6 Destinations In Baguio City For Couples

Following Pilipinas Popcorn’s “Baguio City In A Day,” we would like to recommend a special itinerary for couples visiting the Summer Capital for the first time. Aside from pasalubong and vintage goods shopping, the city has a lot more to offer for couples who want spend some quality time together or simply get away from the maddening crowd.

1. Get Your Art Fix: BenCab Museum, Asin Road

Baguio is known for being a haven for artists and one of its adopted artist-sons is none other than National Artist Ben Cabrera or BenCab. BenCab set up a museum along Asin Road, located near the city boundary in Tuba, Benguet. The museum houses his art collection of Filipino artists as well as his vast collection of Cordilleran art. The museum also hosts art exhibits of different artists.

Couples can explore all the exhibit halls at a leisurely pace. If art is not really your thing, you can enjoy a snack or a meal at Cafe Sabel. An eco-tour of the surrounding area, which includes vegetable gardens and nature trails is also available. Just outside the main building, there is a small gazebo next to a koi fish pond, perfect for taking a quick rest.

2. Go For Some Culture: Museo Kordilyera, UP Baguio

This newly-opened museum is located inside the University of the Philippines Baguio campus, near the Baguio Convention Center. BenCab has lent some of his collections here especially for the Cordilleran art section. The museum aims to give the public a closer look at the unique culture of the Cordilleras, focusing on the art, traditions and practices of the many indigenous groups in the region. One exhibit for example shows a closer study of the art of tatooing among the Cordillerans. More than just body adornment, “batok” or tattoos have a social significance as well.

3. Restaurants With A View: Lemon and Olives, Outlook Drive and Cafe in the Sky, Sto. Tomas

For couples on a weekend break, dining out has to be extra special. Fastfood just won’t do, so if you are looking for restaurants with a spectacular view, we have two recommendations.

First is Lemon and Olives on Outlook Drive. This Greek restaurant or taverna used to be an old house that was renovated and turned into a restaurant. Balcony dining is available, so guests can enjoy their meal while enjoying the view as well. Most reviews say that the food is good, with prices starting at PhP 120 for starters, PhP 270 up for kebabs or souvlaki plates and PhP 350 up for main entrees such as steaks. Couples can expect to spend around PhpP 1,500 up for a full course meal for two.

Cafe in the Sky is located in Brgy. Cabuyao, Sto. Tomas, near the area where La Presa was set up temporarily. It is actually outside Baguio City, in Tuba, Benguet, but is only a few kilometers from Marcos Highway.  The cafe boasts of another spectacular view of the city, which you will enjoy the most during sunset or at nighttime. You can savor a hot cup of coffee while watching the sun go down.

4. Unique Dining Experience: Foggy Mountain Cookhouse, San Carlos Heights

If both of you are certified foodies, there is one restaurant that is highly recommended, for its excellent food and personalized service. Foggy Mountain Cookhouse is run by a home cook who shares his experiences of having traveled around the world through his food. Chef Babes cooks up a storm in the kitchen of his own home, which he opens to the diners for lunch and dinner. As his home’s balcony can only accommodate a limited number, you need to make reservations at least a day before. You also need to pre-order your food as he prepares beforehand to ensure that you enjoy a tasty and flavorful meal. Most of the dishes are good for sharing and comes with an appetizer or a salad, and a home-made pumpkin and roasted marshmallow dessert.

5. Traditional Baguio: Boating and Biking in Burnham Park

For the sake of saying that you really went to Baguio, Burnham Park is a must. While there, you can choose between biking and boating on Burnham Lake. If you have 2 hours to spare, you can do both. Remember to take the quintessential photo while on the boat. If you don’t want to get too physical, a walk around the park would do. There are a lot of shaded areas in Rose Garden where you can rest after your walk.

6. Picnic Under the Pine Trees: Camp John Hay

Another must-see place in Baguio City is Camp John Hay. Most visitors come to this former military base to enjoy a picnic under the pine trees or take a jog. If you are not the outdoors type, you can still enjoy John Hay. Visit the Bell House, which used to be the residence of US officials during the American colonial period. Back in the day, the Americans would prefer staying in Baguio during summer, when the heat in Manila was unbearable. Bell House has memorabilia and photos from the period, and a nearby amphitheater that is Instagram-worthy.