NLEX and SCTEX: Get to Baguio Faster
December 8, 2008 by lisa
Filed under featured, travel & transportation
Taking the NLEX and the SCTEX:
Here is the lowdown on using the NLEX and SCTEX, complete with a video so first timers will not get confused. Am writing it out so folks can print it out as their reference if they so wish.
1. Enter NLEX at Balintawak, Metro Manila. Coming from North EDSA, this means turning right to Andres Bonifacio after the Total Gas Station (your last landmark), which is a road going down with a small sign that says Baguio with an arrow to the right.
You will pay Php36 at the the first toll booth (Bocaue) and then again Php138 at the last toll booth (Dau) for a total cost of Php174.00.
Added: Your last chance to fuel up your vehicle as of this writing will be at the NLEX Petrol Lakeshore in Pampanga. There are currently no gas stations at the SCTEX.
2. After paying the NLEX fee, keep going for about 60km more until you see a sign that says SCTEX exit. Turn right Exit 85 (The sign says “Exit 85 SCTEX,” and there are road signs that warn you when you are 2km, 1km and 500m away so you will not miss it) — do not exit at Angeles, nor Dau, nor Sta Ines anymore.
3. You will pass under a bridge, then a flyover that curves to the left, then another road overpass before you get to the SCTEX Entry Toll Booth where you will be given a pass card, that you will surrender at the exit.
4. After the SCTEX Toll Booth, you will notice a fork on the road — going straight gets you to Subic so take the road going to the right. The sign says to Tarlac.
5. Drive the length of the SCTEX, and I mean, till the very end. You will see exits to familiar places like Concepcion, Luisita and other towns of Tarlac — IGNORE THEM ALL! Just keep going for about 40km till you get to the end.
6. Go a little further past the last SCTEX toll booth until you reach a junction where you will have only two options: Turn left to Tarlac City, turn right to La Paz. TURN LEFT because you are wanting to go to Tarlac City.
Some folks get confused at this point because for the length of the SCTEX one can see McArthur Highway to the right, so it’s only logical for folks to want to turn right, like Bong & Gina did last Nov 1. What happened was that they got stuck in such bad traffic at La Paz that they actually gave up, turned back and didn’t even proceed to Baguio anymore. By the time they told us of their decision, we were already having early dinner in Urdaneta. That’s how much headway we made using the SCTEX and turning left in the end.
So, again, upon reaching the end of SCTEX — TURN LEFT!
7. You will go through a narrow country road, with only one lane on each side, passing through some rural barangays with some tricycles and a few pedestrians because they do not have sidewalks so some of them actually walk on the road.
Our odometer reading indicated that from the SCTEX exit to McArthut Highway, it’s only 10km. Keep following this road until it gets less rural and you know you are nearing the highway. You will not make any turns, except for two short ones following the main road, until you get to McArthur Highway.
8. Turn left again right* to McArthur Highway. By this time you will be almost at the border of Tarlac City and Gerona town. This means you skipped the congested areas of Pampanga and Tarlac.
And that’s it so far for the NLEX and SCTEX!
For a complete travel advisory, that includes information on the rest of the way, please check the GoBaguio! Travel Advisory that deals with detours and the answer to Which Road Should We Take: Kennon or Marcos?
You may also wish to view large map of SCTEX there.
*I wrote left at first, based on my recollection, but the commenters pointed out that this cannot be, based on the SCTEX map, ergo the correction. Sorry about that.
We just...
Now that’s good news… I’ll try to convince my friends to use that route whenever we travel to Manila. That way we feel closer to Baguio if we feel the urge to go back right away…
That reminds me, JM, I have to take a photo of the southbound entry to the SCTEX on my next trip down so folks won’t miss it and enter Tarlac City proper.
Thanks!
THE Lisa Araneta, riding a Hyudai Atoz, the more you make me admire you Lisa. You make me recall my late doctor, who despite can afford a Mercedes, kept driving a ’70’s Corolla hatchback and an old model Ford Cortina wagon till he passed away in the mid-90’s. Well-maintained, of course. God bless him.
Lisa, I rarely travel but do these new highways come with the corresponding huge signs as in the highways abroad so one doesn’t easily get lost. Or third world style road signs pa rin.
Hahaha, I am very practical person, not vain either — used to drive the old Alfredo’s Steak House Ford Fiera to school in UP Diliman without thinking my market value would plunge. And when gasoline is this high, one does not drive a Jag.
