RIDE ON, WE'LL TRAVEL!

I love this garden very much because of its many colorful plants and pine trees, quiet, and picturesque mountain view.

The Baguio Botanical Garden is one of the many attractions of the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City. Its location is in between Teacher's Camp and the Pacdal Circle. The main entrance being along Leonard Wood Road is just across the street from Gilberto's Hotel and Baguio Vacation Hotel. The Baguio Botanical Garden is a large park and almost of the size of The Burnham Park, another park at the heart of the city.


A photo of an Igorot at the main entrance of the Botanical garden
It was here where I took my summer CIVAC (civic action, voluntary work) during my first year in college. The Baguio Botanical Garden, (formerly called Imelda Park, named after the wife of the late President Ferdinand Marcos) is also known as the Igorot Village. Inside the scenic garden you will find the typical native huts of the Igorots who live in the Cordilleras. This man-made village is said to capture the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorots and being tranquil and quiet. “Igorota” which was one of the famous and attractive Philippine movies in the '70s was shot here, some of the scenes of course and I was here during that time.

It is a nice place to just sit back and relax, and you can take a leisurely stroll along its narrow and winding pathways enjoying the landscape decorated with numerous variety of trees and plants. Sometimes Igorot dances and presentations are staged here. You can even buy from among the various plants which are there for sale.

The Baguio Botanical Garden is very popular among the locals and as well as the tourists. It's even very popular among the students who go to the Botanical Garden for a day of retreat or just enjoy the outdoor environment. When we were having our CIVACs here, most of the huts were used by lovers as a hide away, a love bird's lair.

Taking pictures alongside the native Igorots is possible and they are available in the main entrance, are glad to pose with you for a souvenir picture ... of course, for a fee.