Baguio Cathedral or Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral

Baguio City Travel Guide

Baguio City occupies about 57 square kilometers of hilly land about 1,524 meters high in the southwestern portion of the Cordillera Central mountain range in northern Luzon in the Philippines. It is completely surrounded by the province of Benguet, which Baguio used to be a town of before being made into an independent city. It is bordered by the municility of Tuba to the south and west, by Itogon to the east and to the north by Benguet’s capital, La Trinidad.

How to get to Baguio City ?

By bus
From Manila

This is the most common and economical way to get to Baguio from Metro Manila. Several bus lines ply the Metro Manila to Baguio route with terminals scattered across the metro. It generally takes about 5 to 7 hours to get to Baguio by bus. An hour longer than it would by car due to stopovers along the way.
• Victory Liner [2] has hourly bus service to Baguio from its Monumento Main terminal in Caloocan City, Cubao (+632 727-4534) and Pasay (+632 833-5019 to 20) terminals.
• Dagupan Bus, Edsa cor. New York St., Cubao, Quezon City, Tel. +632 929-6123, 928-5639, 727-2330, 727-2287. Also serves the Manila to Baguio route via its Cubao Terminal. Buses leave on an hourly basis.

Things You Need To Know

Panagbenga, which translates to “a season of blooming” is the most visited celebration of Baguio City, Philippines also known as Baguio Flower Festival. The Panagbenga is held yearly during the month of February.

Places of interest

Burnham Park - is the very heart of Baguio City in the Philippines.

It is located at the most valuable piece of Baguio real estate and is free for the enjoyment of visitors and residents alike.

The ‘mother of all parks’ in the Summer Capital of the Philippines, all other developments like the city’s commercial center Session Road, majestic Baguio Cathedral, our
City Hall, and the hugely popular Baguio City Market were built around Burnham Park. It may be accessed from any one of the following roads: Harrison , Kisad Road, Governor Pack and Magsaysay Roads

Baguio Cathedral or Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral - is a Catholic cathedral located at Cathedral Loop, adjacent to Session Road in Baguio City in the Philippines. It is distinct for its rose-colored exterior and is one of the most photographed buildings in Baguio City.[1] It served as an evacuation center during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II.

Session Road – this is where most of the city’s activity is centered

Camp John Hay - the former R&R facility for American military personnel during the American occupation. Was turned over to the Philippine Government in 1991. Now under the auspices of the Bases Conversion & Development Authority (BCDA), Camp John Hay is now a sort of country club complete with an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding, camping and many more. A condotel has also been in operation since 2001.

THe Mansion - The majestic and palatial Mansion House was built in 1908 as the official summer residence for the U.S. Governors-Generals. It was badly damaged during the Second World War and was rebuilt in 1947. Since then, it has served as the holiday home and working office for each President of the Philippines during his or her visits to Baguio. The name is derived from the summer cottage in New England of Governor-General William Cameron Forbes during whose administration the original Mansion House was built.

Over the road from the Mansion House is Wright Park, a place where children are often seen riding the ponies that are available for hire there. Dotted all around the nearby hills are the holiday villas of the wealthy.

Wright Park - which is located at the eastern part of the city and fronting the main gate of the Mansion, is one of the many scenic parks in Baguio City. Its main features are a shallow elongated rectangular body of water known as the “Pool of Pines” and the park circle which is on one end of the park. Postcard-type photographs are usually taken at both ends of Wright Park and when going there it is best to bring along a camera.
Tall pine trees and decorative street lights line both sides of the access road beside the pool. There are times that you will find at the park some Igorots dressed in their native attire and regalia who are willing to pose for a photograph … of course, for a fee. Native handicrafts are also sold at the Mansion end of the park by a few Igorot peddlers. From the park circle is a walkway which leads to a wide stairway made of stones that descend to an area where ponies are rented out.

Mines View Park - is located on a promontary of land about 4 km from downtown Baguio.

Standing on a small observation deck in Mines View Park, the tourist has a spectacular view of the nearby valley and mountains and over the gold and copper mines formerly operated there by the Benguet Corporation.

