Press Release

By Pauline Agaton – Baguio City is one of the top tourist destination of the North. As the summer season draws near, the city’s mountainous location is perfect for tourists who want to feel its cool breeze and be one with nature. So, if you’re looking for the right guide on your first or next Baguio trip, you’ve stumbled on the right place.

Here’s a quick guide for Baguio City tourists!

Prepping for Baguio’s ‘cold’ weather

Well, if you still haven’t visited Baguio and wondering why some people wear jacket and others opt to wear shirts or sandos, its not because they’re simply tourists or locals. Baguio’s moody weather is at fault for some people’s OOTD dilemma. Early mornings in Baguio are cold, but as the day goes by, the weather becomes hotter. Sometimes, the weather gives you a treat of afternoon fog or rain, depending on Baguio’s mood at that time of the day.

In case you’re wondering, a jacket for Baguio’s weather is essential, but not a staple. If you remember that one Karate Kid scene where Jackie Chan instructs his student to “Put on your jacket. Take off your jacket,” it’s the same scenario when coming to Baguio. Bringing a jacket that can withstand both the cold dawn and the hot midday sun and an umbrella is still the best option.

City’s Best Jam

Baguio might be famous for its strawberry jam, but there’s something more intriguing that you can taste in the city proper; traffic jam. When thinking about going on vacations, some might think of touring as a less trafficked, less stressful, and less hassle activity. Might as well break this assumption early on when visiting the City of Pines.

Because of the city’s smaller land area, there is a higher tendency for traffic jam, especially during important events like Panagbenga Festival, Session Road in Bloom, Christmas Lantern Parade, Ibagiw Festival, etc. Fret not, transportation is not a problem for the city.

The best option for commuters is to understand first the routes of jeepneys or allot extra budget for transportation costs for a taxi ride. In case you’re riding a private vehicle, be ready for an extra cost in parking spaces.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Baguio is always. The city has a lot to offer: foods, museums, theater performances, festivals, art exhibits, night market, and many more. You’d have a hard time picking an itinerary, and a two day stay might be too short.

In case you have a targeted event to attend to, here’s a short compilation of each month’s awaited event:

• February to March – Panagbenga Festival
• April – Mangan Taku Food Festival
• October to November – Ibagiw Festival
• December – Christmas Lighting, Lantern Parade, and Christmas Village Opening

Buying Pasalubong

What’s a Baguio trip without taking home some pasalubong for your family? Taking a piece of Baguio’s love is surely one that others put in their itinerary. Treats like Lengua de Gato, peanut brittle, ube jam, strawberry jam, crinkles, sundot kulangot, cheese bar, and others can be usually bought in the market.

Before you purchase these treats or even Baguio vegetables, make sure to bring your own eco bag or storage bag to easily carry your goods. Baguio has a city ordinance for plastic usage and most vendors will only give you one plastic bag for all of your purchase.

Planning your Itinerary Checklist

Rigorous planning is needed when you’re visiting another place. From considering the right time and date to travel, its quite a baggage to simply just go with the flow. To put off travelling like a chore, make a quick list of your itinerary.

First, understand Baguio’s list of tourist spots here. Then, plan the spots near each other which you can go to in a smaller amount of time. Don’t forget to find the right transient house for your most comfortable stay! Just beware of scammers who tell you to provide a deposit even before you reach your destination.

There’s a thousand list of reasons why Baguio is at the top of the list when going on vacation. More than it’s cold breeze and nature, you are welcome to become yourself here. So, be a guest and explore Baguio City’s creativity for your next trip!