3BU Hostel: Gov't Pack Baguio Trip You WON'T Believe!
3BU Hostel: Gov't Pack Baguio Trip You WON'T Believe!
3BU Hostel: Baguio Bliss (Or, My Baguio Breakdown - You Won't Believe This Place!)
Okay, so I just stumbled back from a Baguio trip and, honestly, I need to talk about 3BU Hostel. You hear "Gov't Pack," you probably picture some dusty, old place. Nope. This place is a trip! Let's get messy, because that's how Baguio felt.
Accessibility: (Oh God, This is Important!)
I need to start here. My friend, bless her heart, uses a wheelchair. Finding accessible places in the Philippines can be… a quest. I’m thrilled to report 3BU gets a decent score here. Elevator? YES! Finally, a hostel with an elevator! That alone is a game-changer. They have facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. But… and there's always a "but," right? I didn’t see a detailed breakdown of specific room accessibility. So, while they're making an effort, I’d recommend calling ahead and getting the real lowdown on room specifics if accessibility is a major concern. This is the Philippines, things aren't always perfect, but they're trying, bless them. And, honestly, compared to other Baguio hotels, this is a win!
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: Hmmm. I didn't specifically check for that. But since there is no restaurant onsite, that's a non-issue. BUT they're central, which is already a win for accessibility.
Wheelchair accessible: See above, but a solid "yes" for common areas.
Internet Access: (Because We're All Glued to Our Phones, Aren't We?)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Praise the Wi-Fi Gods! And it actually worked. Okay, sometimes it hiccuped, but hey, this is Baguio, and mountains do weird things to signals. Internet [LAN] available in rooms is cool if you're old school. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yup. Stronger signal, probably. Internet Services - nothing to say here. They have it, its fine, it worked.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Fueling the Adventures)
Okay, no dedicated restaurant in the hostel. That was a bit of a bummer, I like to be lazy. But their location? PERFECT! Literally, everything's a hop, skip, and a jump away. We're talking mountains of delicious options!
- Places to eat: So, no dedicated restaurant, but the location's killer. You step outside, you're practically swimming in food choices.
- Coffee/tea in restaurants: Since there are no restaurants, this is not applicable.
- Buffet in restaurant: - This is not applicable.
- Happy hour: - This is not applicable.
- Poolside bar: - This is not applicable.
- Snack bar: - This is not applicable.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: (Beyond the Usual Baguio Stuff)
Spa: This place doesn’t have a spa. Boo. I love a good massage after a long day.
Fitness Center: Nope. Baguio is your fitness center, you'll be walking everywhere!
Swimming Pool (outdoor): They have nothing.
Things to do: Baguio is the thing to do! Its right there!
- Pool with view: Sadly, no pool at all.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Important in These Times)
They seemed pretty good!
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Probably. Everyone claims to use them now.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Definitely noticed staff wiping things down.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Hygiene certification: Unsure.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Not applicable; no meals on-site.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Observed, generally.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Probably.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: They better be!
- Safe dining setup: Not relevant.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it.
- Smoke alarms: Hope so!
- Fire extinguisher: Yes.
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Things Matter)
- Concierge: No.
- Elevator: Yes, and I already raved about it!
- Luggage Storage: Yep, always a lifesaver.
- Meeting room: Nothing like that but you can organize your own there and use their outdoor areas!
- Laundry and Dry Cleaning: They offer it.
- 24-hour front desk: Indeed!
- Car park [free of charge]: This is big! Baguio parking is a nightmare!
- Cash withdrawal: Yes, the closest ATM available.
- Daily housekeeping: Absolutely.
For the Kids: (Okay, maybe not my primary concern, but good to know!)
- Family/child friendly: Seemed fine.
- Babysitting service: Nope, nothing here.
Available in All Rooms: (The Nitty Gritty)
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. They were… solid!
- Additional toilet: No.
- Air conditioning: Nope, you don't need it in Baguio.
- Alarm clock: Yes.
- Bathrobes: Nah.
- Bathtub: No.
- Blackout curtains: Probably. Needed for good sleep.
- Closet: Yep!
- Coffee/tea maker: No.
- Complimentary tea: No.
- Desk: Yep!
- Extra long bed: Yes.
- Free bottled water: Yes, appreciated!
- Hair dryer: Yup.
- High floor: Probably.
- In-room safe box: Yes.
- Internet access – wireless: See above.
- Ironing facilities: Not sure.
- Laptop workspace: Yes.
- Linens: Clean and fresh.
- Mini bar: Nope.
- Non-smoking: Absolutely!
- Private bathroom: Of course.
- Refrigerator: No.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes.
