After a long bus ride through winding mountain roads from Sagada, it was a relief to arrive in the cool, pine-scented air of Baguio. Often called the “Summer Capital” of the Philippines, this city has a completely different vibe than the beach resorts. It’s energetic and lively, full of university students and bustling life.
At the first evening we visited a restaurant popular with local university students. The cuisine here was fantastic, full of flavor and creativity, but at a friendly price.
At the next morning our first stop was the lush, peaceful Botanical Garden, where we spend long hours among blooming orchids and sculptures depicting the culture of the northern tribes. After that, we went to the famous Mines View Park. The terrace offered a magnificent view of the Benguet mines and majestic mountain ranges, making it the perfect spot for some fresh air and photo opportunities.
Baguio’s history has taken a very different path than most other Philippine cities, as it was not Spanish colonizers but Americans who transformed it into a modern city in the early 20th century. The area, located 1,500 meters above sea level, was originally home to the Ibaloi tribe of the Igorot people, who called the area “Kafagway.” The name “Baguio” comes from the Ibaloi word “bagiw,” which refers to a local type of moss.
The turning point came in 1900, when the American administration discovered the area’s cool climate, which provided a perfect escape from the tropical heat of Manila. The city was designed by renowned American architect Daniel Burnham, who envisioned a European-style “mountain sanatorium” with parks. On September 1, 1909, Baguio was officially declared the “summer capital” of the Philippines, and since then, part of the government has moved here every year during the hottest months.
The dark chapter in the city’s history is linked to World War II. The Japanese occupation of the Philippines began and ended here: in December 1941, the first Japanese bombs hit Baguio, and in 1945, the surrender of Japanese forces was signed at Camp John Hay. After the war, the city was rebuilt and became a center for education and tourism, although the massive earthquake of 1990 caused severe damage to the infrastructure.
One of Baguio’s most unique attractions is the “Tam-awan Village,” a living museum of the traditional architecture and art of the Cordillera region. Here, you can see original Ifugao and Kalinga huts that were transported here in pieces and rebuilt. Interestingly, the city is also a member of the UNESCO “Creative Cities” network, thanks to its rich artisanal traditions, especially silversmithing and weaving.
Gastronomic attractions include the “Strawberry Farm” in neighboring La Trinidad, where tourists can pick their own strawberries – the only place in the country where the climate allows them to be grown. Here you can also taste the famous strawberry taho (sweet tofu dessert). In addition, Baguio is famous for its “haunted houses”, such as the Laperal White House, which, according to local legends, is the site of paranormal phenomena and has now become a popular destination for dark tourism.
