Driving to Baguio at Midnight

[butchik]

Real.Life.Photos - Alternate Route to Baguio (Magilas Trail)

Alternate route to Baguio | Ivan About Town | Philippine Travel Journal

Rambling Juan: Alternate Route from Manila to Baguio

Again, thank you for these links. Rambling Juan's Alternate route from Manila to Baguio was essentially helpful with pictures and everything

On the other hand, this just came at the top of my head... leaving Marilao Bulacan at 4AM... traveling via NLEX - SCTex, I just wonder how long it will take. Will we reach SCTex at 5.30AM just in time when it opens? Then before we head towards the Magilas Trail route, I'm guessing it won't be as dark anymore.

[butchik]

Thanks again everyone. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas. The Magilas Trail directions were awesome. Although longer, but no traffic and congestion. We arrived in Baguio early and our trip was smooth and fine. We're now going back to Manila and we'll be using the Magilas Trail route again. Thanks and God bless! Hope you all have a wonderful 2012. Until next time!

[vinj]

Thanks again everyone. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas. The Magilas Trail directions were awesome. Although longer, but no traffic and congestion. We arrived in Baguio early and our trip was smooth and fine. We're now going back to Manila and we'll be using the Magilas Trail route again. Thanks and God bless! Hope you all have a wonderful 2012. Until next time!

Great to hear that. My bro's taking the same route later today.

[yebo]

medyo late na post ko but this is for those who are still in baguio now and will be going down soon. DO NOT TAKE NAGUILIAN AT NIGHT. we were in baguio last august and going down to manila the traffic at Marcos highway was very heavy (and Kennon was closed due to the rains). so since we had not passed the 1st stretch of on-going road construction yet i decided to turn around and go via naguilian instead. THERE ARE 3 PORTIONS OF NAGUILIAN WHERE THE ROAD IS ONLY 1 LANE DUE TO LANDSLIDES, AND THE REMAINING PORTIONS OF THE ROAD WERE SO NARROW AND WERE EVEN BEGINNING TO SLIDE DOWN (MERON NANG BIYAK YUNG ROAD, SIGNS OF IMPENDING LANDSLIDE). so be very wary when going down naguilian as the eroded portions of the road is not clearly visible from far off, bigla na lang bubulaga sa iyo na biglang nag-disappear yung 1/2 ng road into a big land slide.

[CVT]

medyo late na post ko but this is for those who are still in baguio now and will be going down soon. DO NOT TAKE NAGUILIAN AT NIGHT. we were in baguio last august and going down to manila the traffic at Marcos highway was very heavy (and Kennon was closed due to the rains). so since we had not passed the 1st stretch of on-going road construction yet i decided to turn around and go via naguilian instead. THERE ARE 3 PORTIONS OF NAGUILIAN WHERE THE ROAD IS ONLY 1 LANE DUE TO LANDSLIDES, AND THE REMAINING PORTIONS OF THE ROAD WERE SO NARROW AND WERE EVEN BEGINNING TO SLIDE DOWN (MERON NANG BIYAK YUNG ROAD, SIGNS OF IMPENDING LANDSLIDE). so be very wary when going down naguilian as the eroded portions of the road is not clearly visible from far off, bigla na lang bubulaga sa iyo na biglang nag-disappear yung 1/2 ng road into a big land slide.

Thanks for the heads-up bro.,- I have not passed through Naguilian Road for years... (and I was thinking of doing it in a short while)....

14.5K:higop:

[butchik]

medyo late na post ko but this is for those who are still in baguio now and will be going down soon. DO NOT TAKE NAGUILIAN AT NIGHT. we were in baguio last august and going down to manila the traffic at Marcos highway was very heavy (and Kennon was closed due to the rains). so since we had not passed the 1st stretch of on-going road construction yet i decided to turn around and go via naguilian instead. THERE ARE 3 PORTIONS OF NAGUILIAN WHERE THE ROAD IS ONLY 1 LANE DUE TO LANDSLIDES, AND THE REMAINING PORTIONS OF THE ROAD WERE SO NARROW AND WERE EVEN BEGINNING TO SLIDE DOWN (MERON NANG BIYAK YUNG ROAD, SIGNS OF IMPENDING LANDSLIDE). so be very wary when going down naguilian as the eroded portions of the road is not clearly visible from far off, bigla na lang bubulaga sa iyo na biglang nag-disappear yung 1/2 ng road into a big land slide.

yikes! nakakatakot. thanks for the heads-up, yebo! even my dad didn't want to pass by Naguilian, kasi it's a long route daw. so we took the marcos hiway on the way back.. again....

