Baguio City Philippines

Baguio City – The Summer Capital of the Philippines

Baguio City is considered the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Because of its many pine trees it is also called the City of Pines. My experience in Baguio City was amazing! It was my first time traveling on plane and first time in Manila. Yes! you heard me right.

Since I was a kid, I always dreamed of going to Baguio City. I was very envy that my younger brother already visited the place when he was still in his grade school and even experienced traveling on a plane. While I, on the other hand, was very busy studying for my Midterm Exams at that time (grrrr…). My mother told me that we’re going to re-visit Baguio some other time BUT it never happen.

Now that I have work, my mind robotically tells me that it’s time to travel and enjoy life once again. And so, it was decided. Baguio City HERE we go!!!

As early as January, me & my girlfriend already started to plan our vacation in Baguio City by December. I know what you’re thinking, sobrang maaga – excited! hahaha! Well, it’s worthed anyway. We both have no experience traveling on a plane and we both have no close relatives and friends in Manila. So, planning is a MUST for us. There is, however, one deal we agreed upon and that is ” If we get lost, we won’t blame & quarrel each other “.

So, if anyone out there, who are in Cebu and plan to Travel in Baguio City for the first time, you’ve come to the right blog. I will share to you our every details & experience in the City of Pines. Our 3 Days and 2 Nights BAGUIO ITINERARY.

Day 1 (From Cebu to Baguio City)

We chose our flight schedule with Cebu Pacific Airlines the earliest possible time – 4:30 AM. You can avail the cheapest Go Fare ticket from Cebu Pacific during these schedule and of course, the earlier – the better. You don’t want to arrive in Baguio in your first trip at night, would you? So as early 3:30 AM (remember, this is our first time trying to travel by plane) we were already in Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA). Only a few people were actually on the airport so no need to rush & run. I am laughing by myself when I remembered ourselves trying to very keen in observing the people, the procedures & processes and at the same time trying not to act as an ignorant. hahaha! As the saying goes, the hardest part is at the beginning only.

As we checked-in, I personally request for a seat near the window (Thank you Frances for this tip). I was really excited when aboard the plane – I want to see Cebu City on a birds eye view but I am somewhat disappointed because it was still dark when we flew. Nevertheless, I was still able to have fun and took some picture of Cebu City at night. We arrived in NAIA Domestic Flights in Pasay City by 5:45AM since it’ only a 1 hr and 15 mins. travel from Cebu to Manila. Take note that all Domestic Flights are now be transferred in NAIA III.

2 days ago, I bought a Map of Manila & Baguio. It may sound absurd but for me this is a great tool to appreciate the place you’ve visited and of course help me navigate well. I must admit that one the reason why I bought a map was because I want to avoid being fooled by some taxi drivers who purposely circle drive some passengers thus forcing the traveler to pay more. I knew about this because my Father was a victim of this practice. The worst part? they are Bisaya Driver who can usually identify the accent of our fellow Cebuano’s.

Victory Bus Liner Pasay

Anyway, from Domestic Airport, we took a taxi going to Victory Liner in Pasay. It’s only a few blocks away and we only paid P50. I intentionally told the driver to dropped us off near the MRT overpass instead to the Victory BUS Station itself because I knew all along that we can just walk thru it rather than going the other way around which would cost us twice the fare (I told you, it’s good have a MAP). Galit siguro yung driver pag baba namin.. hehehe. Feel’s good when you outsmart somebody but also feels bad when you’re the one outwitted.

It was already past 8:00 AM when we left Victory Bus Terminal. Be sure to eat your breakfast before leaving because it’s approx. 7~8 hour travel from Pasay to Baguio City. No need to pack for your lunch since the bus will stop a few times for snacks, & peeping and lunch. By the way, the food in Manila certainly has a different taste from what we used to flavor here in Cebu. So, eating in Carenderia won’t help if you’re not a “cowboy” type person.

Blue Mountain Hotel Baguio City

3:30 PM. Finally! I feel the chilly cool breeze of Baguio City. Yipee! Thank GOD we weren’t lost and we arrived safe & sound. From Victory Liner Terminal, we walk a couple blocks and took a taxi going to our Inn – Blue Mountain Hotel. (Right Image: A view from the roof top of the Hotel)

I am not trying to promote this Hotel because definitely this isn’t the best Hotel in Baguio but for us, it is a good place with the right price. For P1,600 a night, it’s certainly a bargain. They even upgraded us to much bigger room with the same rate since all rooms are already taken up. We dont really care whether it’s a 5 Star or 4 star Hotel, as long as it’s safe and clean. If you’re a transient travelers who only plan to stay for a few days only in the City, then you might want to consider this place. However, they don’t have WI-FI on this hotel but rather have Internet cafe in case you wanted to use internet. Nothing’s really marvelous on this Hotel except that they got a Mini-Grocery Store and a Mini-Food Court neighbors beside them which of course are, inexpensive. Our Day 1 in Baguio ends up very early in the evening because we were extremely exhausted. Zzz… zzz… zz.. z.

