Places to Visit in Baguio, Philippines

Brief Summary

Known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” Baguio is a refreshing mountain retreat famous for its cool climate, pine forests, and vibrant cultural scene. Set 1,540 meters above sea level, this highland city offers a blend of scenic viewpoints, cozy cafés, and colorful flower parks. Whether you’re strolling along Session Road, boating at Burnham Park, or exploring nearby mountain trails, Baguio promises relaxation and adventure all in one. This guide highlights must-visit attractions, insider travel tips, and how to stay connected while exploring the City of Pines.

About Baguio

Baguio sits in the Cordillera Mountains of Northern Luzon and serves as the region’s center for tourism and education. Originally built as a hill station during the American colonial period, it’s now one of the Philippines’ top weekend destinations, especially for those escaping the tropical heat of the lowlands.

For travelers from Singapore, Baguio is a convenient escape via connecting flights to Manila, followed by a scenic 4–5 hour drive through mountain highways. With its unique blend of nature, culture, and creativity, Baguio remains one of the most charming cities in the Philippines.

Quick Facts Table

Stay Connected While Travelling to Baguio

Reliable internet access makes your Baguio getaway more enjoyable — from navigating scenic routes to sharing stunning pine-filled views online. With Circles.Life Borderless Plans, you can stay connected across the Philippines without switching SIM cards or depending on unpredictable Wi-Fi.

SIM Only and eSIM Plans for the Philippines

Roaming Add-ons for the Philippines

Steps to Activate Circles.Life Roaming for Baguio

1. Open the Circles.Life app.

2. Go to Roaming & Data Plans.

3. Select Philippines (Baguio) from the list of destinations.

4. Choose your preferred data plan and complete payment.

5. Activate your plan when you land in Manila or Clark Airport, before heading to Baguio.

Top Attractions in Baguio You Shouldn’t Miss

Baguio offers a mix of scenic parks, cultural landmarks, and cozy hangouts. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full holiday, here are the must-see attractions:

Burnham Park

Located at the heart of the city, Burnham Park is one of Baguio’s oldest and most beloved attractions. Visitors can rent boats on the lagoon, enjoy a picnic, or try local street food in the surrounding stalls. It’s a great place to start your trip and soak in the city’s cool atmosphere.

• Location: Jose Abad Santos Drive, Baguio City

• Entry Fee: Free

• Timings: Open 24 hours

• Why Visit: A relaxing urban park perfect for families and first-time visitors

Mines View Park

Mines View Park offers panoramic views of the Cordillera mountains and old mining towns. It’s a popular spot for photography and souvenir shopping, with stalls selling woven crafts and silver jewelry. Don’t miss trying the local strawberry taho (soy pudding) while taking in the view.

• Location: Outlook Drive, Baguio City

• Entry Fee: ₱10 (SGD 0.25)

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Why Visit: Scenic mountain vistas and a taste of local culture

The Mansion

Once the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines, The Mansion is one of Baguio’s most historic landmarks. Its elegant Spanish-style architecture and manicured gardens make it a popular photo stop for tourists. Although the interior is not open to the public, the gates and surrounding park offer plenty of picture-perfect views.

• Location: C.P. Romulo Drive, near Wright Park, Baguio City

• Entry Fee: Free

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Why Visit: A glimpse of Philippine history and beautiful architecture surrounded by pine trees

Wright Park

Located just across from The Mansion, Wright Park is best known for its horseback riding area and scenic pine-lined paths. Families and children can enjoy short horse rides, while couples often stroll around the picturesque “Pool of Pines.” Local vendors also sell fresh strawberries and crafts nearby.

• Location: Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City

• Entry Fee: Free (₱300 / SGD 7 for horse rentals)

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Why Visit: Family-friendly outdoor attraction perfect for leisurely walks and horseback rides

Camp John Hay

Originally built as a U.S. military rest and recreation facility, Camp John Hay has been transformed into a leisure complex filled with pine forests, cafes, hotels, and golf courses. It’s one of the best spots for a morning jog, an afternoon coffee, or a quiet nature escape.

