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{{confused|[[Los Banos]] in California, USA}}
{{confused|[[Los Banos]] in California, USA}}


[http://www.losbanos.gov.ph '''Los Banos'''] is a city, a resort and university town, in [[Laguna]], located south of [[Metro Manila]], across a large lake. It is 63 km from Manila and is a popular weekend destination for residents. The 2015 census showed a population of 112,000. It is largely a satellite community of adjacent [[Calamba]].
[https://losbanos.gov.ph/ '''Los Baños'''] is a resort and university town in [[Laguna]], located south of [[Metro Manila]] across the country's largest lake, [[Laguna de Bay]]. It is 63 km from Manila and is a popular weekend destination for residents. The 2015 census showed a population of 112,000. It is largely a satellite community of adjacent [[Calamba]].


''Los Baños'' is Spanish for "the baths"; the city takes its name from the thermal springs at the foot of Mount Makiling, a dormant [[volcano]] located just south of town. As early as 1595, a building was constructed to serve as shelter for the patients who came to seek cures for their ailments at the hot springs. The springs are still an attraction and many of the better class of hotels in town include bathing areas.
''Los Baños'' is Spanish for "the baths"; the city takes its name from the thermal springs at the foot of '''Mount Makiling''', a [[volcanoes|dormant volcano]] located just south of town. As early as 1595, a building was constructed to serve as shelter for the patients who came to seek cures for their ailments at the hot springs. The springs are still an attraction and many of the better class of hotels in town include bathing areas.


==Understand==
==Understand==
[[File:LosBañosHalljf8752 06.JPG|thumb|Town hall]]
[[File:LosBañosHalljf8752 06.JPG|thumb|Town hall]]
The town has been a center of learning since the University of the Philippines College of Agriculture (UPCA) was established there in 1909. Various other Filipino and international institutions followed. Although Los Baños is a small town, it now has the largest scientific community in Southeast Asia, and their achievements, particularly in the study of agriculture, have been a source of local pride and worldwide note.


The town has been a center of learning since the University of the Philippines College of Agriculture (UPCA) was established there in 1909. Various other Filipino and international institutions followed. Although Los Baños is a small town, it now has a large scientific community and their achievements, particularly in the study of agriculture, have been a source of local pride and worldwide note.
===Local folklore===
Once you get down from your bus or Jeepney at crossing, Los Banos, you can take a walk from Jollibee to Robinson Shopping Mall, it's just about 20 meters opposite each other and if you go further, there's a nice Aglipayan Church next to Bangkal street where once upon a time, a beautiful young lady named Maria who lives at a foothills of the mountain used to pray quietly at the church in the evening. One day While gathering wild mushrooms, Maria accidentally met a young son of a prominent family from Barrio Mayondon, Los Banos whose parents lived in a distant southern part of Laguna de bay. He was lost while climbing the mountain to search for orchids and fungus. The handsome young man fell in loved with Maria and a whirlwind romance begun.


Once you get down from your bus or Jeepney at crossing, Los Banos, you can take a walk from Jollibee to Robinson Shopping Mall, it's just about 20 meters opposite each other and if you go further, there's a nice Aglipayan Church associated with a local legend.
Secretly the young man would sneak by night towards the mountainside and meet her. Before he left, he promised to return and marry her. She waited for him, pregnant and bore a son, she defied all odds, expecting him to return soon however, her son grew day by day but never to see him return. The prominent young man's uncles and aunts found out and decided to breakup the relationship by evicting Maria from the side of the mountain. Mysteriously she left and not to be seen for years but one day, the young man now a fully grown gentleman searched for her in the mountain and found her with a fair and cheerful son, tears from Maria's enchanting eyes shocked the earth of the mountain while wild animals can be heard growling for miles as if there was a celebration in the middle of the night. He proposed her for marriage but his relatives succeeded in bribing the church priest so that he would not be allowed a wedding because they argued that Maria was unclean to face the altar. Maria begged to the priest but to no avail, frustrated, they went to the town mayor's office and their wish was granted with a simple wedding and later vanished on the foothills of the mountain.


