Baguio City Accommodation: Safari Lodge Restaurant, Bar and Museum

Where to stay in Baguio City? Having been to Baguio City myself numerous times, let me share one of the accommodations I've stayed at. Safari Lodge is one of the affordable lodging houses in Baguio City and its close proximity to most tourist attractions makes it a perfect place to stay.

Entrance to the main house and the Hunter's Bar

We have stayed here on two separate occasions: first we stayed for two different nights (before and after our Sagada trip) and the second time was for a night. We would always book their budget room which costs P500 per night for 2 persons (except during our second stay which fell on Christmas day and peak season rates apply; the room costs P1000). However, as of this writing, Safari Lodge has updated their room rates. Their cheapest room currently costs P800 during weekdays and P900 during weekends. Despite the increase, I still consider the rate value for money because it now includes free breakfast and wifi access to each room.

Safari Lodge is located at a convenient distance from Baguio City downtown. It's a stone throw away from Botanical Garden which is one of the tourist spots for those who want to see some Igorot huts, colorful flowers in a verdant landscape and simply for those who seek relaxation and experience the beauty of this park. It is also one jeepney ride away from popular tourist attractions such as Mines View Park, The Mansion, Wright Park and Teachers' Camp.

Safari Lodge reception

One of the most interesting features of Safari Lodge that makes it unique from other lodging houses is their museum-style ambiance. The main restaurant is decorated by trophies of African and Philippine wildlife animals. These are real animals hunted by Celso Tuason, founder of Safari Lodge, and part of his collections includes life-size elephant head, rhino and buffalo, a full-size leopard and lions. Safari Lodge, because of its mini-museum, is an attraction itself.

The rustic look of the main house's interior gives that relaxing and homey feel. The budget room where we stayed in, however, called the "Bamboo Side" is found at the back of the main lodging house and has a completely different setup.

Heads of an elephant and deers mounted on the walls

More display of dead and preserved wildlife animals

Old photos of Celso Tuason showing some of his successful animal hunt

We found the budget room to be clean and comfortable, though some may find it a bit small. It has a double bed and cable TV. The private bath room is surprisingly nice and I like it.

The only problem worth mentioning was the shower. The water doesn't get as hot as it should be. We experienced this on both times we stayed there. On our second stay, I reported the problem to one of the staff at the reception and she said she will have it checked. However, when we returned to the room after a day tour, it seemed the shower wasn't check at all. Not sure though if this was a problem of the shower in our room or other rooms as well. Other than that, we generally liked our stay. The staff were nice and friendly too.

Budget room previously costs P500 per night (now at P800 and P900 for weekdays and weekends, respectively)

Beside the main lodging house is the Hunter's Bar. We never had the chance to enter the bar because it seemed close every time we're there.

In both of our stay, we dined at their restaurant only once. We would usually stay at the restaurant to get free access of their wifi (previously that's where the wifi was only available). On our first stay, the wifi wasn't working which was a disappointment since they confirmed it's working well before we booked. Perhaps this has been improved now that all rooms are provided with free wifi.

The veranda or terrace area of the restaurant has a good view of the garden and surrounding trees. It can be a romantic spot for evening dinner as well.

For those who want to avoid the crowd and busy streets near and around Baguio City downtown, Safari Lodge is a great choice. Its location and privacy even add more value to this charming and peaceful abode.

Tapsilog for breakfast costs P120 and coffee for P25

Charming and relaxing view from the veranda

Patio garden

View in front of the main lodging house

Signs and driveway entrance to Safari Lodge

Contact information:

Safari Lodge Restaurant, Bar & Museum
191 Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City
Tel/Fax: (074) 442-2419
Mobile No.: +639167044697
Email Address: safarilodge_010@yahoo.com
Website: http://safarilodge.webs.com/

How to get there from Baguio City downtown:

First option is to take a cab anywhere the downtown area. It will take about 5-10 minutes to get to Safari Lodge. Second and cheaper option is to take a jeepney bound for Mines View Park. There is a jeepney terminal found along Lower Mabini St. between Session Road and Harrison Road. Safari Lodge is located after Teachers' Camp if you're coming from the downtown. If you're coming from Mines View Park or The Mansion, you can take the jeepney bound for Burnham Park or Session Road.

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