Dr. Ezra Saliba

Escape the heat this April at the “City of Pines”, Baguio City, Benguet! As the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio is a year-round favorite for tourists, known for its cool weather, vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and unfortunately, the traffic. But don’t worry! Listed below are activities that get you out or at least minimize the roadblock without compromising the experience. 

Start your day with a peaceful hike along the charming trails of Camp John Hay, where both beginners and challengers can find enjoyment. Take in the refreshing experience of forest bathing on the gentle Yellow Trail, or dare take on the more rugged terrain of the Red Trail. However, be careful with your entrance and exit because you wouldn’t want to end up in Happy Hollows like I did. The directions are a bit confusing as there are multiple entryways in the camp so as a first-timer, I accidentally ended up taking the Red trail which took me about 4 hours to finish. But worry not! Guard posts are situated in every area with officers who are patient and kind enough to explain directions. Experience the Cordilleran inayan as you ask for help from any of the locals and don’t forget to pay it forward. 

Camp John Hay is at least 12 minutes away from Km. 0 or the People’s Park in Malcolm Square, Harrison Road which is the point of reference in measuring a distance to any point in the city. Via taxi, the travel to Camp John Hay would pass by great places to eat such as Marios’, Picca Bistro, and the famous Victoria’s Bakery, whereas restaurants such as the Pancake House, Berry Mama, and Volante would greet you as you enter the camp. Make sure to hydrate and fill up on sweets for energy before the hike! 

For art-enthusiasts, culture-seekers, and nature lovers, Baguio City has two must-visit museums that highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Cordillerans. Just 14 minutes from Km. 0 via taxi, the Tam-awan Village in Longlong, Benguet  charmingly blends indigenous aesthetics and exquisite Cordilleran craftsmanship, emphasizing the Ifugao and Kalinga huts. For just Php 60, guests can witness locals performing traditional dances and indigenous workshops such as paper making. Complete the experience by trying traditional Cordilleran food in the Farmer’s Daughter restaurant located just outside the village–special mention to their Pinuneg that is a solid 9 out of 10 as someone who enjoys Betamax. Although the food place selection is really limited, the place is commuter and private vehicle friendly. It is accessible to jeepneys, taxis, and even private vehicles. Bonus! Just two minutes ahead, you can extend your learning of the rich culture and history of the Cordillera in the Igorot Stone Kingdom, open daily from 7AM to 6PM for only Php 100. 

If you fancy a smaller crowd, spend an extra 10 minutes (a total of 24 minutes from Km. 0) to enjoy an intimate and exceptional art experience at the BenCab Museum by the renowned Filipino artist, Benedicto Cabrera. This time, the museum features a collection of contemporary art, indigenous artifacts, and exhibits, giving a deeper understanding of Filipino artistry from a unique artistic perspective.

Do you want to make your Php 200 worth it? Experience the BenCab museum and grab the opportunity to select paintings as your Benguet memorabilia–which is my life goal! Test your luck and meet Benedicto himself this April. For your convenience, book a private taxi, a grab, or bring a car, as transportation is limited. While waiting for your ride, enjoy a cup of Benguet coffee at a cafe within the vicinity. 

A new tourist attraction has made its way to my personal bucket list–-Mt. Camisong now features a stunning glass walkway at its summit. Just 37 minutes away from Km. 0, Itogon, Benguet offers visitors unobstructed panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Walking above the mountains promises a thrilling, one-of-a-kind experience. Can you imagine the rush of the cool wind against your skin as your eyes feast on the beauty of Benguet from all angles? Let’s put our periphery to the test! 

After the exhausting day, you deserve a physical break! The city offers not only calming sights but also true relaxation with a soothing massage at North Haven Spa. The spa ensures high-quality treatments, from rejuvenating body massages to refreshing body scrubs. Their specialty indigenous massages, are designed to restore balance to the body and soothe the mind, providing a deeply relaxing and culturally enriching experience. My personal favorites would be their Foot massage Dagdagay and Baguio Strawberry body scrub, both earning a solid 10 out of 10 (My mom and my sister say so, too). Take advantage of their great deals and packages for a more sulit experience.

If that’s not enough, a 10-minute walk to the Night Market would surely complete the Ultimate Tourist Guide to Baguio. Everyday at 8PM to 11PM, a portion of the Harrison Road is dedicated for locals to set up tents of various things such as anime figurines, thrift clothing, Chinese charms, and trendy anik-aniks. The day parking area is converted into a food strip at night ranging from trendy TikTok food crazes and Korean street food, to Filipino favorites such as Fish Balls, Inihaw, sweet cheese corn, and a comforting bowl of Pares. Be sure to cover up as the Baguio chill just got colder. 

The adventure does not end when the sun sets, as Baguio City comes alive with a diverse nightlife scene. Whether you’re drawn to the energy of bustling bars, the cozy ambiance of cafes, lively night markets, or intimate hangouts, the city has something for everyone, every mood and moment. But for many, the true late-night experience in Baguio is a leisurely stroll down Session Road, still carrying the remnants of the night’s adventures. And when hunger strikes at 11 PM, the ever-reliable 24/7 Army Navy in Porta Vaga stands as the last refuge for a satisfying late-night bite. 

There’s more to Baguio than meets the eye or the mainstream. It is more than Burnham Park, or a historical Highland Resort, or the chilly breeze with the impressive views. Baguio is a deeply personal experience–home to locals, an adventure for tourists, and for me, after 12 years of living here, the place to be. Create your own definition of Baguio. Experience it, embrace it, and perhaps even fall under the spell of the Baguio Curse–that the city always pull you back. Umali kayon ditoy Baguio, kakabsat!