Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Baguio City, the Forest Bathing Trail in Camp John Hay offers a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. This immersive and tranquil experience allows visitors to reconnect with nature, rejuvenate their senses and discover the healing power of the surrounding forest.
To rekindle the public's interest in Baguio as a destination for relaxation, recovery and reconnection with nature, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR), in partnership with John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), launched the very first forest bathing trail in the country in 2018.
Forest bathing does not necessarily mean bathing in the forest. In Japan, it is known as shinrin-yoku, which is a practice that has gained popularity worldwide. It involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to enhance physical and mental well-being.
“Basically, ‘forest bathing’ refers to the leisurely visit to a forest, to cleanse and renew yourself with the natural life force energy of the forest. Getting wet is not a requirement. Like sunbathing, this is another kind of bathing,” former DOT-CAR Regional Director Venus Tan explained in an interview with PhilStar.
This four-kilometer trail starts at the Bell Amphitheater, right next to the Bell House. It embraces the concept of being one with nature, offering a unique opportunity to slow down, breathe in the fresh air and immerse oneself in the natural beauty that surrounds this serene corner of Baguio City.
Ever since its opening, locals, tourists, nature lovers and adventure junkies had flocked to Camp John Hay to bask in the trail’s beauty.
Traversing the trail
As you set foot in the Forest Bathing Trail, a sense of calm envelops you. The trail meanders through towering pine trees, creating a captivating canopy above, while the sunlight gently filters through the branches, casting a magical glow. The path is carefully designed to guide visitors on a peaceful journey, leading them to various points of interest along the way.
The Forest Bathing Trail offers a symphony of natural sounds that soothe the soul. As you wander through it, you'll hear the gentle rustling of leaves, the melodic chirping of birds and the distant murmur of the nearby highway. These harmonious sounds create a tranquil ambiance that encourages relaxation, mindfulness and a heightened connection with nature.
The trail is adorned with breathtaking sights at every turn. Moss-covered rocks, wildflowers in full bloom and vibrant ferns carpeting the forest floor paint a picture of raw natural beauty. It also presents several lookout points where one can catch glimpses of Baguio City's stunning landscapes, providing a captivating contrast between urbanity and serenity.
Meanwhile, forest bathing has been scientifically proven to have numerous health benefits. According to the University of California-Berkeley, the forest environment emits organic compounds called phytoncides, which have antimicrobial properties and are known to enhance the immune system. Walking in the forest also reduces stress levels, lowers blood pressure and improves overall mental well-being.
As claimed by Tan in a PhilStar article published in June 7, 2018, the goal of the Forest Bathing Trail was to “revive” Baguio as a recreational and wellness destination—the main reason why the Americans developed the city during their colonization—with forest bathing as the major tourism activity.
“Wellness is a growing trend all over the world. More and more people are getting conscious about their health and wellbeing,” the former regional director shared. “Baguio became a city where we had a lot of hospitals and sanitariums. But now, it is no longer about hospitals. It’s about natural healing. It’s about the power of nature to heal,” Tan further expressed.
The Forest Bathing Trail in Camp John Hay allows visitors to experience these benefits firsthand, as they detach from their screens, slow down and embrace the therapeutic effects of nature.
Marrione Santos, a student from Saint Louis University (SLU), told that she has already experienced the trail twice and that spending time with nature reduces her stress as she is at peace whenever she is in the area.
“Mountain views are the best, it is worth it! The scenery itself can boost your endorphins. I saw different beautiful birds and I appreciated the beauty of nature,” Santos added.
The four-kilometer trail is a hidden gem that beckons urban dwellers and nature enthusiasts alike to discover the wonders of forest therapy. In the midst of Baguio City's vibrant atmosphere, this trail offers a serene escape, a chance to reconnect with oneself and the natural world.
“I am soaked in with the scenic view of the mountains,” the SLU student said. “We are truly blessed because God created panoramic views for us to explore,” she further added.
The plight of Baguio’s last forest
Majority of the pine trees in Baguio City are within the fenced walls of Camp John Hay. Based on JHMC, there are a total of 602,350 trees in the area as of 2019, amounting to more than 50% of the forest cover in the whole city.
Of these numbers, 242,350 pine trees, 60,000 coffee plants, and 50,000 bamboo culms, among others, all contribute to the aesthetics and environmental significance of the place.
However, the city’s forest has been enduring the harmful effects of human activities. This affects not just the site of the Forest Bathing Trail, but also the entire flora and fauna of Camp John Hay.
In January 2021, the JHMC temporarily closed down the trail due to some visitors’ “environmental irresponsibility” and “complete disregard of nature.”
During the cleanup, the management found trash wastes, such as water bottles, food wraps, cigarette buts, wet wipes and diapers—all of which are flammable materials that could cause massive forest fires.
Still, hope is not lost for the Forest Bathing Trail and the rest of the city’s pine trees. In July 2022, the Baguio City Council declared all pine trees within the city’s jurisdiction as “heritage trees,” a move to protect, preserve and forbid the cutting down of trees unless thesepose harm and danger to life or property. The measure also imposes penal charges against violators with a fine of PHP 5,000 and imprisonment of six months.
Comments