- Seating area: Little sofa.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Shower only.
- Shower: Adequate.
- Slippers: No.
- Smoke detector: Yes!
- Socket near the bed: Yes!
- Sofa: Yes!
- Telephone: No.
- Toiletries: Basic.
- Towels: Provided.
- Umbrella: Nice touch!
- Wake-up service: Yes, if you need it.
- Wi-Fi [free]: See above.
- Window that opens: YES! Breathe in that mountain air!
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: No.
- Car park [free of charge]: Big win!
- Car park [on-site]: Yep!
- Taxi service: Always available.
Room for Improvement:
Okay, here's the honest bit. 3BU is a hostel. Don't expect luxury. It's clean, functional, and well-located. But… it's not perfect. A little more personality wouldn't hurt! Maybe some local art on the walls? A cozier common area? Remember, I don’t have a perfect sense of what it would take for the improvement.
The Verdict (and My Baguio Brilliance!)
Look, I'm being real here. I had a GOOD time at 3BU Hostel. Not perfect, but good. The location is killer, the Wi-Fi was decent, and the price was right. The accessibility stuff gets major points, but do your homework. It’s not a resort, it's a comfortable basecamp for exploring Baguio. Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially knowing I get free parking and a solid starting point for Baguio adventures.
Here's the Deal: My Baguio Trip - "You WON'T Believe" Offer!
Okay, you’ve read my rambling. Here's the bottom line:
Book your stay at 3BU Hostel and get:
- Unbeatable location: Literally steps from everything Gov't Pack has to offer. Food, shops, you name it!
- Free Parking: Save on those parking fees!
- Clean, comfortable rooms: A solid place to crash after a day of exploring.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected, even in the mountains.
- Accessibility Improvements: One of the better Baguio options for those requiring it!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filter-approved travel itinerary. This is my 3BU Hostel, Baguio escapade – warts, whines, and wonder all rolled into one messy, beautiful package. Get ready to feel the wanderlust…or maybe just a little bit of my travel-induced exhaustion.
Subject: BRACE YOURSELVES: Baguio, 3BU Hostel Debrief & (Almost) Immediate Regret
Pre-Trip Rambling (Because, Priorities):
Alright, so Baguio. The City of Pines. My brain conjured images of cozy cafes, crisp air, and maybe, just maybe, finding a scarf that actually suits me. (Spoiler alert: still searching.) The plan was simple: escape the Manila madness and embrace some mountain magic. I figured 3BU Hostel would be the perfect launchpad. I’d seen the Insta pics – all exposed brick and happy backpackers. Truth bomb: I was mostly hoping for a decent bed and a bathroom that didn't require hazmat gear.
Day 1: Arrival & the "Joy" of Jet Lag (aka, My Stomach's Best Friend):
Time: 6:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at Victory Liner, Baguio.
- The Reality: Woke up on the bus with a crick in my neck and a burning desire for a shower. The air in Baguio? Chilly. Like, "I should have packed more than a flimsy cardigan" chilly. My stomach decided to stage a mini-rebellion, probably protesting the questionable bus station coffee.
- Anecdote: Standing in line for a taxi, I overheard a couple bickering about the "authentic Baguio experience." Apparently, paying triple for a taxi ride during the off-season is part of it. (Eye roll and muttered curse words)
Time: 7:00 AM - Check-in at 3BU Hostel.
- The Reality: 3BU was… well, it was there. The "exposed brick" was lovely, though the dorm room smelled faintly of damp laundry and existential dread. My bunkbed? Still deciding the best way to climb up without breaking my ankle.
- Quirky Observation: The hostel had a common area that looked like a hipster's wet dream – mismatched furniture, a ukulele gathering dust, and a sign that read “Free Hugs (with permission, of course - we’re not monsters!).” I almost took them up on it, the travel blues were beginning to kick in.
Time: 8:00-11:00 AM - Breakfast & Wandering Session
- The Reality: Found a very charming cafe called "Cafe by the Ruins" and gorged on breakfast . Walked around Session Road. Got a bit lost. Took a selfie with a street performer playing a shaky rendition of "Wonderwall". (Okay, maybe I took a few selfies, don't judge.)
- Emotional Reaction: I was already starting to feel that travel-induced high. You know, the one that makes you think you're suddenly a free-spirited adventurer, capable of anything? It's a lie, but it's a beautiful lie. And the cafe? The cafe was a revelation.
Time: 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM - Check Baguio Public Market
- The Reality: A vibrant explosion of colors, smells, and vendors shouting about their goods. Got lost in the chaos, bought some strawberries that were probably way overpriced, and felt like a true local (even though I was clearly not).
