Baguio City Tourist Spots

Baguio City is blessed with so many natural and man-made wonders, from the hot springs and waterfalls of Asin to the lake and other structures of Burnham Park to name a few. If you are planning to come to this paradise for a vacation, whether to escape from the sweltering heat of the lowlands and enjoy the cold climate, or simply looking for a refreshing breath of fresh air, then you had better be sure to include the following places in your travel itinerary.

Lourdes Grotto

The Lourdes Grotto is located in Dominican Hill, Baguio City. It is one of the most frequented places of interest here in the city, especially so during the Holy Week. If you are planning to come here, then you should brace yourself for some challenge.

To reach the top of the grotto, you will have to climb 252 steps (I'm not sure, I may have missed a step for all I know). There is also the option of driving to the top, but that takes the fun away, don't you think?

Upon reaching the top, you will see the shrine where the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes rests. Here, you can light a candle (by the way, buy one from the stalls on the highway before heading up) and dedicate it to the Lady of Lourdes. Many anecdotal records show that wishes have been granted by the gracious virgin.

Don't forget to take a look around while you're heading down, as the view from the top of the hill is just spectacular - you can basically see the whole of the city center (SM, the spires of the Cathedral, etc.)

Tam-awan Village
This quaint and charming village located in Quezon Hill/Pinsao is home to the local artists of the Cordilleras. It is situated at the hillside where a small stream flows freely from the top. The Tam-awan Village showcases the culture and way of living of the precolonial Igorots. You will see the native huts of the from the different areas of the Cordillera Region, as well as taste the famous native delicacy known as "pinikpikan."
Aside from walking and admiring the place, you can have your sketches made by the local artists, or walk around the gallery and admire their artwork.
You can also rent a hut for PHP 500 a night (last I went there) and enjoy a night out camping with the locals and sleeping in the native huts.

The Baguio Cathedral
This is probably one of the most famous landmarks of the city, and one of the most often placed pictures in postcards. This church is located on top of Session Road, and is one of the oldest standing structures of Baguio City. What makes this church so beautiful are the twin spires that rise to the top, and the wonderfully crafted interiors, which include the intricate details of the altar and the archaic stained glass windows that tell the story of the the holy family and saints.

Burnham Park

This place is said to be the heart of the city, whether it be because of its location or because of the many people who walks, exercises, jogs, and everything else. Aside from picnicking in the grounds, there are various activities that you can indulge in when you visit the park:

• Biking 'round the park
• Boating at the
• Run around the Children's Playground
• Admire (and buy) flowers at the Orchidarium
• Football at the Melvin Jones Grounds
• Picture taking in Pine Trees of the World 

Camp John Hay
Stop here on your way to Fort Del Pilar (PMA). This is one of the best places to visit in Baguio City. It is a well-preserved American recreational facility where you can enjoy various activities.

• Zip lining and wall climbing
• Air Soft
• Butterfly Sanctuary
• Picnic Grounds
• Baseball and Football
• Golf
• The House
• Treetop Adventure

Philippine Military Academy (Fort Del Pilar)
This is the country's premier training grounds for the future soldiers and officers of the Philippines. Located at about more or less 10 kilometers away from the city center, PMA is sprawling with tall pine trees and various flora that makes it one of the most relaxing places to take a walk.
Picture taking and watching cadets and cadettes in their morning drills during Saturday mornings will show you how rigid their discipline is. 

Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden is no doubt one of the best places in the city, especially for the nature lovers. It is located about a kilometer away from the city center, in Leonard Wood Road (road going to Teacher's Camp and Wright Park).

The place is brimming with trees and flowers and other plants, and you will even see butterflies hovering over the flowers. The place is also home to some of the Cordillera huts from various parts of the region, as well as other local sculptures. If you are lucky, then you may just be part of an audience to witness cultural presentations and rituals held there occasionally. Taking a walk at the winding pathways under the shade of trees is truly one of the most relaxing activities here.

Wright Park
There are two parts to this park.
The first part is the Pacdal Circle where you can rent ponies and ride around the park. Some of the pony owners there will even let you take the pony out of the circle are you can ride them along the street.
If you're tired from riding horses, you can climb the stone stairs and head the second part of Wright Park.
The second part of wright park is a long elongated pool. This provides a great walk under the trees and along the pool.
Once you reach the end of the pool, you will immediately see another landmark of  Baguio City - The President's Mansion.

The Mansion
The President's Mansion (or The Mansion) is where the president of the Republic of the Philippines vacations during the hot summer months (and Christmas, too). You cannot enter the Mansion house, and you are only allowed a few meters inside the gate. It makes for  nice picture taking.


Mines View 
This is a view deck located in Mines View. The name was formed basically because it provides a great view of the mining areas where gold and other precious metals were mined. You will also find stalls that sell native delicacies like strawberries and peanut brittle.

Asin Hot Springs
This is in Tuba, Benguet. This is a 30-40 minute drive from Baguio City proper. Along the road you will see waterfalls and streams, which makes the natural wonders of the place.
River View Water Park is one of the most famous resorts here, although there are about more or less ten resorts operating in the area. Personally, I prefer the less popular and smaller resorts (try the one near the Hydro Plant - about five minutes off the highway). They have a small jacuzi (using the natural hot spring's water) which can fit about five or six people at a time (well, depending on how big they are).