Since Baguio is located several thousand feet above sea level, the city boasts of a few breathtaking views. Perhaps one breathtaking viewpoint that is worth stopping by is located along Kennon Road. However, unlike viewpoints like Mines View, this one lacks that tourist charm that makes it a place worth visiting.
The viewpoint is not hard to miss even it is not as “decorative” as other tourist spots. It only has the plain blue sign that indicates “Kennon Road Viewpoint”. The place is right beside a police checkpoint and a mini-parking lot.
The viewpoint is actually a building: the topmost floor is the place to enjoy and take pictures of the view, while the bottom floor contains an antique shop. Restrooms can also be found beside the structure.
I think this particular viewpoint is witness to a lot of photographers who had taken a picture of the famous Kennon Road even before the digital era which ended up in postcards, guidebooks, maps and books. These days, anyone can just stop by and take a good picture of the highway down below and probably end up with a photo that is as good or even better than those in the postcards.
Kennon Road
But there’s a bit more to what this place has to offer. Anyone who has climbed up the viewpoint must have seen a cemented pathway down below the building. I think that area was developed to keep the tourists exploring the place for a while, but I think most would just stop at the top of the building and not bother to explore down below. Anyway, the pathway leads to two separate huts and another viewpoint. The pathway is also great for taking more pictures against the backdrop of the mountains.
I recommend checking out this place on two conditions: 1) you have a private car, 2) you happen to pass by Kennon Road going to and from Baguio. Otherwise, skip this one.
It has really great view. But the road, while on the van, triggers my motion sickness when I went to Baguio for Azelea last time! >.<
I used to suffer motion sickness too, even if I used to frequently travel up and down the highlands.
Some tips: stay anywhere from the front to the middle of the bus, van or any long car (limousine? hehe). Avoid sitting at the back of these vehicles. Bring some gum and chew them. Yawn. If you are on a private car, you could tell the driver to slow down a bit.