South East Asian Trips

Baguio is the highest City in the Philippines and, with its cool climate, is an ideal place to go to escape the summer heat in Manila. The city market sells handicrafts, woodcarvings, fruit preserves, strawberries and vegetables from the surrounding highlands. Burnham Park and Wright Park are both beauty spots that are well worth a visit. Camp John Hay boasts a challenging 18-hole golf course.

Baguio is situated amidst the mountainous region of Cordillera approximately 250 Km north of Manila, in the Province of Benguet.

The city is one of the few places in the Philippines blessed with a cool climate. On average, Baguio is at least eight degrees cooler than any place in the lowlands. No surprise then that Baguio is considered the "summer capital" of the country.

In the early 19th century the Spaniards, during their long occupation of the area, were able to establish order, built churches and schools, made trails and introduced coffee. The arrival of the Americans at the beginning of 1900 spurred development in Baguio. Their best am.nistrators and teachers were fervent boosters and promoters: Worcester, Wright, Forbes, Pack, Barrows, EcKman and others who together with Filipinos committed to make the place heaven.

The events of the Second World War stalled all development, leaving Baguio in total devastation. However, the war changed course and on September 3, 1945, General Yamashita formally surrendered to the Americans and the city immediately set to the task of rehabilitation.

Baguio today is a wonderful and modern city, performing am.ltiplicity of roles, as an educational, trade, tourism and am.nistrative centre.

There are lots of places that tourist, balikbayans and even local Filipinos could consider going to on their vacations. One place that Filipinos frequent during their vacations is Baguio City. This city is known as the summer capital of the Philippines because most Filipinos prefer to go here because of the cool weather during summer time in the city. Aside form the weather there are also lots of places and things to do in Baguio. Here are some of the tourist attractions in Baguio City.

Burnham Park

This park is the oldest in all of Baguio City. The place has got very colorful flowers where a person can relax just viewing at them. You can also do outdoor activities such as skating and biking in this park. There is also am.nmade lake where you can even row boats. The place is great for concerts and picnics too. Burnham Park also has orchidarium, athletic oval, football fields and a tennis and basketball courts.

Camp John Hay

It was once an American base that was turned over to the Philippine government. The place is now open to the public and has excellent bowling lanes, cottages, golf courses, dining places and great ambience as well.

Mines View Park

This is a place where you can get to see the nice view of the mountain ranges. The place also used to be Baguio's mineral bowl. The natives used to quarry a whole lot of ores, gold and silvers in this place. When you go here, it is now lined up with souvenir shops that sell woodcarvings, ashtrays, woven cloth, etc.

Wright Park

It is a park famous for its kiddy horse back riding. The place also has a long stairway that leads you to the Pool of Pines. It is called the Pool of Pine because it is a huge swimming pool measuring 100 meters that has Baguio Pine trees on its sides.

Baguio Cathedral

The cathedral has twin spires and a hundred steps that sits on top of a small hill. The cathedral is one of the famous landmarks in Baguio City.

Lourdes Grotto

A religious shrine that houses the image of the Lady of Lourdes. Pilgrims are willing to walk the full 252 steps just to offer their homage and sacrifices. Once atop, the person can also get a panoramic view of the city.

These are only some of the sights that one can enjoy in Baguio City. Visit Baguio and try to see what other things are there to enjoy.

Botanical gardens

This place is also called the Igorot Village that has native huts used by the Cordillera Architecture. The place is able to capture the cultural legacy and the ethnic spirit of the Igorots. Cultural presentations and tribal meetings are also held in that site.