Back to the NLEX-SCTEX: yes the directional signs along the highways are ok but at the end of the SCTEX, when left with a choice of Tarlac and La Paz to get to Baguio, the motorist can get confused, although both routes will lead one to McArthur Highway. Which is why I had to make the video. My goal is always to get folks to Baguio sooner.
Hi Lisa,
Just wanna ask if motorcycles are allowed at SCTEX? Or it’s the same as NLEX wherein only motorcycles with big engine displacement (400cc) are allowed? Ours is a Kawasaki KRR 150. Tnx for the video.
Hi Lalaine, I was wondering the same thing but could find no info regarding two-wheeled vehicles on the SCTEX. But I guess that if they do allow them, they would require the same engine displacements as the NLEX.
For your reference, here is the BCDA SCTEX website: http://www.bcda.gov.ph/projects-sctex.asp
Hi Lisa, Will there be a big difference in time if I use the La Paz to Binalonan (90+ km) detour route from sctex then turning left and using the McArthur Highway? I think the detour and the McArthur Highway have a difference of around 20+ km.
How is the road condition of kennon road? We are planning to travel to Baguio end of december. Thanks
Hi Lionel,
RE: LA PAZ-BINALONAN
The La Paz to Binalonan route it will take you from west to east and then north, then back to the west — all designed only to avoid awful, dusty and rough Urdaneta.
In other words, I do not see how going all the way to Nueva Ecija will make the trip faster, unless you are already coming from Eastern Luzon to begin with.
The La Paz to Binalonan Route makes you:
1. go eastward through the towns of Pura and Victoria in Tarlac
2. then northward to Guimba, Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija
3. then northwestward again to Rosales, Sta Maria-Asingan until you reach Binalonan (all the latter being in Pangasinan)
4. then northward to Pozzorubio, Sison until you reach Rosario La Union.
The towns in the first 3 steps are roads less traveled, meaning less familiar fuel stations, vulcanizing shops, eateries. Passing through Tarlac City (but avoiding the city traffic) as detailed above is still safer in my opinion. Makes you go east and then north immediately upon reaching McArthur Hiway.
RE: KENNON ROAD
With a full moon, folks not familiar with Kennon can see the road cuts getting to Camp One. Take it nice and slow everytime. Kennon’s rough patches have been covered up in most areas. If it’s raining (or if it rained the day before) take Marcos Highway.
Hope this info helps.
Thanks for the info.
I was just wondering because the start of La Paz to Binalonan detour of AAP is 5 km to the right of the last exit of SCTEX and with the traffic in Villasis, Urdaneta and the opening of new SM Rosales, the detour might seem faster even if this adds 20+km against the McArthur route.
You’re so right about the Pangasinan traffic! But if you really want to avoid the three towns please know that there is still the option of turning right at Rosales to get to Binalonan. If you are traveling at night the traffic in Pangasinan is non existent. The La Paz route did come in handy once when the bridge in Gerona (Paniqui?) fell during a huge typhoon.
Also, for purposes of your trip, please know that since Loakan Road is closed in the Voice of America area, a lot of the residents are taking Kennon Road at Camp 7 & 8 to get to the Export Processing Zone and PMA so expect to encounter a lot of traffic as you approach Baguio. We are hoping the road work will be over by the time the visitors arrive after Christmas. Should you be heading for an area in the north and west side of Baguio (Burnham-Legarda, Quezon Hill, Suello Village, etc) take Marcos Highway.
i was very very new on traveling to baguio, whether by car or by bus i didn’t have any chance until this month. we are going to baguio with ZERO knowledge on the road going there. what i know is the way to NLEX, other than that all is blank.
what exit toll in NLEX will i be going to enter the SCTEX. then on SCTEX where we will we go after?
sorry but some of the content of the page is blocked here at the office.
At NLEX, EXIT 85 connects you to the SCTEX, enter SCTEX toll gate and go to the very end of SCTEX. TURN LEFT to Tarlac City. Follow a country road for 10km. Exit McArthur Highway (North Luzon Road/Highway) by following road signs or asking residents for directions if you miss them. TURN LEFT to McArthur. Keep following main road till Rosario La Union (80km or less), TURN RIGHT at Marcos Highway (recommended) or Kennon Road.
