by Granted with the most relaxing scenery with a compliment of a cool atmosphere is what every tourist lookout for whenever they talk about Baguio City. The summer capital of the Philippines is just 4-6 hours away from the bustling city of Manila. Hence, Baguio City DIY travel is very popular to most tourists going here.
I literally know the place by heart since I lived there for years to get my Bachelor’s Degree. And it’s been roughly 2 years since I started blogging and posting travel guides on my Facebook page but I never wrote about a Baguio City DIY travel guide. Probably because I kept thinking that I can always just provide them the best things to do in Baguio since I know the place by heart. And whenever I go home in this beautiful place, I don’t really go to the tourist place because I’ve been there many times so I don’t have the best IG-worth to show-off. Lol.
Anyhows, as continuously requested by my friends, here is a complete DIY travel guide if you plan to visit Baguio City!
About Baguio City: the Summer Capital of the Philippines
Baguio City, also known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines OR the City of Pines, is a city in the province of Benguet and is one of the most in-demand destination of tourists.
Click here for the list of: TOP 20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BAGUIO CITY FOR FIRST TIMERS
Best time to visit Baguio City
Although Baguio is a year-round destination, it’s still best to avoid the monsoon when you come here. The months where most rain-shower comes are the months of July-October. This is definitely the month to avoid as you don’t want your shoes to get washed out by rain when you travel. Furthermore, there are some cases when early rain-shower comes by mid June.
For less crowded months, April and May are less touristy since it’s the hottest months of the year in Baguio City. While on the other hand, the most touristy month is December to February where the Christmas lights are in every corner of the streets at night and the weather is colder compared to the other months. Also, February is ideal if you want to watch the annual flower festival.
Best time to come here if you’re looking for the coldest weather is as early as November to February.
Manila to Baguio City DIY
The number of tourists that goes in and out this peaceful city continues to increase in numbers as bus-lines also continue to provide the most comfortable way of traveling to Baguio City. Hence, traveling to Baguio is as easy as going to Manila.
For faster way to travel to Baguio City, you can check out JoyBus Premiere Class. Read Wanderera’s full details about JoyBus Premiere Class here.
BOOK YOUR BUS TICKET WITH BOOKAWAY HERE
How to get around in Baguio City DIY way
Getting around Baguio City is neither hard nor tricky. Almost all destinations are literally walking distance or 5 minutes away from one destination to the other. You can ride a jeepney, walk, charter a taxi or rent a private car/van.
Places that are Walking-Distance
Here are the most common places that are literally just walking distance to each other.
- SM Baguio
- Sky Ranch – just literally beside SM
- Session Road (Oh My Gulay Restaurant, Zushi Me Japanese Restaurant, Ililikha Artist Village)
- Baguio Cathedral Church
- Porta Vaga Mall (50’s Diner Restaurant)
- Black Market – an alley selling imported products at a very discounted price
- Night Market – every 9PM to 12MN in Harrison Road
- Burnham Park (Good Taste Restaurant)
List of Jeepney Terminals
Below are the list of jeepney terminals and the places you want to go.
| Jeepney Terminal | Tourist Spots |
| Bakakeng Terminal Location: Burnham Park, in front of Hotel Veniz | PMA, Camp John Hay |
| Mines View Terminal Location: Carantes Street in front of Danes Bakeshop near Harrison Rd. | Mines View, The Mansion, Wright Park, Good Shepherd Baguio |
| Bayanihan Terminal Location: Otek Street near Igorot Park Terminal | Green Valley, Valleypoint Campsite, Lourdes Grotto, Diplomat Hotel |
| Pacdal-Liteng Terminal Location: Lakandula Street 3-5 minutes from Session Rd | Baguio Botanical Garden |
| Guisad Jeepney Terminal Location: Baguio Public Market 3-5 minutes from Session Rd | Tam-Awan Village, BenCab Museum, Asin Resorts |
| La Trinidad Jeepney Terminal Location: Magsaysay Ave. 11-minute walk from Burnham | La Trinidad, Strawberry Farm, Bell Church |
| Center Mall Terminal Location: Center Mall Magsaysay Rd | Itogon resorts, Ambuklao, Arca’s Yard |
| Dagsian Terminal Location: Harrison Rd. across Bakakeng Terminal | Camp 7, Kennon Rd. Lion’s Head |
Where to Stay? Baguio City DIY
Azalea Hotel – Php4,500.00/night good for 2 person.