* {{listing
The Church priest was not aware Maria was actually '''Maria Makiling''' and if the priest did allow them the wedding, the walls of the Aglipayan church would have been turned into gold. The town mayor was rewarded by Maria and he retired quietly but unknown to the locals, he buried a huge amount of gold somewhere at the peak of '''Mount Makiling'''. The prominent son was never to be found again but local folks believed that they both have two sons Banahaw and Taal and they lived happily ever after.
| name=Maria Makiling | alt= | url= | email=

| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
'''Maria Makiling''' is a local folklore and character in Philippine mythology who is said to be a diwata, (equivalent of a fairy or goddess). She inhabits Mount Makiling in Laguna province, and protects the animals and plants of the mountain from those who would harm or defile it. Folklore usually portrays her as kind and generous towards human beings, giving them gifts and blessings. But when she is provoked to anger by the greed or cruelty of humans, she withdraws her favors and/or dispenses frightening punishments.
| phone= | tollfree=

| hours= | price=
Her true name is not known; she is simply called "Maria Makiling" because "Maria" is a generic name for a woman, and "makiling" (crooked/uneven) refers to the mountain. Some say that "Maria Makiling" is the Spanish-era name of Dian Masalanta, the ancient Tagalog goddess of love, pregnancy and childbirth.
| wikipedia=Maria Makiling
| content=A diwata, (equivalent of a fairy or goddess) who has been the guardian spirit of the mountain since long before the Spanish arrived. There are many legends about her; in some she is Dian Masalanta, the ancient Tagalog goddess of love, pregnancy and childbirth, while in Christian versions she is named Maria and attends church often.
}}


==Get in==
==Get in==
[[File:1425Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna 13.jpg|thumb|Not the fastest way ...]]


===By bus===
===By bus===
[[File:1425Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna 13.jpg|thumb|Not the fastest way ...]]
Take the HM Bus Liner at EDSA-Cubao (adjacent to Victory Liner) or DLTBco at EDSA (beside Ramon Magsaysay National High School Cubao and ALPS Bus Terminal) that goes to Sta. Cruz. Tell the conductor to drop you off at "Olivarez Plaza" (it's a town mall) or "College" (UPLB is popularly known as 'College') or you can ride the Sta. Cruz bus from Manila (take the bus from Buendia).


Los Baños is served by frequent bus service from Manila to [[Santa Cruz (Laguna)|Santa Cruz]] or [[Pagsanjan]].
If you are from Manila, Navotas, you can ride a bus bound to Calamba coming from Lawton. Ride a jeepney from Calamba, tell the driver you want to get down at UPLB. If you plan to go to University of the Philippines at Los Banos (UPLB), take a jeepney with a signboard that says "UP College". It will take you inside the campus.


===By car===
===By car===
Line 34: Line 34:


==See==
==See==
* {{see
[[File:1400Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna 16.jpg|thumb|The Jamboree road]]
| name=University of the Philippines, Los Baños | alt=UPLB, Elbi | url= | email=

| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
University of the Philippines, Los Baños and other places of interest within its administered area
| phone= | tollfree=
* {{see
| hours= | price=
| wikidata=Q3550116
| content=Primarily a university of agriculture. There are some places of interest within its administered area:.
}}
** {{see
| name=Makiling Botanic Gardens | alt= | url= | email=
| name=Makiling Botanic Gardens | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat=14.15669 | long=121.23401 | directions=on UPLB campus
| address= | lat=14.15669 | long=121.23401 | directions=on UPLB campus
Line 46: Line 51:
| content=Little streams and rivulets cut through the demonstration garden.
| content=Little streams and rivulets cut through the demonstration garden.
}}
}}
* {{see
** {{see
| name=UPLB Museum of Natural History | alt= | url= | email=
| name=UPLB Museum of Natural History | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat=14.15599 | long=121.23646 | directions=
| address= | lat=14.15599 | long=121.23646 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
| wikidata=
| wikidata=Q95144479
| lastedit=2020-10-18
| lastedit=2020-10-18
| content=Biological & zoological exhibits. Hopefully it won't be a field trip day for all the Metro Manila schools.
| content=Biological & zoological exhibits. Hopefully it won't be a field trip day for all the Metro Manila schools.
}}
}}
** {{see
*ASEAN Center for Biodiversity
| name=ASEAN Center for Biodiversity | alt=ACB | url=https://www.aseanbiodiversity.org | email=

