Baguio

Baguio offers a cool escape from the tropical heat of lowland Philippines, with pine forests, mild temperatures, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a hub for exploring the Cordillera region, including Mount Pulag, Sagada, and Banaue, and hosts the famous Panagbenga Flower Festival each February. The city's colonial history and vibrant markets add to its appeal for backpackers seeking nature and culture.

Baguio is accessible by bus from Manila via several companies: Victory Liner (hourly from Monumento, Cubao, Pasay), Dagupan Bus (from Cubao), and Genesis (from Cubao, Pasay, Avenida, with premium service from Parañaque via NAIA terminals). Buses are air-conditioned and fares are moderate. Loakan Airport (IATA: BAG) serves limited flights, but most travelers arrive by road.

The best time to visit Baguio is during the dry season from November to April, when the northeast monsoon brings cool, clear weather. This is peak tourist season, especially during Panagbenga in February. The rest of the year is rainy with higher precipitation, making it the off-season.

Baguio has a range of accommodations from budget dormitories to mid-range hotels. Backpacker-friendly options include YMCA Hostel (dorm beds near Session Road) and Baguio Village Inn (clean single/double rooms with common bathroom). Mountainside Lodging House offers rooms from 450 PHP per night. For groups, Darlyn's Transient House in La Trinidad provides large rooms.

Local eateries like Good Taste Café & Restaurant serve Chinese cuisine, while Café by the Ruins offers hearty salads, pasta, and good coffee. Pizza Volante on Session Road is always open for Italian pizza. The nightlife centers around Nevada Square with bars like Urban Sessions and 18 BC featuring reggae and acoustic nights.

Burnham Park offers rowing on the lake and walking trails. Camp John Hay provides an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding, zip-lining, and paintball. Mines View Park has mountain scenery and local vendors (though considered touristy). The Panagbenga Flower Festival in February features parades and street dancing. Horseback riding at Wright Park costs 300 PHP per hour.

Petty crime like cellphone snatching and purse dipping occurs, so keep valuables secure. Crime increases during holidays and the Panagbenga festival when crowds are large. Use common sense and store important documents in hotel safes.

Baguio is a jumping-off point for Mount Pulag (highest in Luzon, known for sea of clouds), Sagada (6-8 hours by bus, 220 PHP), and La Trinidad (strawberry farms). Other nearby destinations include San Fernando (La Union), Vigan, and Dagupan. Bus services from Lizardo Trans terminal go to Sagada.

From Baguio, buses head to La Trinidad, San Fernando (La Union), Vigan, Dagupan, Sagada, and Mount Pulag. The Lizardo Trans bus terminal offers services to Sagada for 220 PHP taking 6-8 hours.