OYO Sajj Bldg – Php1,100/night good for 2 person.
RedDoorz Hostel @ Baguio Piraso – Php950.00/night for 2 person. Book it with Agoda below! Free cancellation too.
Where to Eat? Baguio City DIY
I have made a separate food guide about where to eat in Baguio. Check the top 20 most recommended and must-try restaurants in Baguio City: TOP 20 MUST TRY RESTAURANTS IN BAGUIO CITY AS RANKED BY LOCALS IN BAGUIO.
Special Events & Activities
Panagbenga Festival
The Panagbenga Festival of Flower Festival is one of the most famous festivals in the Philippines. It is held every month of February in the summer capital of the Philippines. One of the activities you should not be missing during the festival is the flower float parade where local Philippine artists are invited to celebrate the festival with the locals and tourists.
Another is the Session in Bloom that only opens every month of February in honor of the festival month. The Session Road is being closed and various stores and food outlets are opened here. Look out for foot-long hotdogs and shawarma rice during the Session in Bloom!
Christmas Villages
During the month of December, Christmas Village opens as well. The Manor and Baguio Country Club has a Christmas Village event and there’s an entrance fee of approximately PHP200.00 per person. In here, they create artificial snow and a theme of a Christmas Village. Alternatively, Burnham Park has its own Christmas Village and it’s FREE admission.
Lantern Parade
Another special event that happens every December 1st is the Lantern Parade by the Saint Louis University – my Alma mater. This is a parade of colorful lanterns in different colors, shapes and sizes partnered with the students’ colorful costumes.
Places to Visit (Expenses + How to get there)
Now that we have mentioned above all the necessary pre-travel guide and preparations you need to know before your trip to Baguio, below are the list of places to visit! A word of advise, better allow 2-3 days stay in Baguio City. I know that most tour agencies offer a day trip in Baguio but that is surely not satisfying at all. Most especially if you really like to explore the summer capital of the Philippines.
For first timers and suggested things to do in Baguio, read here: TOP 20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BAGUIO FOR FIRST TIMERS.
Sky Ranch Baguio
A newly opened theme park in Baguio City that sits just beside SM Mall is Sky Ranch Baguio. Never miss the chance to feast your eyes on the lovely panorama of The Summer Capital by riding the towering Baguio Eye.
BOOK SKY RANCH BAGUIO RIDE-ALL-YOU-CAN DAY PASS
Entrance Fee: PHP 880.00 save 74% OFF and pay only PHP 230.00 if you book with Metrodeal above.
Operating Days/Hours: Open daily at 10AM to 10PM
How to get here: Walking distance from Session Rd. and just beside SM Baguio
Baguio Cathedral
One of the famous Catholic Church in Baguio is Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral, better known as Baguio Cathedral. It is located in Upper Session Rd. just ear SM Baguio.
Burnham Park
The oldest and most beautiful park in Baguio is the Burnham Lake Park. It’s a man-made park with a lake. They say that you’ve never really been to Baguio without riding boats in the park’s lake. Other things you can do here is to rent bicycles, watch kids playing soccer in Melvin Jones, buy a strawberry flavored taho, get a henna tattoo, roller skates and many more!
Entrance Fee: FREE
Operating Days/Hours: Open 24 hours
How to get here: Walking distance from Session Rd.
Diplomat Hotel
This tourist destination rose to fame around 2016 after being featured in TV episodes of Rated K and Jessica Soho. The reason behind it being featured is because it’s a haunted place. It is regarded as one of the most haunted places in Baguio City.
To give you a bit of information, this abandoned hotel was previously a church/seminary that transitioned into a hospital, and a hotel at the latter. Many incidents and theories happened here like the beheading of priests, a nurse committing suicide and the people who died when the hotel caught fire. To read the full story, check my Facebook post here.
Nowadays, the abandoned Diplomat Hotel no longer looks spooky compared to the days when it was not yet famous to tourists. This is because they have re-decorated and cleaned it due to the demand of tourists coming here. There’s even a chapel in the first floor that they have built.