| address= | lat= | long= | directions=

| phone= | tollfree=
*Boy Scouts of the Philippines and Jamboree Site - a campsite at the foot of Mount Makiling adjacent to U.P. Los Baños, which is being managed by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and the site of the 10th World Scout Jamboree in 1959, the 1st and 12th Asia Pacific Jamboree in 1973 and 1991, and the 1st ASEAN Jamboree in 1993.
| hours= | price=

| wikidata=Q4654167
*National Arts Center - a special school for young artist scholars managed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Perhaps what stands out most though are the truly exceptional views of Lake Laguna.
| content=

}}
*Magnetic Hill
** {{see
*Dampalit Falls-dirty, small waterfall
| name=International Rice Research Institute | alt=IRRI | wikidata=Q1204921
*Immaculate Conception Parish - a centuries old church at the town proper (Poblacion/Bayan)
| content=On a large (252 hectares, 620 acres) experimental farm.
*Paciano Rizal Shrine - house of Paciano Rizal, brother of National Hero Jose Rizal
}}
*Yamashita Shrine - execution site of Gen. Yamashita
* {{see
| name=Mount Makiling Forest Reserve | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikidata=Q1551536
| content=Formerly a national park, now a reserve administered by the university's forestry department. It is adjacent to the campus and, like the campus, includes some sites of interest:.
}}
** {{see
| name=National Arts Center | wikidata=Q6970491
| content=A school for young artists managed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Perhaps what stands out most though are the truly exceptional views of Lake Laguna.
}}
** Boy Scouts of the Philippines '''Jamboree Site''' – a campsite at the foot of Mount Makiling
* Magnetic Hill
* Dampalit Falls-dirty – small waterfall
* Immaculate Conception Parish – a centuries old church at the town proper (Poblacion/Bayan)
* Paciano Rizal Shrine – house of Paciano Rizal, brother of National Hero Jose Rizal
* Yamashita Shrine – execution site of Gen. Yamashita


