Camp John Hay | Baguio

Information

Landmark: Camp John Hay
City: Baguio
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Camp John Hay, Baguio, Philippines, Asia

Camp John Hay is a 690-hectare former U.S. military rest and recreation center in Baguio City. It now functions as a premier mountain resort and a special economic zone.

Visual Characteristics

The area is characterized by its massive, well-preserved Benguet pine forests and American-style architecture. It features rolling green hills, manicured golf courses, and log-cabin-style structures. The landscape is significantly cleaner and more spacious than the city center, with a distinct "western" aesthetic and higher altitude views.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Loakan Rd, Baguio, 2600 Benguet.

Access: Primary entry points are via the Loakan Road gate and the Baguio-Lupang gate near South Drive.

Transport: Accessible via taxis or private vehicles. Jeepneys labeled "Loakan" or "Camp 7" pass near the entrance gates, but internal transport is limited; walking or private transport is recommended.

Entry: Entry to the main grounds and commercial areas is free. Specific attractions within the "Historical Core" require an admission fee.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1903, it was named after John Milton Hay, the U.S. Secretary of State. It served as a sanatorium and recreation base for American soldiers. It was officially turned over to the Philippine government in 1991. Ecologically, it contains one of the most significant and dense remaining pine forest covers in Baguio, serving as a vital watershed.

Key Highlights & Activities

Historical Core: Includes the Bell House (former commander’s residence), the Bell Amphitheater, and the Cemetery of Negativism.

Yellow Trail: A 1.5-kilometer hiking trail through the pine forest, popular for bird watching and nature walks.

TechnoHub: A commercial cluster featuring 24/7 restaurants, cafes, and business offices.

Mile Hi Center: A shopping and dining area known for duty-free outlets.

Tree Top Adventure: An eco-adventure park offering zip lines, motorized canopy tours, and tree drops.

Jack’s Ridge and Butterfly Sanctuary: Located within the forest fragments.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The complex is highly developed, featuring world-class hotels like The Manor and The Forest Lodge. It includes a championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, multiple convention centers, and public restrooms. 5G cellular coverage is reliable in the commercial hubs.

Best Time to Visit

The camp is open 24 hours, but specific attractions operate from 08:00 to 17:00. The crisp morning air (06:00–08:00) is ideal for hiking the Yellow Trail. During the Christmas season, the area is heavily decorated and features night markets and light shows.

Facts & Legends

The Cemetery of Negativism was created by U.S. Major John Hightower as a symbolic place to bury bad thoughts and attitudes, represented by humorous tombstones. Camp John Hay was also the site of the first Japanese bombs dropped on the Philippines in 1941.