Baguio City: Your complete weekend

itinerary
Go up to Baguio City to enjoy the cool breeze, dine on fresh local food, and admire
the arts of the Cordillera region
Nikka Corsino

Published 9:00 PM, December 22, 2014

Updated 12:26 PM, December 23, 2014

Baguio’s cool climate is always a welcome respite from the lowlands' heat and
humidity any time of the year. For some, weekends in Baguio also bring back
childhood memories, which often includes horseback riding at Wright Park or boat-
paddling at Burnham Park. (READ: 15 amazing Baguio City eats)

PADDLE AWAY. Boats are available for rent at P80 to P100, usually for as long as
you want, at Burnham Park. Photo by Nikka Corsino

MEMORIES. Another classic Baguio experience, horses can be rented and taken
around the vicinity of Wright Park. Photo by Nikka Corsino

Although Baguio is admittedly more congested today, this mountain city still gives
plenty of reasons for visitors to keep coming.

And if a weekend is all you can spare, here are some suggestions for a great time in
and around the city:

DAY 1 (SATURDAY MORNING) – ART, CULTURE AND CLASSIC BAGUIO

TO MARKET, TO MARKET. Get the freshest highland vegetables from the Baguio
City public market’s ‘bagsakan.' Photo by Owen Ballesteros
If you’re coming from Metro Manila, board a Baguio-bound bus from Cubao, Manila,
or Pasay on Friday night. Midnight trips are the most advisable, where you arrive at
around 5 am or 6 am. If possible, book your return trip as soon as you arrive since
trips back to Metro Manila on weekends fill up fast.

Buses to take:

 Victory Liner (Cubao, Quezon City; Pasay)

 Genesis Transport (Avenida, Manila; Cubao, Quezon City)
 Philippine Rabbit (Avenida, Manila)

Restaurants to try for breakfast:

If your hotel, inn, or guesthouse does not permit early check-in, while the hours away
by having breakfast at any of the following local places:

Danes (Lower Mabini St.)

For those on a budget, Danes is a good place for hot pandesal and coffee. Frequented
by locals, Danes serves freshly baked pastries every day.

Pizza Volante (Session Road)

For those who want a rather heavy breakfast, Pizza Volante along Session Road
serves hearty and affordable continental and Filipino breakfast dishes. The restaurant
is open 24 hours, making it a good choice for those who arrive in the wee hours of the
morning.

Choco-late de Batirol (Camp John Hay)

Another breakfast option is Choco-late de Batirol, which serves rich,

hot tsokolate (flavors include cointreau and strawberry, among others) and Filipino
breakfast choices.

Visit the BenCab museum

Km. 6, Tuba, Benguet

BENCAB MUSEUM. Discover works of contemporary Filipino artists on display at

the BenCab Museum in Tuba, Benguet. Photo by Owen Ballesteros
After checking in at your hotel, proceed to the BenCab Museum (opening hours: 9
AM to 5 PM, Tuesdays to Sundays). Entrance fee is at P100. (READ and
WATCH: BenCab: Finding his muse in the highlands)

The BenCab Museum is home to works of National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto
Cabrera as well as those of other local contemporary artists. The museum also has a
Cordillera Gallery, which houses artifacts from all over the Cordillera region. The
museum also holds exhibitions regularly.

Its in-house cafe, Cafe Sabel, serves gourmet pasta, sandwiches, and salads using
local ingredients.

Tip for commuters:

Although there are jeepneys passing by the museum on the way back to Baguio, these
are almost always full, making the trip back a bit tricky. You may instead negotiate a
waiting fee with the cab driver who took you to the museum.

Drop by the woodcarvers’ village

Km. 6, Tuba, Benguet

WOODEN ART. Purchase woodcrafts big and small from the line of shops at the
Wood Carvers’ Village, near the BenCab Museum. Photo by Owen Ballesteros

It may be too early to buy souvenirs, but the handmade wooden wares at the Wood
Carvers’ Village, just a few meters from the BenCab Museum, may just persuade you
to fork out your first few hundred pesos. Everything from dining sets to tissue holders
to ebony chopsticks is sold here.

