Baguio — The Summer Capital★
Baguio City, Benguet, Luzon
BenCab Museum: 120 PHP, Bus ab Manila: ab 500 PHP
Baguio at 1,500 meters altitude is the "summer capital" of the Philippines — the place where Manila escapes the heat. The American colonial government made the city the summer residence at the beginning of the 20th century, and this tradition has been maintained. The temperatures are pleasantly cool all year round (15–25 °C) — a shocking contrast to the humid lowlands.
For travelers, Baguio is primarily a stopover on the way to Sagada and Banaue. But the city has its own charms:
- Burnham Park: The green center of the city with a lake for boating, bike paths, and the best strawberry shake in the Philippines.
- Session Road: The main street with cafes, restaurants, and Baguio's nightlife. On Sundays, it becomes a pedestrian zone.
- BenCab Museum: The best art museum outside Manila, founded by national artist Benedicto Cabrera. Modern Filipino art in a spectacular mountain setting.
- Tam-awan Village: Reconstructed Igorot mountain village with art studios and a café with panoramic views.
- Night Market (Harrison Road): Every evening from 9 PM — second-hand clothing (Ukay-Ukay), street food, and the busiest hustle and bustle in the city.
Getting there: Bus from Manila (Victory Liner or JoyBus, 5–6 hours, from 500 PHP). JoyBus offers reclining seats and WiFi — the most comfortable way.