• Location: Loakan Road, Baguio City

• Entry Fee: Free (some attractions charge minimal fees)

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Why Visit: A mix of history, recreation, and nature with stunning pine-covered landscapes

Baguio Botanical Garden

This garden celebrates the beauty of the Cordillera region’s flora and culture. It features lush walking trails, native huts, sculptures, and flower displays that showcase the area’s artistic side. It’s also a peaceful spot for photography and picnics.

• Location: Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City

• Entry Fee: ₱100 (SGD 2.50)

• Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Why Visit: A colorful and relaxing escape filled with flowers and mountain scenery

Tam-awan Village

An artist’s village that blends traditional Ifugao architecture with contemporary art, Tam-awan Village offers an authentic look at Cordilleran culture. Visitors can explore reconstructed native huts, local art exhibits, and scenic trails overlooking the city.

• Location: Long Long Benguet Road, Baguio City

• Entry Fee: ₱100 (SGD 2.50)

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Why Visit: A cultural immersion spot highlighting indigenous heritage and art

Baguio: What to Know Before You Go

How to Get to Baguio

There are no direct international flights to Baguio, but getting there is easy through connecting routes from Manila or Clark. Travelers from Singapore can fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) or Clark International Airport (CRK), then take a comfortable 4–6 hour land trip via bus or private transfer.

• From Manila: Victory Liner and JoyBus operate direct trips to Baguio’s central terminal (approx. ₱500–₱800 / SGD 12–20).

• From Clark: Travel time is about 4 hours by van or bus.

Getting Around Baguio

Baguio is compact and easy to navigate. The most common way to get around is via taxis, which are affordable and metered. Jeepneys and e-trikes operate throughout the city for short trips, while walking is ideal for exploring tourist areas like Burnham Park and Session Road. Some hotels also offer shuttle services to key attractions.

Best Time to Visit Baguio

The best time to visit Baguio is from November to May, during the cool dry season. The weather ranges between 15°C and 25°C, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor walks.

• December to February: Peak of the cool season — pack a jacket!

• February: The city comes alive with the Panagbenga Festival (Flower Festival), one of the Philippines’ most colorful celebrations.

• June to October: Expect occasional rain, but the fog and mist add a cozy charm to the mountain atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Baguio

• Budget: Hostels and inns near Session Road or Leonard Wood for easy access to shops and cafés.

• Mid-range: Boutique hotels in Mines View Park and Camp John Hay offer scenic views and quiet surroundings.

• Luxury: High-end hotels like The Manor at Camp John Hay provide a mountain lodge experience with fine dining and forest views.

Book your stay easily with Agoda discounts from Circles.Life to enjoy exclusive rates on Baguio hotels and lodges.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Baguio’s cool weather and laid-back atmosphere make it one of the most relaxing destinations in the Philippines — but a bit of preparation helps you make the most of it:

• Stay connected with a local SIM or eSIM. You’ll need reliable data for navigation, booking rides, and discovering cafés and attractions around town.

• Pack for the weather. Evenings can drop below 15°C, so bring a jacket or sweater — especially from December to February.

• Cash vs. card usage. ATMs are widely available, and most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards. Still, bring cash for small shops, jeepneys, and local markets.

• Download useful apps. Grab for transport (available in nearby Clark and Manila), Google Maps for walking routes, and Klook for discounted tours and activities.

• Try local treats. Don’t miss Baguio’s famous strawberry taho, ube jam, and Good Shepherd delicacies — perfect as gifts or souvenirs.

Travel Smart – Get Roaming Plans Before Travel

If you’re traveling from Singapore to Baguio, having a dependable roaming plan ensures your trip runs smoothly from touchdown to mountain check-in. With Circles.Life Borderless Plans, you can activate your eSIM before departure and stay connected across the Philippines — including Manila, Clark, and Baguio — without buying a new SIM or relying on spotty Wi-Fi.

Here’s how to make your trip data-ready:

• Activate before you fly. Set up your eSIM using the Circles.Life app for instant activation on arrival.

• Pick the right plan. The Borderless Plan (100 GB for SGD 30/month) gives you generous data for navigation, uploads, and streaming.

• Stay flexible. eSIMs make it easy to manage your data or top up during longer stays — no need to visit stores or swap SIM cards.

With your plan ready, you can focus on enjoying Baguio’s cool weather, scenic parks, and mountain views while staying online wherever your trip takes you.