Watch international and local classics at Cinematheque Baguio

With admissions usually at P100 (or sometimes free), the Cinematheque Baguio
allows the public to view internationally acclaimed indie films, documentaries (such
as Rescue in the Philippines: Refuge from the Holocaust, produced by a team that
includes Emmy Award-winning producer Russell Hodge and Terry Irving); and
Filipino titles, such as those by Lino Brocka and Maryo J. de los Reyes.

Film festivals are also held regularly– the Franco-German Film Fest, Bangladesh Film
Day, Spring Film Festival, Football Stories Film Series, Inquirer Indie Bravo: Film
Festival, Cine Europa 17, and Cine Totoo Caravan are some of the film festivals held
throughout 2014.

Check the Cinematheque Baguio Facebook page regularly for screening schedules.

Explore Tam-Awan Village

Pinsao Proper, Baguio City

Should there be no screening at the Cinematheque on the day of your visit, you can
head to Pinsao Proper instead for Tam-Awan Village.

Marrying the city’s rustic mountain ambience with original works from Cordillera
artists, Tam-awan Village is perfect for those who want to learn more about the
region’s indigenous art forms. The village also holds regular exhibitions, workshops,
and cultural shows. Entrance fee for adults is at P50, senior citizens and students at
P30, and kids 12 years and below at P20.

Visit the Baguio Museum

DROP BY. See artifacts as well as traditional everyday wares from the Cordillera’s
different ethnolinguistic groups at the Cordillera Gallery of the Baguio Museum.
Photo from baguiomuseum.org

If Tam-Awan Village is too far for you, opt for the conveniently located Baguio
Museum instead along Governor Pack Road. This four-level museum features an
extensive collection of artifacts and media about the different regions of the
Cordillera: Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Apayao, and Abra. The
museum also holds regular workshops and seminars, as well as a library for research
and exhibit purposes.

The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 AM to 5 PM. Adults enter for P40,
senior citizens for P30, college students for P20, high school students for P15, and
elementary students for P10. The Baguio Museum is at the DOT-PTA Complex along
Governor Pack Road, near Sunshine Park and UP Baguio.

Restaurants to try for lunch:

For lunch, dine in one of the local restaurants along (or near) Session Road: Tea
House (for Chinese-style dishes), Jack’s (for affordable rice meals), Solibao (for
traditional Filipino fare), Hill Station (for some of Baguio’s best fine dining), Oh My
Gulay (Kidlat Tahimik’s fascinating vegetarian restaurant), and the newly opened
Cafe by the Ruins Dua (for hearty Asian Fusion dishes and freshly baked pastries).

If you’re dining at Hill Station, you may also check out the other establishments
located inside the historic Casa Vallejo building, such as Mt. Cloud Bookshop for
some select Cordillera titles, North Haven Spa for coffee or strawberry scrubs, and
Baguio Cinematheque for screenings of Filipino films, old and indie.

MT CLOUD. Browse through books, including an extensive collection about the

Cordillera region, at Mt. Cloud Bookshop. Photo by Rhea Claire Madarang

You may also try Japanese restaurant Chaya along Legarda Road, or Ketchup Food
Community along Romulo Drive across Wright Park. Ketchup Food Community has
5 restaurants – Canto (for lomo ribs and burgers), Happy Tummy (for Thai food),
Rumah Sate (for Malay and Indonesian food), Green Pepper (for pastas and
sandwiches), and Rancho Norte (for home-cooked Filipino food).

Visit Baguio’s numerous parks

If you’re traveling with family, you’re most likely going to visit some beloved Baguio
spots, such as Burnham Park, Botanical Garden, Wright Park, The Mansion, and
Mines View Park.

BIKE RIDE. Enjoy biking around Burnham Park at the heart of the city. Photo by
Nikka Corsino

STROLL ALONG. Enjoy early morning walks around Burnham Park at the heart of
the city. Photo by Owen Ballesteros

While in any of these places, snack on strawberry taho, which goes for P15 to P20 a
cup.

From Mines View Park, drop by Good Shepherd Convent and stock up on ube jam,
alfajor, cashew peanut brittle, and strawberry jam.
PASALUBONG. Bring home Baguio’s famous ube jam, peanut brittle, strawberry
jam, and many others from the Good Shepherd Convent. Photo by Owen Ballesteros

Proceed to Fort Del Pilar to visit the Philippine Military Academy, with its Relics
Point and museum (admission is at P10, from 8 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 5 pm).

