Perched high on Luzon Island, Baguio City is a welcome retreat from the heat and humidity of the lowlands. For most travellers, it acts as a gateway to popular highland destinations like Sagada, Banaue and Kalinga. For those that stay in Baguio City for a day or two, there’s plenty to explore, from the beautiful mountain views to a string of cultural attractions and a vibrant student culture.
Things to Do
At its core, Baguio City is a university town. Its lively ambience makes it a fantastic place to experience Filipino student culture, with plenty of bars, cafes and late night restaurants to explore. Most of the action is centred along Session Road, Baguio’s busiest shopping and entertainment strip.
If you’d rather get out the city, head to Mines View Park for sweeping mountain views. Anchored by a central lake, Burnham Park is eternally popular with locals. Rent a boat, or simply soak up the sunshine on the grass.
Baguio City is a great base for exploring the Luzon highlands. Enjoy easy connections to Banaue, a mountain village famous for its 2000-year-old UNESCO listed rice terraces. Kalinga is another popular destination, thrilling travellers with jungle treks and whitewater rafting adventures.
Tucked away in the Cordillera Mountains, Baguio is also a gateway to Sagada. The village is best known for the hanging coffins of the Echo Valley, as well as natural wonders like Sumaguing Cave and Bomod-ok Falls.
Getting Around
In the city centre, jeepneys, taxis and trikes are the transport methods of choice. Traffic can be chaotic, so often it’s faster to walk. Travellers can fly in via Loakan Airport, which sits to the south of the city centre. If you choose to take the bus, Baguio offers plenty of long-distance connections to Manila and Central Luzon.