Baguio Bliss: Personal Tips, Opinions, and Must-Try Recommendations as of September 2023

 

Baguio Bliss: Personal Tips, Opinions, and Must-Try Recommendations as of September 2023

OPINION: 


This will be my third time visiting Baguio, and I can honestly say it's been even more enjoyable than I expected.


Baguio is a popular destination for many people, and I'm already planning to come back in a few months. Four days and three nights just aren't enough, especially because some activities were affected by the weather or temporarily closed.


In the future, I'll make sure to check the weather forecast when going to Baguio, and I recommend sticking to your itinerary to fully enjoy everything the city has to offer.


When people found out about my trip back to Baguio, I got a lot of questions. Here are some common ones: 


HOW MUCH BUDGET DO YOU NEED BEFORE VISITING BAGUIO?

-It actually will depend on your personal preference on how you want to budget your trip. Because there are a lot of budget trip in Baguio and there are some go to places that could be a bit expensive than others. 


The amount you need for your trip to Baguio really depends on how you prefer to manage your budget. There are budget-friendly options, but some places might be a bit pricier than others.


For example, during my visit to Igorot Kingdom in September '23 with a friend, we spent 900 pesos. Here's the breakdown:


  • Parking: 100 pesos
  • Entrance: 100 pesos/person
  • Photo with the dog: 100 pesos
  • Igorot Costume Rental: 50 pesos/person
  • Photo Souvenir: 150 pesos/photo (2)
  • Ice cream: 50 pesos/ice cream

But, you can actually enjoy it for only 150 pesos/person for entrance and Igorot Costume rental (plus parking if you have a car).


If you're wondering how much to budget for your trip, in my opinion, I'd suggest the following:


  • Baguio on a tight budget - 5000 pesos / pax ( minimum)  D.I.Y.

Transportation alone may cost around 1800 pesos or less for a round trip. Budget accommodations are also available, including transient houses and budget hotel rooms. Baguio offers plenty of affordable food options, although you might need to explore a bit, as some hidden gems are usually tucked away. Based on my experience, these budget-friendly places are often in less obvious locations.

Your choice of activities is crucial too. Creating an itinerary is essential, especially if you want to keep transportation costs low. Some activities are close to each other, making it more cost-effective. Following your carefully planned itinerary can help you make the most of your trip without overspending on transportation.

  • Baguio on an okay budget - 1,500-2,000 daily budget / pax  (Tours)

Since you've opted for a tour package from an agency, having a budget of 1500 pesos is quite generous. With accommodation and transportation taken care of, you can allocate this budget for various experiences. Best to come with 2,000 for you to fully enjoy activities. Enjoy indulging in local foods, buying vegetables, grabbing souvenirs, exploring the night market, and more.

Feel free to treat yourself to some of the food recommendations you've seen on TikTok, even if they are a bit pricier. The advantage of a tour package is that you don't need to worry about checking your itinerary constantly because the agency has already organized it for you. This leaves you more freedom to savor the moments and the delights that Baguio has to offer. 

  • Baguio on an okay budget  -  10,000 pesos to  12,000 pesos per pax (DIY)
I recommend going in a group of 4 to enjoy the luxury of a nice hotel, where you can have peace of mind for your belongings and a great overall experience. Some hotels offer rates of 3,000 to 4,000 pesos per night for 4 people, including breakfast. Alternatively, there are nice Airbnbs available for around 2,000 pesos; you just need to search thoroughly.

Activities and transportation might cost around 1,000 to 1,500 pesos per day. Baguio offers a diverse range of food, with meal can cost around 300 pesos per person. It's good to have an estimated budget of 1,000 pesos per day for food. Souvenirs could cost around 1,000 pesos or less.