Hope this info helps
thanks lisa,
i was about to print the whole page for our reference..
i was also looking for a baguio map that we can use when we are there for some tourist spot that we can visit. but that’s another story.
we are planning to get there this weekend. i hope we will not get lost.. hehehe
you’re welcome neo. and it may be better if you do print out page2 for your reference.
also, everything you need for your baguio vacation would be at http://www.gobaguio.com. Check out attractions, tour designer, maps, etc.
Hi Lisa, plan to stay at Hotel Supreme, What is the best route to take from Kennon or Marcos Highways? Thanks.
Hi Lionel,
1. Take Marcos Highway. The approach to Baguio via Kennon is clogged due to a portion that is closed on Loakan Road.
2. Upon arrival in Baguio City, pass the flyover, then follow the main road, keeping Burnham Park to your left (Harrison Road).
3. At the major intersection of Harrison and Magsaysay (where you will see Hotel Veniz to your left and Maharlika Livelihood Center to your right), TURN RIGHT.
4. Now you will see the Baguio City Market on your left. At the next stoplight turn left (this is still on Magsaysay Road).
5. Keep going straight, passing a one lane flyover (you’re heading for La Trinidad Valley now). Hotel Supreme is right past the boundary of Baguio in La Trinidad.
Enjoy your Baguio vacation!
Hi Lisa,
First read this short cut of distance & time from P. Sanidad’s column. But this post of yours (including the video) sums it all up. Looking forward to the South bound SCTEX entrance video sometime. I better start spreading the new route to friends & relatives. Thanks. Btw, like Connie (pinoycook) says site is getting better. Kudos.
Hi Joe, it took me some time to learn to make a video ergo the delay in the SCTEX post (the new highway was on beta testing since July, I believe). However, the Nov 1 weekend trip actually proved to me how much faster the trip to Baguio would be given a slow car and heavy traffic, so I can say now with full confidence(plus details) that the SCTEX it is the way to go.
I figured also to release the feature in time for Baguio’s peak season (any earlier would have caused the article to be buried in the archives.
hi lisa i browse a lot of stuff in your website and its fun to read the questions and comments.. i hope you can help me because my gf and i were planning to go to baguio this january, we dont know the right place to stay there.. were looking for a place that is near the heart of the city maybe a 5 minute walk can do, clean and decent,with hot and cold shower, and we’re really in a tight budget so maybe you could help us find a place that is worth around 600-800 pesos becoz we plan 2 stay for 3 days and two nights.. also i read about the massage thing, i think il surprise my gf with that home service massage.. thank you very much..
Hi Paul, you may want to try browsing GoBaguio! for baguio hotel listings. I have there a series of pages regarding lodging types, locations and actual business listings. Will also ask around and email you if I find one that suits your specs.
Hi Lisa,
You mentioned “The approach to Baguio via Kennon is clogged due to a portion that is closed on Loakan Road.”
Is it true till now? We will be in Baguio on the 25th till 27th and we’ll be staying at Lucky Darayonan Homes, Camp 7 of Kennon Road.
What would you advice? Do I proceed in going along Kennon Road or do you suggest that I take Marcos Highawy already?
Btw, I plan to drive around 3am so that I have the road to myself
Thanks
Hi Lisa,
Just want to check also how to get to Asin Hot Spring from Lucky Darayonan Homes, Camp 7?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Erwin,
If you’re staying in the area around Kennon, then pass Kennon. I was just advising all to avoid it if it was not necessary for them to pass there anyway, like if they were to lodge on the north and west sides of the city. The portion of the road that was being fixed was on Loakan, not Kennon.
To get to Asin Hot Spring, go up to Naguilian Road, when you see CooYeeSan Mall, turn left on the road right before it, then keep heading down. It’s on the opposite side of the city from where you’re staying.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you very much for the advice.
hi lise,
im a bit worried about the last bit of the directions towards mcarthur highway. because in the directions it says after sctex turn left right? then when you reach mcarthur highway turn left again, thats towards kennon and marcos highway na. however if you look at the map if you turn left again in mcarthur it seems that youll be turning back to manila?
Hi Lisa, Thanks well done video. Very funnny
Chito
Hi Chip,
That’s why I published the video and included written directions! Because it’s odd to turn left after SCTEX — one would tend to turn right to get to McArthur. Actually both ways is fine but if you head for La Paz, you exit to McArthur in the middle of the Tarlac City traffic. If you take the left you end up past it near Gerona already. There are signs that point you to Baguio, and it is heavily populated at the end of the country road so you can ask the folks for directions, just to be sure.