Relax and listen to music (or play some yourself) at Kaffeeklatsch

RELAX. Enjoy laid-back acoustic nights with your cup of coffee at KaffeeKlatsch.
Photo courtesy of KaffeeKlatsch

Located just off Legarda Road at City Camp Alley, KaffeeKlatsch features a rustic,
cozy, and relaxed ambiance, as well as an open stage where guests can opt to play
acoustic music. Order a cup of Roasted Karamel coffee and sit on one of the cushy
chairs at the cafe's mezzanine.

Go thrift shopping along Harrison Road

UKAY UKAY. Prepare for a night of ukay-ukay shopping along Harrison Road at the
city center, across Burnham Park. Photo by Owen Ballesteros

If you’d rather see some late-night action than chill out, and if you love thrift-
shopping (and still have energy left at the end of the day), head to Harrison Road
(between Burnham Park and Session Road) from 9 pm onwards for cheap clothes,
bags, and shoes. Stop by for some sweet corn, noodle soup, and street food – all
clumped at the northern end of the strip – in between.

DAY 2 (SUNDAY) – NATURE AND EXPLORATION

Sweat it out at the Camp John Hay yellow trail

Popular among cyclists and runners, the Yellow Trail at Camp John Hay offers a
scenic trail for jogging and hiking, even for beginners. If you’re not up for this, a few
rounds of jogging around Camp John Hay’s sloping grounds (or Teacher’s Camp’s)
also makes for a good start to your day. Alternatively, you can do some rounds of
jogging at Burnham Park.

Visit the Baguio City Public Market

Fresh highland vegetables, Cordillera coffee beans, cherry tomatoes, baby potatoes,
strawberries, sundot-kulangot, and many others are available at their best prices at the
Baguio City public market. Head there early in the morning to take advantage of the
choicest Benguet vegetables, and take your pick from Sagada, Kalinga, or Benguet
coffee beans. Coffee Alamid (civet cat coffee) is also available.

Soak up the arts and fuel up at Ili Likha Artist Village

WANDER ABOUT. See an eclectic mix of art pieces from local Baguio artists at Ili
Likha Artist Village. Photo by Donald Rentiquiano

Artist and filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik’s new art-and-food space, the Ili Likha Artist
Village along Assumption Road features a mélange of artwork in a fascinating,
eclectic space. A space both for artists and diners, the multi-level Ili Likha was built
around trees and offers art pieces – a lot of which is recycled, such as old bicycles and
bottles – in every nook and cranny.

Also a food community, Ili Likha has several small restaurants serving rice meals,
stews, and hot chocolate, among others.

Have a picnic at Camp John Hay

Order food for takeout in town before heading for Camp John Hay. Try the local
favorite, buttered chicken, at Good Taste (with branches along Cariño St. and behind
Baguio Center Mall). A local restaurant, Good Taste is known for its big servings and
affordable food. You can then rent a table at the Camp John Hay grounds for P100
and while the rest of the afternoon here.

Visit the Camp John Hay historical core

Reading epitaphs may not exactly be your idea of sightseeing, but the Cemetery of
Negativity offers a rather unique experience. The entrance to the cemetery reads, "No
more for here is buried the world’s negativism for all time. Those who rest here have
died not in vain – but for you a stern reminder. As you leave this hill remember that
the rest of your life. Be More Positive.”
BELL AMPITHEATRE. The Bell Ampitheatre inside the Camp John Hay Historical
Core surrounds a well kept garden and is a popular venue for weddings. Photo by
Nikka Corsino

The Cemetery is part of the Camp John Hay Historical Core (admission is at P60 for
adults and P30 for students and senior citizens). The compound also includes the Bell
Ampitheater and Bell House, named after General J. Franklin Bell, who developed
Camp John Hay into a military recreation area. The Bell House, which features
American architecture, houses memorabilia from the American military period.

Go strawberry picking at La Trinidad Benguet

LA TRINIDAD. Head to nearby La Trinidad to experience strawberry-picking. Photo

by Owen Ballesteros

If you are taking a late night bus trip, you can squeeze in a trip to the Strawberry Farm
in La Trinidad, about 20 minutes from the city center. Strawberries are in season from
February to May and they go for about P300 per kilo if you pick them yourselves (or
P80 to P90 a kilo for pre-selected, packed ones).

