Baguio City is the summer capital of the Philippines.
Located in northern Luzon, Baguio City was established by the
Americans in 1909, It is sited about 1,500 meters above sea
level, high in the Cordillera mountain range giving the city
an almost temperate climate. Baguio is a favorite vacation destination
of Filipinos & foreign tourist specially during summer because
of its year-round cool climate. It is also known as an educational
center with its 4 universities and several colleges and institutes
in Baguio City’s 49 square kilometer area.
The centrepiece of Baguio City is the Burnham
Park which features a rectangular lagoon and open fields. The
eastern part of the city is dominated by high-class residential
areas surrounding the Camp John Hay, a former American military
recreation zone now turned into a tourist residential-commercial
area.
Baguio as known for being one of the cleanest and greenest cities
in the country, Baguio is certainly a great vacation spot to
relax and enjoy the beauty and the culture of the city. On the
way to Baguio where the "Kennon Road" is , the zigzagging
path previews the scenic highlights of the city. Along the 32-kilometer
highway are the Bridal Veil and Colorado waterfalls. There are
many tourist destination that Baguio can offer that surely captivate
your heart.
Geography
The
three main access roads leading to Baguio from the lowlands
are Kennon Road, Marcos Highway, and Naguilian Highway. Kennon
Road starts from Rosario, La Union and winds through a narrow,
steep valley. This is the fastest route to Baguio but is dangerous,
with landslides during the rainy season.
Marcos Highway, which starts from Agoo, La Union, and Naguilian
Highway, which starts from Bauang, La Union, are longer routes
but are safer than Kennon Road and are the preferred routes
for coaches, buses and lorries. With its charter in 1909, Baguio
is not a part of the Benguet province, though geographically
speaking it's located in the said province.
Other information About Baguio:
Known for being one of the cleanest and greenest
cities in the country, Baguio is certainly a great vacation
spot to relax and enjoy the beauty and the culture of the city.
On the way to Baguio where the "Kennon Road" is ,
the zigzagging path previews the scenic highlights of the city.
Along the 32-kilometer highway are the Bridal Veil and Colorado
waterfalls.
There are many tourist destination that Baguio
can offer that surely captivate your heart. Of course, the famous
"Burham Park" located in the heart of the city, the
park?s features a man-made lagoon ideal for boat rides, a skating
rink, an athletic field and stadium, basketball and tennis courts,
a biking zone, tree-and-flower lined promenades, and a plant
market. That surely anyone could enjoy.
Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay, former
campsite for rest-and-recreation activities of American military
personnel is now popular golfing destination, the camp is being
transformed into a world-class resort, a Baguio?s biggest pine
tree conservation area. With its newly refurbished 18-hole golf
course rivals that of the Country Club which has pretty garden-patched
cottages surrounding its fairways.
Mansion House, the official summer residence
of Philippine presidents. That also serves as museum of presidential
memorabilia. It also offers tourists with great photo opportunities
with its rectangular reflecting pool along a tree-lined walkway.
Parallel to Mansion House, is Wright Park where neophyte riders
can trot around an oval track guided by trainers who lead horses
with a hand-held leash. At the Mines View Park, tourists can
have a panoramic view of the old mines of Benguet. At the park
entrance is a flea market for souvenir items.
The city landmark, Baguio Cathedral located
at the upper part of the city that gives the scenic view of
the city. Another pilgrimage site is the Grotto of Our Lady
of Lourdes which sits on top of Dominican Hill. Devotees prefer
to climb the 252-step ascent than drive through a winding road
to reach the shrine. Bell Church holds a religious service of
mixed Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian and Christian dogmas but tourists
come here to have their fortunes told.
Philippine Military Academy, located on an
elevated pine-forested ground is the the country?s foremost
military learning institution. Its Saturday Morning Parade in
Review by cadets in full regalia never fails to attract visitors.
Within campus vicinity is a Military Museum. A cultural haven
established by noted Baguio artist BenCab, Tam-awan Village
recreates a typical ethnic village in the Cordilleras with authentic
tribal homes uprooted from their original locations and re-set
on similar terrain. There is also an art gallery-cum-coffee
shop.
