Ever wanted to get to The summer Capital of the Philippines but don't know how?
Feeling a bit unsure on the what's, the how's, and the where's in getting to the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio?
Here's a very easy guide on how to get there from Cebu.
Ready na ka?
Larga na ta!
Important!
If you are going to Baguio for vacation, best times to go there would be in the summer season. During these days the city tends to get hot in the day, but in the afternoon expect the temperature to drop big time. Depending on the location from where you are staying, temperatures might be different.
If you are going there on the rainy season (June - January) these are the days where you can expect to experience the coldest days of the place. The advantage of this is you'll get the chance to experience something new, if you are from the hot areas the Philippines, but the other side of it, is when it rains it really rains, and you wouldn't want to be outside when it happens or else you'll be soaking wet with a jaw dropping temperatures in the afternoon or late evenings.
iTravelskiks Suggests
- That if you are going to Baguio for vacation, best number of days to stay there is only 3-4 days. Why? Because most tourist spots in Baguio can be visited in just a day. After that, you wouldn't have something new to do or to go to.
Baguio is all about the weather, it's not all about the place. - Personal Opinion :)
Here we go!
How to get there
1. Have everything ready
Have everything ready for long haul travel. Again,don't bring too much stuff, just the things you really need as you wouldn't want to get stuck at the airport or having a hard time carrying things walking getting a taxi or to a bus. You know what I mean.
There are no direct flights going to Baguio from Cebu, so you'd have to take CEBU-MANILA flight.
Don't forget about the items not allowed to be hand-carried in the airplane as this might cause you to get stuck at the airport inspection lines. (Gel, Liquid, Paste, flammable, alcohol, etc...) put them in your baggage and have it checked-in.
*It is so much better to get an airline ticket 2-3 weeks before planned departure, as it would be a whole lot cheaper compared to the coming days or on the flight date.
2. Get a Taxi
When you have all the things ready and all set, go get a taxi going to the airport. Never think of taking a jeepney as it would really tire you out and you'd have to transfer from one jeepney to another. It's not gonna be too convenient especially when you traveling with some hand carries with you.
Taxi Fare : Cebu City Area to Airport = Php. 250.00 - Php 300.00
*Be at about 2- 1.5 hours before your flight because the traffic of the area going to the airport is very unpredictable.
*Don't forget to tell the taxi driver to drop you off at the domestic flight entrance.
3. At the airport
Have your ID, ticket, and your Php 200.00 ready for the terminal fee. Have your valuable things in a safest part of your bag as you would have to submit them for an X-ray scan or the usual manual checking by the security guards.
Airport Terminal fee: Php. 200.00
4. Go Check-in
Go and check-in with your chosen airline carrier and after that, head to the final checking going to the pre-departure area.
If this is your first flight, don't you worry. Always remember to stop and think when you are not sure where to go next.
*You can always ask the ground airline personnel or the security guards on where to go next if not sure. Always remember, it doesn't hurt to ask for directions. DON'T MIND THE OTHERS...
5. Airplane
There are several air carriers plying for the route Cebu-Manila but base from personal experience, the best plane to take going there is The Philippine Airlines. Why? Hmmm... Comfort in flight and I think they're using a bigger plane compared to the others. Not sure, but I really cannot feel the same discomfort I can feel when taking the other airlines.
For Flight Schedules and Bookings check the respective airlines' website below:
*iTravelskiks recommends: Taking either Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific Air.
6. Arrival NAIA
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is a biggy. It can be a confusing and intimidating place for first timers. - No worries, be confident, stop, think and ask airline ground personnel for directions or better yet follow the crowd and read airport signs to get your baggage.
*Be Cool Man, You're almost there! :)
Don't know where you are going next?
Head out and follow the crowd. for the exits, you'll be at the ground exit. The taxis you'll find there are the yellow metered taxis.(Expensive ones but a little safer for me)
If you want to get the regular white metered taxis head up using the elevator or stairs to second floor and on the exits you'll find them.