Hello Luis (Chito),
Thanks for liking it, I figured to put captions in the absence of music. Hahaha.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks very much for all your efforts in posting these directions, videos, Q&A’s, and otheres. They are very helpful indeed.
One question though, same as Chip’s concern. On your instruction no. 8 (”Turn left”…) , turning left (this is the 2nd left turn after SCTEX) at McArthur highway appears to be in the direction going back to Manila when looking at the SCTEX map?
Thanks again and more power to you.
cheers!
Hi Cesar (and again, Chip),
I guess you’re right. I corrected the entry already. I also called Nico, just to double check, who was the “driver” on all those occasions and he did say to turn right to McArthur.
Again, sorry about the confusion and thanks for pointing it out.
Thanks very much again, Lisa.
Me and my family are spending New Year in Baguio. We are leaving Laguna at 3am on Dec 31. We might be at the SCTEX at around 5:00am
Have a wonderful New Year!
Cheers!
Cesar
Hi Lisa,
Just got back from baguio, Stayed at Hotel Supreme (New building). The rooms are big and is a good value for money. Our family had a great time. but the traffic was especially horrible along magsaysay, harrison or basically everywhere in the city. but I was able to use the trancovile route from hotel supreme to teacher camp, using south drive to go to camp john hay and using military cut off road to go kennon road. Traffic along Mac Arthur highway was also terrible during these holiday season. My friend took 5 hours from urdaneta to tarlac today, I used the La Paz to Binalonan route in 1 hr 50 minutes. Please also make a video of this route. Thanks. for reference link: “http://inrandommode.blogspot.com/2008/04/just-posted-southbound-version-of-this.html”
Hi Lionel,
Traffic in Magsaysay is horrible every single day, even on off peak as it is the primary route to La Trinidad! But you are right about it being bad everywhere else after Christmas. We locals always use the Trancoville route to Teacher’s Camp (I live near there) but it’s not easy to explain, and during the school year this route is filled with jeepneys that stop every minute to WAIT for passengers (hear me screaming from my car — hahaha!)
If and when I pass the La Paz route, will make a video. Had very bad experiences with the Nueva Ecija part to Binalonan several times, you see, so I do not recommend it. And many of my guests traveling at night would end up in Nueva Viscaya. And during the wet season, some roads wou;d be flooded and disappear, and once can end up in the rice paddies.
But maybe the folks have decided to put up more road signs instead of just making us rely on landmarks like a sugar mill or a bank by now. Will check it one of these days.
Thanks for your updates!!!
Lisa,
I’ve been out of the country for 10yrs. now and soon to be visiting in 4months. I’ve recently ran into the SCTEX info. when researching my trip. I’am so happy to see your posts for directions bec. this highway truly benefits my visit. You are a hero to many balik-bayan web users “keep it up”.
Now some questions, is SCTEX toll open 24hrs. or is it a 5am-5pm kind of thing? I plan to make a stop at Urdaneta City where i have some family. Can the left to Tarlac city option take me to Urdaneta City?
Hi Lisa,
I’ve just arrived from Baguio, we got there before the Christmas season. I didn’t replied here because this page was bookmarked here at my office and i have dont have a copy of the site at home.
We took baguio for 5 hours, 6 hours until we come up with a transient house. But took us 6 hours from kennon to our house in Paranaque because of heavy traffic at urdaneta that we forced to reroute inside some barangays with the aid of victory liner (they told us to give them space so they can turn and take the alternate route and advice us to follow them). i think the road name like Maguilian Road?! i cant remember that.
But my question is in your 4 hours travel time that you indicate is from NLEX-SCTEX-Baguio? or somewhere in MANILA-NLEX-SCTEX-baguio. Because i dont know how you got there in 4hrs with average speed of 80kph (we travel at NLEX and SCTEX in average of 110-120kph). what road did you take after the SCTEX? did you just follow McArthur Highway after turning left on SCTEX? thanks
(whew.. that was long.. hehehe)
Hi Melissa,
The SCTEX is open 24 hours, don’t worry. And yes, using these directions you can after taking the Tarlac City option, you will eventually hit Urdaneta. Have a great time back home!
Hi Neo,
Everyone experiences awful traffic both going to Baguio and around the city during the holidays! Of course the trips take longer, especially when one gets stuck in the awful Urdaneta City traffic (this area has been the bane of travelers for the longest time). After SCTEX I would take the road heading for Tarlac City, pass a small country road with signs like Barangay M— for 10km, then turn to McArthur. It probably takes me an hour less than you because I live in Quezon City, not Paranaque, that last hour of yours probably being from Balintawak to Paranaque.
