Baguio has always been on top of every holiday go to places especially during the hottest season of the country. The cool climate and beautiful scenery that sets this city apart from our tropical and developing country are what makes people want to flock and escape the hot and humid busy streets in other regions.
But with the recent opening of SCTEX and TPLEX, the travel time was cut 2 hours short from the usual 6 hour long road trip, making Baguio a 4 hour drive from Manila!
Now if you would ask the locals, you’d know that Baguio is no longer just the Summer Capital of the Philippines, but more like the vacation capital of the country.
Our family is no exception to that. We frequent the city every holy week and december breaks and we can definitely tell the heck of a difference with the volume of cars and people pre and post SCTex and TPLex. We no longer prefer visiting tourist spots over staying in the comforts of our home due to the worsening traffic we brought here all the way from Manila! And yes we feel somewhat responsible.
That is why Mount Costa is like a breather in the congested city of Pines. Tucked in just about 20-30 minutes away from the city proper, you’d get to feel the cool and fresh breeze you once experienced with the unscathed Baguio. A 6 hectare development brimming with floras, mazes, and a refreshing greenery you can explore on foot as you pace along the yellow and blue trail.
al fresco dining
toddler garden space loc a few walks away from the children play area
plus an outdoor musical garden, mirror garden, mazes, 20 garden undocumented and more greeneries!
There’s definitely a thing or two to do for everyone in the family.
Here are things we learned from our quick visit:
1. One day pass gives you access to all gardens
PEAK SEASON RATES
Adults P 350.00 ($7.00)
Students (with Valid ID) P 250.00 ($5.00)
Senior Citizens & PWDs P 250.00 ($5.00)
Children below 3 Free (Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times)
Green Living Room Rental P 1,000.00 ($20.00)
OFF SEASON RATES
Adults P 280.00 ($5.60)
Students (with Valid ID) P 200.00 ($4.00)
Senior Citizens & PWDs P 200.00 ($4.00)
Children below 3 Free (Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times)
Green Living Room Rental P 1,000.00 ($20.00)
2. Get here early to maximize every space
OPERATING SCHEDULES
Park Hours 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission Gate closes at 4:00 PM
Days 7 days a week
1:00 PM Open January 1, November 1 & December 25
Months October – June / July – September
3. The website provides a detailed instruction on how to get there. The place is pinned on waze and is easily accessible via commute. Gear up for the sharp curves and zig zags though!
4. They have strict garden policies to preserve and protect the greeneries. Smoking and vaping are prohibited; certain requirements will be sought from you if you wish to bring pets; bringing of food is prohibited except baby food items; and more of the guidelines on the website.
6. Comfy shoes and clothes are a must esp if you have a toddler in tow.
7. Don't forget to bring an insect repellant.
The place is still being developed when we visited but we already felt the literal and figurative chill vibe this place exudes esp once everything is completed.
And yes, we’ll definitely go back for some quiet fun and al fresco dining when the floras are in full bloom and the food stalls fully operational. It’s a nice quick scenic escape from the humdrum of the busy city life, away from the impasse traffic and towering concretes; a way to reconnect and recharge from the draining everyday hustle and bustle.
See you when I see you!
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