Day 2 ( Getting Around Baguio City in a Day)

The new journey begins. Knowing we can’t visit to all the scenic places in Baguio for 1 day only, we have to choose only the most popular tourist attraction in the City. As early as 7:00AM, we were already drifting around the City.Our first stop was in Baguio Cathedral.

Cathedral Church Baguio City

Next, was Burnham Park. It is an urban park located at the heart of the City of Baguio. If you’re not in a hurry, just take a commuters jeepney going to the square. If I am not mistaken, all Jeeps has a route around this park.

Burnham Park Baguio City

Of course, don’t forget to pay a trip to the holy shrine at Lourdes Grotto, Baguio. The Lourdes Grotto is a Catholic shrine and a place of prayer located on Mirador Hill in the western part of Baguio. Inside the grotto is an image of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Lourdes Grotto Baguio City

It is a 252 steps to reach the Haven of Lourdes Grotto. It offers you an excellent view of the whole Baguio city once you reach at the top of it. The grotto is a favorite pilgrimage site which remains crowded during Holy Week. Same as in Sto. Nino Basilica, there are vendors at the shrine who will light up a candle for you if you want and say a prayer for you.

I am really confused why it was called Mines View Park. From the name itself, we should have had seen a Mining Location instead of a Mountain View. Curious enough, I started to roam around and ask the locals about it. Surprisingly, there was indeed no Mines View anymore… For the past few years, the viewing deck of the park gave tourists a glimpse of the mines below. But, with the developments and constructions at the foot of the mountain, and below the deck, the mines are no longer seen.

Mines View Baguio City

Still, many people come here to see the beauty of the mountains and the scenery below. There are shops and markets within the vicinity, to cater to tourists and even horses which tourists can rent. Igorots are also found at the viewing deck for those who want their picture taken with these local tribesmen.

The Mansion has also been a venue for several international conferences. Tourists can also visit a museum in the premises holding presidential memorabilia. In addition, visitors and sightseers can often be seen taking pictures of themselves in front of the gate, a cliché thing to do in Baguio City.

The Mansion Presidential Palace

If the United States has its top military academy at West Point; The Philippines has also its top military school – Philippine Military Academy (or PMA). The PMA is located at the Fort del Pilar, Loakan, which is just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Baguio City.

Philippine Military Academy Baguio City

It’s one of the popular tourist attraction in Baguio. It is open for visits during daylight hours, seven days a week. On Saturday mornings the Cadet Corps have a parade and review, including the always impressive precision marching.

SM Baguio City – The only mall in Philippines that doesn’t have Airconditioning. Now, I am starting to wonder if there is a store that sells electric fan or aircon units in Baguio City itself. hehehe…

SM Baguio

Day 3 ( Baguio City to Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad)

Our vacation will never be completed unless we bring with us Fresh Strawberries! From Baguio, we went to La Union just to witness the strawberry farm. You can always buy a lot of strawberries in the City but my boo keep on insisting that she really wanted to go the farm – dont ask me! its a women thing. Well, it’s worthed anyway!… She was really cheerful when we reach the place. She unpatiently run around the farm and took a lot of photos especially to the flower farm. Can’t deny, women always love flowers!!!

Strawberry Farm La Trinidad

We swift our way going back to the Hotel to check out since it’s almost 12:00 Noon. Our plan was to have a Midnight trip (10 PM Schedule) going back to Pasay City. So, we just spent the rest of our afternoon in SM Baguio City strolling. This is a nice approach if you don’t want to spend another cash for your lodge. Anyway, you’ll be sleeping in the bus along the way.

La Trinidad Strawberry farm

It was really a Perfect 3 Days and 2 Nights Baguio Vacation Plan for us. The Thrill and Excitement are always the best part of your adventure.

Ooppss! our journey doesn’t end yet… We actually went to Sta. Rosa Laguna (Enchanted Kingdom) afterwards. But it’s a different story.

Hope you enjoy!