Important: There is nothing bad about asking directions or any form of help from anyone when traveling, but always remember my rule, never trust anyone. Be SMART!
7. Taxi from the Airport
Once you have the taxi already, tell the driver to take you to the VICTORY LINER PASAY TERMINAL. It is very important that you follow this instructions very carefully.
Taxi fare: Yellow Metered taxi = Php 130.00 (+ -) will not go over Php 150.00
Regular Metered taxi = Php 100 (+ -) depending on traffic will not go over Php 120.00
Travel time: 20 - 30 min. - depending on traffic
8. Victory Liner Terminal
Why Victory Liner? Simply because their terminal is the closest from the airport and, when it comes to comfort in travel, I believe it's the best there is. There buses are clean, most are brand new and record wise, their drivers are really good at it.
Try sitting at the front side area of the bus to get a better view of your 6 - 7 hours travel.
Bus Fare: Deluxe = Php 750.00
Regular = Php 455.00 (+ -)
For more info, visit their website click here : Victory Liner Inc.
*Victory Deluxe buses tends to be very cold inside while traveling so if you have some jackets or sweaters it would be very handy.
Travel Time: 6 - 7 Hours W/ 3 Bus stops in between
9. Victory Liner Terminal Baguio
Once you've reached the Victory Liner Terminal Baguio, then you are in for a new weather experience in a lifetime.
10. Where to stay?
Don't know where to stay? There several hotels worth checking that are just a walk a way from SM Shopping Mall, Burnham Park up to Session Road. You might have to check them out first from here and book a room reservation in advance through their websites.
Some Baguio Hotels Click Here : - Hotel Venice
*I cannot recommend any of these hotels, as when I go to Baguio, I stay at my Mom's House.
There are also many transient houses for those people on the go with less budget. They're a whole lot cheaper compared to staying in regular hotels.
11. Transportation
For transportation, as always you can get a jeepney, but if you have no idea where to go, better get a taxi. Their taxis are cheaper compared to Manila and Cebu which is one thing I love about the place.
If you are planning to go and explore Baguio city on a jeepney which is way much cheaper than a taxi, you don't have to worry as you would never get lost so long as you know where to go from Session Road. All jeepneys go back to the City's center.
Places to visit in Baguio
Burnham Park
- at the heart of the city you'll be able to find the all famous Burnham Park where you can see the boat rides from Tagalog Movies and it is where the Boxing Champ Manny Pacman Pacquiao sometimes jogs in his training.
Session Road
- the iconic road of Baguio that when you walk up, would lead you straight to the main shopping mall of Baguio which is the SM Shopping Mall. (Human traffic can be found here)
Mines View Park
- an old mine mountainside
The Mansion
- the Philippine President's residence when in Baguio
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA)
- the top Philippine Military Academy where Philippine Military officers are trained (You'll find some old airplanes, helicopters, thanks and canons.)
The Baguio Domestic Airport
- it's an airport where jeepneys pass through the airport's runways
The Lions Head
- The lions head along Kennon Road
The Strawberry Farm ( La Trinidad, Benguet)
- just a jeepney ride away from Baguio City
The Ultimate Camp John Hay
- old US Military camp that is now under local government control where you can find beautiful US Military Cabins, Old US Officers Houses, Left Behind US military training areas, Golf Course, some cool restaurants and some adventure experience for rent.
There are still other things worth checking but these are the common ones I have here...
Want to take an airplane going to Baguio?
There are flights from manila to Baguio but I do not recommend you taking it. If you really want to,try checking Asian Spirit Airlines if they still have the flights going there.
Now what are you waiting for?
Head up to Baguio Na bai!
Did I mention that in all the places I've been to in the Philippines, you'll find the most beautiful women in Baguio?
Have questions? Ask it here through comments or e-mail me : dieter.rabadon@gmail.com
Thanks!
