Travel Tips for Baguio Visitors
Traveling to Baguio City is not much different from visiting other cities in the Philippines in that all the modern conveniences are available as Baguio is an urban center that just happens to be set in a beautiful natural landscape.
However, Baguio City is not your typical Philippine destination as it is located about 1,524 meters above sea level. That means the temperatures here can go from pleasantly cool to freezing!
In a country like the Philippines that boasts of 7,107 islands, one would not expect temperatures that reach as low as 7˚C in December and January.
Although beaches are just an hour away, bikinis and tank tops should not be the first items on your "What to Pack" list.
On second thought, you may want to make a mental note to bring them along anyway since we do have several swimming pools in the city, not to mention spas and saunas. There are also wonderfully rejuvenating hot springs present at the base of Asin and Kennon roads, by the way.
Before Your Trip
1. Secure lodging accomodations
• During the high season (October to May) it may be hard to find an available suitable room or house for your group if you don't make prior arrangements.
• Avail of discounts usually offered on off-peak months, June to September.
2. Plan your meals
• if you like to cook, the Baguio City Market offers fresh highland vegetables and meats.
• and if you like to dine out, Baguio can be turned into a culinary adventure (and average checks here are usually lower than elsewhere).
• If you are planning to prepare your own meals, this will also determine what type of lodging you will book for your vacation.
3. Choose the best mode of transportation for you.
• If by public transport - check trip schedules for buses and planes , ask about cancellation & postponement policies, baggage allowances.
• If by private car - load a full tank of gas in Manila, as prices per liter are higher in the provinces (a funny Philippine situation, as the northern oil refineries are in La Union province, onlty 40km away from Baguio City); bring a road atlas, if you can, in case there are unexpected detours along the way; check tire pressure, oil, and water before you hit the highway because the Northern Luzon Expressway Patrol will have your car towed within 30 minutes should it break down along the way.
4. Check weather conditions - click this link for a 5-day weather forecast.
• Generally, when it rains in Manila it also rains in the City of Pines, when it comes to thunderstorms and rainshowers. It's a different story when it comes to typhoons, though. For example, Manila did not experience the fury of typhoon Feria the way Baguio was not subjected to the wrath of typhoon Milenyo.
What to Pack
• Jacket or Sweater
• Scarf, shawl or any suitable wrap
• Headgear (hat or cap)
• Sunglasses (clear blue skies we
have)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Outdoor clothes
• An umbrella (for when it rains & for
when the sun shines)
• Evening wear (the night life can be
pretty good)
• Specific outfits & gear to match your
favorite recreational activity: golf,
horseback riding, skating, swimming
(fine, bring the bikini along!), biking,
paintball, etc.
• A camera, of course
• Toiletry items are available at regular
prices at convenience stores.
• Now, personal stuff like prescribed
medications or your favorite ablutions
you do have remember to bring.
Note: If you will be proceeding to Sagada, please check out this article for other items you should pack for your Sagada adventure,
Travel Tips for Baguio Visitors, your Trip Planner, is divided in three parts: "Before Your Trip," "Upon Arrival" and "Before Leaving." For easier reading please peruse all three pages to receive maximum benefits!
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