The city of Baguio, which is renowned as the “summer capital of the Philippines,” is located among the verdant surroundings of the Cordillera Mountains. The year 1900 saw the founding of this highly urbanised metropolis by Americans. At that time, this location was home to an Ibaloi community that lived in a village. Burnham, an American architect, was the one responsible for planning the city. However, because to the mountainous terrain, his idea could not be implemented in its whole. This was the primary obstacle. In order to provide the American Governor-General with some relief from the sweltering heat of Manila, the Americans constructed him a residence in Baguio. They proceeded with the development of the city by constructing a number of public parks and buildings inside its boundaries.
The city of Baguio is at an altitude of about 4,920 feet above mean sea level. The city of Baguio is known for its breathtaking views and bracing mountain breezes. The pleasant weather in Baguio has a rejuvenating effect on visitors, making them feel entirely revived. Additionally, the city serves as an educational centre for the surrounding area of north Luzon. It is home to a variety of educational institutions that provide elementary, vocational, and postsecondary levels of instruction.
Main Tourist Attractions of Baguio, Phillipines
Mountain Provinces Museum
The cultural history of the Cordillera region is preserved and shown at the museum. The museum has a significant number of indigenous antiques and handicrafts in addition to a significant number of vintage images of Baguio city. The complex that depicts the architectural aspects of native dwellings is one of the most interesting displays that the museum has to offer.
Camp John Hay
Camp John Hay is located on roughly 250 acres of ground that is covered with beautiful green flora. The site was originally used as a camp by the United States Army, but it was later expanded by the United States Armed Forces as a recreational resort. In the year 1991, it was officially transferred from American control to that of the Philippine government. It has a magnificent golf course in addition to lovely gardens, picnic areas, parks, nature paths, and amphitheatres, all of which are situated on gently rolling hills that are densely forested with pine trees.
Cemetery of Negativism
This is a famous and popular amenity that can be found inside the Camp John Hay grounds. It is well known that the cemetery served as a graveyard for the negative mindset of the American troops that were present there. The cemetery was built in a secluded area of the camp in order to send a symbolic message to the American troops that it was their responsibility to rid themselves of any bad thoughts.
Liberty Park
Camp John Hay is the location of Liberty Park, which is home to a scaled-down replica of the iconic Statue of Liberty in the United States. It has been said that its dimensions are identical to those of the Statue of Liberty replica that can be found in France.
Burnham Park
This park is situated in the very centre of the city and was named after Daniel Burnham. The park is home to a plethora of different recreational amenities, including a rink for roller skating, a playground for children, and an artificial lagoon. In addition, there is a sizable playground, as well as a section that was designed especially for hosting a variety of acts. On the eastern side of the park, there is a market where a wide variety of flowers and native plants may be purchased. A track and field stadium as well as the Olympic Swimming Center, complete with training facilities, can be found in the southern portion.
Baguio Botanic Gardens
Due to the high concentration of Igorot residences found inside these gardens, they are often referred to as Igorot Village. Here you may discover local individuals dressed in traditional Igorot garb who are happy to pose for photographs with tourists and let them take their pictures. In addition to being a botanical park, this location is home to the Baguio Arts Guild, which hosts various creative programmes. In addition to this, it is home to a significant amount of indigenous flora and wildlife and serves as the primary hub for the cultivation of pine seedlings.
Mines View Park
The location of this park is in the north-eastern part of the city. It is well known for its breathtaking views of gold and copper mines, and in addition to that, it provides tourists with a glimpse of the stunning mountains and valleys that make up the Cordillera Mountain ranges. Native handicrafts such as wooden carvings, silver and gold jewellery crafted with the touch of the locals, and others such as native baskets, designed knitwear, and a lot more are sold at the market’s long lines of booths, which are also renowned.
Kabayan Mummies
The village of Sagada, often known as the town of hanging coffins, can be found in close proximity to the city of Baguio. About three miles away from Sagada is where the caverns containing the mummies of the Kabayan people are located. The caverns, which are lined with miniature coffins, have been the location of the discovery of hundreds of mummified bodies.
Mansion House
This home, which can be found in the city’s eastern neighbourhood, was constructed back in the year 1908. It was the official house of the Governor General of the United States. The palace, which had been destroyed during World War II, was reconstructed the following year, in 1947. There is a small museum located within the mansion’s gates, which have a look that is comparable to that of the gates leading to Buckingham Palace. Another structure inside the property serves as the official house of the President of the Philippines when they are in the city of Baguio.
Baguio Cathedral
This Catholic Cathedral, which was consecrated in the year 1936, takes the cake when it comes to size when compared to the other churches in the city. During World War II, it served as a safe haven for residents in the town who were standing against the Japanese bombs. Rose bricks were used in the construction of this cathedral, which can be found on a hilltop and is located smack dab in the midst of the city. The cathedral is a magnificent building that has two spires in its construction. In addition, the Cathedral provides tourists with an impressive perspective of the city.
Philippine Military Academy
The Philippine Military Academy has a geographical area that is 914 acres in size and is located around 6 miles outside of the main city of Baguio. This school is housed in a historic fort that goes by the name of Fort Del Pilar. The fort was given its name in honour of a valiant commander who fought in the Tirad Pass Battle and was known as Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar. In the year 1908, this institution was relocated from its previous location in Intramuros, Manila to Baguio. The Philippine Armed Forces may complete their training here over the course of four years.
