Baguio – City of Pines, Summer Capital of the Philippines Part 4

BAGUIO CITY

Tourism

ITOGON WOOD CARVERS’ VILLAGE

The Ifugao Woodcarvers Village, also known as the Itogon Woodcarvers Village, is a tourist spot located in Baguio City where the workshops of native Ifugao wood carvers can be found. The site is famous for excellent quality carvings of wood in different sizes and types. These items are often sold along the village at considerably lower prices compared to elsewhere in the city.

The entire village stretches 3 kilometers long along the Asin Road. Is it also the road visitors pass by when headed to the famous Asin Hot Springs, which is another popular tourist site. It is located 5 kilometers outside downtown Baguio City within the Naguilian area. It is accessible by use of public jeepneys, taxis or by private car.

The long tradition of wood carving in Baguio was said to have started in the town of Hungduan in the Ifugao barrio of Hapao. Ifugaos would stay in the forest for days, just carving wood. The Ifugao wood carvers are known to be the best in the Cordillera region. After World War II in the country, there was an increase in demand for local crafts to be taken home as souvenirs by the tourists. Thus, a mass exodus of wood carvers and their families moved from Hapao to Baguio. Read More: https://cushtravel.com/carving-ifugao-woodcarvers-village/

ASIN HOT SPRINGS

Photo from: texaninthephilippines.com

Discover a lesser-known attraction near Baguio City and head to Asin Hot Spring for a day of relaxation. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to have a rejuvenating dip in one of the most underrated destinations in the province of Benguet.

You will meet up with the others joining the tour at the designated pickup location in Baguio City. When you’re complete, your driver will take you to the town of Tuba. Enjoy the mountainside scenery you’ll pass along the way, and listen closely as your guide briefs you on the day’s itinerary.

Tuba, Benguet is frequented for its therapeutic hot springs. The Asin Hot Spring offers visitors a relaxing retreat for leisure and rejuvenation. The sulfuric water of the spring can relieve muscle pain, stimulate blood circulation, and moisturize your skin. Aside from the soothing thermal water, the lush greenery makes Asin Hot Spring the perfect place to unwind.

Satisfy your love for nature by immersing in scenic mountain views once you arrive in the area. Make sure to try the different facilities the place offers. There are pools for adults, as well as children-friendly ones. Read More: https://guidetothephilippines.ph/trips-and-experiences/hot-cold-spring-tours/rejuvenating-asin-hot-spring-tour-in-baguio-free-roundtrip-transfer

WRIGHT PARK

Photo from: visitpinas.com

Wright Park is one of Baguio’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s the best place to bring family members of all ages, since all the activities here are child-friendly.

We all know that Baguio City served as a retreat place during the American occupation because of its cold climate and natural sceneries. Wright Park is one of the many recreational facilities created during that time, named after Governor Luke Edward Wright, a former Governor-General of the Philippines.

The whole park itself is very picturesque and Instagram-worthy. Take a picture by the Pool of Pines, a rectangular body of water in the middle of the park. Trees are very abundant here, a contrast from the busy Session Road. Read More: https://www.phbus.com/blog/wright-park-in-baguio-city/

PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL

Photo from: theclamorofkalinga.blogspot.com

Panagbenga Festival, which translates to the Blooming Flowers Festival, is a yearly flower event that takes place in Baguio City, bringing together locals and tourists from all over the world.

The use of the word Panagbenga is reflective of the blend of cultural influences from Malaysia and other South East Asian countries. The word translates to ‘the season of bloom’. The popular festival is scheduled for February and is held to celebrate the abundance of flowers in the city.

This has meaning for the locals, especially those who survived the Luzon quake back in 1990, since the festival was first orchestrated as a way for the locals to recover from the devastating event. For a whole month, Baguio City and its streets come alive with spectacular rhythmic dances, pulsating songs and colorful floral arrangements that will interest any avid flower-lovers.

Since this is a month-long festival, there’s a plethora of activities to enjoy and take part in, from the landscaping competition to the golf tournament. As is tradition with most Filipino festivals, a Grand Parade marks the beginning of Panagbenga Festival. The parade is normally held on the February 1st, and can begin as early as 8AM. Don’t be surprised if you’re woken up by the sounds of drums and cheers, especially if you’re staying somewhere near the main city streets. Read More: https://expertworldtravel.com/philippines/panagbenga-festival/