Without the SCTEX, your trip may have even been longer. Now regarding your 5-hour trip to Baguio, well, Urdaneta is totally sucky. They probably, as usual, gave priority to those going to east-west (Asingan-Dagupan) and clogged the north-south (Baguio-Manila) so they could have their hawkers sell their wares. Some higher powers should tell them to stop doing that. McArthur Highway should be respected as a highway, not treated as a city road like they do.
Instead of people taking detours on McArthur, which is the main highway, they should really re-route the Asingan-Dagupan vehicles — and fix their roads, too! Also, one gets stuck in Urdaneta if one takes the LEFT lane at the stop light (because no one expects a stop light with a left turn in the main highway, right?).
Pangasinan is most unreasonable during peak periods, in my opinion. These people try to trap you in their dusty, crowded, ugly area to drive business to their town, I suppose. (Ok, that’s how upset I am with the attitude and policy of traffic enforcement in Urdaneta, as I am sure the rest of the Philippines is, and someone has to put their disapproval it on record)
Now the detour that you took with the aid of Victory Liner to avoid awful Urdaneta traffic is the road the Binalonan-La Paz route that other folks took, passing through Asingan,-Sta Maria, and exiting Rosales in Pangasinan and taking McArthur Highway again. Or you can go further and pass Cuyapo and Guimba in Nueva Ecija until you get to Tarlac, passing Victoria and Pura to get back to the SCTEX.
When I first took the SCTEX on Nov. 1, 2008, the traffic was heavy, our Atoz could not go over 100kph but, there was a bottleneck in Tarlac, and so with Urdaneta. But I guess not as bad as last Christmas. Honestly, with a faster car, and no traffic and few tricycles, Baguio is easily 3 hours (240km/80kph) on non-holidays.
Honestly, you did very well with 5 hours to Baguio during the holidays — before the SCTEX it would take folks 6-8 hours (depending on stops for food and other personal necessities, too). Your average speed on SCTEX-NLEX allowed you to take 50% of the way in 1.5 hours. That’s important, because for the second 50% the provinces after that can only be navigated at 5-60kph, see?
Wow, this is even longer than yours! But, hey, I really appreciate your coming back to the blog just to tell us about your experience. This will help others decide which new routes to take. Thank you!
What I noticed when I tried taking this route? I felt more relaxed,just to sum it up.No traffic(probably just in the area of Urdaneta,but just this spot),but everything went smoothly.I would advise everyone to use this route.
congratulations! very highly informative, m planning to climb the city this summer. keep up the good work…regards
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for the information.
It will be my first time to drive to Baguio and you’ve just given me a shorter route than what was originally suggested to me.
Hey Eugene, I agree! The SCTEX is “stress-less”
Hi Neil and Paolo,
It’s easy to get to SCTEX but I suggest you memorize the landmarks at the turn to McArthur Highway so you can find your way easily on the way to Manila. If you overshoot the Gerona entry, the next one will be in Tarlac, Tarlac and there’s heavy traffic there.
This site is really very informative for people going to Baguio. Thank you very much also for explaining the NLEX-SCTEX route. I will going there on Jan. 31 with my family. My concern is that we plan to use our family car, a Totota Liteace which many consider has an “underpowered” engine. I read in this site that there is an option going to Baguio via the Loakan Road for this kind of vehicle. Is this passable now? We plan to stay at Teacher’s Camp.
Hi. Great info for this travel route.
I’ll be going to Baguio for the Panagbenga on Feb.28 but I’ll be traveling at the night of the 27th. My worry would be that I might overshoot McArthur Hiway . Is it easily distinguishable (wider road, signs, etc) when I get to the hiway? How about going back to Manila by night?
Thanks.
Hi Wil,
Going up, it’s easy to distinguish McArthur Highway from the country road. On thw way back to Manila, as soon as you pass the Paniqui arch, you will be in Gerona town. After about 3km you will be entering Tarlac City (another arch) — it is right about that time that you should be slowing down, watching for the turn to the country road.
Hope this helps.
Thanks a lot. Hope I don’t get lost.
Hi lisa,
Where would you recommend a cheap place for a couple to stay at baguio? Around 1000php – 1500php budget a day?
