Baguio, also known as the "City of Pines," is a renowned mountain resort town in the northern part of the Philippines. It is known for its cool climate, scenic views, and cultural attractions. This blog post outlines the top ten must-visit places in Baguio.
1. Burnham Park
One of the most famous attractions in Baguio is Burnham Park, a large park featuring a man-made lake, gardens, and recreational facilities. Renting bikes, boats, and pedal cars is a popular way to explore the park, while food stalls are available for picnics or snacks.
Daniel Hudson Burnham, an American architect and urban designer, is credited with creating the city's master plan in the early 1900s, and Burnham Park bears his name.
Built in the 1930s as part of Burnham's plan for Baguio as a "city of the future," the park has a 32.84 hectare area and was intended to be a public space that would give locals a place to unwind, mingle, and appreciate nature.
The park was once only a minor portion of Burnham's enormous plan for Baguio. Yet, it quickly gained popularity among locals who frequently picnicked there, went jogging there, or just took leisurely strolls around the park's lovely gardens and artificial lake. The park was developed and enlarged throughout time to add more recreational amenities and attractions.
When Japanese troops seized Baguio during World War II, many of the park's structures and amenities were destroyed. The park was repaired and restored after the war, and it is still one of the most cherished and recognizable places in the city.
Burnham Park is still a thriving, busy public area that showcases Baguio City's rich history and culture. It is both a beloved tourist site and a tribute to the ongoing influence of Daniel Burnham's vision for the city.
2. Mines View Park
Another popular destination in Baguio is Mines View Park, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Cordillera Mountains. Visitors can take photos with the iconic St. Bernard dog, try on traditional Ifugao clothing, and shop for souvenirs at the nearby market.
Mines View Park was formerly referred to as "Igorot Viewpoint" because it offered a vantage point from which tourists could see the traditional homes and way of life of the Igorot people, who are native to the Philippines' Cordillera area. The park was later renamed "Mines View Park" because it also offers panoramic views of the nearby mines in the Benguet province.
3. The Mansion
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| Image: The Pinoy Traveller |
The Mansion is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines, a beautiful white mansion surrounded by stunning gardens open to the public for guided tours.
William Cameron Forbes, the Philippines' Governor-General at the time, erected the Mansion in 1908. The estate, which Forbes intended as a summer getaway for himself and his family, rose to fame for its elegant design and lush landscaping.
The mansion suffered significant damage when it was seized by Japanese troops during World War II. It was repaired and renovated after the war, and in 1950 it was designated as the President of the Philippines' official summer residence.
The Mansion has played home to numerous significant occasions and celebrities throughout the years, including former US President Dwight Eisenhower, who stayed there on a visit to the Philippines in the 1960s.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines designated The Mansion as a National Historical Landmark in 2010 in recognition of its historical and cultural importance.
The Mansion is still a significant representation of Baguio's vibrant past and present and a well-liked tourist attraction today. In addition to learning about its intriguing history and significance as the official summer house of the President of the Philippines, visitors can awe at its stunning architecture and grounds.
4. Tam-Awan Village
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| Image: Jon To The World |
Tam-Awan Village is a cultural center showcasing the indigenous people of the Cordillera region, featuring traditional huts, art galleries, a museum, and craft workshops.
The village was founded in 1998 as a means of preserving and advancing the indigenous culture of the Cordillera people by local artists and cultural activists. In the Cordillera people's language of Kankana-ey, the name "Tam-Awan" denotes a place of meeting.
Tam-Awan Village features thatched houses, wooden paths, and gardens brimming with local species in an effort to mimic a traditional Cordillera community. It has a museum that displays artifacts and exhibits linked to the Cordillera culture as well as a number of art galleries that display the work of local artists.
A visit to Tam-Awan Village is made even more memorable by the chance to engage with and learn from the locals' experiences and expertise. Several artists and craftsmen who live in the village are delighted to impart their knowledge and abilities to guests.
Tam-Awan Village is a vital tool for maintaining and developing the indigenous culture of the Cordillera people in addition to being an intriguing cultural destination. For everyone interested in the rich history and traditions of the Philippines, it is a must-visit location.
5. BenCab Museum
The BenCab Museum is a contemporary art museum that showcases the works of Filipino artist Benedicto Cabrera. The museum is located in a picturesque location, with galleries, gardens, and a café.
The museum is home to a sizable collection of works by Filipino painters like BenCab. Viewers can see paintings, sculptures, prints, and other pieces of art that highlight the Philippines' rich cultural past.
The museum is located on a lovely slope with lovely views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can unwind and enjoy refreshments in the museum's café and gift store while looking through its selection of unusual trinkets and locally made artwork.
6. Strawberry Farm
The Strawberry Farm is a must-visit for food lovers, with the opportunity to pick fresh strawberries or sample local dishes like strawberry taho, strawberry ice cream, and strawberry shortcake.
Many hectares of land make up the Strawberry Farm, which is home to endless rows of strawberry plants. Guests can choose their own strawberries, pay for them by weight, and either take the strawberries home with them or have them cooked into a variety of delectable delicacies including strawberry tarts, jam, and ice cream.