- Opinionated Language: Seriously, the bargaining is intense. You gotta be tough! I failed miserably, but the strawberries were worth it.
Time: 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM - Lunch and Rest
- The Reality: Returned to the hostel, exhausted. I was still jet-lagged so, I took a nap.
- Messier Structure: I lost track of time, just stared at the ceiling, half-asleep.
Time: 3:00 PM- 6:00 PM - Tam-Awan Village
- The Reality: A little village of Igorot huts transplanted to Baguio. It was cool. I felt like I was on a Wes Anderson film set. The colorful details, the handcrafted feel of the houses were stunning. The air smelt of burning wood.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: It was so serene. I kept wanting to stop everyone around, but then I just took pictures. I loved the craft store!
Time: 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM - Dinner and Session Road Scramble
- The Reality: Tried a local restaurant. Ate way too much. Stumbled out into the evening chill, and got lost on Session Road. Baguio got dark fast. Not a fan of the dark.
- Natural Pacing: Then, tired and full, I finally got back to the hostel.
Day 2: The Mines View Park Meltdown & Coffee Overdose (in a good way, mostly):
Time: 8:00 AM - Breakfast (and more coffee) at 3BU Hostel
- The Reality: The hostel coffee was… well, it was wet and brown. I drowned it in sugar. There a girl from Brazil who kept telling me how lovely it was. I started to doubt my ability to taste coffee.
- Anecdote: There was a dog at the hostel. It was super cute, just sleeping. A few people fed it. My breakfast was not very good. The dog looked happy.
Time: 9:00 AM - Mines View Park
- The Reality: The view was stunning. Seriously, postcard-worthy. But the crowds? The vendors hawking everything from keychains to those ridiculously fluffy dog costumes? It was sensory overload. I almost bought a cactus.
- Quirky Observation: Watching the tourists pose with donkeys in those ridiculous traditional costumes was fascinating. Like, are they enjoying this? I asked myself multiple times.
Time: 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM - Shopping & The Great Scarf Quest Continues:
- The Reality: Went to the Baguio City Public Market. The crowds? Ridiculous. The prices? Negotiable. Did I find the perfect scarf? Nope. But I bought a weird hat and some questionable snacks.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: I was on the verge of a breakdown. I hate shopping! I feel like I'm being scammed!
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Burnham Park
- The Reality: Had lunch . Took a boat ride, which was actually nice. Had a nap against a tree.
- More Opinionated Language: Burnham Park is nice, but there are a lot of people there.
Time: 3:00 PM- 6:00 PM - The Coffee Overload & the Lost Bookshop
- The Reality: I wandered around looking for a local bookstore, which I found by accident. Decided to wander. I had two cups of coffee. I felt slightly manic.
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: The coffee shop was perfect. It was dark, smelled of coffee, and had the perfect music. I read for a while. Then, I went back to the book shop. The book shop was perfect, too.
Time: 6:00 PM - Dinner and Hostel-ing
- The Reality: ate dinner at a local restaurant. Then, returned to the hostel, where I spent the night, writing this entry.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Back at the hostel, finally. The dorm is almost okay. I am hungry. Maybe I should have bought that cactus.
- More Opinionated Language: Tomorrow, I'm going to try to leave.
Miscellaneous Thoughts & Ramblings (Because My Brain is a Chaotic Place):
- Food Fails: I should have packed snacks. This trip is fueled by sugar and regret.
- The People: Lots of interesting people.
- Regret: I should have stayed at home and saved money.
- The Good: Baguio is great, despite my complaints. I'm glad I came.
Day 3: The Escape (and the inevitable longing for the mountains):
Time: 6:00 AM - Breakfast
- Reality: Same as before.
Time: 8:00 AM - Check Out
- The Reality: Woke up, packed way too much stuff, and checked out of 3BU.
Time: 9:00 AM - Final Views
- The Reality: Took a few more pictures, and headed back to Manila.
Verdict:
3BU Hostel? Fine. It's a hostel
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3BU Hostel: Gov't Pack Baguio Trip - What Even IS This?! (And Should *You* Go?)
Alright, spill. What *actually* is 3BU Hostel and why is it the key to a Government Pack trip? I'm lost already.
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this is where things get weird. 3BU Hostel (or at least *my* memory of it) is a hostel in Baguio, right smack-dab in the middle of… well, everything. It’s the sort of place you *think* you'll find on a meticulously curated Instagram feed… but then you realize the coffee machine is held together with duct tape and the Wi-Fi cuts out every five minutes. BUT! And this is a big but… it's REALLY close to Burnham Park. And the Government Pack, which is… well, *that's* the key.
