Baguio
Tourist Attractions
Baguio City probably has the largest number
of visitor attractions clustered in a relatively small area
compared to other tourist destinations in the Philippines.
The most popular tourist attractions are located near each
other, on the East and South sides, although there are a few
near the residential areas. Just 8.2 km from east to west
and 7.2 km from north to south and with inexpensive public
transportation available, it is one of the easiest places
to explore.
Burnham
Park - It is located at the most valuable piece of
Baguio real estate and is free for the enjoyment of visitors
and residents alike. Burnham Park remains, to this day, one
of the Philippines' most well known and best-loved parks.
Burnham Park has 12 cluster areas: the man-made lake with
rowboats for hire, a childrens playground, the skating rink,
the Rose Garden, the Orchidarium, Igorot Garden, Melvin Jones
Grandstand, the Athletic Bowl, a Picnic Grove, the Japanese
Peace Tower, Pine Trees of the World and Sunshine Park.
Baguio Cathedral - Baguio
Cathedral is actually named the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral.
A majestic church located on top of a hill in the heart of
the city, it is one of the more familiar icons and most visited
landmarks of the city. This beautiful rose-colored structure
is distinguished from other churches in the Philippines by
its twin spires.
Session Road - The main
avenue of Baguio City and its commercial center, with quaint
shops lining each side, Session Road is so named because it
was the site of the Second Philippine Commission.
Camp
John Hay - Camp John Hay (CJH) is Baguio's most popular
destination. A beautiful resort in the mountains it features
a golf course, hotels, shopping & a convention center,
among other attractions. This former rest and recreation facility
of the U.S. Armed Forces is older than the city itself. For
almost the whole of the 20th century it is what made Baguio
City in the Philippines "Little America."
Since 1997 it has been in the hands of a
private developer on a long term lease. It boasts of private
vacation houses, hotels and lodging facilities, including
the most popular Baguio hotel, Camp John Hay Manor, a shopping
center called Mile-Hi Center with numerous restaurants and
stores, and a newly-built convention center. Jack Niclaus
redesigned what is literally the coolest golf course in the
Philippines into a competition golf course that continues
to host the annual Fil-Am Golf Tournament.
The Mansion - The Mansion,
which used to be called Mansion House, served as the seat
of the Second Session of Economic Commission of Asia and the
Far East in 1947. It has also been the site of first meeting
of the South East Asia Union which was popularly known as
the Baguio Conference of 1950 which was conceived and convened
by Philippine President Elpidio Quirino.
Wright
Park - Directly across The Mansion is Wright Park
that features the much photographed Baguio landmark, the "Pool
of Pines". One will see a gazebo and a long flight of
stairs down the hill leading to the Riding Circle, where hundreds
of ponies are for hire.
Mines View Park - The main
attractions in Mines View nowadays would be the commercial
activities such as the souvenir and silverworks stores by
the park. The one especially worth visiting is Rimando's,
on the Gibraltar side.
Baguio Botanical Garden
- Also known as the Igorot Village, it showcases the native
houses of the different Cordillera tribes. Tourists can usually
take pictures with the Igorot tribesmen dressed in their traditional
costume. It is also the home of the Baguio Arts Guild. Botanical
Garden is named such because it is tasked with growing pine
seedlings and other flora and fauna for the constant "greening"
of Baguio.
Philippine Military Army
- Its pre-war technically-oriented curriculum, patterned after
that of the US Military Academy at West Point, was restored.
Socio humanistic courses were added In the 1960s, as the curriculum
underwent major changes, and strengthened to balance the techno-scientific
disciplines, with a view towards providing a well-rounded
education relevant to the needs of a growing Armed Forces
of the Philippines.
Kennon
Road - Kennon Road was for a whole century, the most
popular access to Baguio City, Philippines. There has been
no other road that has meant so much happiness for many travelers,
who know that cool, cool weather lies just about 45 minutes
away. The road is about 30 kilometers in length and is divided
into 'Camps,' signifying the establishment of mining camps
by the Americans along the way up to Baguio City, which was
originally both a mining town and a recreational facility.
Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary
- Take an eco-tour that refreshes the eyes with nature's feast
of flowers. There is also a gallery where exhibits are held
regularly.
Mount Santo Tomas - This
is Baguio's highest peak, the one that offers a 360° degree
view of Baguio City, La Union Province below and the South
China Sea on the horizon. Apart from that, there's not much
development on top but it is a nice place to go to. Bring
a picnic basket and relax. On top of the mountain are giant
twin radars that last saw use decades ago, earning Mount Santo
Tomas the nickname "Ra-dar."
Lourdes
Grotto - The Lourdes Grotto is another Catholic shrine
and place of meditation in Baguio. It is located on a high
hill in the western part of Baguio City where you will find
the image of the Lady of Lourdes. It is a favorite pilgrimage
site during Holy Week most especially during Holy Thursday
and Good Friday. Access to the top of the grotto could be
made by climbing the long steps or by driving up a winding
road.
Bell Church - The Bell Church
is located north of Baguio along the road leading to the capital
town of La Trinidad, Benguet. Within its compound are intricately
designed arches and buildings adorned with flags, bells and
dragons. It has a pagoda, and landscaped gardens. There are
some Buddhism artifacts to be found there, as well as some
literature about the history of China.
Tam-awan Village - A reconstructed
native village which also has an art gallery and attracts
many indigenous artists, most noteworthy of whom is BenCab.
Directly across Tam-awan Village is sculptor Ben Hur Villanueva's
gallery that is also worth a look.
Easter Weaving Room - This
is place to visit for native fabrics and other handicrafts.
Here one can witness the actual process of cloth weaving as
practiced by the natives of the Cordillera provinces for ages.
The basic material for woven products can be bought in an
adjunct of the Easter School established in 1908 by the Philippine
Episcopalian Church.
Asin
Hot Springs - Actually outside city limits, but considered
a Baguio resource, it contains natural hot springs. Some resorts
have sprung up in recent years and the area is pretty much
underdeveloped but is still a place that tourists should visit.
Wood Carver's Village -
Three kilometers of independent indigenous wood carvers. The
works of these carvers range from very small figurines to
huge statues. It is located on Asin Road on the way to the
Asin Hot Springs.
