Heading to Baguio soon? Here are underrated places to visit on your next trip
Travel junkie or not, Baguio is a must-visit place if you’re needing a nature fix.
After spending long days at work, a quick breather—like an out-of-town trip—is one way to relax and recharge. Traffic congestion aside, the City of Pines’ pretty mountain landscapes, cool breeze, and food options make it a destination worth coming back to during your rest days.
There’s the Night Market, ever-beautiful blooms along the road, nature scenes, and delectable dishes that let you know the scenic city better in every visit.
Baguio is known for its many attractions like Burnham Park, Mines View Park, and Wright Park, but it also has other gems that are still underrated to this day. Here are some that could be worth a spot in your itinerary for your next trip.
Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole
Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole / Facebook
Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole / Facebook
Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole / Facebook
Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole / Facebook
Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole / Facebook
Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole / Facebook
Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole / Facebook
Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole / Facebook
Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole / Facebook
Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole / Facebook
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Discover the world of arts and crafts at Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole food park. Founded by Kidlat Tahimik—a National Artist for Film—this place features uniquely made handcrafts by local artists such as bags, clothes, bracelets, and other souvenirs you can give to your loved ones.
This creative space also screens short films and documentaries made by independent filmmakers.
After a long day, you can enjoy some food from various food stalls in the area. Note that bringing outside food and drinks is not allowed.
Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Baguio Botanical Garden
For lovers of everything nature, Baguio Botanical Garden is worth a visit. This 34-hectare tourist spot is jam-packed with Instagram-worthy places, including displays of a cute farmhouse as well as colorful butterflies, with vibrant blooms elevating its many corners.
The tourist spot also features Japanese, Korea, Thailand friendship parks, and Fil-Chinese parks that relate to history. This is also a good place to chill and hang out with a friend or two as there are picnic tables set in the area.
Baguio Botanical Garden is located at 37 Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City. It's open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is P100 for adults and P25 for children.
Teacher’s Camp
An oldie but goodie place is Teacher’s Camp along Leonard Wood Road. This place does not have an entrance fee, so you can freely enter whenever you want as it's a nice spot for early morning walks or jogs, offering scenic views of the mountains and vibrant flowers around the area.
Mt. Cloud Bookshop
Mt. Cloud Bookshop / Instagram
Mt. Cloud Bookshop / Instagram
Mt. Cloud Bookshop / Instagram
Mt. Cloud Bookshop / Instagram
Mt. Cloud Bookshop / Instagram
Mt. Cloud Bookshop / Instagram
Mt. Cloud Bookshop / Instagram
Mt. Cloud Bookshop / Instagram
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Mt. Cloud Bookshop is a haven for book lovers as it offers books with a wide range of genres—from children’s stories, creative nonfiction, and historical books, to academic books.
It also holds events such as talkbacks with authors, workshops, as well as poetry reading and spoken word from time to time.
Mt. Cloud Bookshop is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Museo Kordilyera
To learn more about the rich culture of the Cordillera Administrative Region, go to Museo Kordilyera, an ethnographic museum under the University of the Philippines Baguio.
Serving as the “repository of the tangible and intangible heritage” of the region, this museum has a collection of preserved artifacts and research materials. It also features an audiovisual room and a 3D virtual museum showcasing their latest exhibits.
Museo Kordilyera is open from Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Walk-ins and reservations are welcome, with an entrance fee of P60 for adults, P45 for PWD and seniors, and P30 for students with valid IDs. Those who are part of the UP community may also enter the premises for free.
Where to stay
Not sure where to stay during your Baguio trip? We came across a hotel that's just near the aforementioned spots. Located at Leonard Wood Road, SotoGrande Hotel is right in front of Teacher's Camp and is just a 10-minute walk to the underrated places stated above.
It also has 188 spacious rooms. Each one is complete with a hot and cold shower, a bathtub, a mini ref, and a smart TV.
Beside the hotel's lounge is a minibar that serves cocktails, mocktails, and good beer from Baguio Craft Brewery, making it a perfect place to cap off your days in the City of Pines.
Rates start at P3,699 per night, good for two guests. Book your stay here.