The “Government Pack” is essentially a cluster of government buildings and offices, right? You wouldn't think it'd be a tourist attraction, I know. But listen, it's the *vibe*. The history, the slightly faded grandeur, the smell of old paperwork… it all adds to the Baguio charm. And 3BU is perfectly placed for dipping in and out of it, grabbing a coffee from a street vendor and then wandering again. My whole trip, which was a total improv, circled around that central little hub.
So, the hostel… is it actually *good*? Because the photos look… curated.
Okay, honesty time? The photos lie. A little. They're probably airbrushed, the lighting is PERFECT, and the rooms are probably tidier than they actually are. My experience? Well, let’s just say the walls tell stories. I swear I heard a ghost cough at 3 AM one night. Or maybe that was just my roommate. Who knows? But it's clean-ish. The beds are comfortable-ish. And the staff? They're SUPER friendly and helpful, which is the saving grace.
You get what you pay for, people. It’s budget travel. Embrace it. And definitely bring earplugs. And maybe a sleep mask. And a portable charger. And a good book. You'll be fine. Probably.
Fine. Let's say I'm in. Gov't Pack stuff… what's the must-see? And the *absolutely-avoid-at-all-costs*?
Okay, the *must-sees*: Definitely the Baguio City Hall. It's a beautiful, old building with a serious sense of history. Wandering around Burnham Park – it's where you'll feel the heart of the city. And finally... session road, walking down it and getting lost in all the hustle and bustle.
Now, the *absolutely avoid-at-all-costs*: The crowds. Especially on weekends. Baguio is popular for a reason, and that reason is also why it can get absolutely *bonkers*. Try to go on weekdays. And try not to get run over by a jeepney – the drivers are… enthusiastic, to say the least. The traffic is also terrible, just get ready for that.
My own worst experience? That would be that one time I... Oh dear, I just can't even remember what it was that was so terrible. Just avoid anything with "tourist trap" written all over it. Especially the overpriced "strawberry" taho, or whatever it is. *shudders*
Food! The most important question. What do I eat, where do I eat, and how do I survive the Baguio food scene?
Okay, deep breaths. Baguio food is a *journey*. Embrace the chaos. You'll find everything from street food carts to fancy restaurants. The best part? The prices are generally pretty reasonable. (Except for the tourist traps, of course.)
Must-eats: *Always* go for the local cuisine. Try the *pinikpikan* (chicken cooked with a stone!) if you’re feeling brave (and the chicken’s lucky… or unlucky). And of course, *everything* strawberry-related. But I’m talking fresh strawberries! Also look for the *kare-kare* and other home-cooked meals. Check it, even if you're not a fan of spicy food, try the *sisig*. Its delicious!
Where to eat: I was *obsessed* with this little street food cart that was in the Government Pack area. Super cheap and yummy. It was mostly just a woman with a grill and a smile. If you can find it. The local market is also full of hidden gems. Just wander and explore!
Okay, I'm picturing myself there. What's the *vibe*? Like, what kind of person thrives on a 3BU/Gov't Pack adventure?
This is not a trip for the faint of heart. This is a trip for the *adventurous*. And I mean, *truly* adventurous! The messy, the slightly-offbeat, the "I-don't-mind-winging-it" type of person. You gotta be okay with a little dirt, a little noise, and a whole lot of unexpected.
If you're the kind of person who meticulously plans every detail and freaks out if your hotel room isn't spotless, then stay home. Seriously. This is for the backpackers, the budget travelers, the "I'll-figure-it-out-as-I-go" wanderers. Or, you know, people who just roll with the punches. And you might unexpectedly find yourself laughing! Or, y'know, screaming inside your head... either works!
Honestly, what was your *favorite* part of the whole thing? The ONE thing that made it all worthwhile?
Okay, this is gonna sound cheesy, but… it was the people. Seriously. Yeah, the hostel had its quirks. Yeah, the food sometimes gave me questionable gut feelings. But I met some *amazing* people there.
There was this couple from Germany who’d been traveling for like a year and could speak like 5 languages. They were always on the hostel balcony, laughing. There was this solo traveler from… I can't even remember where… but she was the most *intriguing* person I've ever met. And by the end of the trip, we all felt as though we'd known each other forever.
That, right there, is worth the price of admission. That shared laughter, those late-night talks, those moments of connection… that’s what you remember. That’s what makes the duct tape coffee machine and the questionable plumbing worth it. That’s the *magic* of that place and what makes Baguio, in general, worth visiting. This wasn't just a trip; it was a fleeting moment of shared human experience. And that's pretty gosh darn precious.
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