Exploring and Enjoying Baguio City
Baguio is located 240 km North of Manila. It is also the summer capital of the Philippines. Known for its cool climate, it is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike, especially in the summer time. Baguio City has an altitude of 4921 feet high, and on rainy season it gets foggy and wet. It has been given the name City in the Clouds because of the location.
The best time to visit Baguio is from October to May during Dry Season. Christmas and Holy Week are a bit hectic. That's the time when everyone wants to getaway from the busy and hot temperature of the lowlands. Up here, it's a different atmosphere and you can breathe some fresh air. What makes Baguio an interesting destination is that it's different from the rest of the country. With tall pine trees and cool weather year round, it has much to offer. The cultural and historical background together with the fantastic sceneries makes this place unique.
There's so much to see in Baguio. The attractions are located near each other. If you like to explore Baguio City on your own, buy a map from a bookstore or the nearest gas station. It cost about $1-$3. Pick the one that has marks on the attractions you want to see.
Some of the best schools in the country are found in Baguio City, including the prestigious Philippine Military Academy (PMA), it's the West Point of the Philippines. It sits on a 921-acre compound located 6 miles South of Downtown Baguio, in Loakan, Fort Del Pilar. They're open everyday of the year to the public and have drill exhibitions on weekends.
Burnham Park is situated on the most valuable piece of real estate in Baguio City and it's free for public to enjoy. It was designed by and named after a famous Chicago architect, Daniel H. Burnham. The park consists of 12 areas, including a man-made lake where you can rent a rowboat, a skating rink, children's playground, a picnic grove, the Rose Garden, the Igorot Garden, the Athletic Bowl, the Orchidarium, the Japanese Peace Tower, Sunshine Park, Melvin Jones Grandstand and the Pine Trees of the World. This is a place where all the family can enjoy.
The Mansion
The Mansion is also a must-see in Baguio. This is the summer residence of the President of the Philippines. Only certain areas of the mansion are open to the public for picture taking, but I was told there are days people can view the entire mansion. The entrance gate to the mansion is said to be a replica of the Buckingham Palace in London, complete with a guard. The only difference is that the London guard doesn't move at all, this one certainly does.
Across from the Mansion is the Wright Garden, where you can go horseback riding or enjoy pony rides. The park's main attraction is the "Pool of Pines," which is a long and shallow rectangular body of water with tall pine trees lined up on both sides of the road and decorative light posts next to the pool. Another feature is the park circle, which is on one end of the park. It is the perfect sight to take souvenir photos. From the circle, is a walkway that will lead you to a wide stone stairway that comes down to an area where ponies are being rented-out.
Sometimes, there are Igorots (one of the tribes) around, dressed in their native costumes. They'll gladly have their pictures taken for a small fee. There are plenty of vendors and souvenir stalls inside the park, where you can purchase bargain t-shirts and native handicrafts.
The view of Benguets' gold and copper mines and the surrounding mountains can be seen in the observation deck of the Mines View Park. Today, many houses are standing in the old mine sites. Be careful when going up and down the steps after a rainfall, for it gets very slippery.
The Kennon Road is the shortest access route to Baguio City. It is famous for its zigzag road. You will see beautiful waterfalls, wild sunflowers and pine trees on your way up to the city and the famous Lion's Head. It is the symbol of Baguio. Tourists and locals normally stop by and take pictures at the Lion's Head. One of them is a large rock that is naturally shaped like a lion and a Filipino artist carved the other from a natural limestone formation.
|
