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Things to Do in Baguio

Things to Do in Baguio

North Luzon Philippines Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Embrace the cool climate with a range of outdoor activities, from gentle walks to challenging treks.

Hiking & Trekking

Mount Ulap Eco-Trail Itogon, Benguet

Moderate to challenging. Famous for scenic ridges, pine forests, and "Gungal Rock." Book through GetYourGuide.

Mount Yangbew La Trinidad, Benguet

Easier to moderate. Known as "Little Kibungan." Offers panoramic views of La Trinidad. Popular for camping and views of the sunrise.

Within Camp John Hay / Mirador Jesuit Villa

Numerous easy walking and jogging trails wind through pine forests. Mirador Jesuit Villa Eco-Features of the park a bamboo forest trail, an easy walk.

Adventure Sports & Cycling

  • Tree Top Adventure (Camp John Hay): Offers various ziplines, canopy rides, and a tree drop adventure.
  • Horseback Riding (Wright Park): Recreational equestrian activities for all ages is available here.
  • Cycling (Burnham Park): Recreational cycling is popular with rental bikes available. Some trails in Camp John Hay are suitable for mtb.
  • Water Sports: Burnham Park Lake offers paddle watercraft activities and row boating. Baguio is landlocked, so no significant water sports are present.

Wildlife Encounters

  • No dedicated wildlife encounters or safaris.
  • Focus in the city's cool climate and cultural sites.
  • Camp John Hay and forested areas.
  • May host local birdlife.

Mountain Biking

  • For serious mountain bikers.
  • Trails exist in surrounding Benguet province.
  • Often require local guidance.
  • Specialized gear may be needed.

Water Activities

  • Burnham Park Lake for paddle and row boating.
  • Leisure activities only.
  • Without large natural bodies of water.
  • No significant water sports available.

Safety Note

For outdoor activities, always inform someone of your itinerary. Consider local guides for trekking.

Cultural Immersion

Learn more about Cordilleran culture through various local interactions.

Workshops & Performances

  • Tam-Awan Village: Offers art classes, painting classes, and occasionally traditional Cordillera craft demonstrations (weaving, woodcarving).
  • Easter Weaving Room: Visitors can observe traditional handloom weaving and purchase woven products.
  • Panagbenga Festival (February): Features grand street dancing parades with participants in colorful Cordillera costumes.
  • Community-based tourism: Not much formal initiatives within Baguio city itself. More common in the nearby Cordillera provinces.

Cultural Festivals & Language Learning

Panagbenga Festival Baguio Flower Festival

Held annually in February. Features grand parades, street dancing, float parades adorned with flowers, and market fairs. A major highlight.

Baguio Day September 1st

Commemorates the city's charter. Different local events take place, giving an understanding of local civic pride.

Christmas Season

Baguio is a popular destination during Christmas. Known for its cool weather and festive decorations, it possesses an unique holiday spirit.

Language Learning

No formal short-term language immersion programs especially for tourists in Tagalog or Ilocano. Basic phrases are easily picked up.

Historical Significance

Many cultural activities tie into Baguio's history as an US hill station and its Igorot roots.

Local Interaction

Engage with locals in markets or community events for cultural insight.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find tranquility and rejuvenation in Baguio's cool environment.

Spa & Wellness

  • Many hotels offer in-house spa services, including The Manor and Azalea Hotels & Residences.
  • Standalone spas offering various massages and treatments are present throughout the city.
  • No natural hot springs directly within Baguio. Some hot springs (e.g., Asin Hot Springs) are in broader Benguet province (about an hour's drive).
  • Lacking beaches in Baguio. Some hotels have heated indoor pools due to the cool climate.

Mind & Body Practices

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Certain guesthouses or private retreats on the outskirts of Baguio may offer yoga or meditation sessions.

Mirador Jesuit Villa Retreat House

A place for spiritual reflection, offering a serene environment for quiet time.

Traditional Healing Practices

Less prominent for tourists. Traditional healers exist, but locals typically seek them to specific ailments.

Wellness Insights

Pine Forest Ambiance

The pervasive scent of pine needles in numerous places creates a calming atmosphere.

