Are you a creative professional? Do you love Baguio? Find out my journey of rediscovering my creative self in Baguio’s cool places.
Having lived in Baguio for five years, I no longer see it as a place to simply visit for creative inspiration. It’s become my home. The city’s cool climate, vibrant culture, and mountain scenery continue to fuel my imagination daily. Baguio is rich in both traditional and modern influences. It offers hidden gems that inspire creativity, from peaceful nature spots to bustling cultural hubs.
Here’s a glimpse into some of the coolest and most inspiring places I’ve discovered over the years, which have been key to nurturing my creativity and connection with this unique city.
🌟 Igorot Stone Kingdom
The first stop on my creative journey was the Igorot Stone Kingdom. This place is like stepping into a fantastical realm built entirely from stones. As I wandered through the maze-like pathways and towering stone walls, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. The artistry behind this unique place is remarkable. The structures, built in traditional Igorot style, are not just architectural wonders but also a showcase of the skill and imagination of the local builders.
What struck me most was how the stone sculptures and walls seemed to tell stories of the past. Each stone felt like it held a piece of history, and as I walked among them, I felt connected to the rich heritage of the Igorot people. The serene atmosphere of the Stone Kingdom was perfect for quiet reflection. It can give you space to think deeply and let your imagination roam free.
However, it can get crowded at times, especially during peak seasons like December when we visited, as many tourists flock to this spot. Despite this, the Stone Kingdom remains an ideal spot for families, friends, couples, and is perfect for taking pictures, making it a great destination for a memorable visit. Children will particularly enjoy exploring the pathways, and you can even hire Igorot costumes for as low as 50 pesos, adding an extra layer of fun. The creative features of the place naturally spark your own creativity, making it a truly inspiring location.
🌟 Aqua Garden Cafe
Rediscovering my creative self was greatly inspired during our visit to the Aqua Garden Cafe. With its breathtaking views and distinctive themes on each floor, it offered a perfect blend of relaxation and inspiration.
The Aqua Garden Cafe, located at Purok 9 Lt. Tacay Rd., Baguio City, is a delightful escape. It features a veranda on both the 1st and 2nd floors. You can take great photos with a natural backdrop or simply sit and enjoy the relaxing ambiance. The cafe is open daily from 9:30 am to 10 pm, providing a unique experience across its three floors.
The first floor features a charming garden theme with lush greenery and tranquil water features. The second floor transitions into an aquarium theme, where the calming presence of aquatic life adds a serene touch. The third floor, where we spent most of our time, is a huge indoor play area. This space is perfect for families, with plenty of tables and chairs for dining while kids play. My son, Genji, had a blast exploring the play area, and we were able to enjoy our meal uninterrupted.
The play area is free to access as long as you order food, which made our three-hour stay both enjoyable and convenient. We indulged in a variety of dishes: I ordered the Tonkatsu with Cheese meal set for ₱350, while my husband opted for the stir-fried squid at ₱220. For Genji, we had French fries at ₱150. We topped off our meal with a Matcha Dacquoise for ₱110 and an Oreo Mallows Waffle for ₱180. A pitcher of iced tea for ₱130 was the perfect drink to accompany our feast. The full menu is available on their Facebook page if you’re interested in exploring their offerings further. If you’d like a more detailed review of Aqua Garden Cafe, let me know, and I’d be happy to share more insights in a dedicated blog post.
🌟 Christmas Village
In December 2022, we visited the Baguio Country Club Christmas Village, a popular annual event running from October to January. It’s no surprise that it’s always packed, given its limited duration. Each year features a different theme, and during our visit, the theme was Oriental Winter Wonderland. Genji especially enjoyed the fake snow, which added to the festive atmosphere.
The village was filled with sparkling lights, colorful ornaments, and charming holiday displays. As I wandered through the festive wonderland, I felt a surge of nostalgia and joy. The vibrant, creative decorations were incredibly inspiring, reminding me of the power of imagination and the joy of celebrating creativity. It was a delightful experience that rekindled my appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.
Inside, you’ll find numerous stalls and vendors selling snacks, so you won’t have to worry about going hungry while you explore. The entrance fee is quite affordable, and for up-to-date information, you can check the Baguio City Public Information Office’s Facebook page starting in October.
Be sure to set aside enough time for your visit, as the lines to get in can be long. We went in the afternoon around 4 PM, but I recommend visiting in the evening to fully appreciate the beauty of the Christmas Village illuminated at night.
🌟 Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is located on Leonard Wood Road, situated between Wright Park and Teacher’s Camp. It’s open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM. This expansive garden is so large that you’ll need at least an hour to explore it thoroughly. Every angle is picturesque. So make sure your phone or camera has plenty of memory—you’ll want to capture it all.
Entrance fees are 100 pesos for residents aged 13 and up, 150 pesos for non-residents, and 50 pesos for children 12 and under. Though fees can vary, so it’s a good idea to check online for the latest information. This garden is enjoyable for all ages. Bring bottled water and some snacks in case you get tired or hungry.
Additionally, the garden features a mysterious and thrilling cave that my son particularly enjoyed. The cave has a unique quirk: you enter and exit through the same spot, adding an element of fun to your visit. The entrance fee is definitely worth it for the experience!
A visit to Baguio wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Botanical Garden. This expansive garden, filled with a diverse array of plants and flowers, offered a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The vibrant blooms and serene environment were perfect for quiet reflection and creative inspiration.
🌟 House of Yolo Yogurt
House of Yolo Yogurt is a local Baguio restaurant with two branches: one on Marcos Highway and the other in SM City Baguio, where we had dinner. We ordered the Laing with Lechon (350 pesos) and Grilled Pork (395 pesos) for our main dishes—both are great for sharing. We also had Nachos (295 pesos) and Cucumber Lemonade (65 pesos), but the highlight of the meal was their Yogurt (180 pesos). You can customize the yogurt with two fruits, two crunches, and one syrup, with additional toppings available for 25 pesos each. I chose peach and blueberry for the fruits, granola and chocolate chips for the crunches, and caramel for the syrup. It was absolutely heavenly!
In addition to the delicious food, House of Yolo Yogurt has a variety of products displayed on shelves inside the restaurant, including Salabat & Guyabano tea, pastries, coffee, jams, honey, dressings, and more. You can even avail yourself of their very own yogurt. All our orders were fantastic and worth the price.
I’m sure we’ll be back to try more of their dishes. For the full menu and product details, check out their Facebook page.
Visiting the House of Yolo Yogurt was a delightful part of my journey in rediscovering my creative self. The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere, from customizable yogurt to an array of local products provided a refreshing break from the ordinary. The thoughtful presentation of their dishes and the attention to detail in their menu sparked my creativity. It reminds me of the joy in simple pleasures and the importance of appreciating moments.
Finding My Creative Spark
Baguio, with its cool weather and variety of experiences, was perfect for helping me reconnect with my creative side. From the historical and artistic vibe of the Igorot Stone Kingdom to the playful charm of the Christmas Village, each place had something special to offer. The peacefulness of the Botanical Garden and the cheerful feel of the House of Yolo Yogurt also contributed to my sense of renewal and inspiration.
These experiences reminded me that creativity often flourishes in new and unexpected environments. Baguio’s cool places and vibrant experiences provided the perfect setting for me to rediscover the joy of creating. Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery and a touch of inspiration to reignite the spark of creativity within us.
If you want to find out about the tourism here in Baguio, head over to the site of the Department of Tourism of the Philippines.
What about you? Have you found a place or experience in Baguio that helped you rediscover your creative self? Share your thoughts and discoveries in the comments—I’d love to hear about your own creative journeys!
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