A Soulful 3-Day Escape to Baguio: A Relaxed, Discovery-Filled Itinerary

The charming highlands of Baguio are always worth the trip.Something about Baguio tugs at the soul—its misty mornings, picturesque views, pine-scented breeze, and rustic spaces that invite you to linger. Once a summer escape, it’s now a year-round sanctuary for those craving stillness, culture, and comforts wrapped in fog. If you’re yearning for something more intentional than your usual tourist runaround, here’s a slow-paced, detail-rich itinerary that makes room for quiet joy.

Day 1: Arrival, Aroma, and Atmosphere

Arrival at Noon

I arrived at the bustling city of Baguio before my hotel’s check-in time, as the cool, crisp air and smell of fresh pine greeted me. I’m grateful the sun finally showed up to say hello, given my friends warned me about the gloomy weather days before. My mind was set to slow down, relax, and take in the unique quirks of the highlands. My belly was already grumbling and due for a good fill, so I decided to check out the new branch of Rebel Bakehouse, one of the makers of some of Baguio’s famous croissants.

Rebel Bakehouse has a new branch inside the Baguio Cathedral compoundThey recently opened another café inside the Baguio Cathedral compound. What looks like a redecorated warehouse, the modern industrial interiors with many natural elements invited me to pause, sip, and settle into the city’s rhythm. I whipped out my e-book and started to unwind while I stretched my legs after the long, 4-hour bus ride. I settled into my seat as the cold air caressed my skin. Finally, my orders are ready. Their iced latte is smooth and delicious, best enjoyed with their sweet buttery croissants, savory pastries, and a bowl of crisp mushroom chips paired with a rich and addictive herbed cream dipping sauce. For something more grounding, the beef kimchi rice is a warm, umami-rich dish with tender beef chunks—comfort you didn’t know you needed. 

Note: Dining at Rebel in the evening will give you a lit-up view of the beautifully intricate Baguio Cathedral.

 The Baguio Cathedral, lit up at night, is Rebel Cafe’s view from their new branch
Check-in at 2:00 P.M.

After my calming (and filling) downtime, I headed to the Forest Wing of John Hay Hotels—a tasteful and serene cabin retreat, secluded in Camp John Hay, making it exclusive yet still accessible and central in the city. The staff are warm and friendly, making me experience the heart of Filipino hospitality. The newly renovated two-floor suite is classic and intimate, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a balcony with sweeping, lush views of Baguio’s blue mountains. 

The newly renovated two-floor suite is classic and intimate at the Forest Wing.
A welcome box filled with tea, chocolate, and nuts awaited my consumption. It felt like coming home to a warm embrace after a long journey. The bedroom is big and spacious, up the spiral staircase, with comfortable bedding and handwoven runners that boast of the northern weavers’ craftsmanship. There’s provision of fans, wi-fi, and a smart TV. The expansive, open windows make the mountain views look like framed art beside the study desk. There’s a spotless toilet and bath on each floor, with hot water, toiletries, and plush towels. It’s the kind of place where rest doesn’t just happen—it’s insisted.

Productive Rest at 4:00 P.M.

As the afternoon rolled in, I went to Documentary 113 by 113 Wagner Cafe for a quick check-in on my work projects. The place is magical—a creatively reimagined bodega-turned-café and bar inside a big, ancestral home. “It’s where all our stuff used to be, and for seven siblings, that’s a lot!” Holly, co-owner and manager, gleefully shared. As I descended into the intriguing space, it felt like I was being transported to another world.

Documentary 113, a creatively reimagined bodega-turned-café and bar With eclectic, maximalist interiors—golf club ceiling installation art, a lush green wall, vintage finds, intricate ceramic displays, and scented mist lingering in the air—it was a treat for the senses. There’s even a statue made from deconstructed baking equipment that doubles as a chair—a bold statement piece. After letting my sight linger and trace the café’s corners, I settled in with my laptop and ordered their delectable snacks—truffle butter popcorn and salt and vinegar wedges. I washed it all down with cream passion soda, which tasted like a fizzy floral dream. Work feels like rest in an enchanting space like this.  

