Is Baguio Still Worth Visiting? My January Travel Notes

Baguio, often called the Summer Capital of the Philippines, is a city that invites you to slow down. Tucked away in the mountains of northern Luzon, it’s known for its cool climate, pine-scented air, and a unique blend of tradition and creativity.

Whether you’re here for the strawberry taho, ukay-ukay shopping, or just a quiet escape from the city heat, Baguio always has a way of making you feel refreshed, like you’re exactly where you need to be.

I visited Baguio this time in January, tagging along with my boyfriend and his sister. She had some things to take care of in this city, so we decided to make a short trip out of it and spend a day or two enjoying the cool mountain air.

On our first day, we didn’t really have any plans. While his sister went off to handle her errands, my boyfriend and I had the day to ourselves free to wander and take things slow.

For this trip, we took a midnight bus from Manila(12:30 AM ride), with tickets costing around PHP 630 per person one way. We arrived in Baguio around 6 to 7 AM, just as the sky was turning light. My boyfriend’s sister went off to take care of her errands, while the two of us started exploring the city on foot.

We randomly found a small local eatery and ordered one of my all-time favorites: lugaw. There’s just something extra comforting about a warm bowl of rice porridge in Baguio’s cool, early-morning air. It felt like pure happiness in a bowl.

IT’S LUGAW!!!!(BY YVONNE)

Since it was January, the weather was noticeably colder than in Manila. If you’re planning to visit around this time, I’d definitely recommend bringing a warm jacket or a thicker sweater.

After breakfast, we wandered through nearby shops, the local market, and eventually ended up at a church. As it turned out, there was a wedding happening that morning, so we stayed for a while and quietly watched. It felt like one of those beautiful, unexpected travel moments you can’t plan for.

By the afternoon, it was almost time for our Airbnb check-in. We had booked a condo unit at Cedar Peak, which is conveniently located right in the city. While waiting for my boyfriend’s sister to meet up with us, the two of us grabbed a quick bite nearby and just relaxed for a bit.

Once we checked in, we rested for a few hours. After all, traveling all the way from Manila on an overnight bus can be pretty tiring.

But to me, this is what travel is all about — the early mornings, the in-between moments, the quiet breaks between exploring. It’s one of the reasons I love traveling like a backpacker: finding joy in the little things, and letting the journey unfold naturally.

In the evening, we headed to one of Baguio’s most well-known attractions: the Baguio Night Market. We sampled local food and street snacks, and ended up buying quite a few souvenirs and clothes. The prices were incredibly affordable, which made the shopping even more enjoyable.

If you ever find yourself visiting Baguio, don’t miss the night market. It’s lively, budget-friendly, and full of local flavor. The perfect way to end a day in the city.

THE FOODS IN THE NIGHT MARKET(BY YVONNE)

Our second day was when we officially started our sightseeing, the itinerary was planned by my boyfriend this time.

We had looked up a few tour options online, but most of them felt too expensive. Eventually, we settled on one that seemed more reasonable. In the end, though, it felt more like a private car rental with a driver than a full guided tour.

They gave us a suggested one-day itinerary, but many of the entrance fees and other costs weren’t included in the package. For the three of us, the total cost for the driver for the whole day was PHP 4,000.

Our first stop was Mines View Park, where we were greeted by a stunning mountain view that stretched out as far as the eye could see. While we were there, we also tried on traditional local tribal costumes, a fun and memorable experience for only PHP 30 per person. It was definitely worth it for a quick photo and a cultural moment to remember.

traditional local tribal costumes(BY MY BOYFRIEND)

Next, we visited The Mansion and Wright Park. The architecture in this area was elegant and classic, and the air felt especially crisp and clean. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for families, or anyone looking to take a leisurely walk and simply unwind.

The Mansion and Wright Park(BY MY BOYFRIEND)

Our next stop was the Bamboo Sanctuary, a peaceful area filled with towering bamboo stalks that gave Baguio an entirely different atmosphere. It almost felt like we had been transported somewhere else, quiet, green, and a little surreal.

Looking back at the photos we took there, it’s hard to believe we were still in the Philippines. It was such a unique side of Baguio that I hadn’t experienced before.

BAMBOO AND ME (BY MY BOYFRIEND)

After that, we headed to the nearby Botanical Garden, where there happened to be some outdoor art installations. We took some fun photos and grabbed a few snacks while enjoying the laid-back vibe of the place.

After our visit to the Botanical Garden, we headed to a local strawberry farm. Instead of picking the strawberries ourselves, we decided to buy directly from the farmers and vendors nearby. We also picked up some fresh vegetables. It was more time-efficient and budget-friendly — plus, it felt great to support the locals directly.

STRAWBERRYY FARM(BY MY BOYFRIEND)

In the afternoon, we made our way to Tam-Awan Village, where the entrance fee was PHP 60 per person. The village offered a glimpse into local indigenous culture, traditional homes, and artworks. It was a peaceful space filled with creativity and history. After exploring the area, we had lunch at the restaurant inside the village. The food was traditional Filipino fare — simple, satisfying, and familiar.

TAM-AWAN VILLAGE(PHOTOS BY MY BOYFRIEND AND ME)

Later in the day, we stopped by a few of Baguio’s more popular landmarks: the Old Diplomat Hotel, Mirador Eco Park, and Lion’s Head. We didn’t stay long at each spot — just enough to look around, take some photos, and enjoy the views. Each place had its own charm, even if it was just a quick stop.

LION’S HEAD(PHOTOS BY MY BOYFRIEND)

After visiting those sites, our driver brought us back to our accommodation for a short rest. That evening, we went to SM Baguio for dinner and to enjoy the city view at night. We ended the day with a relaxing stroll through Burnham Park, a quiet, beautiful way to wrap up what had been a long but lovely day.

VIEW AT SM BAGUIO(PHOTO BY MY BOYFRIEND)

Baguio may not be new to me, but this trip reminded me why I keep falling in love with it over and over again. It’s not just the cool weather or the beautiful view. It’s the slow pace, the random discoveries, and the small joys like a warm bowl of lugaw on a chilly morning.

Every moment, from cultural sites to simple street food, made this trip feel special in its own quiet way. Tiring as it was, it’s the kind of tired I don’t mind. The kind that comes with full days, full bellies, and a full heart.

Until next time, Baguio.

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