The Philippines offers a wide variety of tourist spots that can cater to people from all walks of life. If one is seeking for a fun filled adventure minus the hassle of a long and tiring trip... I suggest you head down of Luzon to see one of the majestic pride of the south. Los Banos is a major town in the province of Laguna that offers a myriad of tourist spots for the whole family and your barkada to enjoy.
Los Banos was declared as the special Science and Nature City through Presidential Proclamation no. 349 in recognition as a center for Science and Technology in the development of agriculture and the preservation of the environment. Indeed, a first class urban municipality that is just two hours away from Manila (still depends on the traffic). You can get to Los Banos by taking a Sta. Cruz –bound bus for a mere 100 bucks. On your way to “L.B” one can expect a clean and green environment from the newly modified South Luzon Expressway that could give anyone an idea of what to expect in their destination.
Because of the town’s proximity to Manila, Los Banos is an inevitable ground for endless weekend or summer getaways because of the abundance of hot spring resorts that will truly be enjoyed by the whole family or barkada. L.B is also home to the University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines - Open University and other foreign, local and international research centers like the International Rice Research Institute, the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, Philippine Carabao Center at UPLB and SEAMEO-SEARCA.
Aside from its importance in academics, science and research, Los Banos has lot to offer. One of the town’s attraction is the Alligator Lake (Enchanted Lake), the Lake is contained in a raised circular shape with a diameter of about 330 meters, it is believed to be the mouth of an extinct volcano that juts out of Laguna de Bay. It is located at Barangay Tadlac just turn right at Bagong Kalsada and take a tricycle.
Another cheap but fun attraction is Barangay Lalakay’s waterfall called Dampalit falls with a unique feature as it has a seven series of waterfalls. There is a rest area and Small Park with plant stalls nearby. Dampalit falls are a few minutes walk from the national hiway or about 30 minutes from bayan . This is one certified fun and cheap getaway for nature-trippers and barkadas because aside from splunging on the cold water one can also experience the fun of hiking.
General Paciano Rizal Shrine is also an attraction at Los Banos. Paciano Rizal is the older brother of our national hero Jose Rizal. His house stands near the newly renovated Los Banos’ park which is frequented by the locals for its spacious playground, one can also experience the scenic view as the sun sets in.
The National Arts Center is a special educational institution and retreat for training artists and musicians. Situated on the slopes of Mt. Makiling, it overlooks Laguna de Bay and the towns of Rizal, Los Banos and Calamba. The National Arts Center hosts the Philippine High School for the Arts, a government school for artistically gifted children.
Lastly the mystic Mountain of Makiling is one of the main attraction of Los Banos, it is approximately a three-hour climb from mud spring above the College of Forestry in the University of the Philippines.
This is just few of the town’s main attraction, so if you are planning for a fun and cheap getaway, then Los Banos, Laguna is the answer.
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