[butchik]

Going back to Baguio again next month and will use the same Magilas Trail route (Thanks again everyone for your help). Just want to know.... Since our final destination would be in San Fernando, La Union (we're going to spend the night at Thunderbird), will head straight to Baguio from Manila, then after a short tour, head back down to Poro Point. I plan to use the same MT route going back to Manila, except I need to find where to go from end of Marcos Hiway going to San Fernando, La Union? Anyone know? Sorry didn't start a new thread, since I thought we're still gonna go to Baguio anyway....

[butchik]

Hi, ask ko lang po. Anyone know how to get to Poro Point coming from Baguio using the Magilas Trail route (in going to Manila)? Where to go from end of Marcos Hiway going to San Fernando La Union (Thunderbird Resort)? We are leaving next week po. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[yebo]

suggestion ko lang is kung di ka pa masyado sanay magdrive then mas ok sa marcos highway. wider roads at hindi ganun ka steep compared sa kennon. drawback is mas mahaba siya sa kennon road. mahirap sa kennon magovertake since 2lane lang siya and madalas marami trak na may kargang bato.

baliktad yata sir, mas steep ang marcos kesa sa kennon. ang marcos matarik ang daan, ang kennon prone to land slides pag umuulan.

dami road repairs sa marcos highway na ongoing, trapik dun.

[butchik]

baliktad yata sir, mas steep ang marcos kesa sa kennon. ang marcos matarik ang daan, ang kennon prone to land slides pag umuulan.

dami road repairs sa marcos highway na ongoing, trapik dun.

Hi Sir, ganon po ba? Last december nag Marcos Highway kami. Mukhang okay naman. Di ako nahirapan. I always had this impression that Kennon is far too steep for me. So we used Marcos highway then, during our climb up to baguio and in going down to Manila. So far, kaunti na lang ang napansin kong road repairs and we never encountered any traffic at all during that time. Just not sure if I'll be caught on traffic there next week. I drive and do a lot of road trips using either stick shift SUV or automatic, but next week, I'm driving the automatic. So do you think a female like myself can handle Kennon Road for the final climb up, with the automatic cruiser? Just a thought.

Since we're going to push it hard, leaving Manila at 3AM for Baguio, then head back down the same day to Poro Point. In going down to San Fernando, La union, which way is closer to Thunderbird, Poro Point? Is it Marcos highway or Kennon road? (btw thanks for your PM again sir yebo)

I want to arrive as early as 7Am sana in Baguio so we could go back down and be early for our check in at Thunderbird around 2PM. Kaso I worry that if we leave earlier than 3AM malamang mag aantay din lang kami mag open ang SCTEX at 5:30AM? Is that right?

[Hanren]

Hi Sir, ganon po ba? Last december nag Marcos Highway kami. Mukhang okay naman. Di ako nahirapan. I always had this impression that Kennon is far too steep for me. So we used Marcos highway then, during our climb up to baguio and in going down to Manila. So far, kaunti na lang ang napansin kong road repairs and we never encountered any traffic at all during that time. Just not sure if I'll be caught on traffic there next week. I drive and do a lot of road trips using either stick shift SUV or automatic, but next week, I'm driving the automatic. So do you think a female like myself can handle Kennon Road for the final climb up, with the automatic cruiser? Just a thought.

Since we're going to push it hard, leaving Manila at 3AM for Baguio, then head back down the same day to Poro Point. In going down to San Fernando, La union, which way is closer to Thunderbird, Poro Point? Is it Marcos highway or Kennon road? (btw thanks for your PM again sir yebo)

I want to arrive as early as 7Am sana in Baguio so we could go back down and be early for our check in at Thunderbird around 2PM. Kaso I worry that if we leave earlier than 3AM malamang mag aantay din lang kami mag open ang SCTEX at 5:30AM? Is that right?

Kennon road has significantly improved. If you are in Baguio, the best route would be to take Naguilian road in going down to San Fernando. From Naguilian road, you will exit at Bauang tow, then San Fernando. This is much close to your destination than both Marcos Highway and Kennon.

But if you really mind the road quality (it still is not as good as the other mentioned roads), then take Marcos highway but do not take the Pugo road and instead, head towards Tubao, Agoo, then Bauang and San Fernando. Thunderbird is just along the National Highway.