Quiet Retreats

Seek out places to stay or areas slightly outside the city center for maximum tranquility.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Baguio provides options for things to do in theevening, mostly focused on live music and casual gatherings.

Live Music & Bars

  • Live Music Venues: Various bars and cafes along Session Road and its side streets often feature area bands.
  • Bar Districts: Session Road (lower section) and Legarda Road are the main areas with a concentration of bars and KTV (karaoke) establishments.
  • Hotel Lounges: Some hotels have lounges featuring live music for a more laid-back setting.
  • Pub Crawls: Informal pub crawls are possible along Session Road.

Other Evening Entertainment

Nightclubs & Dancing

A few nightclubs and dance bars are present in the city, mainly around Session Road. Most establishments close by midnight or 1 AM.

Late-Night Entertainment

Some KTV bars may are open later. Harrison Road Night The market is a late-night attraction for sustenance and shopping.

Theater & Performance Spaces

Formal theater venues are limited. Cultural acts are more common during festivals or at specified cultural centers like Tam-Awan Village.

Karaoke KTV

A popular local entertainment choice, having lots of KTV establishments throughout the city.

Casual Dining Spots

Many restaurants remain open for late dinners and offer a casual, relaxed evening experience.

Night Market

Harrison Road Night The bazaar is a spot for sustenance and bargain shopping into the late hours.

Alcohol Consumption

Baguio has strict rules regarding public drinking. Observe area laws and practice responsible consumption.

Shopping & Markets

Discover unique souvenirs and regional products, from fresh produce to handmade goods.

Traditional Markets & Bazaars

  • Baguio Public Market: Offers a wide array of fresh produce (strawberries, vegetables), meats, woven goods, silver jewelry, and local delicacies.
  • Harrison Road Night Market: Opens nightly (normally 9 PM to 2 AM). Offers a vast selection of Ukay-ukay (thrifted clothes), street food, and various items at bargain prices.
  • Souvenir Stalls: Many stalls by main attractions like Mines View Park and Burnham Park sell Baguio-themed souvenirs.
  • Easter Weaving Room: A good place for traditional handloom woven products and to observe the process.

Artisan Crafts & Souvenirs

Easter Weaving Room

Features traditional handloom weaving and a shop selling woven products (bags, scarves, placemats).

Silver Shops

Baguio is known for its silver craft. Numerous shops, especially along Session Road, sell intricate silver adornments.

Woodcarving

Locally carved wooden items and souvenirs are available at numerous vendor booths and shops.

Edible Souvenirs

  • Good Shepherd Ube Jam.
  • Peanut brittle and strawberry jams.
  • Benguet coffee (beans or ground).
  • Fresh strawberries (seasonal).

Crafts & Apparel

  • Handwoven textiles (bags, scarves).
  • Silver adornments (rings, pendants).
  • Wood carvings and various keychains.
  • Baguio shirts and hoodies.

Ethical Shopping & Bargaining

  • Support local artisans and producers.
  • Buy directly from cooperatives.
  • Bargaining is common in markets; do so respectfully.
  • Be mindful of wildlife-derived items.

Luxury, Boutique & Shipping

Luxury & Boutique Shopping
  • True luxury shopping is limited.
  • SM City Baguio: A large mall with a mix of local and international mid-range brands.
  • Some small offer local designer clothing or artisanal goods.
Shipping & Customs Information
  • Major couriers like DHL, FedEx, and LBC have branches in Baguio for international shipping.
  • Be aware of your home country's customs regulations and import duties on goods, especially food items.
  • Proper packaging is vital for fragile goods or food products.

Shopping Tip

For an unique souvenir, buy a jar of Ube Jam from Good Shepherd Convent. Your purchase supports their charitable programs.

Activity Planning Summary

Maximize Your Experience

  • Arrange outdoor activities for morning hours for colder temperatures.
  • Group nearby attractions for streamlined journeys.
  • Try a mix of food choices: fine, mid-range, budget, and street food.
  • Capture unique photos at scenic viewpoints and artistic spots.

Things to Remember

  • Baguio is an inland city; no sandy shores or major water sports are present.
  • Formal language courses for tourists are limited; basic phrases suffice.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity is generally good in major establishments.