Special Dinner at 6:30 P.M.

The allure of Documentary 113 is just the beginning. 113 Wagner Café is the central star of the home-resto. Think of Documentary 113 as the reception lounge leading to a lush, Victorian-inspired garden deep in the house, filled with trinkets and troves. The restaurant is by reservation only, ensuring every guest’s experience is personalized, special, and unforgettable. Upon entering, I instantly understood why booking a seat takes time.

113 Wagner Cafe is a dream made of curated flora, ethereal knick-knacks, and foggy views.The restaurant is by reservation only, ensuring every guest’s experience is personalized, special, and unforgettable. Upon entering, I instantly understood why booking a seat takes time. It’s a sensorial treat from sight to smell to touch. The cathedral veranda is covered by a Gothic glass roof that gives an otherworldly feel, and access to the foggy highland views. The whole place is immaculately designed with plants, terrariums, and decor from all around the world. It’s tastefully seasoned with twinkling lights for an elevated evening mood. Every picture-perfect nook and cranny holds a story untold—a proposal, a first date, a family affair, a milestone celebration.

The Western Celebration setIt’s not just the ambiance worth visiting; their food is as divine as the atmosphere. For dinner, the Western Celebration set menu delighted me in many ways. The freshly-baked sourdough, with its savory signature Wagner herbed dip, is a good partner to the creamy seafood chowder soup. The Caesar salad put Baguio’s freshest vegetable produce forward. The honey butter chicken wings were a nice protein match for the greens, with the sweet and savory flavor, tender, juicy meat, and mildly fruity dipping sauce with notes of strawberry. For the main star of the dinner, the slow-roasted US beef short plate is tender and well seasoned, bursting with meaty umami. Served on a bed of fluffy Cajun rice with rich, Madagascar peppercorn gravy, it’s a flavorful palate pleaser. 

Everything worked harmoniously, and I had to stop myself so I could leave room for dessert. The sweet ending showcased their sister company, Everything Nice’s delectable brownie à la mode cake with layers of marshmallow icing, chocolate cream, and an ultra-moist brownie base. I got the lemon grass tea demitasse to end the fantastic meal. From the setting to the service, dining at Wagner 113 is a foliage lover’s dreamscape where every corner whispers beauty, intention, and love. No wonder it’s deemed as Baguio’s Proposal Capital, because 219 couples (and counting) have upgraded to fiancè status in their gardens (fatefully, I was there when they rang the ceremonial “she-said-yes” bell).  

Live Music at 10:00 P.M.

When the evening chill arrived, I headed back to my hotel to check out St. Patrick’s—a cozy bar with old library charm just at the lobby of the Forest Wing. Think whiskey, leather armchairs, matte golden lamps, and bartenders in vests shaking up a drink. Besides their cocktails and bar chows, the live music alone is worth the time. The bar proudly expresses its local talents who pour their hearts out in acoustic sets. As the cool, breathtaking melody fills the air, I can’t help but think this is the perfect nightcap: unhurried, soulful, and a little spellbinding.

St. Patrick’s at the Forest Wing

Day 2: Movement, Massage, and the Mountain Man

Dawn Watch at 5:00 A.M., followed by Breakfast at 8:00 A.M.

When I'm in Baguio, the crack of dawn is a time to look forward to. The scenic light caressing the navy blue mountaintops is enough to move me to prayer. After my quiet time and meditation, I headed to the hotel lobby for breakfast. It’s best enjoyed slowly—just good Baguio coffee, a mouth-watering tapsilog plate, and the soft hush of pine trees outside. 

Daybreak view from my room

This tapsilog could easily brighten anyone’s morning.

Forest Bathing at 9:00 A.M. 

To energize for the day, I strolled around Camp John Hay to look for the Secret Garden nestled inside its grounds. It was a beautiful day with vividly blue skies and cotton-like clouds. I got lost trying to locate it, but it added to the mini-adventure.

