Dominican Hill and Nature Park (Diplomat Hotel) - Image 1
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Dominican Hill and Nature Park Diplomat Hotel

4.4
·3k reviews·Baguio, Philippines

An abandoned hotel on Dominican Hill, known for its haunted past and offering breathtaking Baguio City views and local crafts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Dominican Hill and Nature Park (Diplomat Hotel) - Image 1

Dominican Hill and Nature Park Diplomat Hotel

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An abandoned hotel on Dominican Hill, known for its haunted past and offering breathtaking Baguio City views and local crafts.

4.4
(3k reviews)

"An uncanny experience because of its backstory, but it is also a good one because of how interesting it is."

Vertical photo
TIP

👻 Lean into the Spooky Vibe

Embrace the hotel's haunted history; many find it atmospheric rather than truly scary. Enjoy the tales!

🎨 Support Local Artisans

Browse the stalls for unique crafts and souvenirs. It's a great way to experience local culture.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Diplomat Hotel Structure

The Diplomat Hotel Structure

Dominican Hill

An abandoned hotel with a chilling past, offering a unique glimpse into history and stunning hilltop panoramas.

Local Art and Craft Stalls

Local Art and Craft Stalls

Park grounds

Discover unique souvenirs and local artistry, adding a vibrant cultural layer to your visit.

Panoramic Baguio Views

Panoramic Baguio Views

Hilltop vantage points

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Baguio City, especially captivating during sunrise or sunset.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Eerie Atmosphere

While known for its haunted reputation, many visitors find the Diplomat Hotel surprisingly peaceful. Focus on the history and stunning views, and let the spooky tales add to the adventure rather than deter you. It's a unique blend of history and local charm.

Explore Beyond the Hotel

Dominican Hill and Nature Park offers more than just the Diplomat Hotel. Discover local art, enjoy open mic nights, and savor diverse food stalls. The park is a vibrant hub, so allocate time to experience its full offerings beyond the iconic structure.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Open mic and lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The nun be dancing at the back hahahahahaha #fyp #baguio #diplomathotel #diplomathotelbaguio
@gggggggggygggggrrrrrrrr
483.2K likes • 8M views

👻 Lean into the Spooky Vibe

Embrace the hotel's haunted history; many find it atmospheric rather than truly scary. Enjoy the tales! TikTokReddit

🎨 Support Local Artisans

Browse the stalls for unique crafts and souvenirs. It's a great way to experience local culture. Instagram

#KMJSGabiNgLagimXI: Ang Pagbabalik sa Diplomat Hotel Part 1: Mga diumano, pagpaparamdam sa isa sa itinuturing na most haunted places sa Pilipinas– ang Diplomat Hotel, na-caught on cam! #KMJS #TikTokHalloween #Halloween2023
@kmjs
194.7K likes • 5.2M views
Sweet Escape! ❤ #wheninbaguio #baguiowiththefam #ibagiwcreativevillage
tiinekerbella
0 likes • 0 views

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and the hotel grounds. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The hilltop location offers fantastic photo opportunities of Baguio City. Reddit

Movie night upgraded…. 😳 #horror #movie #fyp #foryou #diplomathotelbaguio
@shllygmz
150.8K likes • 1.8M views

Tips

from all over the internet

👻 Lean into the Spooky Vibe

Embrace the hotel's haunted history; many find it atmospheric rather than truly scary. Enjoy the tales! TikTokReddit

🎨 Support Local Artisans

Browse the stalls for unique crafts and souvenirs. It's a great way to experience local culture. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and the hotel grounds. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The hilltop location offers fantastic photo opportunities of Baguio City. Reddit

🎤 Check for Open Mic Nights

Enjoy live performances, adding a fun, dynamic element to your visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Dominican Hill and Nature Park for its unique blend of history, stunning views, and vibrant local culture. While the abandoned Diplomat Hotel adds an intriguing, albeit spooky, element, the park offers much more with its art stalls and lively atmosphere. Some note that restroom facilities could be improved, but overall, it's considered a complex and worthwhile experience.

"The trip was smooth since there was no traffic and barely any people around. It was quiet and peaceful, which let me enjoy the place even more. Even with its ghosty background, it didn’t feel scary at all. It was actually calming to just be there and take in the silence."

Jabez Mendoza

"Nice place to chill and see and buy local arts and craft. T The food stalls have a lot of variety. There is open mic wherein anyone can sing or do some spoken poetry. Though there aren't a lot of tables, there is a long bench at the side.
The only thing not good is the public restroom."

Crystallene Grace Ragot

"An uncanny experience because of its backstory, but it is also a good one because of how interesting it is and how elegant the hotel design is. The creepy vibe isn't that visible because there are stores there with a lighthearted vibe. There are also other things within this area, I recommend going since it's a really complex experience."

Eri Chie

What People Like

Historic atmosphere
Panoramic city views
Local art and food

What People Dislike

Public restroom condition

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The park is located on Dominican Hill in Baguio City. You can take a taxi or a jeepney heading towards Dominican Hill. Many locals know the area, so asking for directions to the 'Diplomat Hotel' or 'Dominican Hill' is usually effective. TikTok

Yes, there is usually parking available within the Dominican Hill and Nature Park grounds, though it can get busy on weekends. Arriving earlier can secure a spot. Reddit

It's a bit of a hike uphill from the city center, so while possible, taking a taxi or jeepney is more convenient and recommended, especially if you plan to explore the entire park. Reddit

The Diplomat Hotel itself is the main landmark. It's situated on Dominican Hill, a prominent elevation in Baguio City, making it visible from various points. TikTok

Jeepneys that ply routes passing through Dominican Hill are available. You can ask drivers if they go near the park. Taxis are also readily available and can take you directly to the entrance. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is typically a small entrance fee for the park. It's quite affordable and contributes to the maintenance of the area. Reddit

