Laperal White House Baguio has been opened to the public as a tourist attraction. We were able to visit it on a Friday the Thirteenth. This was not intentional. Probably because of too much fright we put in our heads, we just realized the date when we returned in our hotel (face palm).
Bamboo Art Exhibit
Before we go to the scary part, let’s explore some Bamboo Art Exhibit first. At the garage of Laperal White House Baguio is a bamboo exhibit which is a project of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation of The Lucio C. Tan Group of Companies in partnership with the Philippine Bamboo Foundation, Inc. The project aims to preserve the arts and culture of the Cordilleras and to emphasize the importance of Bamboo in preventing natural disasters like landslide.
The Bamboo Art Exhibit houses beautiful pieces of Ifugao Bamboo carvings. Surrounding the entire house is a mini ecopark where different bamboos are planted.
About Laperal White House Baguio
Laperal White House Baguio was popularly named as such because the entire house was painted white inside out. Originally owned by the Laperal family, headed by Don Roberto and Doña Victorina Laperal, it is now the property of the business tycoon, Lucio Tan.
We visited the house in the morning (coward, right? lol). Maybe it was no thrill that the kind staff even offered us to come back in the afternoon just before closing time and we don’t have to pay the entrance fee again. That was one of the most generous offers I gladly turned down.
There are actually a lot of tales as to how the Laperal home became a haunted house in Baguio.
Laperal White House Baguio: The Basement Garage
A version of the story dates back to World War II when the basement garage of Laperal White House Baguio was used as a torture chamber. Prisoners including American, English, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese were said to be tortured to death here. The staff also mentioned to us that for some time, it was previously used as a morgue. The tour actually started at the basement garage where the Bamboo Art Exhibit was located.
From the garage, we walked our way to the entrance of the house. A short stairway led to the door of the house where, according to rumours, a white lady can be seen standing at times.
Note that there are no tour guides if you decide to get inside the house (invisible tour guides, maybe? haha). If you’re not that brave, better to visit with a group just like what we did.
Laperal White House Baguio: Living and Dining Room Areas
A huge living room area welcomed us as we entered Laperal White House Baguio. It was a classic old house made of wood that I found simply gorgeous! I felt a bit strange the moment I stepped inside most especially because I conditioned my mind that it’s a haunted place in Baguio and that I might see something scary.
A sofa positioned between two lampshades highlights the living room. According to stories, Doña Victorina can be “seen” sitting in the sofa most of the time.
One side of the living room led to the dining area where a long table can be seen. I avoided taking photos directly across the glass panels and the huge mirrors surrounding the dining table (it just felt too creepy for me, lol).
Another side of the living room displayed a grandfather’s clock, a fireplace, and nostalgic chairs. The staff told us that the location of the grandfather’s clock is one ‘common’ ghost spot.
A comfort room was also available directly across the living room which guests of Laperal White House Baguio can use, that is, if anyone will dare utilize it.
Laperal White House Baguio: Second and Third Floors
Beautiful wooden staircases led to the second and third floors of Laperal White House Baguio. On the second floor, we sighted several opened rooms separated by narrow alleys. We also found some doors that were locked.
The rooms contained empty beds. The master’s bedroom with a fireplace is said to be another area in the house where mysterious things happen. According to the staff, comfort women were raped here.
The staircase going to the third floor gets narrower, with a width suited for one person only. More empty rooms can be found here. It is said that the “yaya” (nanny) of Laperal’s children took suicide on this floor.
Did we find any ghosts during our Laperal White House Baguio tour?
Nothing. We did not see any trace of spirits or ghosts in the house. Though we felt a bit strange inside which probably may sound normal thinking that we were inside a haunted house.
However, it may be a different story for people with the so-called third eye. I have a friend whose mother actually has the ability to feel and see ghosts. I told her about my visit to Laperal White House Baguio. Her family frequents Baguio but her mother did not know that the white house was actually haunted. In some instances when they did pass by Laperal home, her mother said she had an unusual heavy feeling and even saw someone from the window.
If only Laperal White House Baguio is not haunted as they say, I think it can still be used. Despite of being old, most parts of the house including its furniture are in good condition.
It was my first time to enter a real haunted house. I can’t say it was “fun” (I was really paranoid, haha) but definitely it was an experience I will never forget. In case you’re a thrill seeker, there are also other haunted houses in Baguio that are open to the public. Our hotel guide even told us that you can go on a haunted house tour.
Or you might also want to visit the other popular haunted place in Baguio, the Diplomat Hotel. For more places to go in Baguio, check our Baguio itinerary.
Laperal White House Baguio Entrance Fee
PHP50
Laperal White House Baguio
Admission Time: 9AM – 6PM
Address: Leonard Wood Rd, Baguio, 2600 Benguet
nice post! really informative. thanks for sharing with us. keep this blog update
Thank you!
I’ve been to Baguio last Feb and I missed going there. My companions were too scared to go but I think not so much when you have an afternooon visit. Good thing you come in group.
you went inside the laperal house? scary! did you feel anything inside? waaa. i think i would not have the courage to go inside. i’ll just settle wandering museums just like the bamboo museum. 🙂
I heard a lot about this white house in Baguio and I am thankful to learn it from your article. It is very well crafted and structures are so detailed…pretty sure whoever built this art wont let go of this domain.. so haunting goes on. 🙂
Anything with the word “haunted” gives me the spooks even if the objects is just a pen or a notebook. This is why I really admire people who has the guts and the courage to visit and stay in haunted places and houses. I guess this also explains why I have never been to Baguio. There are too many haunted houses there and who knows if I end up staying in one of them. Lol. Nice adventure to consider though for the brave of heart.
Horror can turn into educational experience. Next time I visit Baguio, I should also try this. The Bamboo Art Exhibit also looks fascinating.
I would love to explore this place! I have never been to a haunted house before and this must be a great adventure.. i just don’t think I am brave enough to explore the building alone so I better get a company if I go here.. good thing you didn’t capture any spirits on your photos hehe
It doesn’t look scary, really. Honestly, it looks more of a historical destination for me. But the story shocked me!! Anyway, ahh~ Loved the ambiance from the Eco Park! We know Baguio is popular with its wood products as well.
whoah! I would never go here alone!!! lol! Did you guys ever fear na baka pag check nyo ng camera, may nadagdag sa picture? lol!
Whether the ghost stories are urban legend or not, this place is now a revenue generating business to augment expenses on its maintenance. Brilliant!
I always wanted to do a haunted house tour but never got that courage..ha ha ha…great that you did it!! 🙂
Is it just me or what? why am I seeing this house awesome instead?! lol maybe because I always admire houses from the past that are still standing and preserved for future generations to see. There are several old houses here in Negros it’s just that it isn’t available for public viewing.
The Laperal House is really scary. I had experienced it myself when we visited Baguio. Just upon entering the house you will feel different spirits are with you. OMG! I can still remember the experience. So scary! haha
We will be going to Baguio this July and I will add this in our itinerary.
Actually my grandfathers Lola and Lolo lived here until they died but the thing is the ghost there are real if your wondering how I know this my lolo told me
Thank you for your comment! 🙂 Honestly, I think the ghost stories are real. I think I already saw a documentary about the house and I also got stories from friends.