Baguio City is definitely one of the top travel destinations in the country particularly during summer season. However, if you have already visited the city several times, the idea of enduring a long travel up north may not be as enticing as it was during your first visit in the City of Pines. Also, the overwhelming influx of tourists coming to the city every day may not be a great idea for someone who wishes to relax and enjoy vacation.
Before looking for another place to explore this summer, give Baguio City another chance. The Philippines’ Summer Capital has so much more to offer than popular tourist spots like Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Wright Park, and Camp John Hay. In fact, there are a number of spots in the city that you can explore.
Here are five new things you can do in Baguio City
1. Visit BenCab Museum
By Boranzohn (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
Named as Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice for 2014, the museum built by National Artist Benedicto Cabrera houses the artist’s collections of paintings, drawings, sculpture and print. Located at Km. 6 Asin Road, the museum offers a majestic view of nature including a mini-forest, farm, garden, and surrounding forest. The place became even more popular to tourists after being featured in the Star Cinema film “That Thing Called Tadhana”.
For more info, visit http://www.bencabmuseum.org.
2. Explore Baguio EcoPark
Unlike other parks in the City of Pines, the Baguio Ecopark has three features that will certainly captivate the interest of its visitors particularly kids. Situated in a 3.2 hectare fern land in Tuba Benguet, the theme park showcases Dinosaurs Island, The Holy Land, and Tuba Science Museum.
Learn more about this place by visiting http://www.baguioecopark.com.
3. Dine at Oh My Gulay
I’m not really a fan of vegan food but this restaurant has so much more to offer than vegetarian menu. In fact, the artist cafe itself is interesting enough to keep you visually satisfied. Tagged as the hidden gem in the Session Road, the Oh My Gulay Restaurant is owned by artist Kidlat Tahimik, a known writer, actor, and independent film maker. This is definitely a great escape for veggie lovers and art enthusiasts!
You can find Oh My Gulay at the fifth floor of the La Azotea Green Building along Session Road.
4. Unwind at Safari Lodge Restaurant and Bar
Photo Credit : Safari Lodge, Restaurant, Bar & Museum
Nestled at Leonard Wood Road in Baguio, the Safari Lodge Restaurant and Bar is a one-of-a-kind place that features Philippine and African wildlife animals hunted by Celso Tuason, its founder. It’s a perfect place to dine, unwind, and view a collection of stuffed animals. A big plus since it’s conveniently located in front of Botanical Garden.
Check out Safari Lodge Restaurant and Bar’s website.
5. Swim at Asin Hot Springs
Situated in Tuba, Benguet located 10 miles north of Baguio is the Asin Hot Springs which consists of natural mineral hot springs that are said to be therapeutic. From the heart of Baguio City, it will take you around 30 to 40 minutes to reach this place, but it’s definitely worth seeing.