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Traveloka PH

15 Sep 2017 - 13 min read

15 Fun & Unique Things to do in Baguio

1. Appreciate art & nature at the BenCab Museum

BenCab Museum

(photo via Instagram, @cofficehunter) “BenCab” is short for Ben Cabrera, a National Artist who now resides and works in Baguio City. Aside from all the paintings, sculptures, and installations that can both rattle and inspire you. The artist himself shows up from time to time and you can have a photo taken with him or strike a conversation if you’re brave enough. The museum also houses Cafe Sabel, a memorabilia shop, and a garden where you can see typical indigenous Ifugao, Kalinga, and Bontoc architecture and farm produce.

Location: Km. 6 Asin Road, Tadiangan,Tuba, Benguet, Philippines
Fees: General admission – Php 120 Students with valid school ID – Php 100 Seniors/ PWD with valid IDs – Php 80 Special rates for student & organized groups with minimum of 30 guests EcoTrail tour – same as above
Operation Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 pm). Closed on Mondays, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Best For: Creatives
Adventure Level: Mild
Highlights: BenCab Gallery, Erotica Gallery, Bulol Installation
Activity Tips: If you’re a solid creative, dedicate at least half a day for this museum and read about the artists beforehand for better understanding of their work.
Insider Info: Best if you rent or use a private car as public vehicles rarely go here.
Contact Details: Tel /Fax: (+63 74) 442 7165 Email/Website: bencabartfoundation@gmail.com

2. Soak up the intricate architecture of the Bell Church

Bell Church

(photo via Instagram, @rafroads) A colorful facade and intricate details of a structure never ceases to amaze locals and foreigners. For those who want a different kind of place to visit the Bell Church is the place to add on your list. It’s showcases Chinese culture, Buddhism, and History of China. Chinese from Baguio visit this area for special occasion but it’s open for the public to see and experience.

Location: FA 347 Bell Church Rd, La Trinidad
Fees: Free
Operation Hours: 7AM-5PM
Best For: Reflecting
Adventure Level: Mild
Highlights: Central patio, Main Chinese temple
Activity Tips: To familiarize yourself with the different statues and temples you’ll be seeing, it’s good to learn a little bit of Chinese history and traditions.
Insider Info: Take note that this is a sacred place because you’ll be encountering signboards like: Bawal mag-date dito (No Dating Allowed)
Contact Details: Tel/Fax: 0917 355 4788 Email/Website: cityofpines.com/bellchurch.html

3. Take a breathtaking photo of The Valley of Colors

Valley of Colors

(photo via Instagram, @rafroads) Valley of Colors is a line-up of colorfully-painted houses erected on the hill of Barangay Balili. It’s basically a huge artwork and one of Baguio’s newest attractions. It calls for a photo-op for the gram. You’ll see it as you enter the municipality of Trinidad.

Location: KM 3, Hanselma Highway, Brgy. Balili La Trinidad, Benguet
Fees: None
Operation Hours: 24 hours
Best For: Adventurers, artists
Adventure Level: Mild
Highlights: The colorful houses
Activity Tips: The inspiration behind this project comes from Brazil’s Favela paintings, so you can try comparing the Valley of Colors with it.
Insider Info: Be careful of the cars that pass by while you take your photos. This is still near the main road, so safety is needed.

4. Jog, bike, or ride a swan at Burnham Park

Swan Ride in Burnham Park

(photo via Shutterstock) Yes, visiting Burnham Park is still fun to do! This area is thriving of locals so if you don’t want to fight with the crowd go here on weekdays. This is also a good and fun way to exercise if you’ve been going crazy on baguio food trips. Oh ‘diba? Hitting two birds with one stone.

Location: Jose Abad Santos Dr., 2600 Benguet
Fees: Boat Rental P100 per boat for 30 min - 5 persons P150 per boat for 30 min - 6-8 persons (additional P50 if rower is needed) Bike Rental BMX, Mt. Bike, Go Cart - P40 per hour (each) Side-car - P50 per hour
Operation Hours: 24 hours
Best For: Adventurers, Family-Oriented
Highlights: Picnic Grove, Igorot Garden, Boboy’s Boat Rental
Activity Tips: Try the boat and bike rides to get a better tour of the park.
Insider Info: Parking can be a challenge especially during weekends and holidays, so it’s best to arrive early.
Contact Details: Tel/Fax: 0921 491 4865

5. Have fun at Camp John Hay’s Tree Top Adventure

Tree Top Adventure

(photo via Instagram, @treetop_ph) Tree Top Adventure is perfect for friends and family who want to experience nature 100 feet above the ground. It has jungle trails, suspension bridges, and a motorized canopy tour. Aside from that, Camp John Hay is a one-stop-shop if you want to eat, shop for a bargain items, have a picnic, or just look around and take photos of nature.