==Do==
==Do==
* {{do
* {{do
| name=Mount Makiling | alt= | url=http://mountmakiling.org/ | email=
| name=Mount Makiling | alt= | url=http://mountmakiling.org | email=
| address= | lat=14.1359 | long=121.1939 | directions=start from gate at end of Makiling Rd on UPLB campus next to Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems
| address= | lat=14.1359 | long=121.1939 | directions=start from gate at end of Makiling Rd on UPLB campus next to Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems
| phone= | tollfree=
| phone= | tollfree=
Line 76: Line 99:
| wikidata=
| wikidata=
| lastedit=2020-10-18
| lastedit=2020-10-18
| content=Fine hiking destination, not only to the peak but also en route through the UPLB-owned Mount Makiling Forest Reserve. Birding and sightseeing opportunities avail (as in big views of surrounding territory). But take ample water, watch out for leeches, and be prepared to come back sticky and withered after completing the 3200 ft (Peak 2 being the highest point) ascent and back. Takes about 4-5 hours each way, so plan to make it a full day outing. Some sites associated with the trek are Flatrocks (river cascade), Mudspring (often mistaken as volcanic crater of Mt. Makiling)
| content=Fine hiking destination, not only to the peak but also en route through the UPLB-owned Mount Makiling Forest Reserve. Birding and sightseeing opportunities avail (as in big views of surrounding territory). But take ample water, watch out for leeches, and be prepared to come back sticky and withered after completing the 3200 ft (Peak 2 being the highest point) ascent and back. Takes about 4–5 hours each way, so plan to make it a full day outing. Some sites associated with the trek are Flatrocks (river cascade), Mudspring (often mistaken as volcanic crater of Mt. Makiling)
}}
}}
The town is famous for its '''therapeutic pools of mineral hot springs''' at the base of mystic Mount Makiling. Most of the local residents' water supply is warm water and during the hot season residents sometimes have to bathe with ice blocks in a pail to cool the water. The first thing you do when you’re around the bend to the welcome sign – roll down the windows and breathe deep. Breathe in the fresh air and see the difference why this place is a therapy. Escape to a local resort like the '''Splash Mountain''', sink into a soothingly hot pool and feel your tension melt away. Spa-like, that’s how the experience is. You can stay at these pools the whole day if you like – swim, soak, sunbathe, and it’s enough to refresh your weary soul. Consider also La Roca de Trinidad Resort, Sa Dulo Hotsprings.
The town is famous for its '''therapeutic pools of mineral hot springs''' at the base of mystic Mount Makiling. Most of the local residents' water supply is warm water and during the hot season residents sometimes have to bathe with ice blocks in a pail to cool the water. The first thing you do when you’re around the bend to the welcome sign – roll down the windows and breathe deep. Breathe in the fresh air and see the difference why this place is a therapy. Escape to a local resort like the '''Splash Mountain''', sink into a soothingly hot pool and feel your tension melt away. Spa-like, that’s how the experience is. You can stay at these pools the whole day if you like – swim, soak, sunbathe, and it’s enough to refresh your weary soul. Consider also La Roca de Trinidad Resort, Sa Dulo Hotsprings.

*Trace Aqua Sports Complex and Museum - aquatic sports venue for the 2005 SEA Games and Philippine Olympic Festival
* Trace Aqua Sports Complex and Museum – aquatic sports venue for the 2005 SEA Games and Philippine Olympic Festival


==Buy==
==Buy==
Buko-pie (coconut pie) belongs near the top of your list. This is the town's signature dish and served in many places; find a place you like and take a few pies along when you leave.
.


==Eat==
==Eat==
Los Banos is famous for its '''buko pie''', young coconut meat deliciously baked in a pie crust. Well known buko pie outlets are '''The Original Buko Pie''' and '''Letty's Buko Pie''' but there are cheaper versions and it still tastes good. At crossing, you can find '''Toyang's Pancitan''' (Noodle Restaurant) which has been a very popular noodle. Next is sea food at '''Samaral Restaurant'''. Now if you just want burgers and fries, local fastfood chains and malls dot the way from Crossing to UP. For desserts? Try Los Banos’ homemade icecream, fresh milk, and kesong-puti (cottage cheese) at DTRI restaurant. Primarily hidden but well known by visitors and tourist alike but not the locals, '''Jo Clemente's famous curry restaurant''' about 200 meters from Crossing to UPLB is another wonder and if you managed to find it, you will come back and taste the delicious food served piping hot meals and when it is hot...it's really hot.
Los Banos is famous for its '''buko pie''', young coconut meat deliciously baked in a pie crust. This is the town's signature dish and served in many places. Well known buko pie outlets are '''The Original Buko Pie''' and '''Letty's Buko Pie''' but there are cheaper versions and it still tastes good. Find a place you like and take a few pies along when you leave..
At crossing, you can find '''Toyang's Pancitan''' (Noodle Restaurant) which has been a very popular noodle. Next is sea food at '''Samaral Restaurant'''. Now if you just want burgers and fries, local fastfood chains and malls dot the way from Crossing to UP. For desserts? Try Los Banos’ homemade icecream, fresh milk, and kesong-puti (cottage cheese) at DTRI restaurant. Primarily hidden but well known by visitors and tourist alike but not the locals, '''Jo Clemente's famous curry restaurant''' about 200 meters from Crossing to UPLB is another wonder and if you managed to find it, you will come back and taste the delicious food served piping hot meals and when it is hot...it's really hot.