From the car park and its souvenir shops, the observation deck can be reached by following a winding stone-constructed stairway. Sometimes the stairway can get a bit slippery in Baguio’s damp weather

Baguio Botanical Garden - The Botanical Garden showcases huts of typical Igorot design. Around the park are trees and flowering plants that you can enjoy by walking thru stone-paved pathways. Inside the Botanical Garden, you can also find locally made artworks and some souvenir items.
To get to the Botanical Garden, you follow Leonard Wood Rd, the same road going Saint Joseph church, Pacdal horseback riding grounds, Wright Park, Mansion House and Mines View Park. If coming from the city proper, it is found on the right side just after Teacher’s Camp and before reaching Saint Joseph church or Pacdal Circle.

Philippine Military Academy - Akademya Militar ng Pilipinas) (AMP) is the training school for future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It was established as the “Officers’ School of the Philippine Constabulary” on February 17, 1905 at Intramuros, Manila, but was relocated on September 1, 1908 at Baguio City.

Kennon Road - connects Baguio City with the town of Rosario, La Union in the Philippines. Finished in 1903, it was originally called the Benguet Road and was later named in honor of its builder, Col. Lyman Walter Vere Kennon of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with the help of the industrious Cordilleras and foreign workers. Coming from Manila or the provinces in the central plains of Luzon, it is the shortest route up to Baguio. Although Kennon is the shortest of the three major access roads, travel time is just as long as through the other two because of poor road conditions.

Mount Santo Tomas - stands out with its natural charm and glory. Situated to the northern part of Luzon in Philippines, the city of Baguio features several parks and gardens. The Mount Santo Tomas, Baguio offers remarkable views of the stunning surroundings.
The highest peak in the city of Baguio, the Mount Santo Tomas in Baguio makes for a marvelous spot for the tourists.

Lourdes Grotto - The Lourdes Grotto is a Catholic shrine and place of prayer located on Mirador Hill in the western part of Baguio. Inside the grotto is a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Lourdes Grotto is particularly crowded on Sundays and during Holy Week, when pilgrims and devotees come to seek the blessing of the Virgin Mary.

To reach the shrine the visitor must climb 252 steps. An excellent view of the city is to be had from the grotto.

Bell Church - The Bell Church is a Chinese temple located at the northern part of Baguio City, at the boundary between the capital town of La Trinidad, Benguet.

Intricately designed arches and buildings adorned with flags, bells and dragons, including a pagoda, and several landscaped gardens can also be found within its compound. There are also some Buddhism artifacts to be found here, including some literature about the history of China.

Tam-awan Village - Located at Pinsao Proper, Tam-Awan Village is home to many works of art, courtesy of various artists who use a variety of mediums. The village’s feature include accomodations in authentic Ifugao huts, a venue for conferences, seminars, and workshops, crafts and souvenir shop, eco-tours, cultural shows.
Tam-Awan Village is owned by the Chanum Foundation, an organization founded in 1996.

Hundred Islands National Park Alaminos, Pangasinan

Hundred Islands Alaminos Pangasinan Travel Guide

A trip to Hundred Islands National Park and its home, Alaminos City, is a great diversion from the hustle and bustle of the busy, urban life. Breathe in the refreshing views - rice paddies, azure sea - and the rustic and peaceful lifestyle as you make your way to Alaminos City. And upon arrival, savor the city’s unique and dynamic spirit, friendly atmosphere and especially, the beauty and adventure that lies in the hundred wonders that is Hundred Islands.

How to get to Hundred Islands, Alaminos Pangasinan ?

Public bus lines, namely Victory Liner, Five Star, and Philippine Rabbit have scheduled rides from Manila, Baguio, Dagupan, Subic, Tarlac, and Zambales bound straight to Alaminos City and vice versa.

Things You Need To Know

http://www.hundredislands.ph/ - visit this site for assistance

Places of Interest

Quezon Island

Area: 13, 667 sq. m. (est.2000 sq. m. of beach area)
Flora: molave, kalumpang, igyo, maladuhat
Birds to watch: : pied fantail, Phil. Coucal, black-naped monarch, sunbird, little tern

One of the well-developed and most frequented islands in the Park, it has facilities which include 2 dining pavilions, and grilling area, where you and your family can do the eating and the grilling ;cottages and nipa huts for relaxation and restrooms that assure comfort. Lie in the sand, take in the salty breeze and savor the delectable seafood and swim to your heart`s content.Don`t pass up the chance to snorkel or dive in the island`s azure waters and see its thriving coral and giant clam garden.

