Tucked away in the quiet corners of Irisan, far from the usual buzz of downtown Baguio, lies a hidden gem by the river –  Café Orilla at Camp Riverside. My sister and I had the pleasure of staying overnight, and it was a serene escape that left us feeling both refreshed and enchanted.

We took a taxi from Quirino Hill late in the day. It was raining when we left downtown-  a soft, moody downpour that made the trees shimmer and the road glisten. By the time we arrived at Camp Riverside, the rain had eased to a gentle drizzle, just enough to add a bit of drama to the already misty atmosphere.

After checking in and securing our things in the cozy room we had booked, we made our way back to the main lobby, which also serves as the café. There, we enjoyed a sumptuous dinner paired with warm coffee, comforted by the soft hum of the nearby river. To our surprise –  and delight –  we had the entire place to ourselves. It felt like the mountain, the river, and the evening lights had all been set up just for us.

The riverside lights at night were beautiful-  soft glows lining the path, casting golden reflections on the water and creating a dreamlike setting. Before settling in for the night, we took some time to snap photos, capturing the quiet magic around us.

We slept soundly in our room, lulled by the distant sound of the river. Morning greeted us with mist-covered windows. It was a magical moment –  wiping the condensation revealed a view that looked like a watercolor painting: the river, framed by trees and rocks, unfolding right below us.

Before breakfast, we headed down and spent some time playing with the friendly resident dog, who added to the homely, grounded charm of the place. Breakfast was as hearty and satisfying as dinner, and we found ourselves wishing we could stay a little longer.

Before leaving, I had the quiet pleasure of climbing up to the attic –  a small, cozy space perched above the main hall. There, books were stacked on rustic wooden shelves, and soft light spilled through a single window. It felt like a secret hideaway –  a quiet refuge for readers, daydreamers, or anyone who needs to retreat from the world. The air was still, the silence gentle. It felt like a safe place for someone who avoids company –  calm, warm, and entirely their own. I could have stayed for hours, curled up with a book, the sound of the river still whispering below.

Café Orilla isn’t just a riverside café –  it’s a retreat, a little secret waiting to be found. If you’re looking for quiet, comfort, and a touch of magic in Baguio, this place might just be it.