at least 21 bird species, which include the Benguet bush warbler, red crossbill, and the Philippine hawk cuckoo. With a forest path already in place and easy-to-spot avians, birdwatching is expected to be the city’s next tourist drawer and recreational activity inside the former US military facility.
3. Dine.
Baguio has become a food hub of northern Luzon with several dining outlets offering a wide range of cuisine—from homegrown indigenous dishes to fusion food, gourmet specialties, Filipino and international favorites, coffee shops, bars, and everything in between.
Restaurants in the city’s outskirts lure you away from the madding crowd to savor a sumptuous meal in a relaxing location.
Asin Road in Tuba, Benguet, is an emerging restaurant row with the mushrooming of specialty dining spots. BenCab Museum of National Artist Ben Cabrera, a pioneer in the area, offers a visual and gustatory feast with its unique mixture of paintings and artworks.
A cozy dinner place is Bistro Lokal of Chef Miko Dy along Magsaysay Ave., which serves a new twist on Filipino classics created around the farm-to-table dining concept to support local farmers. He also serves a 7 to 10-course degustacion for small groups with a performance of Cordilleran music and dance.
Of course, there’s Session Road for the old-time favorites and quick takeaway food in Sunday pop-up stores.
4. Stay at a homey lodging.
With the influx of tourists at any given time, booking your hotel ahead of time with DOT-accredited establishments or reputable online reservation sites such as Airbnb is advisable.
The latter is a growing preference among family and group travelers because of the cheaper rates, homey and spacious atmosphere, bigger capacity, and the option of cooking your own food in the kitchen.
Coupled with the warm hospitality of the Baguio folk, AirBnB offers diverse locations for an inexpensive and memorable staycation in the highlands.
Among the highly-searched accommodations because of their ideal locations, incredible views, and favorable reviews of hosts are Baguio Sweet Home in Dominican Hills and Best Baguio Ambiance Country-Style House in Bgy. Lualhati, the stately European-style Tudor House at Tudor in the Pines, Lookout Cottage in Outlook Drive, and Mountain Spring Homes near Magsaysay Ave.
Outside the city limits is Cozy Cabins in Itogon, Benguet, which boasts stunning views of the Cordillera mountain ranges.
Baguio City Travel and Tour Packages
To help you plan your visit to Baguio, we listed places and other unique activities in Baguio City. We also listed some of the best travel deals, tour packages, excellent flights, and accommodations.
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of cheap Baguio City hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Baguio City, Philippines? Follow #TeamOutofTown on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
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