There was a time when entering this place is not allowed and visitors are not welcome so we sneak our way in. During my college days, my classmates and I would come here for fun and look for ghosts at night. This is not joke and I dare anyone who’d do that will get instant goosebumps. But nowadays, it looks more of a photo-shoot place.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Operating Days/Hours: Open daily at 8AM to 5PM
How to get here: Ride a jeepney with a signage of “Dominican Hill”at the back of Abanao Square near Burnham Park.
Strawberry Farm
Located 8 kilometers from Baguio is the famous strawberry farm where tourists love to go and pick fresh strawberries! Note that the strawberry season falls in the months of November – May. There is no entrance fee inside the strawberry farm. However, if you are going to pic strawberries there will be an entrance fee and it will depend on how many kilograms per basket you are picking.
Other unique thing you can do here is to try the organic strawberry ice cream!
Entrance Fee: PHP100.00 – PHP300.00
Operating Days/Hours: 7AM to 7PM
How to get here: In Magsaysay Ave. ride a jeepney to La Trinidad.
Valley of Colors
Another famous attraction that rose to fame around 2018 is the Valley of Colors. It’s a series of houses that are painted in different colors, hence the name Valley of Colors. You can go here for sidetrip after Strawberry Farm as it is just 3 kilometers away.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Operating Days/Hours: Open 24 hours
How to get here: In Magsaysay Ave. ride a jeepney to La Trinidad.
Mines View Park
A perfect panoramic view of the mountains can be seen from Mines View Park’s deck. Best time to come here is early in the morning because if you’re lucky enough you’ll see a thick fog covering the hills. Another attraction in here is the famous St. Bernard dog where you can get a photo with him. There are horses available for photo-ops too. Beautiful collection of plants and other pasalubong can be bought here.
Note that the Good Shepherd store is just across the street. It’s where you can buy the famous ube jam and strawberry jam from Baguio City. Because when you say ube or strawberry jam in Baguio, it better be from Good Shepherd! Moreover, various pasalubongs can be bought here too.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Operating Days/Hours: Open daily at 5AM to 8PM
How to get here: From Mines View Terminal near Harrison Rd, ride a jeepney to Mines View Park
Botanical Garden
A walk inside Botanical Garden is one of the relaxing things you can do in Baguio City. Some of the relevant sights that constructs a relaxing walk in the Botanical Garden are the flowers, trees, plants and small to large size of sculptures representing the local culture and traditions of the Igorots.
Other things you can do here is to take pictures with the native Igorots or ride a horse while touring around the place.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Operating Days/Hours: Open daily at 6AM to 6PM
How to get here: Ride a jeepney in Pacdal Liteng Terminal near Session Rd. going to Botanical Garden.
Kennon Road, Lion’s Head
The newly painted and renovated statue of the Lion’s Head in Kennon Road is this years early improvement when it comes to tourism in Baguio. Check out the photo below by Manila Bouletin for the epic new look of the lion’s head.
Tip: On the way to Lion’s head you may pass by Kennon Road View Point where you can get a good view of the long and winding Kennon Road
Entrance Fee: FREE
Operating Days/Hours: Open 24 hours
How to get here: From Bakakeng terminal go straight to Harrison Road. Climb up the Over pass and just across it you will see the terminal to camp 7. Fare is 16.50
Camp John Hay
Still think that you can roam around Baguio in just 1 day? Camp John Hay alone has a number of things to do and see. Some of the prominent list of things to do and see here are: treetop adventure, the eco-trail, check out bell house, etc. For complete guide inside Camp John Hay, read ThePoorTraveler’s guide here.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Operating Days/Hours: Open 24 hours
How to get here: Ride a jeepney in Bakakeng Terminal near Burnham Park to CJH
Wright Park
Wright Park is one of Baguio’s most popular attractions. Just like in Camp John Hay and Botanical Garden, you can enjoy a walk in a tranquil area full of trees, plants and flowers. Aside from walking trip, you can jog here or rent horses to ride.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Operating Days/Hours: Open daily at 8AM to 6PM
How to get here: From Mines View Terminal near Harrison Rd, ride a jeepney to Mines View Park
The Mansion
Officially the summer palace of the President of the Philippines. To give you a bit of information, this building was built in 1908 as summer homes for US Government Officials and was destroyed in 1945 during the battle of the liberation of the Philippines. Later in 1947, it was rebuilt and became the house of the President whenever they come to Baguio.