BTW, i’d be printing your guide to baguio for our feb 13-15 trip to baguio. Thank you lisa.
Franco
Don’t worry, Wil, if you miss the turn as you enter Tarlac City, there’s another access to your left at Hacienda Luisita. Just be conscious of your landmarks and watch for signs. Happy trip!
Franco, you just asked a mos dangerous question — hahaha! As that would leave me open to everyone’s queries (you won’t believe how many emails I get on that subject plus if I recommend one, a lot of my friends in the lodging sector might be upset if they are not mentioned
I suggest you check http://www.gobaguio.com — this question is why I created my main site in the first place.
Hi Lisa,
Your NLEX-SCTEX directions are very helpful.. thanks. Have not driven to Baguio and intends to do so this April. Just have some queries: For a Honda City 1.3 a/t, which road would you recommend: Kennon or Marcos – am confused with some claims that Kennon has steeper incline compared to Marcos while also hearing that it is the other way around. Our Honda City has no problem going to Tagaytay via Sta Rosa — would this be comparable to roads going to Baguio?
Also, a clarification – after turning left to “Tarlac” from SCTEX Exit, passing thru the length of the brgy. road I noticed a Petron Station maybe at about 8km and “splitting road” with a sign that to the right is to Baguio via Gerona but based on our Odometer, before reaching a highway (which I presume a highway) would be more than 10km as indicated in your directions. Would I still be on the right track if I take this route? Thanks
Bry, you got it!
There is that Petron station that splits the road. Actually camera battery ran out of charge so I was not able to take a photo of that junction. Actually, it’s a 9km total reading according to my odometer. McArthur is just beyond that gas station. But there’s another turn to McArthur, so it is NOT your landmark when you are passing that route returning to Manila.
Also, I have another update to the travel advisory which is which is taking the SCTEX Luisita exit. I am preferring that route to the Tarlac City at the moment.
Finally, you may want to read my Kennon or Marcos article at Go Baguio! to help you decide. Offhand, a Honda City 1.3 a/t shouldn’t have a problem with Marcos Highway. If it did not rain a day or two before your trip, I usually take Kennon road. Both have steep inclines and sharp curves (Marcos is steeper in my opinion), but low powered vehicles have an option to turn to Loakan Road if you are passing Kennon Road.
Hope this info helps.
Good day. Just got back from Baguio and I just would like to add some more on your very helpful guide.
On the way to Baguio. From the small town road there is a road split (Petron) with the left going to a busy intersection in Tarlac City and the right going to Gerona. I took the left route going up to Baguio and the Gerona route going back to Manila and I can say that the Gerona route is faster and probably less congested during daytime.
The landmark for the Tarlac City route is the McDonald’s at the intersection (turn right going to Baguio/left from Baguio). The landmarks for the Gerona route (from Baguio) would be a Shell station to your left then a few kilometers, a Burger Machine outlet to your right. The entrance of the road to SCTEX would be directly opposite the Burger Machine.
Thanks again. BTW, it only took me 4 hours travel time.Ü
Hi Wil,
Yup, that’s the one in the video. That’s the Tarlac City exit — on the way to Manila, the SCTEX farm-to-market road entry point (you call it small town road, I call it barangay road and yours seems more apropos) as soon as you leave Gerona town. It is the last SCTEX exit northbound from Manila, and the first exit southbound toward Manila. One skips much of Tarlac City this way!
The second one you are talking about with the McDo landmark is the La pAz exit, if I am not mistaken (haven’t tried that yet)
Great to travel time took you only 4 hours despite the heavy volume this Panagbenga Grand Parades weekend!
And thanks for sharing the landmarks. Will try to take more photos of them next time I travel by car (been taking the bus lately).
Please help me. I am planning to go to robinsons san fernando pampanga before heading to subic. correct me if i am wrong- from nlex i just need to exit at san fernando right?
however, my dilemma is it possible to go back to nlex from san fernando and use sctex going to subic? or is it better to just use the longer route which is taking the olongapo-gapan road since i am already in san fernando?
your help will be very much appreciated. thank you guys!
Hi Ania,
The olongapo-gapan route is actually shorter compared to using nlex/sctex to subic by 34 km and also cheaper by P161 toll fee one way (San Fernando to Dau P49 & SCTEX Mabalacat to subic P112), If you like driving fast, you will enjoy using sctex to subic. The road is smooth and traffic is light.
