Tipid Travel: Going to Baguio

I DON’T USUALLY TRAVEL during the holy week break. But since I need a pause from my usual routine---work and graduate school---I opted to go out for an out-of-town trip. Of course, the best destination is non-other than the City of Pines!

If you are planning to drive up there, go crazy along Kennon road and be wrapped by the cold air breeze, I bet you’re looking for information that may ease your worries on what to prepare, what to do and where to go. But if you’ve been there once or for a couple of times, maybe you’re still anxious about money matters and some other stuff.

And so, I’m here to help you ^_^ I’ll share with you my tipid (thrift) travel tips in Baguio and I do hope you’ll gain a lot from this post. Happy reading!

***********

Tip #1: TRAVEL IN BUS

This is way cheaper than renting a private van. Don’t worry about the convenience because you’ll be traveling for 6-7 hours only. Pick a regular air-conditioned bus (price ranges from 455 php – 515 php depending on the bus liner) and choose your preferred seat. Pack light so that you won’t get bothered by your luggage. You can book a reservation online (Victory liner requires two weeks in advance booking) or just visit a terminal and check their schedule, because some of them don’t allow early bookings.

What we did: We arrived at Saulog’s terminal (located in Cavite City) three hours early for sure seats. The departure time was at 2:30 am and the fare is at 515 php, one way.

SAULOG'S BUS STATION  at 11:00 PM. It's really better to arrive early---for sure seats fellas!

UPON ARRIVAL. Yahoo! My butt aches (that explains the face tho) because I just slept all-throughout the trip.

Tip #2: RENT A TRANSIENT HOUSE

There are a lot of them in Baguio. The only problem is if you’ll be booking a reservation during peak seasons (Panagbenga festival, Holy week, summer vacation) wherein you must book three to two weeks in advance. The cost of these accommodations ranges from 250 php to 1,500 php per head, of course that will depend on the amenities. Don’t go there without any reservations---you’ll only waste your time looking for a decent place to stay in.

What we did: We rented an apartment unit (complete with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and a receiving area) for only 350 php per head / day. Here’s the link to the site where you can browse for more options: BAGUIO TRANSIENT HOMES

OUR TRANSIENT HOME. We rested in this place for three days and two nights. 

IT MAY LOOK SIMPLE but it provided everything that we needed during our stay!

Tip #3: PLAN YOUR ITINERARY

Do some research. A lot of blogs provide useful information about the different place that you must visit in Baguio. Details about the entrance fees, location, etc. will help you in planning the route of your tour. You’ll save a lot in transportation expenses (PUJs are rare in Baguio, FX taxi is the common mode of transportation) if you’re familiar with the tourist spots that are located near each other---all you need to is walk.

What we did: We really don’t have a concrete plan about our itinerary. We were kinda wasting our time in DAY 1, but good thing we met this kind taxi driver who guided us, we really saved a lot but of course we also walked a lot! (Instant penitensya! that was a Holy Thursday anyway). But here's the link to some very reliable blog sites for your itineraries:

theasianparent.com - Baguio 3D/2N Itinerary

outoftownblog.com - Travel Guide and Itinerary

Tip #4: ENJOY IT WITH FRIENDS

There is no better way to decrease the cost of your trip than to travel with friends ^_^ Everything will be shared, thus reducing the amount you need to pay. You can share on almost everything and at the same time experience everything together.

What we did: There were four of us, so we basically divide everything into four. Our taxi fare averages for about 20-30 php per person only, the rent for park amenities and stuff were cut down to half per person, and the food become very cheap when we decided to cook at home and just share with the expenses.

THE TAXI DRIVERS are very reliable, so don't be afraid to ask them for directions and even the recommended places that you must visit. 

Tip #5: EAT CHEAP

You don’t have to be a luxurious foodie in Baguio. Don’t get too overwhelmed by the new restaurants or food hub that catches your eye. You may indulge in a few, but make sure to share with friends and dine for one purpose: to just taste the food and enjoy it. Fresh produce from their local markets are the best. And if you have a kitchen inside the transient house, the best way to satisfy your tummy for less is to cook your own food. Moreover, you must try their street foods! Delicious yet cheap ^_^

What we did: We rarely bought food items at the bus stop. They are way too overpriced! In Baguio, we bought ingredients in the market and cooked our dinner and breakfast ^_^. Street foods, on the other hand, relieved our hunger during the tour. I think we only feasted twice on costly meals.

BREAKFAST AT HOME. We had fried rice and scrambled egg on our second morning in Baguio.

VERY AFFORDABLE FOOD are sold around the city, you won't starve for sure.

Tip #6: BE WISE IN BUYING PASALUBONGS

You’ll get overwhelmed by a lot of pasalubongs to choose from, they are scattered everywhere. Make sure that you already have a solid plan in mind on the amount you are willing to spend for peanut brittles, lengua de gato, key chains and strawberries. Good Shepherd Convent (Mountain Maid) sells good quality products which are quite pricey. I suggest that you look for other brands so you can get the most out of your budget (example: GS’s lengua de gato is sold at 195 php, while Tartland’s is at 150 php only---cheap but good-tasting as well)

What we did: When we went to the Good Shepherd Convent, there were a lot of people falling in line, so we opted to buy our pasalubongs outside the convent instead. Of course T-shirts with Baguio prints are obligatory, we found a good deal for only 150 php---two pieces of white shirt with design, any size. On the other hand, vegetables are very cheap at the La Trinidad strawberry farm, so we took advantage of it (Got three bags of baby potatoes for only 50 php, a huge bag of lettuce for only 25 php, three kilos of broccoli for only 100 php, and a whole lot more.  

PEAK SEASON hits us---hard! Our efforts to fall in line and grab our own goods didn't succeeded.

TOO SAD, they've got a lot of great stuff here :(

PASALUBONG HOARDING during our DAY 3 in Baguio :)

***********

For me, the sole purpose of travelling is to gain great experiences and collect awesome memories. If you can keep the expenses at bay, that will help you save for future trips ^_^ 

Hoping this post helped you plan for your next Baguio trip! Go and see the City of Pines once again!


'til my next TIPID TRAVEL,