Baguio City, Philippines

In 1903, Baguio City was declared the "Summer Capital of the Philippines." This distinction holds true today, as many Filipinos and tourists alike flock to this mountain city to escape the heat of the lowlands. Baguio City sits at an elevation of 5,100 feet, and it is the capital of the country's Cordillera Administrative Region. This highlands region can be found in the northern reaches of the main island of Luzon. Some of the other cities that call the island of Luzon home are Manila, Quezon City, and Angeles City. Visitors can easily spend at least a couple of days in all of these cities, Baguio included, as they are some of the most important urban centers in the country.

Baguio City travel is alive and well, and travelers will be happy to know that the city boasts more than 80 hotels. Over development has plagued the city in recent years, so choosing one of the Baguio hotels outside of the city center is recommended if you want a quieter trip here. Traffic and pollution make the center of town a relatively bad place to stay. That being said, many visitors spend little time in their hotel rooms, as there are so many neat places to explore in the Cordillera region. For many foreigners, Baguio Philippines is the gateway to the Cordillera region. From here, side trips to destinations such as Sagada and Kalinga remain popular. Many travelers also venture off to Banaue to see the amazing Banaue Rice Terraces.

Before heading off to other destinations in the highlands, visitors to Baguio Philippines can learn all about the region at the city's two main museums. Local museums are excellent places to learn about specific regions in general, and as such, they always deserve at least a little time. Heading north of the city, it doesn't take long to get to the St. Louis University Museum, which offers exceptional insight into the culture and the history of the Cordillera people. Free tours are offered at the museum, and after checking out the exhibits, many visitors stick around to watch a live traditional music jam session.

Baguio City has embraced the arts ever since it became a Filipino artists' haven in the 1970s. Coincidentally, art enthusiasts won't want to miss Tam-Awan Village Baguio City travel itinerary. This renowned artists' village is not only a good place to admire some art. It also features traditional huts and homes from the native Kalinga and Ifugao peoples. Visitors can participate in art workshops here, and they can even spend a night in one of the huts or homes, which is an especially rewarding treat. Advanced reservations are typically required. Getting back to the museums in Baguio Philippines, the Baguio Mountain Provinces Museum is also deserving of some time. This museum focuses on the history of Baguio City, which is very interesting. The city played a significant role in WWII. It was here that the Imperial Japanese Forces surrendered to the U.S., effectively ending the war. Camp John Hay, which was a US base where troops and personnel would unwind, is today a major attraction. This resort destination is home to a popular golf course, a number of shops and restaurants, and two of the best hotels in the area.

When visitors aren't taking in the various attractions in Baguio, breaking to get something to eat can be a rewarding endeavor. Baguio City boasts one of the best dining scenes in the Philippines, which has a lot to do with its popularity as a vacation destination. While some of the restaurants in the city offer international fare, others specialize in Cordillera-inspired Filipino food. At some point, visitors will want to try suman at tsocolate when breaking in the afternoon. This dish is comprised of a sweet and sticky rice cake, which is enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate. In addition to a good dining scene, Baguio City also features some healthy nightlife, especially when the college kids are in town. The city is home to a number of major universities, and during the school year, the bars at places like Nevada Square are often wild on the weekends.

There are lots of fun things to do on a Baguio vacation, and the area surrounding the city is not short of interesting attractions. The Balatoc Mines are fun to visit. Back in the city, relaxing in Burnham Park is always a treat when a time out is in order. Strolling down Session Road, which is the main avenue in the city, is another pleasurable pursuit. Quaint shops line the street, as do some good restaurants. It takes about five hours to get to Baguio City from the capital of Manila, and going by land is the only option. The trip is well worth it, as Baguio City travel truly offers something for everyone.