* {{eat
* {{eat
| name=The Original Buko Pie | alt= | url= | email=
| name=The Original Buko Pie | alt= | url= | email=
| address=National Hwy | lat=14.18144| long=121.23112 | directions=
| address=National Hwy | lat=14.18144| long=121.23112 | directions=
| phone=+63 49 536 3783 | tollfree=
| phone=+63 49 536 3783 | tollfree=
| hours=all day | price=
| hours=all day | price=
Line 107: Line 132:
}}
}}
* {{eat
* {{eat
| name=Spice Jar Restaurant | alt= | url= | email=
| name=Spice Jar Restaurant | alt= | url=https://web.facebook.com/spicejarelbi/ | email=
| address= | lat=14.17561 | long=121.24277 | directions=
| address= | lat=14.17561 | long=121.24277 | directions=about a block from Robinson's, same side of street
| phone= | tollfree=
| phone=+63 905 301 1071 | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=mains from ₱120, mostly 180-250
| wikidata=
| lastedit=2020-10-18
| lastedit=2020-10-18
| content=Good Mexican food plus a few Filipino dishes, pizza, donuts, & expensive steaks. No guacamole or margueritas.
| content=For when you feel like Mexican.
}}
}}
* {{eat
* {{eat
Line 137: Line 161:
Nationwide fast food chains have their omnipresence in this town, but there are also local destinations if you want to find cheap eats.
Nationwide fast food chains have their omnipresence in this town, but there are also local destinations if you want to find cheap eats.


* {{eat
Ellens Fried Chicken
| name=Ellens Fried Chicken | alt= | url= | email=
Location: Crossing, Los Banos and Grove, near UPLB Gate
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=crossing, Los Banos and Grove, near UPLB Gate
Specialty: Fried Chicken and student meals
| phone= | tollfree=
*Creisking's Lomi Haus, Near Agapita
| hours= | price=
| wikidata=
| lastedit=
| content=Fried Chicken and student meals.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Creisking's Lomi Haus | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=near Agapita
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikidata=
| lastedit=
| content=
}}


==Drink==
==Drink==
Line 148: Line 186:
There are a lot of boarding house and apartments to choose from all around the campus.
There are a lot of boarding house and apartments to choose from all around the campus.
* {{sleep
* {{sleep
| name=Splash Mountain Resort Hotel | alt= | url=http://splashmountain.com/ | email=
| name=Splash Mountain Resort Hotel | alt= | url=http://splashmountain.com | email=
| address=Km. 58 National Hwy | lat=14.17145 | long=121.20970 | directions=
| address=Km. 58 National Hwy | lat=14.17145 | long=121.20970 | directions=
| phone=+63 917 583 2993 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+63 917 583 2993 | tollfree= | fax=
Line 166: Line 204:
}}
}}
* {{sleep
* {{sleep
| name=La Roca De Trinidad | alt= | url=http://www.larocaresort.com/ | email=
| name=La Roca De Trinidad | alt= | url=http://www.larocaresort.com | email=
| address= | lat=14.17106 | long=121.20797 | directions=
| address= | lat=14.17106 | long=121.20797 | directions=
| phone=+63 917 626 9594 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+63 917 626 9594 | tollfree= | fax=
Line 203: Line 241:


==Connect==
==Connect==



==Go next==
==Go next==
{{routebox
| placename=Los Baños
| image1=N66 (Philippines).svg
| imagesize1=22
| directionl1=W
| majorl1=END
| minorl1='''[[Calamba]]'''
| directionr1=E
| majorr1=[[Santa Cruz (Laguna)|Santa Cruz]]
| minorr1=Jct [[Image:N67 (Philippines).svg|17px|link=]]<small>[[San Pablo (Laguna)|→]]</small>
| link1=
| caption1=
}}


{{IsPartOf|Laguna}}
{{IsPartOf|Laguna}}
{{outlinecity}}
{{outlinecity}}
{{geo|14.1667|121.2167}}
{{geo|14.1667|121.2167|zoom=13}}

Latest revision as of 07:19, 9 September 2024

Not to be confused with Los Banos in California, USA.