In addition to picking strawberries, visitors can tour the farm and discover the different crops grown there, including lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, and other fruits and vegetables. Also, there are a number of food stalls and gift shops where tourists can try and buy different local treats, handicrafts, and other gifts.
Beware of pickpockets, though. One time, we were here and my friend lost her wallet while buying stuff.
7. Baguio Night Market
The Baguio Night Market is a bustling street market offering souvenirs, clothes, local delicacies, and live music and street performances.
The night market is a fantastic location to purchase Philippine-specific souvenirs and handicrafts including woven baskets, carved wooden sculptures, and handmade jewelry. It provides an extensive range of affordable clothing and accessories, including t-shirts, trousers, purses, caps, and scarves. On one of my visit then, I was able to buy 2 branded jackets for less than 400 pesos! If you like doing 'ukay shopping' , this is very therapeutic! You and your friends can even do a 500 peso ukay challenge and see who's the best in finding good items and haggling for the price!
A range of regional delights and snacks, including grilled meat skewers, steaming dumplings, and sweets like crepes and halo-halo, can be found at the market.
8. Bell Church
The Bell Church is a Taoist temple that features ornate buildings, gardens, and pagodas, offering insight into Taoism and the Chinese culture, along with traditional Chinese performances.
The temple was built by a group of Chinese immigrants in the 1950s and has since evolved into a site of worship, meditation, and cross-cultural interaction. It is renowned for its elaborate structures, vivid pagodas, and lovely gardens brimming with different kinds of plants and trees.
The Bell Tower, a notable element of the temple that stands tall at the entryway, is one of the centerpieces of the Bell Church. The tower has two levels, and the top level is home to a huge bronze bell that was gifted from China and transported to the Philippines.
Visitors may observe a sizable altar within the temple that is devoted to Taoist deities like the Jade Emperor, the God of Wealth, and the Three Pure Ones. The temple also has numerous elaborate ornaments that symbolize Chinese culture and beliefs, including dragons, phoenixes, and other mythological creatures.
The Bell Church is known for its spiritual significance, but it also presents cultural performances and displays of Chinese customs like lion dances, dragon dances, and martial arts. The garden is a great spot to unwind and take in the grandeur of the temple because it also serves traditional Chinese tea and snacks.
9. Lourdes Grotto
On a mountaintop overlooking Baguio, there is a Catholic shrine called the Lourdes Grotto. It's a well-liked pilgrimage site where tourists can ascend the steps to the hill's summit and enjoy the breathtaking views.
The Lourdes Grotto's history begins in the 1950s, when a group of French missionaries decided to construct a duplicate of the grotto in Baguio after being moved by the legend of the Virgin Mary's apparitions in Lourdes, France. The grotto and the staircase leading to it were built by the missionaries with the aid of volunteers and locals.
The grotto was built starting in 1954 and was finished in 1960. A group of Catholic women in the Philippines who were moved by the French missionaries' efforts to construct the grotto gave the statue of the Virgin Mary. Since that time, both pilgrims and tourists have come to Lourdes Grotto to pray, light candles, and present flowers and other offerings to the Virgin Mary.
Lourdes Grotto is still a significant pilgrimage destination for Filipino Catholics today and stands as a testament to the steadfast faith of the neighborhood. For its breathtaking views over Baguio City and its distinctive fusion of French and Filipino cultural elements, it is also a well-liked tourist destination. To worship and take in the spectacular views of the city below, visitors can ascend the hill's 252 steps to the top.
10. Baguio Cathedral
A stunning cathedral from the early 1900s is the Baguio Cathedral. It's one of the biggest Catholic churches in the area and a well-liked site for both visitors and locals.
Early in the 20th century, American architect William Parsons combined Gothic and Spanish Colonial Revival styles to create the cathedral. A large central tower and two lesser towers on either side adorn the gray stone façade of the cathedral.
The cathedral's historical importance is another noteworthy feature. After the city was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1900, Baguio Cathedral was constructed as a sign of rebirth and optimism for the local populace. Since then, the cathedral has gone through a number of upgrades and additions, including the installation of a new altar and stained-glass windows.
To me, Baguio is a place of unending charm and unmatched natural beauty. Its pleasant weather, beautiful mountain views, and lively culture have won me over. It's one of my happy places! Baguio has much to offer whether you're searching for a tranquil escape, an adventure-filled trip or a foodie's paradise. Every moment in Baguio is likely to be a memorable one, whether you're exploring the gorgeous Cordillera region's landscapes or enjoying mouthwatering regional cuisine. So why not pack your bags and schedule a visit?You won't regret it, I promise.
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BAGUIO IS ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN THE PHILIPPINES NA LAGING DINADAYO NG MGA TAO
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HOPEFULLY SOON,MAKAPASYAL DIN NG BAGUIO WITH MY FAMILY
One of the go to places talaga ng mga tourists ang Baguio lalo na kapag holiday season or summer season. Thank you for this blog, this will be helpful sa mga taong papasyal sa Baguio at gustong malaman if saan ba ang magandang puntahan sa Baguio.
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