Burnham Park, Baguio - Things to Do at Burnham Park

Things to Do at Burnham Park

Complete Guide to Burnham Park in Baguio

About Burnham Park

Entry to Burnham Park costs ₱250-500 ($50.0-100.0 USD), with tickets available at the front entrance or through advance booking. The walking trails cover roughly 2.5 miles total, with the main loop taking about 45 minutes at a comfortable pace. Early morning visits between 7-9 AM offer the best lighting for photos and fewer crowds on the popular sections. Most visitors spend between 90 minutes to 2.5 hours here, depending on their level of interest and walking pace. Morning air carries the scent of earth and vegetation, while afternoon visits bring warmer temperatures and the sounds of active wildlife. The facility maintains clear signage throughout, making navigation straightforward even for first-time visitors. Weather can affect the experience, so dressing in layers helps maintain comfort during temperature changes. The staff generally knows the area well and can answer questions about timing, facilities, and nearby options if you need additional information during your visit.

What to See & Do

Burnham Lake

The park's centerpiece where you can rent paddle boats or kayaks. It's actually quite relaxing, and the surrounding pine trees make for decent photos even if the water isn't crystal clear.

Melvin Jones Grandstand

This open-air amphitheater hosts various events and concerts. Even when nothing's happening, it's worth a look for the architecture and you might catch locals practicing dance routines.

Rose Garden

A colorful patch that's particularly lovely during blooming season. It's small but well-maintained, and tends to be less crowded than the lake area.

Skating Rink

An old-school roller skating rink that feels like stepping back in time. It's surprisingly popular with kids and nostalgic adults alike.

Orchidarium and Sunken Garden

A quiet corner showcasing local orchid varieties and other mountain plants. It's a nice spot if you want to escape the crowds for a few minutes.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours, though most activities and boat rentals operate from around 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Tickets & Pricing

Free entry to the park. Boat rentals cost around ₱30-50 per person for 30 minutes. Skating rink charges about ₱20-30 plus skate rental fees

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for fewer crowds and better lighting. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends

Suggested Duration

Plan for 2-3 hours if you want to try the boats and explore properly, though you could easily spend half a day here if you're in no hurry

Getting There

Burnham Park is incredibly easy to reach since it's right in Baguio's city center. If you're coming from Session Road or the main commercial areas, it's literally a 5-10 minute walk. Jeepneys and taxis can drop you off at various points around the park - just tell the driver "Burnham Park" and they'll know exactly where you mean. If you're staying anywhere in the city proper, you might find it easier to walk since traffic can get pretty congested, especially during peak season. The park has several entrances, so you can approach it from different directions depending on where you're coming from.

Things to Do Nearby

Session Road
Baguio's main commercial strip with shops, restaurants, and the famous weekend night market. It's literally adjacent to the park.
Baguio Cathedral
The city's iconic pink cathedral with its distinctive twin spires, just a short uphill walk from the park's eastern edge.
SM City Baguio
A major shopping mall that's useful for dining, shopping, or just escaping the mountain chill. About 10 minutes away on foot.
Malcolm Square
A small park area that connects to Burnham Park, often used for local events and gatherings. You'll probably walk through it without realizing it's technically separate.
Igorot Garden
A cultural garden showcasing Cordillera indigenous heritage, located within walking distance and worth combining with your park visit.

Tips & Advice

Bring a light jacket even during the day - Baguio weather can change quickly and it gets chilly by the lake
The boat rentals tend to have long lines during weekends and holidays, so consider visiting on weekdays if possible
There are plenty of food stalls around the park, but the quality varies - you might want to eat at nearby Session Road instead
Watch your belongings, especially during crowded periods - it's generally safe but pickpocketing can happen in busy tourist areas

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