Los Baños is a resort and university town in Laguna, located south of Metro Manila across the country's largest lake, Laguna de Bay. It is 63 km from Manila and is a popular weekend destination for residents. The 2015 census showed a population of 112,000. It is largely a satellite community of adjacent Calamba.

Los Baños is Spanish for "the baths"; the city takes its name from the thermal springs at the foot of Mount Makiling, a dormant volcano located just south of town. As early as 1595, a building was constructed to serve as shelter for the patients who came to seek cures for their ailments at the hot springs. The springs are still an attraction and many of the better class of hotels in town include bathing areas.

Understand

[edit]
Town hall

The town has been a center of learning since the University of the Philippines College of Agriculture (UPCA) was established there in 1909. Various other Filipino and international institutions followed. Although Los Baños is a small town, it now has a large scientific community and their achievements, particularly in the study of agriculture, have been a source of local pride and worldwide note.

Once you get down from your bus or Jeepney at crossing, Los Banos, you can take a walk from Jollibee to Robinson Shopping Mall, it's just about 20 meters opposite each other and if you go further, there's a nice Aglipayan Church associated with a local legend.

  • Maria Makiling. A diwata, (equivalent of a fairy or goddess) who has been the guardian spirit of the mountain since long before the Spanish arrived. There are many legends about her; in some she is Dian Masalanta, the ancient Tagalog goddess of love, pregnancy and childbirth, while in Christian versions she is named Maria and attends church often. Maria Makiling on Wikipedia 

Get in

[edit]

By bus

[edit]
Not the fastest way ...

Los Baños is served by frequent bus service from Manila to Santa Cruz or Pagsanjan.

By car

[edit]

You may take the South Luzon Expressway southeast from Manila, then exit at Calamba to follow the national roads. A bypass road opened in 2015 at Calamba to divert cars from the already congested section of Maharlika Highway at Real and Calamba Crossing, but prepare for traffic jams when it is peak season at the resorts.

See

[edit]
  • 1 University of the Philippines, Los Baños (UPLB, Elbi). Primarily a university of agriculture. There are some places of interest within its administered area:. University of the Philippines Los Baños (Q3550116) on Wikidata University of the Philippines Los Baños on Wikipedia 
    • 2 Makiling Botanic Gardens (on UPLB campus), ☏ +63 49 536 2637. 08ː00-16ː00 daily. Little streams and rivulets cut through the demonstration garden. (updated Oct 2020)
    • 3 UPLB Museum of Natural History. Biological & zoological exhibits. Hopefully it won't be a field trip day for all the Metro Manila schools. UPLB Museum of Natural History (Q95144479) on Wikidata UPLB Museum of Natural History on Wikipedia (updated Oct 2020)
    • ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB). ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (Q4654167) on Wikidata ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity on Wikipedia 
    • International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). On a large (252 hectares, 620 acres) experimental farm. International Rice Research Institute (Q1204921) on Wikidata International Rice Research Institute on Wikipedia 
  • 4 Mount Makiling Forest Reserve. Formerly a national park, now a reserve administered by the university's forestry department. It is adjacent to the campus and, like the campus, includes some sites of interest:. Mount Makiling (Q1551536) on Wikidata Mount Makiling on Wikipedia 
    • 5 National Arts Center. A school for young artists managed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Perhaps what stands out most though are the truly exceptional views of Lake Laguna. National Arts Center (Q6970491) on Wikidata National Arts Center on Wikipedia 
    • Boy Scouts of the Philippines Jamboree Site – a campsite at the foot of Mount Makiling
  • Magnetic Hill
  • Dampalit Falls-dirty – small waterfall
  • Immaculate Conception Parish – a centuries old church at the town proper (Poblacion/Bayan)
  • Paciano Rizal Shrine – house of Paciano Rizal, brother of National Hero Jose Rizal
  • Yamashita Shrine – execution site of Gen. Yamashita

