"Summer Capital" ~ Baguio City
- Junah Insular
- Jul 3, 2016
- 2 min read
Baguio, officially the City of Baguio and often referred to as Baguio City, is a highly urbanized city in northern Luzon of the Philippines. Just 8.2 km from east to west and 7.2 km from north to south and with inexpensive public transportation available, the City of Pines is one of the easiest places to explore.
The first thing to do when touring is to buy a map ($1-$3 at the nearest gas station, bookstore). I suggest you select a map that marks or indicates the attractions I will be enumerating below, so you have an option of exploring Baguio on your own instead of taking a guided tour. That would save you more money -- to spend shopping instead!
Burnham Park
Burnham Park is the very heart of Baguio City in the Philippines. It is located at the most valuable piece of Baguio real estate and is free for the enjoyment of visitors and residents alike.
Mines View Park
Located at the extreme northeast side of the city, past The Mansion and Wright Park, Mines View Park boasts of a spectacular view of Benguet's gold and copper mines and the Cordillera mountains. Many houses have been constructed below the ridge, closer to Baguio City, though.
Baguio Botanical Garden
Also known as the Igorot Village, it showcases the native houses of the different Cordillera tribes. Tourists can usually take pictures with the Igorot tribesmen dressed in their traditional native dress. It is also the home of the Baguio Arts Guild
Lourdes Grotto
The Lourdes Grotto is another Catholic shrine and place of meditation in Baguio. It is located on a high hill in the western part of Baguio City where you will find the image of the Lady of Lourdes. It is a favorite pilgrimage site during Holy Week most especially during Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Access to the top of the grotto could be made by climbing the long steps or by driving up a winding road.
Tam-awan Village
A reconstructed native village which also has an art gallery and attracts many indigenous artists, most noteworthy of whom is BenCab. Directly across Tam-awan Village is sculptor Ben Hur Villanueva's gallery "Arko ni Apo" that is also worth a look.
Wright Park
Directly across The Mansion is Wright Park that features the much photographed Baguio landmark, the "Pool of Pines". One will see a gazebo and a long flight of stairs down the hill leading to the Wright Park Riding Circle, where hundreds of horses and ponies of various sizes are for hire.
The Mansion
The official summer residence of the President of the Philippines, the Mansion is located on the eastern part of the city along Carlos P. Romulo Drive.
Strawberry Farm
Located just six kilometers from the city is the Strawberry Farm, which "opens it doors" for strawberry picking from November to May every year.
Bell Church
The Bell Church is located north of the city along the road leading to the capital town of La Trinidad, Benguet. Within its compound are intricately designed arches and buildings adorned with flags, bells and dragons. It has a pagoda, and landscaped gardens. There are some Buddhist artifacts to be found there, as well as some literature about the history of China.
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