Hi Lisa,
Its been years since i last drove from Manila to Baguio, and during those times i was just taking the whole route from NLEX to Mabalacat to Tarlac, and the entire Pangasinan mess, Ill be driving tomorrow for Baguio again, and reading the threads here helped alot, since I’m still abit familiar with the landmarks that were posted on the previous threads.
Your thread is a great help for motorists going thr upper Northern provinces, and yeah Pangasinan is a “MESS” even before till, now and i remebered taking the Binalonan-Asingan route before, during that time, year 2005-2006 the roads were still dusty and bumpy, hoped it changed.
Thanks alot for the road tips and guides.
Take it easy aight!
can you please give me the detailed route from la paz exit turn right going to the towns of cuyapo and guimba exiting rosales bypassing paniqi and san manuel towns.
Boy
Hi Boy:
As written above in the comments section and I can understand your not finding it because comments here are many and lengthy, here is a description of the route via La Paz (turning right at after the last SCTEX exit — although this site recommends that the faster way is to turn left to Tarlac City):
“The La Paz to Binalonan Route makes you:
1. go eastward through the towns of Pura and Victoria in Tarlac
2. then northward to Guimba, Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija
3. then northwestward again to Rosales, Sta Maria-Asingan until you reach Binalonan (all the latter being in Pangasinan)
4. then northward to Pozzorubio, Sison until you reach Rosario La Union.”
Hope this helps
Thanks Lisa for your threads, I went to Baguio this April 3, I followed all your recommended routes. Practically I travelled only for four hours using my toyota fortuner with an average speed of 100 km/hr–(pls note that we have 4 stops during the travel ‘coz ive got kids in my car room) Going to Baguio now is very accessible BIG THANKS TO THE NEW SCTEX…AND FOR THIS SITE….
BUT AS WE WENT BACK GOING TO MANILA… I REMEMBER, TURNING LEFT SOMETIME IN PANGASINAN (arrow says to MANILA) WHICH MADE OUR TRAVEL SO… SO… SO… LONG THAT MADE US PASSED THROUGH ALMOST ALL THE BARRIOS OF PANGASINAN…CORRECT ME IF I’M WRONG–ASINGAN, ROSALES ETC…? I DONT REMEMBER THE OTHER TOWNS WE’VE ENCOUNTERED PASSING THROUGH. MY PASSENGERS WE’RE ALL SCARED BECAUSE WE ARE THE ONLY VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AND SIGNAGES DISAPPEAR WHEN YOU NEEDED IT MOST..BUT THANKS TO THE FOLKS OF PANGASINAN….LISA, WHAT MADE ME WRONG DURING THE TRAVEL WHICH MADE US 5 1/2 HOURS GOING TO MANILA?? THANKS…SUPER LAYO!!! IMAGINE WE WENT DOWN TO BAGUIO BY 9AM BY 12NOON WE’RE STILL IN PANGASINAN
Hi Rokz,
Honestly, Pangasinan is such a bother — that route you took on your way back to Manila is that detour that is supposed to bypass Urdaneta. This is information is contained in this alternate routes & detours page I wrote at Go Baguio!
Of course I have been most concerned about showing the folks the fastest way to get to Baguio City but I guess creating a How to Get Back to Manila from Baguio advisory is now in order.
HELP What’s the best route FROM BAGUIO TO MANILA on a saturday Morning! BTW Thanks for all the information about baguio. You are a blessing!
Hi Jocel,
EDSA, enter NLEX at Balintawak, and drive up to exit 85 (SCTEX), pass SCTEX up to Tarlac City exit at the very end (turn left at the end, not right to La Paz), travel MacArthur Highway all the way up to Rosario, La Union, then climb up Marcos Highway.
Get specifics at the Go Baguio! travel advisory.
Hi,
I’m taking my wife this weekend to Baguio and celebrate mother’s day with her. It’ll be the first our first time to visit Baguio using our car. The steps you’ve enumerated (Manila to Baguio) will be of big help to us. I was wondering if you could give us quick guidelines/steps on how we can get back to Manila from Baguio. It’ll be greatly appreaciated. God bless!!!
Hi John,
As it happens, I did create such a page: How to Get Back to Manila from Baguio City, so just click the link to get there.
When planning a trip to Baguio City, my main site, Go Baguio! is your best resource for everything you need to enjoy your Baguio vacation.