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

Hike to Mt. Cabuyao for the sunrise

TAKE IT IN. Trudge up Mt. Cabuyao before the sun rises and enjoy this view along
the way. Photo by Owen Ballesteros

Known among locals as the “hidden mickey” (because of the two radar dishes which,
from afar, look like cartoon character Mickey Mouse’s ears), Mt. Cabuyao in Tuba,
Benguet is reachable through a 45-minute hike from the Green Valley Police Station
in Baguio.

The way to the radar summit is actually a steep road paved on most parts, making this
activity perfect for beginners. Do the hike in time for the sunrise for a sweeping view
of the whole city.
– Rappler.com
Baguio Itinerary: Two Days-One Night
(2D/1N)
Related Searches:

Readers who are interested with Baguio itineraries have started sending me e-mails asking how to make a
doable itinerary since last year. I answer them through e-mail but they suggest me to make a post about it.
Since I live in Baguio and I know more about this place than any other cities in the country and I usually
grant my readers’ simple wishes, here is a sample itinerary for two days and one night in Baguio.
The Baguio Itinerary Series

I do not usually post itineraries with time elapse. It is because travelers and tourists like you decide on
how long or how quick you will visit a certain tourist spot in Baguio. This is a mere suggestion you can
follow, which we already did as travelers behind Travex Travels. The itineraries are made for groups who
travel to Baguio.

DAY 1

ACTIVITY INDIVIDUAL EXPENSE (estimate only)

MORNING

Arrive in Baguio terminal, early in the morning

Eat breakfast (depends on your choice whether P 70.00

carinderia or restaurant)
If you have baggage with you, surrender them
first in your hotel/inn. Most of the times it’s free
but some do charge for the storage fee.
The Session Road – Cathedral tour

From your hotel walk or take a taxi to Baguio

Cathedral
Walk down to Session Road

Reach McDo Session at the lower Session

Road, turn left to Mabini Street (marker is
Danes Bakeshop) and look for the jeepney
terminal with jeepneys going to Mines View
Park 2017 Update: Mcdo in Lower Session
Rd is now Jollibee. Mcdo Session is now
beside Jollibee.
Ride and tell driver to “Mines View Park”. Fare is 10.00
“long trip”.
Mines View – Ketchup Community Series

Arrive in Mines View Park for some photo ops 50.00

with horses, the view deck and big dogs. No
entrance fee but there is charge for photo ops with
the animals.
Try some strawberry taho (to be posted soon). 20.00
Check out souvenir shops.

Then ride same jeepney (going back to 8.50

downtown), tell the driver to drop you off to The
Mansion.
Photo ops “The Mansion”. Walk to the side of the
mirror lake until you reach the gazebo. By this
time you are already in the Wright Park.
Picture taking with the horses or ride the horse
(for P200).
Lunch time in Ketchup Community. By this time 130.00
it’s already noon. If you are on a budget you can
get back to town and eat in cafeterias or fast food
restaurants.

AFTERNOON CHOICES
#1

ACTIVITY INDIVIDUAL EXPENSE (estimate only)

AFTERNOON

From Ketchup Community, you may want take a

rest for a while and continue it later.
The Botanical Garden – Haunted White House
Walk Tour
From Wright Park, head to Leonard Wood Road
passing through Pacdal Circle. Walk until you
reach the Botanical Garden.
Photo ops inside Botanical Garden.
Walk out of the park and continue walking until
you reach the Baguio Haunted White House.
Get inside it. *This is an update: the Haunted 50.00
House is now open to public since late last year.
Entrance fee is P50.
Walk out alive. :-)

If you still have the energy to walk, then you can 100.00
continue walking until you reach 50’s Diner. You
can try their food there.
If you are already tired, you can ride a jeepney 8.50
going back to downtown (any of the following:
Liteng, Mines View, Navy Base, Maria Basa).
Or you can take a cab to your hotel, rest for a
while to save some energy for the Burnham Stroll
and Boat Tour.
The Burnham Stroll and Boat Tour

By this time it would have been already 4 or 5 80.00

PM. You can take a leisurely stroll in Burnham
Park and Rose Garden, or boat on Burnham Lake.
You can also check out the skating rink near 100.00
Burnham Park.
For dinner, I suggest you taste the different 130.00
cuisine in a restaurant of your choice. I can
suggest the following:
Kubong Sawali
Zio’s Pizzeria
Oh My Gulay
Good Taste

