Tips and Activities When Going to Baguio
If you’re searching for a cool place to stay in, surely you would have thought of going to Baguio. My family and I decided to go to baguio and I’m so happy that we were able to visit all of the tourist spots in it. But before I ramble about our adventure, I want to give you to tips on how to maximize your trip
TIPS:
1. Book a hotel in advance.
Since we came to baguio during the peak season, booking for a hotel came as a challenge for us. Take note that we had almost 2 months to spare but the hotels were already fully booked. So, go search the internet for hotels. Online reservation is so much easier than showing up in hotels unannounced. Or if you want a more affordable place to stay in, there are motels and “transient” hotels around baguio.
2. One word: waze
If you haven’t downloaded this app yet, please do. It’s very convenient and it gives accurate directions. If you miss a turn, it will devise a new route for you. Most of the roads in Baguio are either 2 way, 1 way, or rotunda type. So if you’re a stranger to Baguio, the chances of you getting lost is high. By downloading waze (and of course by having an internet connection), you can save time, effort and even money. We originally planned of leaving our car in the hotel and taking the taxi but we decided against it since (we guessed) that renting a taxi can be more costly.
3. Have an itinerary
The itinerary doesn’t have to be too detailed. Chances are, that will not be followed due to other factors like traffic. Instead, list down places that you need to visit for the day or restaurants that you want to dine in. That way, you and your companions won’t have to argue which places to go to first.
4. Shades and caps
Baguio may have a cool weather, but it’s a pretty sunny place and if you’re like me who doesn’t feel comfortable being out under the sun for too long, you need this. Or better yet, bring an umbrella (but it gets in the way when walking, so you decide)
5. Don’t take too much pictures
Throughout my trips to other places, I’ve found out that the best way to enjoy or cherish a moment, is not to take tons of pictures. It can be distracting and admit it, your intention in capturing it is not to freeze the moment but to boast it to your friends. You can take one or two pictures but remember to just live in the moment. Capture it in your mind instead.
6. Be patient in looking/waiting for a parking slot
The parking spaces are very limited in Baguio. Look for a parking space, fall in line with the other cars and wait for your turn. It’s really a challenge and there is nothing to do but wait. But for us, the longest waiting time that we had to do was 15 mins (in Burnham park). I don’t know if we’re just lucky but we always get a good spot the moment we go to other places hehehe. It’s a matter of luck and timing.
7. Bring with you a picnic mat
We actually regret not bringing this because Baguio is full of parks where you can sit down and have a picnic with your companions. And also, it is handy if you want to sit down after walking around.
PLACES TO GO TO & ACTIVITIES:
1. Wright Park and the Mansion
No entrance free so yay!
There is nothing much in this place but if you want to relax, this is the place to be. Although the horse dung cannot be ignored sometimes. But the farther you get, the fresher the air gets.
2. Camp John Hay
3. Philippine Military Academy
I enjoyed (surprisingly) the PMA because of the different tank relics that were displayed in there. You can go inside the tanks and have your awesome pictures taken. Also, it’s very interesting how our Military generals train. They look so regal in their uniforms.
4. Pink Sisters, St. Joseph Church, and Baguio Cathedral
(Pink sisters)
(St. Joseph)
If you have a very religious family like mine, having a mini pilgrimage in every trip is a must. So we were able to visit 3 churches and the biggest among them all is the Baguio Cathedral. The pink sisters has the most sincere and sacred aura while St. Joseph Church has the simplest but most accessible location. The 3 churches are located just near to each other and are beside famous landmarks so finding them won’t be too hard.
5. Burnham Park
I enjoyed this place because of the biking and the boat riding. Since it was during Christmas when we went there, there are a lot of people and although it seems overcrowded, we didn’t let ourselves get stressed out by the number of people. We enjoyed biking around and rowing around. You can have someone row for you, though.
6. Strawberry Farm
It’s kind of far but that’s alright. With using waze, you can reach it in 15-25 minutes (if there is no traffic). Unfortunately, we weren’t able to personally pick strawberries because it’s apparently not yet the time to pick them. But you can just look at the farm and buy fresh vegetables and fruits nearby.
7. Good Sheperd and Mines View Park
We didn’t go to Mines View Park anymore but I know that it’s similar to wright park. You can do the same things in there. So before you finish off your trip, drop by in Good Shepherd to buy some goodies. I recommend their best seller, Strawberry jam (about 275 when we bought it since it’s seasonal), and Ube Halaya (I cant remember the price but it ranges around 180-250). The strawberry jam is a bomb!!!!!! I love it. It’s not super sweet and it’s stuffed with real strawberries. Also, the peanut brittle jar is completely filled, unlike the ones you can buy outside, in which the jar looks full but is actually hollow. And besides, by buying stuff from Good Shepherd, you get to help the convent running the place send children to school. J