Hi Lisa:
Your website is full of information and I say, it’s very very informative, specially the NLEX SCTEX part wherein you describe a faster way going to Baguio via the SCTEX. We (my family and I) went to Baguio last May 2005 and we are again going their this weekend using our brand new car. We have booked in Microtel Inn. Could you lend us a hand by way of guiding us how to get to Microtel Inn. We are going to Baguio via Marcos Highway.
Many thanks in advance and God Bless!
Hi Jun,
Please proceed to Upper Session Road and head for the Victory Liner Terminal (that is visible from the road, although partly obscured by a Caltex gas station).
Microtel Inn is in a small street (whose name I do not know) behind the terminal in Engineer’s Hill.
Maybe there’s a map and directions at their web site? Since Baguio roads are winding and not in a grid pattern, I can only give you road names and landmarks that you can use when asking people for directions. But don’t worry, it’s not hard to find.
Thanks!!! You’re a blessing!
Lisa, can you provide a site where I can check out the listing of the latest bar exams results. Haven’t seen one yet in the net. Thanks!
Hi Lisa!
We are going to Carmen Pangasinan next week and we dont know how to get there thru SCTEx. Help us please… by the way, we’re from bataan.. thanks =)
Hi Yordz,
Honestly I have never passed the SCTEX coming from subic so I cannot really tell you how, but try this:
Upon reaching the Subic-Tarlac SCTEX exit, turn left to enter that part of SCTEX that heads north to Tarlac City. This will entail a different toll fee. Then proceed as if you are heading towards Baguio City based on that part of this article that deals with SCTEX-McArthur Highway, because you will hit Carmen upon entering Pangasinan (as that town is along the route to the City of Pines).
Hope this helps
SWEEEEETT!!!! I plan on returning to the philippines next year and i was reluctant to drive by myself to Baguio. You’re video is very helpful for ppl like me. Altohugh i’ve been to the philippines several times in 99 & 00 it was always with relatives. Does anyone know when the freeway to La Union will completed? anyway thz alot.
Hi Kyosuke,
The extension to La Union is still in the works, probably won’t be done in time for your trip. Don’t worry though, it will be posted here as soon as it is, for it is what I have been praying for for almost two decades now (ah, to bypass Pangasinan will be SWEEEEEETER!)
hi Lisa! i’m on a tight budget but want to take my family for a holiday in bagio, can yo pls recommend a place to stay for two days, like a cottage maybe so we can all sit together, remembering old times. thanks a lot hope yo can help me.
Hi Lisa
For a complete novice (ofcourse, like me), can you please please repeat directions for Manila-Baguio all the way again. Reading all the posts above just makes thigs a trifle confusing.
You could please start from Mandaluyong in Manila…..and then list with a 1, 2, 3 kind of instruction manual…I know that the details are all there in your blog and all the comments, but a FINAL word on it from your side would be much much appreciated..thanks a lot.
Hi Belle,
Check out the Baguio Directory at my travel website, it has a list of places to stay with contact info.
Hi AT,
The 1-2-3 you are looking for was written just for folks like you years ago, and updated recently to include the SCTEX, at at my How to Get to Baguio City advisory at Go Baguio!
Your blog just proves the inadequacy of who ever is reponsible for the proper road signs.
Hay naku Resty,
They Philippines should adopt standard sizes and colors for road signs so folks will know it’s a road sign. Then we should stop with the billboards because they clutter up your vision and distract everybody from what it truly useful information.
The Philippines, like Baguio, is getting too palengke!
does the new entry to marcos highway make the route shorter, am i right in understanding that instead of turning left as usual at the junction i go straight going towards kennon then after 500 m turn left? that is where the new entry of marcos highway? thanks
can i ask about the road going to baguio, is it safe now??? or under construction til now?? coz were planning to go there this holiday season…. tnx
Hi Mark,
Kennon Road opened two days after the typhoon, and Marcos Highway three days after, Rosario bridge has had a bailey bridge erected over the damaged portion since October. I would not rely on exaggerated news accounts — it was Manila traumatized by Ondoy that made the damage to Baguio by Pepeng seem worse than it was.
Hi,
Really appreciate you putting this video together…being a visual guy…I am impressed. Going to Subic in Jan and I may make a Baguio excursion…I hear its awesome!
Happy New Year,
Dino
I totally agree that the sctex is super worth your money. We take that route every time we go to baguio. The view is relaxing and spectacular!
I HOPE THEY NEVER-NEVER-EVER PUT UP BILLBOARDS ALONG THAT ROAD!