Governors Island

Area: 74, 408 sq.m.(est.3000 sq. m. beach area)
Flora: molave type species, sablot, pamalaybayen, panalayapen, siar and molave, kalumpang, balete, kalumpit, kupang, malaikmo and other shrub species
Birds to watch: pied thriller, blue-naped monarch, black-naped monarch, yellow vented bulbul, shrikes, black-naped oriole, kingfisher, pied fantails

The island that captured Pinoy Big Brother`s eye, and turned its guest house into a unique PBB home which can accommodate 8 to 10 people, ideal for family and barkada relaxation, with bedrooms, restroom / bathroom, working kitchen, dining room and living room, furnished with colorful furnitures and linens, ceiling fans and other amenities. It`s also the largest island in the Park, boasting sweeping views of the Park from its view decks and has a small cave, which though has no notable stone formations, is home to bats and swiftlets. Its fine stretch of sand is ideal for sunbathing and its waters make an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling.

Children`s Island

Area: 24, 053 sq. m (est.1, 500 sq. m. beach area)
Flora: kalumpang, molave, balete,bani, panalayapn, is-is, tapinag, malakalumpit, ligas,longaray, botong, other molave type shrub to small tree species
Birds to watch: noisy sunbird, Eurasian tree sparrow, pied fantail, white collared kingfisher, black-naped oriole and Phil.Coucal, little pied fly catcher

It`s an island famed for its features ideal for family get-togethers, especially with children. Its waters near the beach are shallow enough for little kids to practice their budding swimming skills.Adults will have to swim a little further to stretch their limbs. With wooden cottages (with beddings), floating picnic shed, restrooms, tent rentals, camping, cooking and dining areas and amenities like linens and lighting – it`s indeed an oasis for single, family and big group vacationers. Panoramic views also await you as you snake around the island’s walkways and rock ladders leading to higher ground.

Marcos Island

Area: 18, 916 sq. m. (est. 600 sq. m beach area)
Flora: kalumpang, molave, dapdap, igyo, maladuhat, bani, pandan are found at the lower periphery of the island
Birds to watch: white rumped swift, glossy starling, little pied flycatcher, long tailed shrikes

Near Quezon Island and anchored in front of Old Scout Island, is a one of a kind handiwork of nature, named after the former President Ferdinand Marcos. It has three mounds, a helipad and a dose of artfully sculpted mermaid statues. You can clamber the steep, jagged rock pathways around the island, leading to its many vantage points where a different, picturesque view of the shorelines and other islands greets your eye, uniquely captured by the sun at different hours. But the sweet dessert to your visit would be a walk at the 50 meter-trail that ends in a 70-feet drop leading to the cave named for the former President`s better half, Imelda.The single- chambered cave is about 18, 916 sq. m.,rising about 8 meters from the water surface and is a haven for edible-nest swiftlets and insectivorous bats.It`s also accessible by kayak or a daring swim, if one intends to approach its cove from below.

Lopez Island

Area: 7, 561 sq. m (est. 800 sq. m. beach area)
Flora: kalumpang, molave, climbing vines, talisai, maladuhat
Birds to watch: white collared kingfisher, pied fantail, yellow bellied whistler, pied bushcat, island collared dove

A sunbathing heaven with its white fine sand and sparsely covered limestone.Add to that the exhilarating atmosphere that welcomes both the daredevil and the fun guru in you. Indulge in adventure on or under the island`s surrounding water. You can immerse yourself to a relaxing snorkel or you can engage in a kayak challenge with friends. Then, camp late and enjoy a starry night, chatting or simply idling till the wee hours of the evening.

Cathedral Cave

So named because of its size.It`s like stepping inside an ancient, long-forgotten rock cathedral, its beauty ever persistent and timelessly awe-inspiring. The limestone formations, much like those in the St. Paul Subtarranean cave, is a photographer`s haven. Kids will especially enjoy learning a thing or two as they explore the cave`s slightly haunting interior and its coralline limestones, shaped in various sizes and shapes over a thousand years and can be seen by tourists 30 meters away from the island. The cave`s massiveness and rugged features also makes it an adventurer`s dream surprise, and is ideal for spelunking.

Imelda Cave

A cathedral-shaped nature cave, it has two chambers, with the outer chamber accessible via a submerged opening from one side of the island and from an open ceiling which can also be reached by a 30-m trail from the beach area. One of the favorite things to do here is to dive from the tip of the wooden stairs and into the water. The cave which can be reached by swimming, kayaking or rafting is a corner of serene beauty on which one can just lay back and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.

Hundred Islands Leisure Activities