[butchik]

Kennon road has significantly improved. If you are in Baguio, the best route would be to take Naguilian road in going down to San Fernando. From Naguilian road, you will exit at Bauang tow, then San Fernando. This is much close to your destination than both Marcos Highway and Kennon.

But if you really mind the road quality (it still is not as good as the other mentioned roads), then take Marcos highway but do not take the Pugo road and instead, head towards Tubao, Agoo, then Bauang and San Fernando. Thunderbird is just along the National Highway.

Maraming salamat sa input mo, Hanren. So far Naguilian is the closest route I've heard. But I was given a heads up, tama ka, medyo madami parin daw nakakatakot na butas sa daan at malapit sa bangin. Just not sure about the current road condition. Ilang kilometers po ba ang difference ng Naguilian to San Fernando as compared to using the Kennon or Aspiras Hiway?

[Gumusut_Amige]

^^^ all the damaged roads in Naguilian road were already completed, pero mas maraming twist and turn ang road na ito kumpara sa Aspiras hiway at Kennon road. hanren is right, it's the shortest route to thunderbird. baguio to poro point (thunderbird) is about 1-1/2 hour drive away. using aspiras (marcos) hiway - plus almost another 30 minutes, while using kennon road will almost be another 1 hour.

[butchik]

^^^ all the damaged roads in Naguilian road were already completed, pero mas maraming twist and turn ang road na ito kumpara sa Aspiras hiway at Kennon road. hanren is right, it's the shortest route to thunderbird. baguio to poro point (thunderbird) is about 1-1/2 hour drive away. using aspiras (marcos) hiway - plus almost another 30 minutes, while using kennon road will almost be another 1 hour.

Wow malayo rin pala. So I guess will just take Naguilian Road since medyo nagmamadali kami para umabot sa check-in time na 2PM sa Thunderbird (Hopefully walang traffic sa Naguillan). Thank you for this input, Sir. I hope kayanin ko naman ang Naguilian. Although am not too familiar with it. First time kong dadaan dun without my Dad who knows his way around Baguio. So I'll just follow your advice and Hanren's advice, to take Naguilian, then head towards Tubao, Agoo, then Bauang and San Fernando. Sana worth yung trip. At pwede ring mag jetski or anything sa Thunderbird, at may mapasyalan pang iba bukod sa resort para masulit namin yung overnight stay

Just one more question... if you guys know... how to get back to Maguilas Trail coming from Thunderbird. Sorry... Para pauwi ulit namin Manila we're going to use the Magilas Trail route back. Medyo cramming na ko kasi next week napo ang alis namin. Pero maraming salamat po sa mga inputs ninyo!

[Gumusut_Amige]

Wow malayo rin pala. So I guess will just take Naguilian Road since medyo nagmamadali kami para umabot sa check-in time na 2PM sa Thunderbird (Hopefully walang traffic sa Naguillan). Thank you for this input, Sir. I hope kayanin ko naman ang Naguilian. Although am not too familiar with it. First time kong dadaan dun without my Dad who knows his way around Baguio. So I'll just follow your advice and Hanren's advice, to take Naguilian, then head towards Tubao, Agoo, then Bauang and San Fernando. Sana worth yung trip. At pwede ring mag jetski or anything sa Thunderbird, at may mapasyalan pang iba bukod sa resort para masulit namin yung overnight stay

Just one more question... if you guys know... how to get back to Maguilas Trail coming from Thunderbird. Sorry... Para pauwi ulit namin Manila we're going to use the Magilas Trail route back. Medyo cramming na ko kasi next week napo ang alis namin. Pero maraming salamat po sa mga inputs ninyo!

the Naguilian road from Baguio doesn't lead you to Tubao and Agoo... major towns from Baguio via Naguilian route are Sablan (Benguet), Burgos (1st town of La Union), Naguilian, Bauang then San Fernando. hindi ako sure kung may jetski doon sa thunderbird, what i know is in San Juan (the surfing capital of the Philippines)... only 10-15 mins drive from Thunderbird resort.

going back to Maguilas Trail.. back from San Fernando - Bauang, Caba, Aringay, Agoo, Sto Tomas, Rosario, then you're back in Sison Pangasinan, Pozzurubio, Binalonan then there you go... to Maguilas Trail. enjoy and drive safe always

