Baguio City / Sightseeing
Within the City
Baguio Tourism Complex (38) - Governor Pack Rd. - This facility comprises the Baguio Sunshine Park, the Baguio Mt. Province Museum and the Offices of the Department of Tourism.
Sunshine Park, shaped like a shield, features flower gardens, piped-in music and a covered stage with ethnic decor used for cultural presentations. Documents and artifacts bear witness to the cultural achievements of the highland tribes, their history and social behavior, are on display in the Baguio-Mt. Province Museum. The exhibits put an emphasis on Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao, the Tinguians and the Gaddangs. The cluster of buildings within the complex depicts, as the 1988 report of the Dept. of Tourism explains, the architectural features of the native houses in the Cordilleras. The office of the Dept. of Tourism does not confine its services to giving travel-related information to tourists. For journalists and researchers, a visit to this place can turn out to be fertile ground. The staff is friendly and cooperative and the facility has a choice of literature on the region, into which interested individuals are allowed to take insight.
Tourist office: Daily 8:00-17:00;
Museum: 9:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:00; entrance 5 pesos.
Burnham Park. The site of the park used to be a swampy open field which was called "Kafagway" in the native language, Ibaloi. The moss called "baghiw" grew there. This plant reportedly gave the settlement its name. The grounds were laid out in accordance with the design of Daniel Burnham, an American architect who held the post of city planner. A man-made lagoon today makes the heart of the spacious park; an orchidarium and various pleasure and sports facilities have been set up around this man-made lake
Facilities: Boating (129); tennis court (130); cycling; children's playground (131); orchidarium (128); race course, basketball court, football field.
John Hay Air Station - During the early years of the US administration, over 1,700 acres (680 hectares) of land were bought to serve as a site for an army post. The "camp" first consisted of five sets of officers' quarters, some wooden barracks and tents. A more extensive development started under the personal supervision of one of the station's first commanding officers, Franklin Bell. The facilities were opened to the public in 1906.
After having been almost entirely destroyed in WW II, the station was reconstructed and extended to its present architectural substance.
The base serves today as "US Air Force Rest and Recreation Center", operating by virtue of the military base agreement between the US and the Philippines.
It comprises a wide range of sport and leisure facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts, a golf course, bowling lanes, a gym, a skating rink, a theater, a billiard hall, a bar, a restaurant and guest bungalows. A shuttle service operates hourly within the camp. In some facilities, prices are quoted in US-Dollars, but pesos are always accepted in payment.
Jeepneys with signboards "Country Club" or "Scout Barrio" pass by the main gate.
Wright Park and Mansion (57)- Leonard Wood Rd - The park is named after Luke Wright, the first American to be appointed "Governor General" of the Philippines. The Mansion House, which served as official residence of the Governor General was built in 1906 and first occupied by Gov. Gen. J. Smith. Today, it is the summer retreat of the President of the Philippines and, in special cases, it serves as a venue for international conferences. It is surrounded by a sprawling garden planted with flowers and trees in British style, featuring a copy of England's Palace gate, according to a report of the Dept. of Tourism.
Wright Park offers the following facilities: Horseback riding; hiking in the vast pine tree groves; a children's playground, fully equipped with seesaws, swings and slides.
Jeepney with signboard "Pacdal" from (B).
Imelda Park (55) - The former Botanical Garden, named after the former First Lady of the Philippines, now offers the visitors a sight of the architecture and folk arts of the mountain provinces, featuring various types of dwellings used in remote villages.
The compound now houses the Regional Office of the new Cordillera Administrative Region.
Jeepneys with signboard "Pakdal" or "Mines View" from (I).
Mines View (60) - Outlook Drive - The park has been set up on a promontory, jutting out from a mountainside on the eastern edge of the city. It offers a panoramic view over what is called the "mineral bowl" of Benguet. Moreover, it is worthwhile strolling along the souvenir shops which are situated on the periphery of the grounds. Some of the handicrafts on display show excellent craftsmanship.
Jeepney with signboard "Mines View" from (I).
Philippine Military Academy, Fort del Pilar - Loakan, near airport - In May, 1950, the school for officers of the Philippine military was moved from Camp Allen in Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, to Fort del Pilar, Baguio. It is the training ground for future regular officers, and, among several military academies in The Country , by far the most prestigious. The course of instruction lasts four years.
A unique spectacle to be viewed is the weekly morning parade of cadets. Silent drill is performed on Sunday morning.
Jeepney with signboard "PMA" from (R).
Baguio Cathedral (86) - Post Office Loop - The first plans for the cathedral were drawn by Fr. Carlu, a parish priest of Baguio. He developed his design on the model of a church in Saigon. The construction started before 1932 and was carried out in three stages, with the work completed in 1934.
During WW II, the building was left almost unaffected by bombardments which razed the surrounding city. It served as refugee center and was rehabilitated in 1945. Located on top of a hill, it gives a magnificent view of the sprawling urban center and the surrounding hills.
Grotto of the Virgin of Lourdes - This religious shrine served as president Quezon's private chapel. It houses the effigy of the Lady of Lourdes. 225 steps have to be ascended in order get to the Grotto. The panoramic view from the place, however, will generously compensate the visitor for this small effort.
Jeepney with signboard "Naguillan-Grotto" from (O).
St. Joseph Church (56) - Jeepney with signboard "Pacdal"(B) or "Mines View" (I).
Philippine-Japanese Friendship Memorial (37) - Governor Pack Rd
St. Louis Silvershop (89) - part of St Louis University, in the center of the city; it is a school where young silversmiths are trained by Catholic Missionaries. In the workshop one may purchase fine silver craft and watch students making the filigrees.
Easter School Weaving Room (6) - One can see the actual weaving process of high quality cloth for tablecloths, bags, and clothing, by natives of the mountain provinces.
Jeepneys with signboard "Guisad" from (O).
Around Baguio
La Trinidad Valley - The "Salad Bowl" of the Philippines; 15 minutes drive from Baguio on the Halsema Highway; the Capitol Building in La Trinidad offers the best panoramic view; the same building contains the Benguet Museum. Jeepneys from Burnt Area (Magsaysay Ave) with signboard "Trinidad".
Ambuklao Dam - on the way to Kabayan, 42 km (26mi) northeast of Baguio; the hydroelectric power plant supplies part of the electrical power for Metro Manila and almost the whole of North Luzon.
Bell Church - on the way to La Trinidad, on the northern outskirts;is a Chinese Temple owned by the so-called Bell Church sect. Their religion is a mixture of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity.
Jeepneys with signboard "Trinidad" from Burnt Area (Magsaysay Ave).
Asin Hot Springs - 16 km (10 mi) northwest of Baguio; resort area with luxury hotel, swimming pool with warm water from the hot springs (35C/95F).
Jeepneys with signboard "Tuba" from (O).
More on Baguio City:
History, Economy
Statistical Data
Accommodation
Middle Class Hotel
Middle Class Hotel, continued
Simple Hotels and Pension Houses
Simple Hotels and Pension Houses, continued
Simple Hotels and Pension Houses, continued
Simple Hotels and Pension Houses, continued
Simple Hotels and Pension Houses, continued
Simple Hotels and Pension Houses, continued
Simple Hotels and Pension Houses, continued
Restaurants
Restaurants, continued
Restaurants, continued
Convention Facilities
Convention Facilities, continued
Entertainment
Casino
Sightseeing
Shopping
Sports, Health
Offices
Transportation
Bus Terminals & Destinations
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