Sun’s out, swan’s out!
Image: @d_chad
Baguio and Benguet in general are tourist magnets for many reasons, but mainly because of the cool climate that lasts even during summer. These places are also home to key tourist spots and summer destinations that keep both locals and guests coming back for more. And as if that’s not enough, they also offer an endless list of delicacies, making them popular food crawl destinations. But although there are many places to visit, frequent tourists would agree that the best places in Baguio stand out for being iconic.
This summer, make up for the lost sunny days of 2020 and grab the chance to visit the North once more! Now that restrictions have eased, attractions in Baguio and Benguet have opened their doors to anyone who is itching to revisit them. If you’re one of those people, check out the best places in Baguio and Benguet to visit this summer!
1. Valley of Colors
Location: Baguio - La Trinidad - Bontoc Road, Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet
Summer wouldn’t be complete without a splash of color!
Image: @dani.elle0221
Also called “Stobosa”, the Valley of Colors is a small barangay consisting of colorful houses that serve as a resettlement area in La Trinidad. Residents and volunteers decided to color the houses to make them look more eye-catching. Once you reach the area, there is a hanging bridge that allows you to take vibrant photos with the valley as your background. You can also go up a flight of stairs to get a better view of the place.
2. BenCab Museum
Location: Km. 6 Asin Road, Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet
Operating hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Rates:
General admission - PhP150
Students with valid Philippine school issued ID - PhP120
Senior citizens/PWD with valid Philippine government issued ID - PhP100
There’s nothing like appreciating art on a warm summer day
Image: BenCab Museum Facebook Page
This summer, take the time to explore Baguio’s rich Cordilleran heritage at the BenCab Museum. The BenCab Museum was erected in honor of Filipino national artist Benedicto Reyes Cabrera or BenCab. It houses his original artworks, some of which showcase the beauty and diversity of the Cordilleran culture. Along with paintings, also on exhibit are granary gods, lime containers, native implements, and various indigenous arts and crafts of the Cordillerans. The museum strongly promotes not only Cordillera’s culture, but the preservation, protection, and conservation of the environment as well.
3. Amare La Cucina
Location: #1 Villamor Drive,Brgy Lualhati, Albergo Hotel Unit-122A, Baguio City
Operating hours: Daily, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Rates: Meals start at PhP250
Go old school this sunny season and try these tasty brick-oven dishes!
Image: Amare La Cucina Facebook Page
Satisfy your stomach and fill your soul with comfort by dining in at Amare La Cucina! Serving a wide selection of wood-fired brick oven pizzas and pastas, the pizzeria is sure to take your taste buds on a gastronomic trip to Italy without having to leave the country. Some of the must-tries include the Meaty 3 Cheese Pasta, Ultimate Cheesy Pasta, Foie Gras Pizze, and Gorgonzola Pizza. If you still have room for dessert, you can try the Eddie’s Sans Rival cake.
4. Burnham Park
Location: Jose Abad Santos Drive, Baguio City
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Rates:
Swan boat - PhP60/hour
With rower - additional PhP25
Boat for groups - PhP100/hour (additional PhP25 for rower)
Did you know that Burnham Park is dubbed as the “Mother of all parks”?
Image: @d_chad
One of the many ways to beat the summer heat is by taking a relaxing boat ride at Burnham Park. Fun fact: while the country was under quarantine, it was reported that different flowers of colors and sizes blossomed all around the park, making it twice as beautiful as before! Besides boat riding, you can also try other activities at the place such as jogging, biking, and having a picnic.
5. Ridgewood Hotel
Location: 17 Julian Felipe Street, Barangay Lualhati, Baguio City
Rates: Available upon request
Nothing can beat a summer vacation filled with relaxation.
Image: Ridgewood Hotel Facebook Page
Ridgewood Hotel is a quaint hotel in Baguio that exudes a homey, rustic, and modern atmosphere. Its charming log interiors perfectly complement Baguio’s crisp, relaxing ambience. You can book a stay in the hotel’s guest rooms, suites, and apartelles. Guest rooms are equipped with basic amenities including a complimentary breakfast for two and a 24-hour hot and cold water supply; suites have kitchens and verandas; and apartelles offer complimentary breakfasts for 4 and are suitable for large groups. The hotel also boasts delicious delicacies created by their very own employees.
6. Lion’s Head
Location: Kennon Road, Baguio, Benguet
Rates: Available upon request
The pretty blue skies and green mountains make the Lion’s Head twice as scenic.
Image: @sweetyhannah02
The Lion’s Head statue in Benguet is considered as one of the most iconic landmarks located along Kennon Road. The 40-feet tall statue was conceptualized by Lions Club of Baguio and it has been standing for a good 49 years. Although it has been damaged by natural calamities and vandalism over the years, the sculpture continues to stand thanks to renovation efforts. Up until today, the Lion’s Head continues to be a legendary part of the city that draws both tourists and locals.
7. Botanical Garden
Location: 37 Leonard Wood Rd., 2602 Baguio City
Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Fee: Picture taking with Native Igorots - PhP20 per photo
Be surrounded with nothing but flowers, pine trees, and serenity at this picturesque garden.
Image: @metropinesinn
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Baguio City and enjoy a tranquil time with Mother Nature at the Baguio Botanical Garden. Also known as the Igorot Village, the park promotes the beautiful culture of native Igorots. Get to see them in their traditional clothes and take memorable snapshots with them for PhP20 per photo. The place is also filled with bronze stone statues that showcase the rituals of the Cordilleran tribes.
Go to Yoorekka to see more summer spots in Baguio!
To ensure that the coronavirus is kept at bay, keep in mind that there are a few guidelines and requirements that you must comply with before visiting Baguio and Benguet. Remember to responsibly follow these protocols, and you’ll have a memorable summer in no time!
Stay safe as you travel! Make sure to follow social distancing protocols and observe health precautions wherever you go. Have a great trip!