Location: Loakan Road, Camp John Hay
Fees: Check the discounted rates here.
Operation Hours: 8am to 5pm
Best For: Adventurers
Adventure Level: High
Highlights: Superman Ride, Silver Surfer
Activity Tips: Make sure to wear some fitness attires, e.g. rubber shoes.
Insider Info: Meal arrangements are upon request.
Contact Details: Tel/Fax: 0932 783 2137 Email/Website: treetopadventureph.com Facebook: @treetopadventureph

6. Buy fresh goods at Baguio City Public Market

Baguio City Public Market

(photo via Instagram, @mrcklsthr_bnrs) Instead of eating out, how about you cook something for dinner? The market is the best place to get a glimpse of the local fruits, vegetables, and other dry goods. This market prides itself of being clea, cool, cheap, and complete. We recommend you go here at the start of your trip for supplies and before you leave so that perishable goods won’t soil when you get home.

Location: 38 Rajah Soliman, Benguet
Operation Hours: 5am to 7pm
Best For: Foodies
Highlights: Dry Goods Section
Activity Tips: Haggling is expected, so go ahead and bargain away.
Insider Info: Prices inside the market are cheap, so there is no need to carry a huge amount. Also, bring your own bayong because you’ll surely going to buy a lot.

7. Look for the cheapest clothes and shoes at Ukay-Ukays

Baguio Ukay-Ukay

(photo via Instagram, @hilarybiazon) Thrift shopping is something Baguio boasts of. In fact, balikbayans go here to shop for their winter clothes! We’ve had our fair share of shopping here and found classic rubber shoes in good condition, signature bags, leather, denim, accessories, and even tableware. The hunt is as exciting as the feeling of purchasing something awesome for a lower price.

Location: Harrison Road, Benguet
Operation Hours: 9pm to 2am
Best For: Thrift Shoppers, Fashion Enthusiasts
Highlights: all the surprising second-hand buys
Activity Tips: It is best to plan your trip. Be one of the earliest to come so you could have more items to choose from.
Insider Info: Create a mental list of things you’d want to purchase so you won’t have to spend so much time being distracted by things you know you don't need.
Contact Details: Tel/Fax: N/A Email/Website: kasikornstore.com Facebook: @baguionightmarket

8. Pick fresh strawberries at La Trinidad Strawberry Fields

La Trinidad Strawberry Fields

(photo via Instagram) Baguio is known to carry more varieties of fruits and vegetables since the climate is colder here so it’s best to get as much as you can for home. After you’ve picked your strawberries, ask the farmers which vegetables are also ripe for picking. You can whip up a fresh salad to to celebrate your harvest.

Location: Km.5 Baguio-La Trinidad- Bontoc Road
Fees: P300/kilo
Operation Hours: 8am to 8pm
Best For: Foodies, Families
Highlights: Strawberry picking
Activity Tips: Try to pick the strawberry as delicately as possible so as not to ruin the stem.
Insider Info: It is best to go around September-December for strawberry picking.
Contact Details: Tel/Fax: 0955 396 5499

9. Discover Tam-Awan Village

Tam-awan Village

(photo via Instagram, @ginasherra) Baguio’s Tam-Awan village is basically a model village with Ifugao huts and Kalinga houses that resembles how a traditional Cordillera village looks like. You can interact with locals, see work of local craftsmen, have your portrait sketched, and experience nature all in one place. It’s a refreshing scene if you really want to get to know the Cordillera culture.

Location: 366-C Pinsao Proper 2600 Baguio City, Philippines
Fees: P50 (Adult), P30 (Senior Citizens and Students), P20 (12 yrs.old and below)
Best For: Art enthusiasts
Highlights: Art Gallery, Art Workshops, Camping, Cultural shows
Activity Tips: Trying one of their workshops is an experience you won’t forget. So, unleash your creativity when you get there.
Insider Info: The steps are steep and wet so make sure to watch your step.
Contact Details: Tel/Fax: 446 2949, (+63 74) 446-2949, (+63 921) 588-3131, (+63 915) 948-8773 Email/Website: tam-awanvillage.com

10. Pose for a photo at The Mansion

The Mansion

(photo via Instagram, @papatu1981) The Mansion is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines (since Baguio Is the summer destination of the Philippines, I guess?) You can either have a photo op outside its gate or go inside and look at its mini museum. All items are collectibles from the past art collections and memorabilia of former presidents.

