The best way to describe Baguio is a flight to the highlands. At 1,500 meters altitude, its average temperature ranges from 59-78 degrees Fahrenheit. If you see wild sunflowers during November, then you can breathe easily for it signals the end of wet season. By December to early February, the temperature goes down to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Then the next months until May are tropical weather. So, you need to bring the right stuffs such as scarves, coat or sweater for these kinds of weather.
Before starting your journey, be acquainted first with Session Road. This city road is the starting point of all the places you want to visit.
Northwest of Session Road through Jose Abad Santos drive is the Burnham Park. Enjoy taking a boat in the man-made lagoon. Skating rink in the south, orchidarium in the west, bike rentals, picnic grove, Igorot (natives) village and children's playground are available for all families.
Explore northwest again by taking Bokawkan Road and you'll arrive at the Easter Weaving Room. See for yourself the ancient way of cloth weaving as the natives do it back then. Many hand-woven things are available here such as bags, wallets, bed linens and pieces of clothing.
At the base of Session Road, head along on Magsaysay Avenue and you'll find Baguio City Public Market at the very heart of the city. The freshest, yummiest and most delicious vegetables from Cordilleras (mountain regions) are brought here. Juicy and freshly picked strawberries are also sold here. Get also a bottle or two of Cordillera rice wines and buy some fresh flowers for your loved ones. Everything sold here is fresh.
Head southeast of Session Road then take a left on Leonard Wood Road and you'll reach the Botanical Gardens (Igorot Village). This is a great place for photography with all the lovely flowers around you. You'll experience firsthand the native dwellings of the Igorots. Cultural dances and meetings of the tribes are also held here.
By taking the Romulo Drive near the Botanical Garden, you'll arrive at Wright Park. It features the €Pool of Pines.€ Baguio pine trees lined up this 100 meter water. You can also do horseback riding here. Across this park is The Mansion where the current President of the Philippines resides during the summer. It is said that The Mansion gates are a likeness of Buckingham Palace's gates.
For more hiking trips, panoramic hills, gardens, parks, golf course and amphitheater, proceed to Camp John Hay. From Botanical Garden take the Country Club Road and you'll find the entrance to this place.
A must for ube (taro) jam lovers is found in the Good Shepherd Convent, just 1.2 miles away from Botanical Gardens. The nuns from this convent make this delicious preserves including strawberry jam, peanut brittle and coconut jams. Proceeds will go to charities as well as the maintenance of the convent. Here, you get to enjoy the food and at the same time you are able to help others.
Baguio exploration is as easy as counting your fingers. Use the notes above and you'll never get lost.