[butchik]

the Naguilian road from Baguio doesn't lead you to Tubao and Agoo... major towns from Baguio via Naguilian route are Sablan (Benguet), Burgos (1st town of La Union), Naguilian, Bauang then San Fernando. hindi ako sure kung may jetski doon sa thunderbird, what i know is in San Juan (the surfing capital of the Philippines)... only 10-15 mins drive from Thunderbird resort.

going back to Maguilas Trail.. back from San Fernando - Bauang, Caba, Aringay, Agoo, Sto Tomas, Rosario, then you're back in Sison Pangasinan, Pozzurubio, Binalonan then there you go... to Maguilas Trail. enjoy and drive safe always

oopps, me bad. i misread hanren's post. he meant that if i took the marcos hiway pala, i should head to tubao, agoo. so i got it na. via Naguilian, i won't pass by tubao and agoo pala. instead, i'll take Bauang exit then San Fernando. sorry for this.

thank you so much sir, Gumusut! that's the answer i wanted to know. how to get back to Maguilas Trail coming from San Fernando. Everyone has been helpful. God bless. And will keep you in the loop.

[Gumusut_Amige]

oopps, me bad. i misread hanren's post. he meant that if i took the marcos hiway pala, i should head to tubao, agoo. so i got it na. via Naguilian, i won't pass by tubao and agoo pala. instead, i'll take Bauang exit then San Fernando. sorry for this.

thank you so much sir, Gumusut! that's the answer i wanted to know. how to get back to Maguilas Trail coming from San Fernando. Everyone has been helpful. God bless. And will keep you in the loop.

your welcome mam, btw kumusta ang viaje nyo? sana naging memorable... panalo ba sa fiesta?

[butchik]

your welcome mam, btw kumusta ang viaje nyo? sana naging memorable... panalo ba sa fiesta?

Sir sayang nga po eh, hindi ko naabutan ang fiesta. We're leaving for Baguio March po eh. Not February.. Thanks for all your inputs. So try ko naman po this time na mag Naguilian, even though I keep hearing stories that it's crazy to use that route... I hope I'll be fine naman at hindi bigla biglang mahulog sa bangin or anything. Need to check in at Poro Point Thunderbird the same day din po kasi before 2PM so kaya kailangan maagang umalis. May question is, if we leave at 3AM from Pasay... Will we reach SCTEX Just in time before it opens at 5.30? O baka pag-antayin din pala kami matagal sa SCTEX entrance? Anyway way,God bless Sir! And thanks to everyone for all your inputs. Really appreciate them. Have a great weekend.

[vinj]

Sir sayang nga po eh, hindi ko naabutan ang fiesta. We're leaving for Baguio March po eh. Not February.. Thanks for all your inputs. So try ko naman po this time na mag Naguilian, even though I keep hearing stories that it's crazy to use that route... I hope I'll be fine naman at hindi bigla biglang mahulog sa bangin or anything. Need to check in at Poro Point Thunderbird the same day din po kasi before 2PM so kaya kailangan maagang umalis. May question is, if we leave at 3AM from Pasay... Will we reach SCTEX Just in time before it opens at 5.30? O baka pag-antayin din pala kami matagal sa SCTEX entrance? Anyway way,God bless Sir! And thanks to everyone for all your inputs. Really appreciate them. Have a great weekend.

SCTEX is open 24/7.

[Hanren]

Sir sayang nga po eh, hindi ko naabutan ang fiesta. We're leaving for Baguio March po eh. Not February.. Thanks for all your inputs. So try ko naman po this time na mag Naguilian, even though I keep hearing stories that it's crazy to use that route... I hope I'll be fine naman at hindi bigla biglang mahulog sa bangin or anything. Need to check in at Poro Point Thunderbird the same day din po kasi before 2PM so kaya kailangan maagang umalis. May question is, if we leave at 3AM from Pasay... Will we reach SCTEX Just in time before it opens at 5.30? O baka pag-antayin din pala kami matagal sa SCTEX entrance? Anyway way,God bless Sir! And thanks to everyone for all your inputs. Really appreciate them. Have a great weekend.

Sorry di ako agad nakapag reply. Anyway, sir G_A adequately answered your questions.

Naguilian road is just fine but if compared to Kennon or Marcos, the former is not that good. If you will use Marcos Highway to go to Thunderbird, the you will still have to pass through 3 more towns as compared to using Naguilian road. Naguilian is narrow. Since hindi mo naman gaano kabisado ang daan na yan, alalay ka na lang. There are so many big trucks traversing that road (going up, and going down) such that you will find it difficult to overtake them. Have a safe trip ahead.