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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

North Luzon, Philippines

Cool/Dry Season Nov-Feb

Layers are useful due to fluctuating temperatures. Mornings and evenings are cool. Days can be mild. This season allows outdoor activities.

Packing for Comfort

Warm/Wet Seasons

Warm/Dry Season (March to May): Lighter clothing works for daytime, like t-shirts and light blouses. Wet/Monsoon Season (June to October): A waterproof or Water-resistant jacket stands as necessary. Pack quick-drying clothing.

Seasonal Attire

  • Bring a Light jacket or sweater for evenings in the warm season.
  • For wet season, wear closed-toe shoes that handle wet conditions. Sandals that dry quickly are also useful.
  • An Umbrella or Rain poncho offers a good idea. Long pants and sleeves protect against mosquitoes.

Footwear Recommendations

Comfortable Walking Shoes

These work well for exploring parks and city streets. Supportive Sneakers are ideal.

Ideal for urban exploration.

Hiking Boots/Shoes

For trekking, like Mount Ulap, sturdy, comfortable, and potentially waterproof Hiking footwear is good.

For trails and rough terrain.

Sandals/Waterproof

Sandals are useful for casual wear, though less for extensive walking. Waterproof shoes or sandals are useful, especially during the wet season.

Good for wet conditions or casual strolls.

Essential Documents

Useful Travel Papers

Carry your required documents securely. Make copies for safety.

  • Passport & Visa Documentation: Original passport (6+ months validity), photocopies, digital copies.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Printed copy of policy details, emergency contacts, policy number.
  • International Driving Permit: For driving, carry with national driver's license.
  • Vaccination Records & Health Docs: Yellow Fever certificate (if needed), personal vaccination record, allergy list, medication list.
  • Reservations: Printed/digital copies of flight itineraries (onward/return), hotel bookings, tour confirmations.
  • Emergency Contacts: Local numbers (911), embassy/consulate details, family/friends contacts.
  • IDs for Discounts: Student/Senior/Press IDs for potential discounts.
  • Cloud Storage: Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or email for digital backups.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Bring the right electronics to stay connected and capture memories. Standard voltage is 220V, 60Hz. Philippines uses Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins with a round grounding pin) plugs. Most modern phones and laptops are dual-voltage.

Essentials

  • Use a Universal travel adapter that supports Type A and B plugs.
  • Most modern smartphones have compatibility with Philippine networks (GSM). Airalo offers eSIMs.
  • SIM cards are available at airports/malls. Globe Telecom and Smart Communications are main providers.

Capture & Organize

A Smartphone camera often features sufficient quality for casual photos. For higher quality, consider a mirrorless or DSLR camera with a versatile lens.

Tech Essentials

  • Portable chargers with 10000mAh capacity are highly considered for on-the-go charging.
  • Google Maps for navigation, Grab for ride-sharing. Google Translate for offline Tagalog.
  • Use cloud storage (Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox) for photos/documents or an External hard drive for critical backups.

Security and VPNs

VPN Services

Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Camera Retailers

For camera gear, B&H Photo can provide options.

Anti-Theft Gear

For anti-theft bags and security, Pacsafe provides solutions.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid Kit

A well-stocked health kit presents peace of mind. Baguio’s altitude is generally not high enough to cause severe altitude sickness for most, but winding roads may prompt motion sickness.

Kit Contents

Medications & Protection

Carry all prescription medications in their original labeled containers. Bring a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note for controlled substances. Pack enough medication for your entire trip, plus a few extra days' supply.

Personal Care

Water & Hygiene

Water Purification

  • Bottled water has wide availability.
  • A LifeStraw Go water filter bottle provides a sustainable and safe alternative.
  • Tap water is generally not safe for direct drinking by tourists.

Personal Hygiene

  • Most common toiletries are available locally.
  • Consider bringing specific brands or eco-friendly alternatives.
  • Examples: Solid shampoo bars or bamboo toothbrushes.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Pack gear tailored to your planned adventures. A Small daypack, a Reusable water bottle, and durable Hiking shoes are useful.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding at Wright Park remains a popular choice. Wear long pants to prevent chafing. Closed-toe shoes also contribute to comfort and safety.

  • Rent horses at Wright Park.
  • Bikes are available for rent at Burnham Park.
  • Bring specialized hiking gear if you have specific preferences.
  • A good quality daypack has worth for multiple hikes.

City Exploration

No specialty items are specifically for Baguio beyond climate-appropriate clothing. The cool climate is the main unique factor influencing packing choices.

  • Comfortable walking shoes are .
  • Light jacket for evening strolls.
  • Umbrella for unexpected showers.
  • Small bag for souvenirs.

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

When to Rent Locally

  • If you only use an item once or twice.
  • For bulky items that make travel difficult.
  • When quality of local rentals meets your standards.
  • To save luggage space and weight.

When to Bring Your Own

  • If you use the item frequently for other trips.
  • When you demand specific quality or fit.
  • For sensitive personal items or specialized gear.
  • If local availability or quality are questionable.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items elevate comfort, security, and convenience.

Travel Smart

Eco-Friendly & Local Items

High-quality specific hiking gear may prove difficult to find locally. Specific brands of toiletries or medications you rely on might be unavailable or expensive.

Sustainable Choices

Recommended Gear Options

Rain Jacket

From $20 (basic) to $150+ (Gore-Tex).

Walking Shoes

From $30 (basic) to $130+ (Skechers Go Walk).

Power Bank

From $15 (5,000mAh) to $60+ (20,000mAh+ Anker).

Travel Adapter

From $10 (basic) to $40+ (premium universal).

Insect Repellent & Water Bottle

Insect Repellent

  • From $5 (local brands) to $25+ (specialized high-DEET/picaridin).
  • Consider OFF! Deep Woods for effectiveness.
  • Useful, especially for outdoors or wet season.

Water Bottle

Packing Smart

Pack light but smart. The cool weather means layers take up more space.

Prioritize versatility in your clothing and gear choices.