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moderate3 days๐ŸŒฟ November to April (dry season, cool mountain air)

Manila to Baguio: Philippines Mountain Escape

A 3-day EV road trip from the capital to the Summer Capital of the Philippines

Escape the tropical heat of Manila for the cool pine-scented air of Baguio โ€” the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Drive north on the NLEX and SCTEX expressways through Pampanga and Tarlac, then climb into the Cordillera Mountains via the scenic Kennon Road. Baguio offers strawberry picking, the famous Burnham Park, and a thriving EV community with growing charging infrastructure.

250
Total km
5h
Driving time
2+
Charging stops
3
Days
Route:Manila โ†’ Pampanga โ†’ Tarlac โ†’ Baguio
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Route Map

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Highway Conditions

NLEX and SCTEX expressways are excellent toll roads. The final approach to Baguio via Kennon Road or Marcos Highway is steep and winding โ€” 25km of mountain driving with hairpin turns. Drive in low gear downhill to save range. Landslides possible during rainy season (June-October).

๐Ÿ“‹ Plan Your Trip

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Charging Tips for This Route

EV charging in the Philippines is still developing. Charge fully in Manila before departing. There are a few AC chargers at NLEX rest stops (Shell Recharge, Meralco). Baguio has Meralco EV chargers at SM City Baguio (2x CCS2, 1x Type 2). For AC charging, ask for wall outlet access at your hotel. Bring your own Type 2 cable. The steep downhill into Baguio actually regenerates power โ€” you'll arrive with more range than expected.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Family Highlights

  • โœ“Pampanga Sandbox โ€” adventure park with zipline + ATV rides for kids
  • โœ“Tarlac Recreational Park โ€” midway pit stop with playground and food park
  • โœ“Baguio Strawberry Farm (La Trinidad) โ€” pick your own strawberries
  • โœ“Burnham Park โ€” boat rides, bike rentals, and skating rink
  • โœ“Mines View Park โ€” panoramic views of the Cordillera mountains

๐Ÿ‘‘ Luxury Highlights

  • โœฆThe Manor at Camp John Hay โ€” colonial-style luxury in a pine forest
  • โœฆAzalea Hotels & Residences Baguio โ€” EV-friendly serviced residences
  • โœฆLe Monet Hotel Baguio โ€” panoramic mountain views with event spaces

๐Ÿ“… Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Manila โ†’ Pampanga โ†’ Tarlac (120 km)

Depart Manila after a full charge. Drive north on NLEX. Stop at Pampanga for lunch and the Sandbox adventure park. Continue to Tarlac for overnight stay.

120km~4kWh

Charging Stops

  • ๐Ÿ”ŒShell Recharge NLEX (departure charge)
  • ๐Ÿ”ŒSM City Tarlac Meralco charger (arrival)

Family Fun Stops

  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆPampanga Sandbox (zipline + ATV + rope course)
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆTarlac Recreational Park (playground)
Stop at Pampanga for Sisig โ€” the iconic Filipino sizzling pork dish. Kids love the milder chicken version.
2

Tarlac โ†’ Baguio (130 km)

Drive north on SCTEX then climb into the mountains. The last 25km through Kennon Road is steep and winding. Regenerative braking will help. Arrive in Baguio by lunchtime.

130km~4kWh

Charging Stops

  • ๐Ÿ”ŒSCTEX Dau rest stop charger (mid-way charge)
  • ๐Ÿ”ŒSM City Baguio Meralco charger (arrival charge)

Family Fun Stops

  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆBaguio Strawberry Farm (La Trinidad)
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆMines View Park
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆBotanical Garden
Lunch at Good Taste Cafe in Baguio โ€” massive portions, affordable prices, and kid-friendly choices.
3

Explore Baguio & Return

Morning at Burnham Park (boat rides, biking, skating). Afternoon exploring Session Road and the Baguio Cathedral. Evening return to Manila or extend with a day trip to Sagada.

250km~8kWh

Charging Stops

  • ๐Ÿ”ŒSM City Baguio charger (departure charge)
  • ๐Ÿ”ŒNLEX rest stop charger (return top-up)

Family Fun Stops

  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆBurnham Park (boat rental + skating)
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆBaguio Cathedral
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆBaguio Night Market (evening departure)
Grab Ube jam and strawberry taho from Baguio market for the drive back โ€” Philippines' best road trip snacks.

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about planning this EV road trip.

๐Ÿ“‹ Plan Your Trip

Book through our trusted partners to lock in the best rates for your family EV road trip.

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you book through these links.