Go on An Adventure in The Summer Capital — Baguio City
Baguio City, located in the northern part of the Philippines, is known to be the summer capital of the country. Annually, during the hottest months of the year, hundreds of tourists flock to the city for a short vacation. The area’s cool climate makes it a perfect travel spot for people wanting to escape the unbearable summer heat. But aside from that, what makes this travel destination so famous?
There are many places to see and things to do in the city. Whether you’re a nature-lover, adventure-seeker, or just craving a relaxing time away from home, Baguio has it all for you. With that, here are some of the attractions people go to Baguio for:
Strawberry picking
Because the Philippines is a tropical country, strawberries aren’t a staple fruit that’s grown anywhere. It’s rare to spot this delicious fruit in markets and on the off chance that it happens, it’s usually very expensive. However, in Baguio, strawberries are available all throughout the year. At an affordable price, farms allow tourists to pick the strawberries freshly the patch. This activity has long been established to be a Baguio City symbol that it’s almost impossible to visit the location and not have your about-to-pick-a-strawberry-while-crouching-down photo taken. It truly is a must.
Horseback riding
Speaking of symbols, another thing that has also been proven to be Baguio City’s trademark is a horse. Whether you’re an experienced horseback rider or just a curious observer, there won’t be any problems! There are guides and trainers that make sure everything is safe both for the people and the horses, too. You can choose to either just have your picture taken or really take the horse on a ride around the park. Like I said, Baguio City caters to everybody.
Boat riding
Those who are travelling to Baguio for the first time certainly won’t fail to do this activity. Just imagine being on a boat, with the cool air in the middle of the peaceful Burnham lake — isn’t that just perfect? Tourists love boat riding especially families with kids as paddling really makes for a fun experience for them. Large group of friends, too, can be frequently seen as customers; and couples, as they choose a smaller boat for a more intimate time. Furthermore, no one should be worried about safety because professionals are there to oversee people’s activities in the lake. They regulate the number of people per boat and strictly require the use of life jackets. Just paddle away and make sure to return to the dock within the allotted time!
Bike riding
I can’t think of a more relaxing way of touring the park than with a bike. Bike rental services are scattered around many areas in the city and it’s incredibly affordable too. You can choose the type of bicycle you want as they have many different options. There are single bicycles and bicycles with side car as well. Again, safety is of the utmost importance, that’s why the use of helmets is mandatory for all riders.
Native delicacies
After doing all the activities the city has to offer, one must certainly feel tired and hungry. Now it’s time to satiate our stomachs. Lucky for us, Baguio is known for its delicious specialty foods. When you come to Baguio, the strawberry ice cream in a cone is a must-try. It’s sold by street vendors roaming around for a cheap price. Of course, you have the option to get the fancier ones in restaurants too but the ones that come in cones provide the most authentic experience. Aside from the ice cream, strawberries are also used to flavor a famous street food called taho. Taho is made with tofu, sweetened with syrup, and often eaten for breakfast. The strawberry flavor really adds a unique taste to it. Strawberry jam, along with ube (purple yam) jam, are another popular Baguio delicacies. These are cheaper in the city too so people usually buy a lot to bring back home. Peanut brittle, choco flakes, and snow flakes are also delicious snacks locally made in Baguio. Make sure to leave ample space in your luggage so you could bring home as many as you want!
Thrift shopping
If there’s one thing to stay up late for in Baguio City, that should be the infamous night markets. The city’s night markets are popularly known for the wide array of inexpensive thrifted items. If you want a unique piece to add to your wardrobe without spending a fortune, then you’ve come to the right place. Many avid thrift-shoppers go each night to scour through the racks so be wary of how crowded the place can be. I’m sure after a while you’ll find a piece or two that you fancy.
Ghost hunting
Do you think picking strawberries and riding boats are not really your kind of an adventure? Then maybe ghost hunting is what you need! There are companies in the area that offer ghost tours around the city. They manage everything and you get to be informed about the places you visit so this can definitely be a nice option. Or better yet, for a more authentic experience, drive around the city and look for the most famous ghost hunting spots to see for yourself if the stories are true. Several haunted places are widely-known so just ask a local and they’ll surely point you the way. Among these popular spooky spots is the abandoned Diplomat Hotel. Ready your flashlight, bring a friend or two, and make sure you ready your heart too.
If you’re up for an enchanting adventure make sure to add Baguio City to your bucket list. It’s definitely not just a summer destination. No matter what the season is, the magic lives — it’s just waiting for you to experience it.
