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The Mountain Resort:Baguio City

Known as one of the industrialized cities in the Northern part of thePhilippines, Baguio is hailed as thesummer capital of the Philippines. Many peoplevisit this city every summer because of its cold weather and attractive tourist spots.It still remains as one of the top favorite destinations among foreign and localtourists in the Philippines. The cool, refreshing, and cozy weather presents adifferent face of the Philippines to its visitors. Those who are nostalgic of coolweather or those who would just love to get away from the tropical summer heatwill usually opt to stay in here.

Baguio’s Cool Climate

The climate of Baguio City is cool and crisp and offers a fine respite from thedust, heat and bustle of the nearby lowland areas. It has only two seasons of aboutequal duration throughout the year - the wet and dry seasons. The dry seasonbegins in November and ends in April and the wet season extends from May toOctober. The coldest months are felt by its residents from November up to Februaryand during the wet season the rainfall is extra heavy. This varying climatic conditionis attributed to its high elevation above sea level. It is in July and August when itgets to be very wet in Baguio.

Baguio Sightseeing:What to See and What to Do?

Sightseeing in Baguio is never a bore. There's always some place andsomething you might want to see or do here in theSummer Capital of the Philippines. Since the city brings in lots of tourists every year you should expect theplace to be prepped for any visitor. Aside from the annual festivities, there places inBaguio that deserve your visit.What to see in Baguio City? There are parks, historic sites, and other placesto get that unique Baguio feel. There are enough things to put on your what do tolist to keep you busy in your Baguio adventure. The popular stuff on a typical Baguiowhat to do schedule includes horseback riding, boating, biking, picnics, picturetaking, partying during fiestas, camping, picking strawberries, golf, and simplyenjoying the nice scenery.

Here are some of the beautiful spots that Baguio may show you:

*The Strawberry Fields

On top of our list of what to see in Baguio are the strawberry fields. A trip to Baguio willalways include a lovely stroll along the strawberry fields just outside the city proper. You go askanyone who's ever been to Baguio and most likely they've been here. It is only a jeepney ride awayand you get to pick the strawberries you want to eat.

*Burnham Park

Next in our list of what to see in Baguio is Burnham Park, named after the city's designer.Burnham Park is a nice place for a stroll just to enjoy the peculiar Baguio scenery. There is also asmall man-made lake where visitors can pick up the oars and go rowing for a small fee of aroundP100. You can also try biking and if that isn't enough for an entire day's escapade then you mayeven enjoy an outdoor concert.

*Mines View Park

Mines View Park is the undisputed most popular sightseeing attractions in the city. Once youget past the stalls where you can shop for souvenirs or take a break in any of the small canteens, you climb up to the observation deck. The panoramic view of the Benguet mountain range is awelcome treat. Mines View Park is usually anyone's next sightseeing destination after visiting eitherWright Park or the Mansion.

*Session Road

Session Road may not exactly being your scenic epitome of what to see or what to do inBaguio but it sure spices up any sightseeing trip. This is the busiest section in town where you'llfind malls, banks, bakeries, hotels, bookstores, restaurants, newspaper stands, boutiques, studios,and cafes. Anything a modern tourists might need you're sure to find here.

*The Mansion

This place is used by Philippine presidents whenever they make official visits to Baguio City.The garden area here is a favorite for picture taking and sightseeing. Filipino servicemen maintainthe security in the Mansion's compounds since the place also serves as the official residence of thecurrent Philippine president.

*Baguio Public Market

Thinking of what to do in Baguio? Then the public market will be enough to fill your itineraryfor the last day. Local tourists usually go here for souvenirs before heading on home. If you'relooking a memento of your visit for a great deal then this is the perfect place. However, you shouldlearn how to haggle for a better price. Sure, the prices are already great but anyone can still makea better deal if you know how to haggle for it.Some of the popular stuff to take home arestrawberry jams, peanut brittle, dried tobacco, fresh flowers, meat, Baguio sausages, clothes,native products and handicraft like baskets, brass, hand woven blankets, woodcarving, bags, and jewelry. The public market is right behind the Maharlika Center at the lower end of Session Road.

*Baguio Camp John Hay

It has been renovated by the Nicholaus Group for better golf games, greenery, overallambiance, and international appeal. Rows of towering pine trees in some areas make Camp John Haynot only a refreshing site for a golf course but a charming spot for Baguio sightseeing. BaguioCountry Club, on the other hand, is an 18-hole golf course with moderate rolling hills. Both golfcourses have been sites of international golf competitions like the World Cup and Asian PGA.

*Baguio Cathedral

The steep stairway leading up to Baguio Cathedral is located along Session Road. Built in1936, the cathedral has been the center of Roman Catholic religious activities as well as a popular

Baguio sightseeing destination. From this hilltop church views of Session Road, the city proper, andnearby cloud-covered mountains are seen. People come to hear mass as early as dawn and thecathedral doors remain open until 7 in the evening.

*Wright Park

When talking of horseback riding this spot is the right place. Often, Baguio sightseeing isnever complete without at least taking one’s pictures while beside a horse; better yet, whilemounted on one. The park is also famous for the rectangular “Pool by the Pines” located on a hillaccessed through a series of steep steps. Near this pool is a small circular park where a friendlynative Igorot warrior often pauses for pictures.

Baguio Botanical Garden

Along Leonard Wood Road, between Pacdal Circle and Teachers Camp, is the colorful BaguioBotanical Garden. It is a vast park with plenty of flowering plant species. Some hilly areas haveterraced levels covered with different bright colored flower clusters--perfect for picture-takingwhen Baguio sightseeing. Formerly an actual Igorot village, some indigenous huts are still foundthere.

*Philippine Military Academy(PMA)

PMA is among the country’s premier military schools where future military, police, and navalofficers come from. Built in 1950 on a 373-hectare land of lush forest and rugged terrain, PMAhouses the school, dorms, mess hall, souvenir shops, gym, and other school facilities. It also has amuseum where uniform evolution, cadet life, PMA heroes, and PMA history are featured. It’s a goodplace to consider for Baguio sightseeing.

*Kennon Road

Built in the early years of Baguio City by Igorots and Americans, Kennon Road is theoldest and most breath-taking route to Baguio from the lowlands. Along this route touristssee the Bridal Veil Waterfalls, Twin Peaks, Blue River Gorge, Colorado Falls, and the Lion’sHead.

*Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary

This convent is a picturesque and charming place for sightseeing in Baguio in Camp Sioco,Baguio City. It used to be solely a convent for Maryknoll sisters but after the 1990 earthquake itstarted the so-called 14 stations to nature discovery featuring different phases of creation, areligious reminder, and a bio-shelter. Overall, the place is perfect for sightseeing in Baguio.

*Bell Church

Bell church may sound Christian and may even conjure up images of a Catholic church and itsbell tower. But it’s actually a Buddhist Temple with a Chinese pagoda, arches, and buildings with lotsof intricate designs like dragons and Chinese characters and symbols. The temple is multi-leveled,being perched on hills. Bell church’s top level is reached through a series of steps.

*Mount Sto. Tomas

For getting a good view of Baguio from the highest peak in the locality, Mount Sto. Tomas isit. It is excellent for rock climbing, hiking, and even for a family picnic. Or just to catch lovely views