When you arrive in Baguio City, you’ll notice that it’s a much different place than anywhere else in the world. It has a cold, crisp, and clean air scent unlike anything you’ve ever smelled before. Surprisingly, Baguio City can be enjoyed on a limited budget.
A person can enjoy almost every street food item available in a small amount. While it’s possible to enjoy a weekend in Baguio City with limited funds, savvy travelers will have secured their Victory Liner bus tickets online well before going to the mountain. The online booking process will enable travelers to select “First Class” or “Royal Class” sleeper seating options when booking.
When they arrive at the Victory Liner terminal located at Governor Pack Road, travelers will arrive feeling refreshed and excited to start their journey. However, once travelers have removed their seat belts and stepped off the air-conditioned van at the terminal; that’s when the $5.00 Challenge truly begins!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- One can enjoy the city’s iconic food and fashion under just 280 Philippine pesos.
- The biggest ukay-ukay discounts are found in wagawan piles after midnight.
- Buguio enforces strict plastic bans, so bring a reusable bag to save on eco-fees and help the environment.
The Street Food Sprint: $2.68 for a Full Belly
Baguio’s food venue is a masterclass in mountain comfort. Your first $2.68 (roughly ₱150) should be exclusive to the “Holy Trinity” of Baguio street eats. This is not just about survival; it is about tasting the specific terroir of the Cordilleras.
Try the Strawberry Taho (~$0.72 / ₱40). Unlike the vanilla-scented variants that are available in the lowlands, Baguio’s strawberry taho contains entire slices of Benguet strawberries immersed in hot and silky tofu. You will see the vendors and their shiny pails stationed on almost every nook and cranny of Session Road. This is a breakfast primary that doubles as a hand-warmer against the morning fog.
Next, move towards the edges of Harrison Road for some Grilled Balut (~$0.63 / ₱35) or a cup of Binatog (boiled corn with coconut and salt) (~$0.54 / ₱30). In case you are feeling particularly adventurous, look for Pinikpikan, a Cordilleran chicken soup, in the smaller carinderias near the market. You might not be able to purchase a full serving on your budget, but many of the local stalls offer a cup version for less than $1.07 (₱60). By the time you have finished, it’s been spent about half of your $5 and reached peak Baguio Vibes.
The Ukay-Ukay Hunt: Turning $2.32 into a Wardrobe
Now with the remaining $2.32 (approximately ₱130) in your pocket, the time has arrived to proceed to the Harrison Road Night Market that comes alive every night at 9:00 PM. This is the Mecca for all ukay-ukay (thrift shopping) hunters. Ukay-ukay in Baguio is more of a sport for the passionate bargain hunters.
While the “front” racks may hold nicely arranged items now going for $3.50 or higher, it is in the “wagwagan” piles that hidden treasures of the $5 challenge are discovered. These mounts are where huge mounds of clothes are flat priced at either $0.36 (₱20) or $0.90 (₱50). Recent consumer insights from 2025 shopping guides recommend that the “Skyworld” building on Session Road remains a goldmine for branded windbreakers and flannel shirts, generally priced as low as $1.79(₱100) if you have the patience to dig.
The rush is in the ‘find.’ In 2026, the trend is towards ‘reworked’ origin, but for the $5 challenge, the “raw” piles are the way to go. No doubt, a clever forager can walk home with a real fleece and a vintage denim jacket for only $2.15 (₱120), leaving just enough for a final stick of fishballs to cap your triumph.
Navigating the Night Market Like a Local
The Harrison Road Night Market is an exclusive overload. There’s the smell of grilled isaw (chicken intestines) along with the smell of used laundry detergent. To stretch your $5, you must acknowledge the vendors’ rhythm.
- The Haggle: In night markets, never receive the price of ukay-ukay without bargaining. If a ukay-ukay coat is $2.70, say $1.80. As it is expected.
- The Timing: The freshest meals are available at 9:00 PM, but the biggest discounts on ukay-ukay are at 1:00 AM. When the temperature is low, the vendors turn into more lenient people; they let go of the items for a price as they become burdened by their loads.
- The Eco-Factor: Baguio is a “No Plastic” zone. Save your “eco-fee” of 10 cents by bringing a collapsible market basket.
The $5 Verdict
Baguio City shows that lavishness is a matter of perspective. While some people may spend thousands at a high-end resort, the real “mountain high” comes from finding a designer coat in a 20-peso pile or witnessing the fog roll in over a cup of 40-peso strawberry taho.
By the time you board your return trip, grasping your vintage finds and smelling faintly of woodsmoke and strawberries, you will realize that the $5 challenge is not about what you lack but how much you can discover.
What location does the Night Market occupy?
At 9 PM, you will find Harrison Road, parallel from Burnham Park to the start of the market.
Does Taho sell Taho all day long?
Generally, Taho vendors can be found roaming around popular locations such as Mines View Park and Session Road to sell taho until after dark.
Is it safe for a single person to travel on a bus?
Yes, if you travel to Baguio City from Manila using a major bus company such as Victory Liner, you can expect to enjoy a comfortable and safe journey.