#2

ACTIVITY INDIVIDUAL EXPENSE (estimate only)

AFTERNOON

From Ketchup Community, you may want take a

rest for a while and continue it later.
The Camp John Hay Tour and Adventure
 From Wright Park, you can turn left going to 500.00 (Tree Top)
The Baguio Country Club and finally Camp John
40.00 (Sanctuary)
Hay. You can take photos of the wide green fields
there. But if you are already tired, you can take a 400.00 (Paint Ball)
cab to take you to the following:
Tree Top Adventure
Butterfly Sanctuary
Ayala Techno-Hub
Paint Ball area
You can also check out there Cemetery of
Negativity (where you bury your negative mind
setting and being there).
Camp John Hay is too wide for you to explore so
I suggest you to take rest or dinner after Camp
John Hay tour.
Or you can try the Burnham Stroll and Boat
Tour on #1 suggestion (previous).

#3 (or DAY 2 Morning)

ACTIVITY INDIVIDUAL EXPENSE (estimate only)

AFTERNOON

From Ketchup Community, you may want take a

rest for a while and continue it later.
The Grotto-Diplomat-Tam-Awan Tour

From Wright Park, ride a jeepney bound back to 8.50

downtown (any of the following: Liteng, Mines
View, Navy Base, Maria Basa).
Read my post on how to reach Lourdes Grotto and 8.50
Diplomat.
From Lourdes Grotto, you walk your way to 8.50
Diplomat, or ride same jeepney, then drop off to
the foot of the Diplomat Road.
Photo ops inside Heritage Park. Diplomat Hotel
Ruinsand the World’s Largest 10 Commandments
Tablet is there.
On going back, you ride same jeepney 8.50
(Dominican Hill) back to downtown. Near the
Abanao Square, the terminal of Jeepney going
to Tam-Awan Village is at Shagum St cor.
Kayang. Signboard says “Quirino Hill” or
“Quirino Hill via Tam-Awan”. You can also ride
jeepney going to “Long-Long”.
Walk a bit to Tam-Awan Village (driver will 8.50
instruct you).
Photo ops inside Tam-Awan Village. It’s another 50.00
hiking thing so you have to prepare for this.
Picture taking of the different artworks is strictly
prohibited.
On going back, ride the same jeepney going back
to downtown. You can either go for The Burnham
Stroll and Boat Tour or just take a rest.

ACTIVITY INDIVIDUAL EXPENSE (estimate only)

EVENING

You can go for dinner, check out my suggestion

of restaurants on #1 afternoon table.
Wait for the Night Market to open along Harrison 100.00
Road. Night Market opens at 9PM.
Ukay-ukay to the max (second-hand goods and
thrift goods market). This is where you can buy
jackets, hoodies, pants, shirts, bags and more…at
the cheapest bargain!
After the Night Market, you can try café or night
bars (with or without dance floor). Paddis Point
and 18 BC are night bars.
*I do not recommend strolling and walking along
the city streets at night. Take a cab on going back
to your hotel.
I will not present the total expenses because that will really depend on how you handle your own trip. I
presented only the estimate of cost you will incur on that particular tourist spot or activity so you get a
better picture of how much money to bring when you are here.

I really recommend you to visit Mines View Park in the morning and the rest in the afternoon. You can
only choose one of the following afternoon itineraries. These itineraries were made for travelers who
budget time with parts of it used for picture taking and jump shots.

On your second day, you can use #3 afternoon itinerary as a morning itinerary. All the tourist
spots are good for 2-day tour, but it is still more advisable to lengthen your time to enjoy the cool
winds and the parks, rather than jamming your itineraries with too many activities in it. An
example of this is you can make the #3 afternoon tour into a whole day tour—putting the Tam-
Awan Village tour in the afternoon. The ones I presented is already jam-packed and it is not
recommended to include more activities. You don’t want to get sick in your trip, do you? 

This two-day, one-night itinerary for Baguio is doable as long as you have the energy to hike and walk,
but during summer I do not recommend you to superficially walk your way from Mines View to Camp
John Hay, it is super exhausting. In short, 2D/1N tour in Baguio is not enough for you to visit all the
tourist spots here.