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Resources & References

Resources & References

North Luzon, Philippines

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Grab

    For ride-sharing and food delivery. This app is widely used.

  • Google Maps

    For navigation. Use it for walking, driving, and public transport routes. Download offline maps.

  • Google Translate

    For language translation. Download the Tagalog offline pack.

  • Your Bank's Mobile App

    For managing finances, checking balances, and monitoring transactions.

  • WhatsApp/Messenger

    For local communication. Many businesses and individuals use these apps.

Useful Websites

  • Philippine Department of Tourism

    Provides official tourism information, travel advisories, and details about destinations.

  • Bus Company Websites

    Check Victory Liner, Genesis Transport (JoyBus) for booking inter-city bus tickets. Book in advance.

  • Accommodation Booking Sites

    Use Booking.com, Agoda, and Airbnb for hotels and rentals. Compare prices and reviews.

  • Local News Sites

    Stay updated on current events, weather conditions, and road advisories. Look for local Baguio news.

  • Social Media Accounts

    Follow official tourism accounts. Look for local Baguio news pages or community groups for real-time updates.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

Look for up-to-date travel guidebooks specifically covering the Philippines. A comprehensive Philippines Travel Guide usually a Baguio section. Detailed city maps are useful.

Books about the Destination

"The Cordillera: A Story of a People, a Place, and a Future" by Art and Janet Dizon. "Baguio: A Brief History" by Patricia Calma. "The Baguio We Know" by Frank Cimatu.

Local Publications

Local newspapers or free tourist maps and brochures are often available at hotels or tourism offices. These provide current events and local information.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers & Contacts

  • National Emergency Hotline: 911.
  • Police (Baguio City): +63 74 442 7981.
  • Fire (Baguio City): +63 74 442 2222.
  • Embassy/Consulate: Keep their emergency numbers handy.

Hospital & Clinic Locations

  • Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).
  • Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital.
  • Saint Louis University Hospital of the Sacred Heart.
  • Lost documents: Report to police, contact embassy for replacement.

Further Reading & Exploration

Music & Art

  • Listen to traditional Cordillera music or contemporary Filipino artists.
  • Explore local art scenes in Baguio galleries.
  • This provides a sensory connection to the culture.
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Language Learning Resources

  • Apps like Duolingo and Memrise Offer Tagalog phrases.
  • YouTube channels provide Tagalog lessons.
  • Basic Tagalog phrases.
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Online Communities & Forums

  • Reddit communities, like r/Philippines and r/Baguio.
  • Travel forums like TripAdvisor forums.
  • They offer recent traveler experiences and advice.
  • Good places to ask specific questions.

Safety Protocols

Natural Disaster Protocols

Monitor Advisories

  • Monitor local news and weather advisories.
  • PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) provides these.
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Follow Instructions

  • Follow instructions from local authorities.
  • Evacuation or safety measures during typhoons.
  • Or during landslides.
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Earthquake Preparedness

  • Know the earthquake "drop, cover, and hold on" protocol.
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Local Customs

Politeness

  • Use "Po" and "Opo" for respect.
  • Smile often; Filipinos are hospitable.
  • Show deference to older individuals.

Social Norms

  • Filipinos are generally polite and non-confrontational.
  • Avoid public arguments.
  • Be patient; things might operate on "Filipino time."

Group Travel Logistics

Accommodation & Transport

  • Book accommodation well in advance for groups.
  • Book large vehicle transport (vans).
  • Make dining reservations for larger groups.

Day Trips

  • Consider hiring a private van with a driver for day trips.
  • This simplifies logistics.
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Common Tourist Mistakes

Packing Errors

  1. Underestimating the cold; Baguio gets genuinely cold, pack layers.
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Transportation & Expectations

  1. Not using Jeepneys; relying solely on taxis is expensive.
  2. Only visiting "tourist traps"; explore the public market, smaller cafes, and side streets.
  3. Expecting beaches; Baguio is a mountain city.
  4. Not budgeting for traffic; it can be significant, especially on weekends and holidays.
  5. .

Solo Traveler Advice

Safety

Baguio is generally safe for solo travelers. Practice usual precautions. Do not walk alone in unlit areas at night.

Awareness

Inform someone of your itinerary. Stay in hostels to meet other travelers. Join local tours or workshops.

Socialize

Hostels are good for meeting people. Consider joining local tours to connect with other travelers and locals.

Travel Considerations

Traffic can be significant, especially on weekends and holidays. Factor in extra travel time. The city's compact center makes walking feasible for many attractions, which can mitigate some traffic issues.

Cultural Insights

Local Customs for Visitors

Polite Language

  • "Po" and "Opo"

    Use these terms when speaking to elders or in formal situations. They show respect.

  • Smile Often

    Filipinos are known for their hospitality and warmth.

  • Respect for Elders

    Show deference to older individuals.

Unofficial Rules and Norms

  • Polite & Non-Confrontational

    Filipinos are generally polite. Avoid public arguments.

  • Be Patient

    Things might operate on "Filipino time," which can be more relaxed.

  • Impress Locals

    Simple phrases like "Salamat po" (Thank you) or "Masarap!" (Delicious!).

Solo, Family & Group Specific Advice

Solo Traveler Safety

Baguio is generally safe for solo travelers. Practice usual precautions. Do not walk alone in unlit areas at night.

Social Opportunities

Inform someone of your itinerary. Stay in hostels to meet other travelers. Join local tours or workshops.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

Many parks are great for kids (Burnham, Wright, Botanical Garden). Strawberry picking is a fun activity.

Accommodation & Accessibility

Accommodation Alternatives

  • Consider transient houses or guesthouses over hotels.
  • These options present comfortable rooms at a fraction of the cost.
  • Especially useful for groups.
  • Good for longer visits.

Accessibility Considerations

  • Refer to Section 11.4 for detailed accessibility information.
  • Baguio presents challenges due to its hilly terrain.
  • Uneven paths.
  • Challenges for those with significant mobility issues.

Managing Group Logistics

Booking and Reservations

  • Book accommodation well in advance for groups.
  • Book large vehicle transport (vans).
  • Make dining reservations, especially at popular restaurants.
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Simplifying Day Trips

  • Consider hiring a private van with a driver for day trips.
  • This simplifies logistics.
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Pre-Arrival Digital Prep

Download offline maps and translation apps before you arrive. This ensures you have access even without an internet connection.