No trip to Baguio City is complete until you’ve visited the Baguio Botanical Garden. To the unknowing person, it would seem just like a large garden open for tourists, but it’s more than that! Inside, you’ll find parks, relics, gardens, art galleries, and souvenir shops to spend your money in!
Baguio Botanical Garden had other names before the one we know of today; it was once called the Igorot Village (where Cordilleran huts and other statues and relics adorned the park), Imelda Park, Botanical & Zoological Garden, and Centennial Park. This only shows the fruitful history of the park alone.
The park is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM only, with entrance fees ranging from Php 5.00 to Php 10.00. Parking spaces are available near the park, but they’re very limited, so make sure to go early or take the cab to get to the garden.
Things to Do in Baguio Botanical Garden
Explore Parks.
Who’d have thought that the Botanical Garden has more parks inside? Aside from the main park, you can also visit other areas like the Korean Park, Korean Garden, Cordillera VIllage, City of Vaughan Park, Thailand Friendship Park, Japanese Tunnel Walk, and the Fil-Chinese Friendship Park. Each park is different from the other, so make sure to visit them all!
Pose in the Gardens.
Who wouldn’t want to pose in front of the colorful flowers and plants of Baguio Botanical Garden? You can take your pick between the sunflower section, the mini Bamboo walkway, the newly-built orchidarium, or the Yellow Marguerite Garden.
Learn about Cordilleran Culture.
One of the best things about parks in Baguio City is that it does its part in preserving and forwarding their culture. While the Botanical Garden has parks dedicated to the Philippines and its ally countries, there are still relics and statues depicting traditional Cordilleran culture. Ask any local vendor in the park about these relics and they’ll give you answers you cannot find from the Internet.
Eat at the Picnic Area.
Going around the expansive park can leave you feeling hungry and exhausted. Good thing that there are designated areas in the park where you can eat and rest. There are different food stalls you can try out in the area, but if you want to save on money, you can always bring your own food and snacks, just make sure to clean up after yourself.
Shop for Souvenirs.
The best way to support local artists and vendors? Buy from them! Rows of souvenir shops and handicraft stalls can be found inside the Botanical Garden. Souvenirs ranging from keychains, shirts, woodwork, and even local delicacies can be found in each stall.
How to Get to the Baguio Botanical Garden
The best way to get to the Baguio Botanical Garden would be through a jeepney. First, ride a Jeepney bound for Minesview located near Harrison Rd., and Mabini St. Then, ask the driver to drop you off at the Baguio Botanical Garden. Jeepney fare starts at Php 9.00.
You can also bring your own car to get to the park, just put the destination address in a GPS app and you’re good to go! Landmarks are Leonard Wood Rd., the Laperal White House, and Teacher’s Camp.
Tourist Spots near Baguio Botanical Garden
When you’re done exploring the Botanical Garden, you can visit other tourist spots near the area. Here are some places you can go to:
- Wright Park and The Mansion
- Minesview Park
- Teacher’s Camp
- Laperal White House
- Camp John Hay
Charge your cameras, wear your best #OOTDS, and head to the Baguio Botanical Garden, one of the most breathtaking places in the city! Got any photos you want to share with us? We’d love to see them! Tag us @laquatsacommunity on Instagram!