Tip: this is just stones-throw away from Wright Park long pond.
Entrance Fee: FREE/Tourists not allowed to go inside or beyond the gates
How to get here: From Mines View Terminal near Harrison Rd, ride a jeepney to Mines View Park
Bell Church Temple
The Bell Church is an important religious and cultural site for the local Chinese-Filipino community and one of the tourist sites of both La Trinidad and the neighboring city of Baguio.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Operating Days/Hours: Open daily at 6AM to 5PM
How to get here: In Magsaysay Ave. ride a jeepney to La Trinidad. Advise the driver to drop you off near Bell Church Temple.
Tam-awan Village
For best experience of accommodation in Ifugao, I highly suggest an overnight in a native Ifugao house! You can go to Tam-Awan Village which is 20 minutes away from the center of Baguio city and experience sleeping in a native Ifugao house! Definitely one of the coolest things ever. For full review and travel guide to Tam-awan Village, read LostAndWonder’s article here.
Entrance Fee: Adult PHP 60.00 | Student/Senior PHP 40.00 | Kids 10yrs old below PHP30.00 | Kids 3yrs old below FREE
Operating Days/Hours: Open daily at 9AM to 6PM
How to get here: Ride a jeepney in Guisad Jeepner Teminal near Baguio Public Market
Bencab Museum
The BenCab Musuem is a brief 15-minute drive from the center of Baguio City. Artworks by BenCab & other noted Filipino artists, plus indigenous northern highlands exhibits are what you can expect here. There is also an overlooking view of the mountains when you look outside.
For more information about the location, operating days/hours, admission fee, etc., check them out here.
Entrance Fee: Adult PHP100.00 | Students/Senior: PHP80.00
Operating Days/Hours: Open daily at 9AM to 6PM except on Mondays, Christmas and New Year.
How to get here: Ride a jeepney in Guisad Jeepner Teminal near Baguio Public Market
Philippine Military Academy
The Philippine Military Academy is another tourist spot located in Loakan Rd. Baguio. This is a bit close to the Loakan Airport and it’s about 30 minutes away from the center of Baguio City.
Be reminded that PMA is a very huge place. You can take pictures with cadets in different uniforms and attires. There are different places within the campus that offers splendid views.
Entrance Fee: FREE | PMA Museum PHP10.00
Operating Days/Hours: Open daily at 8AM to 5PM
How to get here: Form Bakakeng Terminal near Burnham Park, ride a jeepney to Loakan or Kias and advise the driver that you are going to PMA.
Other Side Trip – Baguio City DIY
There are a few famous places to go from Baguio City like Mt. Ulap and the Northern Blossom Flower Farm in Atok.
To go to Mt. Ulap, ride a jeepney from Baguio City to Brgy. Ampucao. The travel time is around 4o minutes the fare is approximately PHP 50.00. Pay the registration fee of PHP 100.00/head and hire a guide for PHP1000.00.
For first timers in Atok’s Northern Blossom Flower Farm, read my co-blogger’s travel guide here.
Suggested Itinerary
Here is a 2-day suggested itinerary for your Baguio City DIY trip. If you have any questions, feel free to drop your queries in the comment section below this article.
2 Days & 1 Night Baguio City DIY
DAY 0: MANILA – BAGUIO
11PM Ride a bus in Cubao to Baguio
DAY 1: BAGUIO CITY DIY
6AM ETA Baguio City
6:30AM Breakfast in Good Taste, Burnham Park
7:30AM Check in hotel in ZEN Rooms South Drive Baguio
8:30AM Wright Park
10AM The Mansion
11AM Mines View & Good Shepherd
1PM lunch at Arca’s Yard
3PM BenCab Museum
5PM Diplomat Hotel
6:30PM SM Baguio, Sky Ranch and Baguio Cathedral
8PM Dinner in Oh My Gulay/Ililikha Artist Village/Hodori Korean Restaurant/Zushi Me in Session Rd.
