Baguio City: A City in the Sky

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Baguio City: A City in the Sky

by nobert soloria bermosa on 06/11/08 at 8:53 am

Experience the best tourist spot in the Philippines where thousands of locals and tourists are climbing up to the so-called “City of Pines”.

A visit in the City of Baguio is like reaching the sky that you could actually touch and embrace the clouds. Baguio City is at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters (5100 ft) in a moist tropical pine forest conducive to the growth of mossy plants and orchids. It is a highly urbanized city in northern Luzon in the Philippines. Baguio City was established by Americans in 1900. Baguio City was designated as the Summer Capital of the Philippines on June 1, 1903 and incorporated as a city on September 1, 1909. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 252,386. The City of Baguio will be celebrating its Centennial on September 1, 2009. It is the most popular tourist spot of the Philippines because of its relatively cool climate.

Here Are the Most Popular Tourist Spots and Attractions of Baguio City

Lion’s Head

A trip to the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” is incomplete without stopping by and taking some photo souvenir on this impressive roadside attraction which is synonymous to Baguio City. From this famous landmark, you can proceed to Camp John Hay.

Camp John Hay

Camp John Hay is popularly known as “Little America of the Philippines.” It is used to be the rest and recreational facility for employees of the military and Department of Defense of the United States. There is a golf course here and you will surely enjoy the panoramic view of this place aside from restaurants that offer good and affordable foods. Just a few kilometers away from John Hay Club is the famous PMA.

Philippine Military Academy (PMA)

PMA is located on a sprawling 373-hectare compound in Loakan, Fort Del Pilar about 10 kilometers south of downtown Baguio. It is the foremost military school in the Southeast Asian region. During Sundays, visitors can watch cadets parade and review. From Philippine Military Academy, one can go to Baguio City Cathedral where you can offer a prayer.

Baguio City Cathedral

The Baguio Cathedral, a majestic church located on top of a hill in the heart of the city is a place also where you can view the entire city of Baguio. It is one of the most solemn churches I have visited.

Near the cathedral is a memorial where you can say a little prayer for the victims of the infamous “Carpet Bombing of Baguio.”

Lourdes Grotto

The Lourdes Grotto is another Catholic shrine and place of meditation in Baguio. It is located on a high hill in the western part of Baguio City where you will find the image of the Lady of Lourdes.

Below the image of “Our Lady of Lourdes” or popularly known as “Lourdes Grotto” is the image of Christ the Redeemer.

Burnham Park

Burnham Park is situated at the very heart of Baguio City. You can enjoy boating, biking, jogging and walking here or you can just simply sit and relax. This park and the city itself was designed by the American architect Samuel Burnham, hence the name.

This is the boating area which is surrounded by trees and flowering plants. There are numerous designs of boats to choose from.

A swan boat, which is a pedal boat, is one of the most favorite designs of boats chosen by boat riders. While having fun you are at the same time having some feet exercise.

Cultural and variety shows are being held on this stage located in Burnham Park. The famous flower festival “Panagbenga” usually culminates here.

Baguio Botanical Garden

Also known as the Igorot Village, it showcases the native houses of the different Cordillera tribes. Tourists can usually take pictures with the Igorot tribesmen dressed in their traditional costume. It is also the home of the Baguio Arts Guild.

The Mansion

The Mansion is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. The Mansion is located on the eastern part of the city and in front of the Mansion is the Wright Park. The mansion was built in 1908 for U.S. governor-generals.

Wright Park

Directly across The Mansion is Wright Park that features the much photographed Baguio City landmark, the “Pool of Pines”.

This is the site where General Wright formally accepted through General Yamashita of Japan the formal surrender of the Japanese imperial army in the Philippines during the Second World War.

One will see a gazebo and a long flight of stairs down the hill leading to the Riding Circle, where hundreds of ponies are for hire.

Mines View Park

Located at the extreme northeast side of the city, past The Mansion and Wright Park, Mines View Park used to boast of a spectacular view of Benguet’s gold and copper mines and the Cordillera Mountains.

Numerous souvenir item stores are located in the area. Exotic plants and cactuses can also be bought in the vicinity of Mines View Park.

Asin Hot Springs

Only 30 minutes ride from Baguio City proper with panoramic view on the way, Asin Hot Spring is a place where you can enjoy the water of hot spring. It’s amazing! Sulfur hot spring water in a swimming pool.

SM Baguio City

After touring all the beautiful and breathtaking attractions of Baguio City, you can have your shopping spree at SM City Baguio. SM City Baguio is the largest shopping mall in Baguio or probably in northern Luzon area. It is now one of the most favorite malls of local residents of Baguio and from nearby places and by tourists as well.