If only I could stay a little longer in the City of Pines to explore more of its tourist attractions and culture. I say this because I realized there are many more places worth visiting. I have a long list of spots to explore in Baguio City, and there are even more in the nearby towns, such as Sagada, Ifugao, and Bontoc.
For now, let me share my recent travel experience.
Baguio City is a place in the Philippines where the people from the lowlands can go to experience the the cold breeze. The moment the air turns cold and the pine trees starts blossoming their pine cones, you already know you’re in for a refreshing kind of day. On this visit, I decided to check out one of the city’s popular spots that recently renovated and improved... the Baguio Botanical Garden.
I’ll be honest, my expectations were high the moment I paid the entrance fee. It’s PHP 100 (around SGD 2.00), which is way higher compared to Mines View Park’s PHP 10 (SGD 0.20). But then again, the two places can’t really be compared. Mines View Park is a small Park which is perfect for a quick tour. Botanical Garden is a whole experience, big, spacious, and designed like a labyrinth of themed garden parks where every turn feels like a new “photo spot” for your social media posts.
Right at the entrance, you can already feel that this place is built for wandering. Wide pathways, thick greenery, and that Baguio signature vibe, cool breeze, soft light, and pine trees carefully positioned in every corner of the park. It’s mostly about plants and flowers (as it should be), but what surprised me is how the garden now feels like a mini world tour.
As I explored deeper, I started noticing how the park is divided into different cultural garden parks. One corner is inspired by the Korean gardens and culture as well.
Then a few steps later I found myself in a Japanese-themed area, complete with that calm, serene atmosphere that makes you automatically slow your pace. There’s even a Japanese Torii that leads to a tunnel entrance, it felt like a movie scene. I caught myself pausing there longer than expected, just appreciating the contrast between the vibrant red structure and the deep greens around it.
Then comes the Chinese garden, filled with bright accents, red lanterns, and structures that has that striking oriental feel to it.
There’s also an area that hints at Indian or Thai influence, and I knew it the moment I saw elephant sculptures. It’s playful, unexpected, and honestly… kind of cool. You’re in Baguio, surrounded by pine trees, and yet you’re also walking through scenes from different cultures.
A huge highlight for me, though, is the section dedicated to the Cordilleran heritage. The park features traditional landscapes and architecture inspired by the local tribes, especially the Igorot-style huts called Fal-e. Seeing the elevated huts with thatched roofs felt like stepping into a living exhibit. It’s not just something pretty to photograph; it also reminds you that Baguio’s identity is deeply rooted in the Cordilleras, beyond the cafés and tourist spots.
And just when I thought I already saw the “most random” thing in the garden... Giant cowboy boots! Yes, cowboy boots… massive ones, made like cement sculptures. Apparently, cowboy culture is also a thing in the highlands, and the garden proudly displays it. It made me laugh at first, but the more I thought about it, the more it felt like this park is really trying to show how layered and diverse mountain culture can be.
Some parts of the Botanical Garden genuinely felt like a secret garden, hidden corners, shaded paths, little bridges over ponds, and quiet spaces where you can just breathe and walk calmly without rushing. It’s the kind of place where the best moments happen when you’re not trying too hard, just strolling, noticing details, and letting the garden reveal itself.
So was the entrance fee worth it? For me, yes. I had fun, I learned a bit more, and I enjoyed the simple joy of exploring. If you’re in Baguio and you want a place that’s relaxing, photo-friendly, and surprisingly educational, this newly renovated Botanical Garden deserves a spot on your itinerary.
