Baguio Botanical Garden

Baguio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is not without good reason that it is called “The Summer Capital” of the country. There are many tourist attractions in Baguio City and a single day would not be enough to see them all. One of the best-known of these sites is a large park known as the Baguio Botanical Garden.

The Baguio Botanical Garden is an ideal place to visit for foreigners who want to learn about the cultural origins and traditions of the northern Philippines. Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, the area was the territory of natives known as the Igorot. There are many native tribes in the islands, but the Igorot is among the best known. The Cordilleras region in Baguio is their ancestral home.

Since the coming of western man, the Igorot have struggled to preserve their cultural heritage. Today the younger Igorot people themselves are adopting a modern lifestyle. The Baguio Botanical Garden gives modern citizens and tourists alike a view of their life before it is lost. It is a popular Baguio tourist attraction to visit among local students in the area, as well as vacationers and foreign travelers.

In the garden, also known as the Igorot Village, you will find authentic Igorot nipa huts set in a picturesque landscape adorned with well-cultivated trees and plants. These are genuine structures made by the Igorot themselves. Natives dressed in colorful traditional garb are always present at the entrance. You can have pictures taken with these friendly residents for a small fee.

The Baguio Botanical Garden also hosts many interesting species of highland flora. You can buy these exotic plants if you like. As in everywhere else in Baguio, the flowers and plants are very beautiful. But keep in mind that these plants thrive in cold, dry climates and may not transfer successfully to low land areas where it is hot and humid. Nevertheless, even if you do not buy these, the garden is still a quiet and relaxing place to visit. Do not forget to bring your camera and fresh batteries!

It is not difficult to make your way to the Baguio Botanical Garden. You will find it to the east of downtown Baguio, flanked by Pacdal Circle and the Teacher’s Camp. You can see the garden’s front along Leonard Wood Road. Across the street are two hotels, Gilberto’s and Baguio Vacation.