Web Search
|
|---|
Baguio City, Philippines
Located in the highlands of the Grand Cordillera in Northern Luzon lies Baguio City which is fondly called the "Summer Capital of the Philippines."
 |
|---|
Imagine pine trees swaying with the crisp cold breeze running along knolls and hillocks, and you'll be in the city of Baguio. Over the years, the City of Pines has become one of the top ten destinations in the country for both local and international travelers, mainly because it is the place where most vacationers escape the summer heat of the Philippines during March, April and June and have a refreshing break from the hustle of city life in Metropolitan Manila.
The name of the city means "moss" and is derived from the word bagivin Ibalio, he indigenous language of the Benguet Region. On the average, Baguio is 8 degrees cooler than any place in the Cordillera Region where it is located. The city is situated at an altitude of approximately 5,100 feet above sea level giving it its cool weather. To travel to Baguio from Metro Manila, one has to spare six hours of free time on a bus ride by way of Kennon road. Air tranportation thru and from the city is somehow restricted only to commuter-sized aircraft because of the city airport's limited runway which is only about 1,800 meters.
One of Baguio City's main industries is tourism. Many people prefer spending their vacation in the city during the holidays at he end of the year to experience the cool temperature. Some, including tourists from different parts of the world would visit the city during summertime especially during the Holy Week resulting in full bookings of hotels and inns situated in and around the city. The word boredom is not existent here as one will find a place or a thing worth visiting or seeing. Here are just some of the tourist attractions Baguio City has to offer:
Baguio Tourist Destinations (source: wikipedia.org)
1) Lion's Head: Located in Camp 6 Kennon Road, this popular landmark was constructed in 1972 with the contributions of the Lions Club International members in Baguio. This 40-foot head of a lion was carved in a limestone by a local artist. Visitors passing by normally stop for a while to have a break and to take photographs as souvenir.
2) Tam-awan Village: This artificial village was founded by Chanum Foundation, Inc. in 1998. It was constructed with the purpose of showing visitors how a local village in the highlands look like. Authentic native huts where brought from the Mt. Provinces and are rented out to those who wish to stay overnight and experience the way locals once lived. A gallery was also constructed to house the paintings and other artworks created by several local artists. The word "tam-awan" means "a high place to view". With clear weather conditions, one can see the South China Sea and the Lingayen Gulf. This is also a good place to view the sun set.
3) Philippine Military Academy: Situated in the southern part of the city within Fort Del Pilar, Loakan, this military academy was created to train future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
4) Mansion House: As an official residence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, entry to the compound is restricted. The public can view the Mansion through its gate which is patterned after the Buckingham Palace of London. It is located in the eastern part of the city. The Mansion has also been the site of several international conferences and a working office of the President of the Philippines during his or her visits to the City.
5) Camp John Hay: This former American recreational facility was converted into as a world class resort. It features a golf course, a skating rink, picnic area, and a mini golf course at the Scout Hill area. Several cottages and hotels were also built to accommodate visitors.
6) Teachers Camp: A facility currently run by the Department of Education. It features several function halls, a museum, cottages, and a race track.
7) Easter Weaving Room: Located within the campus of Easter School. It is the right place to visit for those who are interested in native fabrics and other handicrafts. Here one can witness the actual process of cloth weaving as practiced by the natives of the Mountain Provinces for ages.
8) Saint Louis Filigree Shop: This is a handicraft shop specializing in silver jewelry and other filigree products. This shop is in the center of the city and was established in 1916.
9) Wright Park: It is sometimes mistakenly called "Ride Park" by some tourists that identify this pine tree park reserve for horse rides. A long stairway leads to the "Pool of the Pines", a 100 meter long pool of water lined on both sides by the famous Baguio towering pine.
10) Mines View Park Appropriately named for its view of Benguet's mountain ranges where gold, silver and other ores were once quarried.
11) Baguio Sunshine Park The park features flowering garden and a covered stage with ethnic design, which is often used, for cultural presentation. The park itself is designed after a shield.
12) Botanical Garden It is also called the Igorot village, which features native huts typical of the Cordillera architecture. The garden is also a site of cultural presentations and other tribal meetings.
13) Burnham Park: It is the oldest of all Baguio parks. One can unwind from the tension of the day-to-day bustle by biking, skating or simply reflecting on the day's experiences amid a soothing garden backdrop of colorful flowers. It is thickly wooded and is a great place to have picnics and concerts. There are tennis and basketball courts, a football field, athletic oval and an orchidarium.
14) Baguio - Mountain Provinces Museum This museum is located within the Baguio Tourism Complex along Gov. Pack Road. It has on display a variety of artifacts and relics showcases the cultural heritage, customs and traditions of the mountain provinces.
15) Saint Louis Iniversity Museum: Located within the premise of the school, it showcases the different culture heritages of the Cordilleras. Artifacts and relics including an ancient coffin can be seen on display.
16) Ifugao Wooodcarvers Village Located along Asin Road, about 5 kilometers from the city, is an Ifugao wood carving village, which produces and sells hand-carved curio items.
17) Asin Hot Springs: These hot springs are located 16 kilometers northwest of Baguio. Several private resorts took advantage of the natural springs in the area and constructed swimming pools for all visitors. Some of the resort owners also built cottages for those who wish to spend the night.
18) Mt. Sto. Tomas and Mt. Kabuyao: A trek up to these mountains is a hiker delight. The highest peak is 7,500 feet high and commands a majestic view of the city. These mountains can be reached by foot or by vehicle.
19) Lourdes Grotto: This is a religious shrine housing the image of the Lady of Lourdes. About 252 steps lead to this shrine where pilgrims brave the steep climb to offer sacrifices, devotion and prayers. One is also regarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
20) Baguio Cathedral: One of the familiar landmarks in Baguio, the structure with its twin spires and one hundred steps sits on top of a hill in the heart of the city, offering church goers and visitors a chance to get a bird's eye view of the entire commercial hub.
21) Bell Church This cluster of temples is located on the border of Baguio City and Trinidad Valley. Its exotic oriental architecture, pagodas roof, ornate gateway, dragon ornaments and Buddha - guarded windows gaze from atop a hill. The Bell Temple priest practices a mixture of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. One may even try having his fortune told.
22) Baguio Grand Mosque Muslims may pray in any of the several Mosques in the City but this is the biggest and located at Campo Filipino. It also houses an Islamic Studies madrasah. Visits or field trips by non-muslims may be arranged.
23) Baguio Country Club This club was organized with funds, which were privately contributed. They built tennis courts and cottages. Today Baguio Country Club has 200 guestrooms and suites in a new building. It also boasts a beautiful 18-hole, 61-par golf course for its members and guests.
24) Baguio City Market Located within the central business district, this is where local products and goods from nearby towns and provinces are sold.
A grand vacation, it will be, with these places to go and see.