Without a doubt, Baguio City is well-known for its vibrant festivals, cool weather, and night market finds. However, the City of Pines is also known for several haunted places because of its tragic past. From the Japanese occupation during WWII to the 1990 Luzon earthquake, Baguio is said to be home to wandering souls who have unfinished business, making it one of the country’s most haunted cities.
#1 Loakan Road: Urban Legend
Loakan Road runs from Scout Barrio Barangay to the Philippine Military Academy area. This long stretch offers a peaceful view of the mountains and forest area in Baguio but hides an otherworldly secret.
This road is infamously known for sightings of the White Lady. According to legend, a woman was abused and killed in this street. Her spirit supposedly took refuge inside a pine tree located at the center of the road. When the government decided to cut down that tree years ago, anyone who attempted to do so became ill-some say fatally so. Today, taxi drivers claim she still appears occasionally along Loakan Road.
#2 Diplomat Hotel: An Eerie History
The Dominican priests originally built the Diplomat Hotel as a seminary in 1911. It functioned as a school for many years before the government converted it into a hotel. According to lore, when the Japanese conquered Baguio, many Filipinos, including soldiers, priests, and nuns, were killed and decapitated. Over the years, many residents and visitors claimed to have heard unusual screams and seen priests and nuns with severed heads at the hotel. To add more mystery to this sinister tale, the hotel’s manager died on the premises from what appeared to be a heart attack.
#3 Hyatt Hotel Baguio: Horrific Histories
The majestic Hyatt Terraces Hotel on South Drive was destroyed after a massive earthquake struck Baguio in 1990.
On July 16, 1990, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Luzon at exactly 4:26 p.m., splitting the ground beneath the hotel and bringing down all 12 stories in seconds. At least 500 people perished in the quake, with many trapped under the debris. Unfortunately, due to delayed and ineffective rescue efforts, a lot of people died in the calamity.
Every time taxi drivers pass by the former Hyatt Hotel at night, they always honk their horns as a way of honoring those who have passed away. It has been said that those who refuse to claim to have seen sightings of a mangled person crossing the road.
#4 Teacher’s Camp: Imprisoned Souls
Teacher’s Camp is the city’s leading event and training center for teachers and professionals. The camp, built in 1908 to serve American teachers and Thomasine educators, has already witnessed stories of triumph and failure.
During World War II, however, Japanese occupation soldiers used the location to imprison hundreds of people. Many are said to have been beheaded and killed at the site, which started stories of headless ghosts wandering the camp.
#5 Laperal Mansion: The “Laperal White House”
The Laperal White House on Leonardwood Road is popularly referred to as the city’s unofficial “haunted house.” Built in the 1920s, the house was owned by the Laperal family, but Japanese invaders took over and transformed it into a garrison during WWII. During this time, those who were captured and considered as enemies of the Japanese were tortured and killed.
One of the tales surrounding the haunted house tells the story of a woman who, from a restaurant across the street, was said to have looked at the Laperal White House and saw what appeared to be a white figure in one of the windows. At first, she tried to ignore it, but as she went to the restroom, the woman was shocked to see the same white figure in the bathroom mirror.
Currently, the property is owned by Lucio Tan and houses a bamboo art collection gallery. The house is still reminiscent of its historic era and lives up to its moniker as Baguio’s haunted house.
#6 The Japanese Tunnel, Botanical Garden
In the 1940s, the Japanese army was believed to have constructed numerous underground tunnels and complexes beneath Baguio City to serve as emergency escape routes from their enemies. The tunnels were known to house weapons and ammunition, including detailed escape plans.
Based on historical accounts, the American soldiers discovered the secret tunnels and bombed them, trapping hundreds of Japanese soldiers inside. To this day, their souls are believed to haunt the tunnels. Many claimed to have witnessed headless ghosts or heard strange noises and voices since the reopening of the tunnel.
Supposedly, the entrance to the tunnels can be accessed from Baguio Botanical Garden. The tunnels are also believed to be the burial site of the famous Yamashita Treasure. However, there is no scientific evidence that such treasure exists.
Ghosts and Pine City Fright Tours in Baguio?
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the Pine City Fright Tours should not be missed. This immersive experience is run by Baguio City’s very own Mr. Fright. Some of the locations included in the itinerary are the Japanese Tunnel, the Laperal House, and the Diplomat Hotel. Not only will you get some bone-chilling entertainment, but you’ll also learn about the city’s compelling history and why Baguio is touted as one of the scariest places in the country.
El Retiro Baguio: A Luxury Vacation Home
Whether you’re interested in exchanging ghost stories with your friends or going out for a midnight road trip, Baguio City promises a one-of-a-kind travel experience.
To make your stay even more memorable, book your stay at El Retiro Baguio. El Retiro is one of the best Baguio short-term rentals you can book exclusively for a single group. Just a short drive from the city center, this whole house for rent in Baguio City is all you need to make your trip unforgettable.