Camp John Hay Grounds It was a good, light exercise before my next activity. Finally, I found it, and it’s a nature lover’s dream—wooden decks with rows of towering pine trees that seemed endless, bird song floating in the air, and sunshine twinkling through the roof of leaves. Every step into the woods felt like a soft unraveling of stress. As I wandered beneath the canopy, the forest seemed to breathe life back into me.

The Secret Garden

Pickleball at 10:30 A.M.

After being recharged by nature, it’s time to move. John Hay Sports Pavilion just opened recently, and with three half basketball courts and four pickleball courts, many can sweat it out and play in the pines. 

John Hay Sports Pavilion invites pickleball and basketball enthusiasts for friendly and competitive play.

Pickleball is easy to learn and beginner-friendly, and exploring it as a new hobby is enjoyable. If you’re a first-timer like me, hiring a coach to teach you the basics is just Php 2,000 for 1 hour, and that’s enough to get you started. I didn’t have any equipment, but the Pavilion has rental paddles and balls for only Php 100 per person. The trending sport is low-impact, energizing, and just plain fun, especially with the crisp mountain air keeping you cool.

Lunch at 12:00 P.M.

Come noontime, I was hungry for a hearty lunch. I made my way to Quoted Café, a local dining spot known for its comfort food, great coffee, homey ambiance, with hand-painted murals, and charming farmhouse knick-knacks.

Quoted Cafe has comfort food & drinks that you won’t forget.This place is a true Baguio gem with excellent and friendly service. To replenish my energy, I got their best-selling Mexican beef quesadilla and chicken parmigiana for protein-packed dishes, and then for a sweet treat, their iced pistachio matcha gave a dopamine rush. The pistachio cream is generously frosted around the glass, and the green tea notes balance the sweetness with its lightly bitter yet refreshing taste. I still think about this drink long after my trip. 

Vibrant ambiance with charming farmhouse decor for sale at Quoted Cafe, Legarda Branch

In-room Massage at 5:00 P.M.

In the late afternoon, I returned to my suite for a warm shower to freshen up after a good sweat sesh. I called The Spa at the Garden Wing (formerly The Manor Hotel) and booked a massage, which they delivered in-room for peak relaxation. With soft lighting, essential oils, fine linens, and expert strokes, it's a restorative pause my body thanked me for. My masseuse’s technique soothed my body as I felt the aches and pains melt away. I was able to take a quick reset, ready to indulge myself for the exciting last night of my mountain stay. 

The Spa’s therapists will lull you to sleep and deep relaxation with their techniques and signature massage.

Cultural Dinner at 7:00 P.M.

The day culminated with an extraordinary cultural experience: a private dinner with the Baguio Mountain Man in his ancestral home. Hosted by Chavi and Millie Romawac, a husband-and-wife tandem, atop their ancestral home, the night began with offerings to the ancestors—a quiet, reverent gesture that set the tone for an evening rooted in memory, land, and spirit.

Baguio Mountain Man, under the leadership of Chef Chavi Romawac, takes guests on a gastronomic, Cordilleran adventure.We dined on the rooftop, mist curling around us, as the chefs cooked everything over open flame in full view. The setting was uniquely Cordilleran—handwoven fabrics, wooden furniture, ruby candles, and curious decor like a preserved piglet and a goat skeleton. It was wild yet warm, and wonderfully local.

Millie Romawac opens the night with an offering to the ancestors.Guests—strangers at first—connected over stories and shared dishes. Each course was named after a us, adding a personal, poetic touch to the night. The menu featured unforgettable plates like the Great Gutierrez Danish with Dontogan kinuday (smoked pork from Dontogan), the indulgent Spread-it-for-the-Sandovals mushroom cheese spread with a distinct taste from the sabeng (fermented rice and corn), and the soulful Baguio Chicken Rice inspired by pinikpikan (slightly beaten chicken).

But the dish that stayed with me most was the Kiangan-inspired hinanglug—slow-cooked pork belly prepared using a traditional preservation method from Kiangan. Rich, tender, and intensely flavorful, it was comfort and heritage on a plate.

