It was summer of 2007, our first time in Baguio City. Having a little money on our pocket but full of excitement to see the City of Pines, we were able to enjoy my first summer vacation. It was a budget trip, for only p5 thousand for 3 days and 2 nights stay, we need to look for an affordable yet clean, nice and safe place to stay. It was 6AM when we arrived at Victory Liner Baguio Terminal and it is usual that somebody will approach you & offer to bring you to transient homes. The room was clean and we were provided with blankets. There will be additional fees if you want to use the stove. I was surprised how cold the water coming from the faucet when I took a bath. So I asked the caretaker if they have hot and cold shower and I was told that I can use the stove to prepare hot water but with additional fee of Php100.00 a day. The bathroom lacks cleaning and brushing and it's not draining very well. Of course, we did not want to stay here for the rest of our trip so we look for another place. We stayed at Benguet Pine Tourist Inn, a small hotel but clean, with private toilet and verandah. It's also walking distance to most tourist spots in Downtown area, located right across Burnham Park. For a room of only Php 500.00/night including breakfast, hot and cold shower, blankets and towels were provided too. Hotel staff were very accommodating & friendly. This budget accommodation is better since we will be in spending most of our time outside the hotel.
We were able to visit Burnham Park, Session Road, Baguio Cathedral, The Mansion, Wright Park, Mines View Park, Baguio Botanical Garden and Lourdes Grotto. We spent most of the time at Session Road. Baguio experience will never end with a visit to most Pasalubong Stores and we decided to get them from Baguio Public Market and Mines View Park. With a little budget on our tour, it ended up having few pasalubong for my family.
Baguio is known of its cultural, historical and scenic attractions and you will never go wrong visiting this place. I must say, we were not prepared for this trip and it was our first time, having no idea of where to go and what place to visit first, sometimes we end up exhausted just walking around downtown area. Though tired, we still able to enjoy Baguio's great natural beauty and chilly weather.
My Baguio Pasalubong List:
- Strawberry Jam
- Fresh Honey from Benguet
- Lengue De Gato
- Fresh Fruits from La Trinidad like Sagada Orange
My Recommendation:
- For first time visitors of Baguio City, I suggest you make an itinerary of places you want to visit.
- Check hotels and pension houses that offers affordable, safe and clean rooms.
- For a budget trip, you can stay in transient homes or hotels that offers low rates.
- Don't forget to bring your best foot gear and sweaters.
- Plan your trip, search the internet and read blogs and reviews of other travelers esp if you're coming during Holidays and Baguio's Panagbenga Celebration.
Benguet Pine Tourist Inn
82 Chanum Cor. Otek St., Baguio City
Tel No.: (+074) 442-7325
Fax No.: (+074) 443-3109
Located right across Burnham Park
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