Location and Topography.
Sprawled above the mountain peaks of Benguest Province, Baguio is 254 kms. north of Manila. It is the chief city of Northern Luzon. Its altitude ranges from 950 to 1650 m. while its average elevation is 5,000 ft. above sea level. Baguio is bounded on the north by Benguet's municipality of La Trinidad, on the East by Itogon, and Tuba on the south and west. Total land area is 49 sq.kms. enclosed in a perimeter of 30.6 kms. The rugged topography is covered with tropical vegetation with pines giving the place a distinctive character.

How To Get There
Baguio is accessible both by land and air from Manila. From Manila, it take about four hours drive by private car and 5-6 hours by bus while an air trip takes about 45 minutes. Public land transportation is available almost 24 hours. Air transpotation is scheduled daily but is subject to visibility status of the area.

By Land. Five major bus companies in Manila serve day and night trips to Baguio. The route will pass over the huge Plains of Central Luzon, across scenic mountainous region and wind ("zigzag") to Baguio through the Kennon Road; the longer Naguilian Road, which connects to Bauang, La Union; and the Marcos Highway from Agoo, La Union. Halsema Highway connects Baguio with other parts of Benguet, Kalinga-Apayao and the Mountain Provinces. Bus ticket reservation is recommended during peak season (Novenber-May). Bus companies that offer 24-hour transport service to Baguio include: Dagupan Bus Co., Dangwa Tranco, Philippine Rabbit, 3H Bus Lines and Times Transit. Average one-way fare is P150.00 per person. Rent-a-car services may also be hired anytime .

By Air. Loakan Airport is the main airstrip of Baguio and Philippine Airlines is the main carrier. One way fare costs approximately P767.00 per person.

Getting Around.
Taxis and jeepneys are the major means of transportation in the city. Taxi meters charge P2.50 for the intial 400 meters, P1.00 for every succeeding 100 m. and an additional adjustment fee of P7.50. They can also be hired on a flat rate basis depending on agreement with the driver. Tricycles (motorcycles with side cars) ply the shorter routes while buses have scheduled trips to outlying towns.

Accommodation.
Standard to economy class. VIP cottages, hotels, inns, condominiums, pension houses, apartelles, lodges and resorts are available at reasonable rates. Most hotels accommodate "walk-in" customers. However, reservation is necessary during peak season (November-May) which may be made directly with the establishment or through your travel agent. Conference facilities as well as function rooms are available at major establishments.

Climate.
Temperature averages 18-20 degree centigrade, cooler by an average of 8 degrees than any place in the Philippines. It seldom exceeds 26 degrees at its warmest as compared to 35 degrees and above temperature in Metro Manila. Baguio is coldest, as anywhere in the Philippines, from November-February when the temperature drops to as low as 15 degree centigrade. Rain pours down year-round particularly on the afternoons with heavy rains coming around June-October. The city gets a big amount of rainfall, twice from that received by Metro Manila. November to May is dry season and also the peak tourist season.

What To Wear.
Cardigans, pullovers, and jackets are worn year-round especially in the late afternoons and evening when the air gets nippy. However, in the warmer months of March-May, one may do with just casual and light clothes like T-shirts, jeans and cotton summer dresses.

Dining.
As in any key city in the Philippines, dining is fun in Baguio. There is a lot of restaurants to choose from which serve Filipino, American, Mongolian, Chinese, Italian, Korean, and Japanese cuisine. It offers the best in Northern Philippine cooking, wherein the main ingredients are fresh vegetables mixed with other fresh produce, and fruits that are top quality, abundant and varied. Its cafes, bakeries and pastry shops offer homebaked breads, cakes, sweets and native delicacies with the local blend of strong, aromatic brewed coffee. Major fastfood chains abound in the city. (Jollibee is a favorite among the locals). Most establishments are located in Session Road, the main commercial artery of Baguio, and open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m..

People.
Composed of long-time residents and tribal peoples, the people of Baguio are peace loving, gentle, and sincerely hospitable. The city's population of approximately 183,000 reaches 200,000 during peak season due to the influx of tourists, both local and foreign. Local tourists flock to this cool city particularly during Lent and Christmas holidays.

Language.
Like most Filipinos, the people of Baguio are also, if not particularly, conversant in English which is the medium of instruction here. Most newspapers and magazines are printed in English. Everyone can also readily switch to Filipino - the national language. Ilocano dialect of the region while Ibaloy is the dialect of the Igorots.

Economy.
Tourism is a major industry in Baguio. Its hotels, restaurants, nightspots and other tourist-oriented industries such as woodcraft, metalcraft and weaving cater to a continuous influx of local and international tourists. Agriculture remains the chief industry. Crops include highland vegetables, rice, potatoes, fruites, coffee and flowers. The region continues to be the biggest source of gold in the country since the mining boom experienced a decade before WWII. Silver and copper are also mined.

Business Hours/Currency/Credit Cards.
Major banks operate in Baguio City from 9am to 3pm, Mondays to Fridays. Money exchange services can be availed of at these banks. Major credit cards are accepted in most establishments however, it is always advisable to carry some cash with you. Peso is the local currency: 1 Peso = 100 centavos. Banknotes: P1,000; P500; P100; P50; P20; P10; P5. Coins: P5; P2; P1; 50c; 25c; 10c; 5c.

Communication Facilities.
Baguio is equipped with modern telecommunications facilities which enable callers to reach any place in the world. Facsimiles and cellular phones are available. Long distance calls are serviced by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT). To call Baguio from Manila, simply dial 109 (operator-assisted) or 0 (access code) +74 (Baguio area code) +telephone number if your phone is equipped with direct distance dialing (DDD) services. There are 2 television and 8 radio station, 5 local newspapers and 12 telephone/telegraph companies in Baguio.