9PM Night Market in Harrison Rd.
11PM Back in hotel, lights out
DAY 2: BAGUIO CITY DIY
6AM Breakfast
7AM Camp John Hay
9AM Botanical Garden
11AM Burnham Park
12NN Lunch
1PM Strawberry Farm & Valley of Colors
3PM Bell Church/Tam-awan Village
5PM PMA (if timer permits)
9PM ETD to MNL
3 Days & 2 Nights Baguio City DIY
DAY 0: MANILA – BAGUIO
11PM Ride a bus in Cubao to Baguio
DAY 1: BAGUIO CITY DIY
6AM ETA Baguio City
6:30AM Breakfast in Good Taste, Burnham Park
7:30AM Check in hotel in ZEN Rooms South Drive Baguio
8:30AM Wright Park
10AM The Mansion
11AM Mines View & Good Shepherd
1PM lunch at Arca’s Yard
3PM BenCab Museum
5PM Diplomat Hotel
6:30PM SM Baguio, Sky Ranch and Baguio Cathedral
8PM Dinner in Oh My Gulay/Ililikha Artist Village/Hodori Korean Restaurant/Zushi Me in Session Rd.
9PM Night Market in Harrison Rd.
11PM Back in hotel, lights out
DAY 2: BAGUIO CITY DIY
6AM Breakfast
7AM Camp John Hay
9AM Botanical Garden
11AM Burnham Park
12NN Lunch
1PM Strawberry Farm & Valley of Colors
3PM Bell Church/Tam-awan Village
6PM check in at Valleypoint Campsite
7PM Dinner in the campsite, explore camper’s area
9PM Lights out
DAY 3: BAGUIO CITY DIY
5:30AM Sunrise
6:30AM Breakfast in the campsite
8AM Archery/Airsoft/Maze
10AM Art Gallery
11AM check out
12NN Lunch in Baguio City proper
1PM PMA
3PM ETD to Manila
Tips from Joan’s Footprints
- Where comfortable clothes according to the season you are coming. The months of April – May are relatively hot. On the other hand, November – February are the coldest months.
- Beware of pick-pockets and keep your bags in front of you especially in thrift shops.
- Always bring a polite attitude.
- Ideal month to come here is from November – February. This is the best weather and the Christmas Village takes place on December. Also, the festival is celebrated for the whole month of February.
| Help me improve my travel guide! By commenting suggestions in the comment section below, I am very open to new ideas. 🙂 Contact Us for paid promotions and link insertions. For proposals: email me at contact@joansfootprints.com |
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I want to go backkkk!
Balik na mamsh! ?
Hello.. can you give us suggestion what to do in baguio in just a day? 1 day lang kasi vacant namin tapos gala sana kami ng baguio.. this will be next month, march 16, 2020.. and we need to be back to manila by march 17 🙂
Hi Jimelyn! 🙂 Well seeing that you’ll be there on a Monday, that’s gonna be great! Para less tourists hehe. I’ll suggest visiting the most common places if 1 day lang kayo like Burnham park, camp john hay, mines view, botanical garden and dont forget night market at 9PM in harrison road. 🙂 You might also want to check Oh My Gulay restaurant or Ililikha Artist Village in Session Road. 🙂
Thank you po. Alam nyo po ba what time ang last trip from baguio to manila?
I’m not sure about it. But I’ve been traveling to and from anytime and there’s always a bus heading to Baguio even late at night.
Hi, Just wanna ask, via commute (jeep/taxi) lang po yung itinerary niyo? thanks!
Yes dear! Most of it the places are just walking distance. If you need to commute, I suggest taxi for a 3-4 group. Otherwise, jeepney will be the best if you want to save more. 🙂
Ang hitap ng ginagawa mo tita jo hahahaha
Hahaha binasa mo ba ha? Lol
Hello. Want to ask about Valley Campsite. Was going there, takes a long stairs? I have a small luggage with me, kinda confused..
By the way, like this travel blog, very informative. Seems I will like to follow your itinerary.. 😊
Hello! Not so much of long stairs. 🙂
Hello! Really sorry for the late reply. In case you haven’t been there, it doesn’t have a lot of stairs.