Do

[edit]
  • 1 Mount Makiling (start from gate at end of Makiling Rd on UPLB campus next to Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems). Fine hiking destination, not only to the peak but also en route through the UPLB-owned Mount Makiling Forest Reserve. Birding and sightseeing opportunities avail (as in big views of surrounding territory). But take ample water, watch out for leeches, and be prepared to come back sticky and withered after completing the 3200 ft (Peak 2 being the highest point) ascent and back. Takes about 4–5 hours each way, so plan to make it a full day outing. Some sites associated with the trek are Flatrocks (river cascade), Mudspring (often mistaken as volcanic crater of Mt. Makiling) nominal admission fee. (updated Oct 2020)

The town is famous for its therapeutic pools of mineral hot springs at the base of mystic Mount Makiling. Most of the local residents' water supply is warm water and during the hot season residents sometimes have to bathe with ice blocks in a pail to cool the water. The first thing you do when you’re around the bend to the welcome sign – roll down the windows and breathe deep. Breathe in the fresh air and see the difference why this place is a therapy. Escape to a local resort like the Splash Mountain, sink into a soothingly hot pool and feel your tension melt away. Spa-like, that’s how the experience is. You can stay at these pools the whole day if you like – swim, soak, sunbathe, and it’s enough to refresh your weary soul. Consider also La Roca de Trinidad Resort, Sa Dulo Hotsprings.

  • Trace Aqua Sports Complex and Museum – aquatic sports venue for the 2005 SEA Games and Philippine Olympic Festival

Buy

[edit]

Eat

[edit]

Los Banos is famous for its buko pie, young coconut meat deliciously baked in a pie crust. This is the town's signature dish and served in many places. Well known buko pie outlets are The Original Buko Pie and Letty's Buko Pie but there are cheaper versions and it still tastes good. Find a place you like and take a few pies along when you leave..

At crossing, you can find Toyang's Pancitan (Noodle Restaurant) which has been a very popular noodle. Next is sea food at Samaral Restaurant. Now if you just want burgers and fries, local fastfood chains and malls dot the way from Crossing to UP. For desserts? Try Los Banos’ homemade icecream, fresh milk, and kesong-puti (cottage cheese) at DTRI restaurant. Primarily hidden but well known by visitors and tourist alike but not the locals, Jo Clemente's famous curry restaurant about 200 meters from Crossing to UPLB is another wonder and if you managed to find it, you will come back and taste the delicious food served piping hot meals and when it is hot...it's really hot.

  • 1 The Original Buko Pie, National Hwy, ☏ +63 49 536 3783. all day. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 2 Seoul Kitchen, F.O. Santos st, corner Pearl St, ☏ +63 930 662 0977. 11ː00-23ː00 daily except closed Su. Good for if you need a Korean fix. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 3 Spice Jar Restaurant (about a block from Robinson's, same side of street), ☏ +63 905 301 1071. Good Mexican food plus a few Filipino dishes, pizza, donuts, & expensive steaks. No guacamole or margueritas. mains from ₱120, mostly 180-250. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 4 Mother M's Food Hauz, ☏ +63 921 658 4014. Affordable diningː breakfast, beef pares, bulalo, student meals. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 2nd floor of Vega Center, in front of UPLB gate. Homemade cakes, pastries, and specialty coffee. (updated Oct 2020)

Fast food

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Nationwide fast food chains have their omnipresence in this town, but there are also local destinations if you want to find cheap eats.

  • Ellens Fried Chicken (crossing, Los Banos and Grove, near UPLB Gate). Fried Chicken and student meals. 
  • Creisking's Lomi Haus (near Agapita). 

Drink

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The local Mineral Water fresh from its springs is a health drink and once you tasted it, you will feel the amazing healing properties. Liquor is not allowed in the campus of UPLB so be aware of that before thinking a good night out at the campus.

Sleep

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There are a lot of boarding house and apartments to choose from all around the campus.

Connect

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Go next

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Routes through Los Baños
END ← Calamba ←  W  E  → Jct → → Santa Cruz


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