Baguio City will once again bloom like the flowers during the Panagbenga 2018 Festival. Tourists are now starting to hike up the cold mountain city to experience nature. This means more people, more cars, which also means heavy traffic. Here’s a complete guide to know which roads are closed during the festival and how you could enjoy visiting tourist spots by foot. We guarantee this will save you time, money, and effort.
The City Council of Baguio announced on January 19 the roads closing for the flower festival as reported by the Baguio Midland Courier and Sunstar Baguio.
Panagbenga Festival routes closed for public use
Burnham Park
Burnham Park is will be closed from Feb 1 to March 4. The park will make way for the Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition. The much-awaited Market Encounter also occupies the same space on the same dates.
Session Road
Session Road will be closed 1 am to 3 pm on Saturday, Feb 24 and on Sunday, Feb 25. Right after the Grand Float Parade on Sunday, Session Road will be closed until March 4 to make way for “Session in Bloom.” The road closes until the midnight of March 4. Mabini Street, however, will be open to traffic the rest of the Panagbenga season.
More roads closed
Governor Pack Road will be closed from February 25 to March 4 for the main stage. Along with this is Assumption Road, Calderon St., Perfecto St., Fr. Carl Loop, and Mabini Street to Lower Session including portions of Assumption Road, Calderon St., and Perfecto St., fronting Developmental Bank of the Philippines.
Explore tourist spots in Baguio by foot
If you really want to enjoy Baguio City during Panagbenga, we strongly recommend you go by foot. Traffic is everywhere during these times and your travel time by car would just take away the fun. If you are already in Session Road, you can easily go to Burnham Park which is just a 5 minute walk. Before you do, you can already have a quick lunch or snack. Click here to read Your Guide To Restaurants In Session Road.
Going to Burnham park, walk past Jollibee Session Road under Prime Hotel until you see United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB). Take a right and walk down until you see the Harrison branch of Jollibee. Cross the street and walk further. You will first see the Melvin Jones Grandstand. Furthermore would be Burnham Park.
Getting to Mines View Park is a breeze. This involves walking and riding a jeepney. Take the North Drive route from SM Baguio. Turn left to Leonard Wood Road. When you see a restaurant named “Grumpy Joe” on your left, wait for a jeepney with the route Mines View. Tell the driver to drop you off in front of the gates of Mines View. This route also takes you to The White house, Botanical Garden, and the Mansion.
There are more places to visit in Baguio City like Camp John Hay, Philippine Military Academy and don’t forget different cafes and restaurants to choose from. If you are one who is looking for fun and adventure, take the challenge of going around Baguio City by foot. It’s exhilarating, healthy, fun, and exciting!