Location: Lualhati Rd., Benguet
Operation Hours: 24 hours
Best For: Families
Highlights: The Mansion
Activity Tips: Before you visit The Mansion, it’s good to educate yourself with its history
Insider Info: While inside it, show respect since this has been the rest place of some of our highly respected authorities over the years.
Contact Details: Tel/Fax: 238 7793

11. Enjoy the nightlife at Session Road

Session Road nightlife

(photo via Instagram, @officialjuday) Session Road is a home to a lot of bars and restaurants that host live performances. It’s great to visit at night and let your ears guide you to the music you’re feeling that night. Top choices are Rumours, PLANET, and The Rabbit Hole.

Location: Session Road
Fees: FREE
Best For: Nightlife, Shoppers, Tourists
Highlights: Session Road Night Market, 108 Session Road Cafe
Activity Tips: Session Road is divided into two: Upper and Lower, so make sure you go to as much places you could visit in Session Road.
Insider Info: Don’t get too carried away. This is still a main road, so be careful of vehicles passing by.

12. Buy ube jam at Good Shepherd Place

Good Shepherd Place Ube Jam

(photo via Instagram) Good Shepherd Ube Jam is the go-to pasalubongs of Baguio visitors to their friends and family. But actually, there are more options to choose from like Peanut Brittle, Strawberry Jam, baked goodies, and strawberry-calamansi juice. We’re sure you won’t regret your purchases ‘cause these recipes have been around for a long time.

Location: Gibraltar Rd., Benguet
Fees: FREE
Operation Hours: 8am to 5pm
Best For: Foodies
Highlights: Ube Jam, Peanut Brittle, Strawberry Jam
Activity Tips: Keep in mind that products sold are all for the benefit of the Cordillera children.
Insider Info: Get as much “pasalubongs” for all your loved ones!
Contact Details: Tel/Fax: 424 2496 Facebook: @goodshepherdbaguio

13. Get a view of Baguio at Mines View Park

Mines View Park

(photo via Instagram, @adriannavaofficial) Mines View Park is named as such because i’s location gives you the best of view of Baguio's gold and copper mines and the Cordillera mountains. Tourists visit this place to take photos of the scenic view, shop locals goods and take photos with “Doglas” the famous St. Bernard dog hanging around the area.

Location: Outlook Dr., Benguet
Operation Hours: 5am to 8pm
Best For: Families
Highlights: Mines View Observation Deck
Activity Tips: The best place to take your #selfie is in the Mines View Observation Deck.
Insider Info: While inside the park, pose with the famous St.Bernard dog and try the irresistible Strawberry taho.
Contact Details: Tel/Fax: (6374) 424 1088

14. Discover books by local authors at Mt. Cloud Bookshop

Mt. Cloud Bookshop

(photo via Instagram, @mtcloud) If you’re looking for a place to hang-out and read books by local authors, Mt. Cloud is your bookshop. Aside from that, they also host talks, workshops, and other mini events that would spur up your interest and knowledge in the arts.

Location: Casa Vallejo Bldg., DPS Compound Access Road
Fees: FREE
Operation Hours: 10:30am to 8pm
Best For: Bookworms, Film Enthusiasts
Highlights: Bookshop
Activity Tips: Follow their facebook page and see if you can join one of their workshops if you’re in town.
Insider Info: Since you’re already at Hill Station, check out the other cool places you could visit.
Contact Details: Tel/Fax: (074) 424 4437 Email/Website: mtcloudbookshop.com Facebook: @mtcloud

15. Experience nature at Baguio Botanical Garden

Nothing much happens in the place but that’s the beauty of it! This is a peaceful piece of land filled with different species of flowers, beautiful ponds, towering Pine trees, stone paths, and a few nipa huts. This is the best place to play with your camera and take photos of nature.

Location: 37 Leonard Wood Rd. 2602 Baguio, Benguet
Fees: P20/person/photo with the natives; no entrance fee
Operation Hours: 6am to 6pm
Best For: Artists, Families, Nature-Lovers, Pet Owners
Highlights: Igorot Village and Art Gallery
Activity Tips: If you are a pet owner looking for places that allow pets, Botanical Garden is the place to go!
Insider Info: Don’t miss the chance of getting a photo with the locals!

Back to topEnjoy a fun experience and check out other tourist spots to visit, restaurants to try and more in Baguio. Discover cheap Baguio hotel deals and cheap flights from carriers like Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, and more with Traveloka!]]>

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