Article: May Rosito| Photos: Ela Naparan| Topic: Travel Tips
Baguio weather can be very deceptive but never make the mistake of leaving that bulky, thick jacket at home. It’s almost summertime, but nights in Baguio City can still get pretty cold. If you love autumn fashion then Baguio is the best place in the Philippines to sport that kind of fashion.
One of the biggest mistakes tourists make is that they always want to visit all the hot tourist spots only to be disappointed by the number of tourists that flock there. I suggest visiting the underrated restaurants and coffee shops that surround Baguio. The experience of eating out is better if it’s at a nice secluded restaurant or coffee shop—something that’s becoming a trend in the city lately. Here are some places you can check out while you’re here:
Baguio is a relatively small city,and a lot of locals would say that it is best explored on foot. So be sure to pack comfortable shoes. Leave your heels behind because you’re not going to need it anyway.
There are many places you can get to by foot, and the weather is just perfect for walking because it’s not too cold and not too hot either. If you must commute, taxis are cheap and taxi drivers in Baguio are known to be very friendly and honest. You would never have to negotiate taxi fares because all Baguio taxi drivers use the meter and return your change immediately even if it’s just one peso (0.019 US Dollar).
Baguio is not only known for being cold, it is also known for being wet. Rain is almost unpredictable in this city and sometimes it lasts the whole day. Make sure to pack a small rain coat or an umbrella unless you want to explore drenched in the rain and freezing from the cold. Don’t get discouraged from the rain though, this just means that you can always bundle up and drink hot coffee or cocoa while watching the rain. As melancholic as it sounds, it’s actually very relaxing and therapeutic.
When the weather is cold, you’ll be showering with hot water thus your skin will eventually dry up faster. Lotions, lip balms, and facial moisturizers are a must especially when you go out. Every local knows how dry and cracked the skin during the coldest months in Baguio which is super annoying so don’t forget to pack up on moisturizers!
Baguio locals go crazy over the night market. But what should one expect in Baguio City’s popular night market? One is the crowd—there’s going to be a lot of people there so make sure you keep your wallet and phones safe. Bargain clothes, shoes, bags and other local merchandise are either laid down on the pavement or hung in the clothes rack. You will literally feel the local vibe of the city around you as you walk around the night market so enjoy every bit of it. The night market is the best place to shop for extra clothes in case you haven’t packed enough.
Vegetables are as fresh as they can be because the surrounding areas around Baguio are mostly farms. It can also be the best place for you to eat strawberries. Not far from the city is a strawberry farm where you can pick your own strawberries. It’s definitely one of the activities one must experience.
This tip applies to everywhere you travel to. It’s always good to reserve some luggage space for souvenirs because you never know when you’d be able to visit that place again. For Baguio first timers, buying ube and strawberry jam is a must.
Ube is basically sweet purple yam that is made into a creamy jam. It is best eaten straight from the jar or spread on bread. Strawberry jam is also a popular souvenir choice because the jam sometimes has whole strawberries included. These are just a few of Baguio’s famous merchandise so make sure to stock up on it.
Most Baguio locals would tell you to visit Burnham Park because not only is it close to the center of the town, it also is a place teaming with people who make a livelihood out of Baguio’s tourism. There are lots of activities to do in Burnham Park so make sure you try them out. This would be a big help to the locals who works at the park. Some activities you can do is boating and biking.
** It’s undeniable that there are a lot of things to explore in Baguio City. What’s your version while studying English in Pines Academy?
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