An intimate rooftop gastronomy with open-fire cooking showcases Cordillera’s deep flavors and texturesThe Del Rosario Mountain Clambake is fresh seafood steamed over hot Cordillera river stones and a thick bed of watercress. It brought festive energy to the table, while dessert—“Alni’s Affection”—offered grilled strawberries, peaches, and yogurt in a honey-mint glaze. Lastly, they served a calming ginger tea with a slice of strawberry and a fluffy cloud cake that felt like a soft goodbye. 

This wasn’t just a meal. It was a sensory journey through Cordilleran history, where fire, folklore, and food came together to awaken something more profound; an authentic taste of the mountains—and a reminder that some dinners stay with you long after the candles burn out.

Day 3: Sunshine, Super Silog, and Sweet Goodbyes

Morning Sun Bathing at 8:00 A.M.

Since the weather surprisingly gave me consistent blue, sunny skies during my trip, I had to take one last breath of Baguio from the Forest Wing’s Helipad Summit Garden—a hidden al fresco area with gorgeous, sky-high, panoramic views of the city’s mountainous silhouette. 

A roofdeck garden lounge with majestic viewsThere are comfortable lounge chairs and tables, with sprawling grass floors. At night, I imagine it to be a breathtaking spot to unwind and listen to music, whisper heartfelt prayers, or simply look up and wait for shooting stars under a sky full of twinkling lights. Some evenings, they even hold movie nights with a projector, so long as there is no rain. Whether journaling, sipping tea, or just watching the clouds shift, it's the kind of view that makes you think of your next visit. 

Brunch at 11:30 A.M.

For my final morning, I headed back to 113 Wagner Cafe, this time for a hearty brunch in their pavilion area. The setting is still whimsical and romantic, with curated foliage, farmhouse-inspired decor, hanging Capiz windchimes, and bright sunlight.

The Pavilion at 113 Wagner CafeTheir brunch menu is a celebration of richness and flavors, evident from the 3-course Agahan set, one of the three set meals you can choose from, This beautifully delectable brunch served homemade yogurt with mangoes, topped with pinipig and cashew polvoron, followed by the main dish—Australian ribeye garlic tapa, Baguio longganisa, savory scrambled eggs, and Basmati fried rice. Like my first Wagner 113 experience, I had to stop myself from getting too full because the last course awaited—ube-cream custard skillet pancake topped with cheese and cereals. Everything was cooked to perfection, the flavors were on point, and the servings were generous. I just wish the skillet pancake were more fluffy than eggy, as it felt like a keto cloud bread on the palate. Nonetheless, it was still an incredibly great last meal before I bid the mountains goodbye.

My brunch and final meal in Baguio

Check out and Head Back to Manila at 1:30 P.M.

Since I had already checked out before brunch, I had time to swing by Kokomo Café for some chocolate treats and pasalubongs—a non-negotiable for any Baguio trip. Their bestsellers include Cordillera Heritage Cacao in 70% to 100% dark chocolate, sweetened and unsweetened cacao tablea perfect for homemade tsokolate, and Chocoffee, their spin on the classic mocha. 

Kokomo is also the first in Baguio to offer traceable, single-origin cacao, sourced from farms in Mt. Province, Kalinga, Apayao, and Isabela. They handle their own fermentation, embracing a complete pod-to-bar process that makes each bar an authentic taste of the highlands. These aren’t just pasalubongs—they’re edible stories of Baguio’s rich culinary heritage.

***

After securing my goodie bag, I headed to the bus station to descend back to Manila—refreshed, inspired, and soulfully recharged.

My trip isn't the Baguio of crowded markets and hurried photo stops. Whether in a luxury suite or a lush public park, there is an itinerary for everyone where you can be acquainted with the Baguio that whispers rather than shouts—the one that reveals itself slowly to those willing to slow down. In a world that moves too fast, this itinerary offers something else: stillness, story, and soulful discovery.