Press Release

By Joan Dalacan – Would you like to unwind at the City of Pines? Here’s a list for you to plan, as your hand fingers wouldn’t be enough to count the things you need to explore in your next destination in the city!

Burnham Park

You may start your adventure by considering the city’s “mother of all parks,” as it is a very accessible open green park at the center of Baguio. The park has multiple clusters that you can try, including Children’s Playground, Rose Garden, Orchidarium, Picnic Grove, skating rink, and others. Of course, don’t miss the centuries-old artificial lake at its center, where you can rent boats with different styles you can choose from and go rowing!

Camp John Hay

Camp John Hay is an expansive recreational complex that lets you experience activities like eco-adventure in the Yellow Trail / Forest Bathing Trail and zipline, harnessed free fall, and canopy ride in Treetop Adventure. There’s more! You can visit the world-class golf course here, where they hold famous tournaments like the annual Fil-Am Golf Tournament. Explore the Historical Core, the Bell Amphitheater, and the Butterfly Sanctuary. Would you like to see more? Venture into the unexpected at the Cemetery of Negativism, where negativity meets its match in witty and funny “eulogies” from ‘Itz Not Possible, conceived November 11, 1905, but “still not born,” to ‘Know Dam Way’ Conceived New Year’s Eve 1910. Didn’t work out.” 

Mines View Park

For a glimpse of Baguio’s mining past, head to Mines View Park and try wearing the traditional Ifugao garbs like bahag (loincloth), vests, and headdresses for photos. You can also buy unique souvenirs to bring home a piece of Baguio.

Good Shepherd Convent

Do you like to buy other pasalubongs and make a difference? Drop by the Good Shepherd Convent and buy their legendary peanut brittle, ube jam, strawberry jam, Lengua de Gato, alfajores, homemade ice cream, and many more! Their profits from every purchase you make support underprivileged college students in the Cordillera. While there, you may enjoy the breathtaking views from the convent’s view deck, with the majestic Cordillera Mountains as your backdrop.

Wright Park

It is a serene gem smaller than Burnham Park but less crowded and more peaceful. It has a long rectangular pond called “The ‘Pool of Pines” flanked with pine trees on both sides. There is a park circle and pavilion where you can relax. This park is also known as “Ride Park” for its horseback-riding activity, which you would like to try.

Botanical Garden

You can explore here a lot of things from the Centennial Garden, Dahlia Garden, sunflower section, orchidarium, picnic area, PMSEA Botanic Park, Fil-Chinese Friendship Park, Japanese Tunnel Walk, Korea Garden (Taebaek Park), Pagoda or Viewdeck, City of Vaughan (Canada) Park, Thailand Friendship Park, Yellow Margeurite Garden, Cactus & Succulents, Mini Bamboo walkway, Cordillera Village, and to the souvenir shops. Wow! In just one destination, you can see a lot! Stroll, relax on benches or enjoy a snack under charming cottages.

Mirador Hill and Eco Park

Experience Japan in Baguio as Mirador Hill and Eco Park offer hiking trails that lead to Rock Gardens, the Pandemic Healing Memorial,  the La Storta Garden, Ifugao Houses, and the Circular Seismic Chamber. There’s an Arashiyama Bamboo Grove with bamboo trunks that are not as big or tall as those in the Japan site. It’s the perfect backdrop for rest and rejuvenation.

Aside from the park, Mirador Hill also harbors the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, Kapilya ni Hesus at Maria, Café Iñigo, and the Mirador Jesuit Villa Retreat House.

Igorot Stone Kingdom

It is where tradition meets modernity in a captivating blend of culture and heritage. As you explore the sprawling 6,000-square-meter park, you’ll encounter towering structures—a modern-day castle and an old stone wall. 

The stone wall, on the other hand, resembles the rice terraces that feature the rock-laying skills of the Igorot people. You can see the Fertility Stone Tower, the Temple of Kabunyan, Bangan’s Dome, the Tower of Gatan, and the Face in the Rock. The Igorot Gold Mine, the Wishing Well, and the Igorot Golden Bridge are other attractions here.

Diplomat Hotel

Officially named the Dominican Hill Retreat House but popularly called the Diplomat Hotel. It offers a unique blend of historical significance, architectural grandeur, and an intriguing ghostly aura, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.

Baguio Cathedral

It is formally known as the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral at Mount Mary Hill and follows a Neo-Gothic style. It has a rich faith and history, having served as a World War II evacuation center and being the largest Catholic church in the city. Here, you may want to pray for something (perhaps for your successful adventures) and sit silently for a moment.

Indeed, one day is insufficient to uncover all the wonders of Baguio City. With so much to see and experience, each visit showcases a glimpse of the city’s creativity and treasures. So, let’s savor each step and take one destination at a time. Safe travels!