Explore the paradise of Los Banos
It’s summer. Oppressively hot and humid. At 92 0F today, it won’t get any cooler as the summer bores on us. Those living in the metropolis get it worse. The congested traffic and smog make the air more hot and sticky. Overload from stress, bones aching from sitting 8-5 in the office, the endless routine, and a weekend that’s coming up fast, and you’re just about ready to get away. Head for somewhere cooler, more relaxing, more adventurous. Where is the nearest exit?
I say, LOS BANOS, in nearby Laguna.
Spanish for “the baths”, this town is famous for its therapeutic pools of mineral hot springs at the base of mystic Mount Makiling. 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.
But then again, it’s time to eat. World famous buko-pie (coconut pie) will be on the top of your list. Next is sea food at Samaral Restaurant. Now if you just have to have 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.
What is Los Banos without Mt. Makiling? You just have to visit “Maria” as locals like to refer to the mountain. Moung Makiling is a dormant volcano with slopes that resemble a woman reclining, a profile of the goddess Maria Makiling who is thought to stands guard over her mountain and townfolks.
For those who want to do hiking or trekking, Mount Makiling is a great destination of mystery, excitement and adventure. It is a haven to mountaineers being the only virgin forest in close proximity to Metro Manila. You can start your trek to Mudspring (volcano vent) all the way up to its highest peak called Peak 2.
For a leisurely tour, the University of the University of the Philippines - Los Banos campus offers many interesting things to see and do. The Museum of Natural History houses more than 200,000 preserved specimens. Visit the home of the Philippine Raptors. Enjoy a panoramic view of Laguna Bay at The National Arts Center. Explore the Flat Rocks of Makiling. Get “stuck” at the Magnetic Hill. Stroll UPLB’s sprawling campus and take pictures of the naked Oblation…
I could go on and on and on, but it won’t do you any good to just read this blog and wish you were there. Pack your weekend bags and leave for the paradise that is Los Banos… maybe I’ll see you there.
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POSTED IN: Places to Visit
May 19th, 2006 at 9:26 pm
ahh grace…you make me miss LB so soon!! :))
May 21st, 2006 at 8:55 pm
Sounds like Texas - miserably hot already. Ugh. :)
January 29th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
thanks for the post! I spent the latter half of my college life in UPLB and it brought back all the memories! Buko Pie forever =)
http://www.kalesanimaria.com
March 21st, 2007 at 4:18 am
[…] you recently been to Los Banos, Laguna […]
March 31st, 2007 at 2:08 am
[…] and schooled from elementary to the graduate level. Most of everyone I hold dear still live in this university town. So my last day of vacation was spent strolling the campus and reminiscing of simpler days gone […]
April 12th, 2007 at 5:07 am
hay i miss elbi so much!
April 12th, 2007 at 10:50 am
Ed - where are you right now? We were there last March and it was so nostalgic. Here’s what LB looks like if you haven’t seen it recently.
http://www.filipinasoul.com/my-up-at-lb/
February 1st, 2008 at 8:46 am
Haay, ma’am Grace, we have to go home na. I miss LB so much! There is just no place like LB…