The Filipino Mom Blog

At least twice a year (during Christmas and Easter), my family goes to Baguio City for a few days of vacation. Because I’m a true-blue Baguio girl, I do my best to ensure that my kids grow up loving the city of my roots. Baguio City is a wonderful place to teach our children the beauty of nature and appreciation for culture.

Baguio has many beautiful parks that are perfect for leisurely walks. But during peak holiday seasons, the parks could easily get crowded. So, instead of doing the usual park rounds, why don’t you get away and visit the lesser-crowded attractions? Here are some:

TAM-AWAN VILLAGE, Pinsao Proper. Tam-awan Village is also called the Garden in the Sky, because it’s etched on the slope of a mountain and has a view of the South China Sea and the lower lands. “Tam-awan” literally means “to look” or “to view”, as in “look outside your window.”

The village was founded in 1996 by Chanum Foundation, a group of local artists who wish to promote Baguio City as a cultural destination. Tam-awan Village has an Art Gallery featuring the works of famous and up-and-coming local artists. One of the founders of this village is national artist Ben Cabrera. You can have your portrait drawn by the local artists for a minimal fee. Cultural dances by Igorot women clad in native costumes are held everyday during “tourist season” (summer and Christmas break). 

Tam-awan has two nature trails that go up the slope on two different directions, but end to meet at the top. The top of the trails have breath-taking views of the village. On a cloudless day, one will be able to see the South China Sea on the horizon.

The Village has several Ifugao huts that can be reserved at very reasonable rates for overnight accomodations.

After the uphill trail climb, go down and stop by the cafe. The village cafe offers organic-grown food. I love the fresh vegetable salads and the local coffee brew. 

Tam-awan Village is located at Pinsao Proper, up the hill above the Easter Weaving School. For more information, call +63 74 4462949 or 4425551. Visit the website here for map and directions.

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STRAWBERRY FARM, La Trinidad, Benguet. La Trinidad, the capital of Benguet Province, is a municipality just outside the northwestern border of Baguio City. Most of Baguio’s and the low lands’ fresh ” Baguio” vegetables come from this fertile valley. Strawberries are a major crop here, so it’s the perfect place for strawberry picking.

Strawberry season is from November to about April or May, depending on the onset of the rainy season. Early rains during summer or extended rains during the 3rd quarter often cut short the strawberry season.

To get the best strawberries, go early in the morning, as in around 8 AM. The last time I went to the Strawberry Farm with my sisters and our kids, we arrived past 11 AM - we were not able to pick strawberries anymore. The kids were able to sample strawberry taho and strawberry “dirty” ice cream though, and they loved it.

From top, left to right: The vast Strawberry Farm on a fair, sunny day; a strawberry waiting for pickers; ample outdoor parking space; the kids enjoying local strawberry ice cream.

Strawberry Farm is located across the Benguet State University (BSU). Check out Go Baguio’s guide on how to get there.

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MOUNT SANTO TOMAS, Green Valley. Okay, honestly I’ve never climbed Sto. Tomas. But it’s one place I’d like to go to on my next visit. Apparently, for novice climbers, it’s quite difficult and breathing could be hard at the top. (I know this because I’ve often asked my sisters to climb the mountain with me, but they refuse, saying “I’ve done that already!”) For the experienced mountaineers, Mt. Santo Tomas is a basic climb.

Shot from the car dashboard while travelling down Marcos Highway. These two radars are visible from the city. Locals often joke visitors that these circular figures are Baguio's built-in "airconditioners".

 The Mount Sto. Tomas trail can be accessed by getting to Green Valley on Marcos Highway first. From there, locals can show you to where the trails are. The trek is best done on a sunny summer morning, as early as 6 AM. It may take about 2 to 3 hours to reach the top, so bring lots of water and snacks. Doing the climb in the morning will assure you of unobscured breath-taking views, since fog and clouds settle in the afternoon.

I could imagine how wonderful it would be to take photos of the 360-degree view, while devouring a yummy picnic after a 3-hour climb. This montaintop, by the way, is the spot where my brother-in-law asked for my sister’s hand in marrige for a second time. (They got married twice to each other.) Now that’s a romantic idea, eh?

For a more comprehensive review and guide of the Mount Sto. Tomas trail, I found this very helpful blog article.

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So there you have them - three destinations in Baguio to explore on your next trip. Enjoy!