The park is generally open during daylight hours. While the hotel structure itself is abandoned, the surrounding park and stalls have their own operating times, often extending into the evening for open mic nights. Reddit

Entry into the main hotel building is often restricted due to its abandoned state and safety concerns. Visitors can usually view it from the outside and explore the park grounds. Reddit

No advance booking is typically required for general park entry. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the park's entrance. Reddit

While not always formally advertised, some local guides might offer tours focusing on the history and alleged paranormal activity of the hotel. It's best to inquire locally upon arrival. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic Diplomat Hotel structure, enjoy panoramic views of Baguio City, browse local art and craft stalls, and experience open mic nights. It's a place for history buffs and those seeking unique photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

The hotel has a strong reputation for being haunted, with many local legends and alleged paranormal sightings. While some visitors feel an eerie presence, others find it peaceful. It's part of its unique charm. TikTokReddit+1

There are food stalls offering a variety of local Filipino dishes and snacks. It's a good place to grab a bite while enjoying the park's atmosphere. Reddit

Public restrooms are available within the park, though their condition can vary. It's advisable to check their cleanliness upon arrival. Reddit

Absolutely! The abandoned hotel, the city views, and the local stalls provide numerous excellent subjects for photography. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the abandoned hotel, especially with the dramatic sky, is a prime spot. Also, capture the panoramic views of Baguio City from the hilltop and the vibrant details of the local craft stalls. Reddit

Access to the interior of the hotel is usually restricted. Photography is primarily focused on the exterior architecture and the surrounding park areas. Reddit

Late afternoon for golden hour light on the hotel and city views, or early morning for softer light and fewer crowds. Evenings can be atmospheric, especially if there's an open mic event. Reddit

Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. Professional or commercial shoots might require permits, so it's best to inquire with park management if you have specific plans. Reddit

Urban exploration, historical architecture, landscape (city views), and cultural photography (stalls, events) are all popular genres here. The 'haunted' aspect also attracts paranormal photographers. TikTokReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dominican Hill and Nature Park can be a fun outing for families, offering a mix of history, views, and local culture. While the Diplomat Hotel has a spooky reputation, many visitors, including children, find it more intriguing than frightening. The park grounds are spacious enough for kids to explore, and the local stalls offer snacks and souvenirs that can be exciting for younger visitors. TikTokReddit

Consider visiting during the day to focus on the scenic views and the vibrant market. The open mic nights can also be entertaining for families looking for a unique evening activity. Just be mindful of the hotel's abandoned state and ensure children stay within designated safe areas. The overall experience can be a memorable blend of adventure and cultural discovery for the whole family. InstagramReddit

👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts

For those drawn to the supernatural, the Diplomat Hotel is a must-visit. Its well-documented history of alleged hauntings, including wartime atrocities, has cemented its status as a prime location for ghost hunting. Visitors often report experiencing unexplained phenomena, from cold spots to auditory illusions. TikTok+1

While direct access to the hotel interior might be limited, the atmosphere surrounding the structure is palpable. Many recommend visiting during twilight or evening hours to enhance the eerie ambiance. Be prepared to immerse yourself in the stories and legends that surround this infamous site. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers

The abandoned Diplomat Hotel offers a compelling subject for photographers and urban explorers. Its decaying grandeur, combined with the dramatic hilltop setting overlooking Baguio City, provides a wealth of visual opportunities. Capture the architectural details, the interplay of light and shadow, and the panoramic vistas. Reddit

Beyond the hotel, the surrounding park and its bustling local stalls offer vibrant scenes of daily life and local culture. The open mic nights can also provide dynamic subjects for candid photography. Remember to respect the site's history and any restrictions on access to certain areas. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Haunted History of the Diplomat Hotel

The Diplomat Hotel, perched atop Dominican Hill, carries a heavy legacy. Originally built as a seminary in the 1910s, it later transformed into a luxury hotel before its dark chapters unfolded during World War II. It served as a refuge for many, but also became a site of immense suffering, including alleged torture and executions by Japanese forces. This history has fueled its reputation as one of the most haunted places in the Philippines. TikTokReddit

Visitors often report feeling a distinct atmosphere, with tales of disembodied voices, cold spots, and shadowy figures. While the hotel is now abandoned and entry into the main structure is restricted, its imposing facade and the lingering stories continue to draw paranormal enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. The blend of historical tragedy and alleged supernatural activity makes it a compelling, albeit eerie, destination. TikTokReddit

Despite its spooky reputation, many visitors find the experience more intriguing than terrifying. The historical significance, combined with the dramatic hilltop location, offers a unique perspective on Baguio's past. It's a place where history, mystery, and breathtaking views converge, creating an unforgettable visit. Reddit

Dominican Hill and Nature Park: More Than Just a Hotel

Dominican Hill and Nature Park is a multifaceted destination that extends beyond the iconic Diplomat Hotel. The park itself is a green space offering respite and beautiful views of Baguio City. It has been revitalized to include various attractions that cater to a wider audience, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists. InstagramReddit

One of the park's highlights is its vibrant local market. Here, you can find a variety of stalls selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and delicious Filipino snacks and meals. This offers a fantastic opportunity to support local artisans and taste authentic regional flavors. The park also frequently hosts events, including open mic nights where anyone can perform spoken poetry or sing, adding a lively cultural dimension to the experience. Reddit

The park's strategic location on a hill provides excellent vantage points for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. It's a place where you can appreciate both the historical weight of the Diplomat Hotel and the lively present-day culture of Baguio. Whether you're drawn by the history, the views, or the local culture, Dominican Hill offers a rich and varied experience. Reddit

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