Hot Eden of the Philippines

When my Filipino friend, Jo, suggested that I should visit the 'Eden' of the Philippine (while we were busy doing our 'window shopping' in a crowded mall in Makati, Manila) I thought he meant a place not far from the city. Indeed, when I asked him how far his 'eden' was, he quickly (and cheekily) answered "... oh... only a few hours away". So, before noon on the next day, I found myself already seated comfortably beside Jo in an air-conditioned bus heading to a place called 'Baguio'.


It turned out that Baguio was a place situated at an altitude of 1,500m above the sea level... about 250km from Manila... and the trip actually took almost 6 long hours! Of course, Jo had 'tricked' me into agreeing to go to Baguio... but the truth is... I could not have thanked him enough for that. Baguio turned out to be a very unique place indeed!



Access to this fabled Mountain City took us through spectacular winding roads. Hair-raising experience it was indeed, but then again, the Kennon (zig-zag) Road showcased a breathtaking view of the mighty Cordillera mountain chain. Labeled as the Philippine's 'Summer City, Baguio is also often referred as the 'City of Pines'.

During my stay in Baguio, the temperature rarely rose above 25 degree C and at night it was really freezing cold! . So, it was not surprising to know that this beautiful place is a favourite among the locals for its cool, refreshing climate and spectacular scenery.

Baguio also served as the commercial and industrial heart of the highlands region. I was truly amazed to see offers of dazzling array of native arts, crafts and mountain foods when I browsed the markets in Baguio.

There were many attractions in Baguio, such as Burnham Park, Botanical Garden, Session Road or City Market... just to name a few. But the most famous 'crowd-drawer' to this city is the Baguio Flower Festival, or better known locally as 'Panabenga'. Unfortunately, it is held only once a year and that happens to be in the month of February. And no, it was not in February when I visited Baguio. Talk about 'wrong timing':(

But... there was actually another surprise waiting for me at Baguio. The 'Eden' that my good friend Jo talked about was not actually referring to Baguio City itself. Indeed, he was actually referring to another place called 'Asin'. Now... this 'Asin' place, according to Jo, was 'very near' to Baguio. Another trick? Again? And it was just a 45" ride from the city. And we could take a 'jeepney' to go to this 'eden'. Oh, really?

Well... this time around it turned out to be true. Jo was not pulling my legs. Indeed, Asin was located only 16km away from Baguio. The place was located in a town called Tuba in Benguet (just outside of Baguio's city limits). The spot was actually resided between mountains and at a lower altitude (290m above sea level). Naturally, the weather here was more 'warm' but without too much of humidity.

Asin was actually a 'complex' of several old and new resorts. The sulfuric water of the hot springs came from the underground vents deep in the mountains and foothills of the southern Cordillera. The Asin Hot Springs complex caters to all sorts of expectations and budgets. So, you would find accommodation with rates as low as Php 800 right to as high as Php2,000. Even the entrance fees to the pools are varied with a range starting from Php80 right to Php100 for days and night swimming.

Now... why would my friend Jo referred Asin as the 'Hot Eden of the Philippines'? Well... you may find/see the answer from the photos below...

A bridge in Asin.

Asin Hot Spring


Kids Corner @ Asin Hot Spring


Another view of Asin Hot Spring

Now... after spending 3 nights and 4 days in Baguio... I was getting restless thinking of that long, long trip back to Manila. And, ohhh... those winding roads again:(

Luckily, thanks to Jo(... again), in his effort of somehow saying 'sorry' to me for playing a 'cruel' prank at the beginning of this trip, he 'offered' to take both of us back to the city by taking... a plane! And what a brilliant idea that was!

All the flights leaving Baguio only in the morning. This is due to the visibility which normally would approach almost to zero in the afternoon. The fog starts to move in and cover most of the area surrounding the airport.

Loakan Airport, Baguio is located only 20" drive from the city. Oh yeah... only propeller driven aircraft is available. So... hang on tight to your seat...