Here's an example breakdown for a 3-day, 2-night trip:

  • Hotel: 2,000 pesos
  • Activities (including some food trips): 3,000 to 3,500 pesos
  • Roundtrip Transportation: 1,800 pesos
  • Transportation (within Baguio): 1,000 pesos
  • Food: 3,000 pesos
  • Souvenirs: 1,000 pesos

*Note: Some prices are estimated at their highest, and the actual costs could be higher or lower.

  • Baguio as a king/queen -  20,000 pesos to 25,000 pesos/pax 
This is it, you have reached the moment in your life that spending your money on yourself and experience is the your top priority and just enjoying the moment without thinking of cutting budget. 

Go ahead and book that hotel that promises comfort and luxury. Engage in all the exciting activities that Baguio has to offer. Splurge on high-quality souvenirs, like the Good Shepherd jam that adds a delicious touch to your memories, even if it costs 400-450 pesos per jar. Treat yourself to the high-end food recommendations you've seen on TikTok. Explore fine dining and relish every moment.

Support the local artists in Baguio by investing in their unique creations; you might find a painting that speaks to your soul for as low as 3,000 pesos. Embrace the vibrant atmosphere of Baguio's night market and share the joy by buying strawberries for your family.


Regardless of whether you're on a tight budget, an okay budget, or even a king-sized budget, the key is to fully immerse yourself in the Baguio experience and relish every moment. Time seems to fly, and in my opinion, my 4 days and 3 nights passed quicker than I anticipated.

Make the most of your trip by planning ahead. Enjoy the unique charm of Baguio, explore its attractions, savor the local cuisine, and appreciate the artistic and cultural aspects of the city. The memories you create during your stay will undoubtedly be worth the effort and resources you invest. So, plan diligently and seize the opportunity to make your Baguio adventure truly unforgettable.



SHOULD I DO DIY OR TAKE A TOUR? 

Choosing from D.I.Y and Tours could be a big decision for some but people usually opt for the D.I.Y but in my opinion, taking tours could also be good for you. Here are some factors for both:

DIY (Do It Yourself) 

1. Flexibility: You can set your own schedule, be spontaneous about your plans and no need to rush 
2. Cost: It could be more budget friendly because you control your expenses and you can choose affordable options for everything else
3.Personalization: You can tailor - fit an activity according to your likings
4. Local Experience: You have more opportunities to interact with locals and to discover some hidden gems.
5. Planning : This will require time and effort. You need to research and organize everything from transportation to accommodation to activities. 
6. Privacy - You have your own privacy in this trip because you're not in a group of random strangers. 

Guided Tours

1. Convenience - Everything is already taken care off, you don't have to do anything but to enjoy the moment. 
2. Expertise - Tour guides are more knowledgeable about the destination and could provide you  more information about the place you're visiting. 
3.Social Aspect - This allows you to meet fellow travelers such as yourself. Share knowledge in traveling. 
4. Stress - Free- eliminates the stress of going to unfamiliar destination cluelessly. 
5. Limited Flexibility: Tours have a fixed iterinary which is strictly to be followed.
6. Cost - Since bundle expenses are together, tours can sometimes be more expensive but could be cost - effective for certain destinations or with complex iterinaries.

  • What to consider?
1.Destination complexity - Distance, language barriers are something to look out for. If you have a more complex destination, it's better to have a guided tour. 
2 Solo or group travel: If you're a solo traveler that is okay with having strangers to travel with you, go for guided tour but if you're someone who wants to have their personal space while on the trip, go for DIY 
3.Budget : Do your research and evaluate how much budget will align with the costs of a DIY trip versus a guided tours


In my opinion, the choice between DIY and guided tours boils down to your travel preference but still it can offer the best of both worlds. While many prefer the freedom of DIY to fully enjoy themselves in a destination, guided tours have their ups. Before traveling on a tight budget, I usually calculate transportation and accommodation costs and explore available tour options online to find the best fit for both budget and time.

For a Baguio trip, I recommend considering a guided tour while ensuring you stay in the type of accommodation that suits your preferences. For instance, a 2D1N guided tour typically costs around 2,500 pesos, providing the convenience of transportation and a chance to visit multiple attractions efficiently. DIY, while offering flexibility, may limit the number of attractions you can cover in the same time frame.

Remember, the choice ultimately depends on your travel style and priorities. If you value a well-organized itinerary and the chance to see many attractions in a short time, a guided tour might be ideal. However, if you prefer a more personalized and flexible experience, DIY could be the way to go.

   

 WHERE TO GO IN BAGUIO?


I will create a different blog about places and food trips to try in Baguio and link would be here once posted : (x) 



WHY CHOOSE BAGUIO AS YOUR NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION?

Baguio is one of the most famous tourist spots in the Philippines, being a well-developed mountain city situated in the province of Benguet. Recognized as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, it owes its reputation to the refreshing cool climate it offers. Traveling to Baguio offers unique and different experience for several reasons: 

1. Cool Climate - If you're looking for a place that provides a cool climate, especially during the hot summer month. Go get your jackets ready!
2.Scenic Beauty - There's a lot of picturesque views and natural beauty that makes you wonder how is there a place so beautiful that it calms you down. Go get your camera ready!
3.Cultural Attraction - There is a lot of historical sites in Baguio and in each place you visit in Baguio provides a story. It's best to explore the city's rich heritage and architecture. Go get your pen and notebook!
4.Art and Museum - If you're looking for a place where culture and art is together. People in Baguio are truly artistic and you might be inspire to create are for yourself. Get your paintbrush ready!
5.Panagbenga Festival - This is what they call the annual flower festival where people celebrate the region's cultural heritage and the beauty of it's blooming flowers. Baguio is alive with colors, creativity and community spirit with a lot of activities and events. Prepare on February!!
6.Local Cuisine - If you're a foodie, Baguio is known for it's unique local food item especially the strawberries. Get your spoon and fork ready!
7. Outdoor activities - There are a lot of outdoor activities such as hiking and boating and adventure sports where you can explore nearby trails and viewpoints. Get your shoes ready!
8.Shopping - There are so many good finds in Baguio and as well for their creative souvenirs. Get your money ready!
9. Relaxation - BAGUIO IS YOUR PEACEFUL ESCAPE. GET YOUR MIND AND HEART READY. 


WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BAGUIO?

Anytime is suitable for a visit to Baguio, and my friend and I experienced this firsthand when we explored the city on a weekday in September. We had some attractions like go-karting and mini-golf all to ourselves. The best time to visit really depends on your preferences for DIY travel. However, locals shared some recommendations:

  • FEBRUARY ( PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL) 
  • DECEMBER TO APRIL ( DRY SEASON) 
  • DECEMBER ( CHRISTMAS SEASON)
  • JUNE - OCTOBER ( OFF PEAK MONTHS)
  • NOVEMBER TO MARCH ( FLOWER BLOOMING SEASON)
In terms of recommendations, many strongly suggested returning in February to witness and experience the Panagbenga Festival.

Baguio experiences two distinct seasons, characterized by wet and dry conditions. Despite the weather, Baguio offers various ways to enjoy its unique charm, so don't let rain discourage your plans. For those seeking outdoor activities and sightseeing, the period from January to April is ideal. While the Christmas season tends to attract crowds, Baguio's renowned festive atmosphere and the array of Christmas-related activities make it a special time to visit. Choosing off-peak months ensures a more serene experience, as fewer visitors grace the city. Additionally, from November to March, Baguio transforms into a captivating display of colors during the flower blooming season, providing a breathtaking experience for nature enthusiasts.

Note: Be mindful that weekends and holidays tend to bring more visitors to Baguio, potentially leading to busier conditions.





That concludes this blog post. Keep in mind, every trip to Baguio adds a distinct chapter to your travel tales. Plan carefully, uncover those hidden gems. I trust this blog has been useful, and if you have any more questions, feel free to leave a comment. Safe travels! 
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