10 Things to do in Los Baños in 24 hours
ANNA MAE YU LAMENTILLO, GMA News
I was born and I’ve lived most of my life in Manila. In the past, whenever I traveled to the countryside, I couldn’t seem to pull it off for more than two weeks. I was a full-time city girl, or so I thought. That is, before I went to study at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños.
Four years ago, nature was just an inanimate object I did not really pay attention to. Grasses were no different from little figurines. Walking for just a few meters was already tiring, and yes, even Manila air was perfect.
A year in Los Baños changed everything. Running around the campus, playing at the Freedom Park, taking a walk between classes, and bathing in the hot springs made me realize the beauty of a laid-back lifestyle.
Here’s how to fall in love with Los Baños in 24 hours.
1. National Arts Center
If one image could encapsulate Los Baños, it would be the picture from the National Arts Center.
Looking down from the circular open-air theater Tanghalang Maria Makiling on top of a plateau, you’ll see a panoramic view of the municipality right down to a small crater on the edge of Laguna de Bay, popularly known as “The Crocodile Lake."
The sprawling government compound also boasts of the St. Marc’s Chapel, designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin. It is the home of the Philippine High School for the Arts, an institution created for young and gifted scholars from all over the country.
2. Mount Makiling
4 am. That’s the perfect time to head to Mt. Makiling, the legendary mountain of Los Baños. The trail begins at the UPLB College of Forestry, past the lower campus. Climb up to one of Mt. Makiling’s two peaks, and get to know the endemic and exotic plant life. Among the popular destinations on the mountain are the Mud Springs and Flat Rocks. Word of advice to the adventure lover: get a guide.
3. Boston Cafe
If you like your snacks with a Los Baños mark, head to one of Caldi Group’s cafes. There’s Boston Grove, a homey brasserie beside LB square; One Caldi, a bistro near the UPLB Gate; and Boston Cafe, a coffee shop inside Robinson’s. Must try: ELBIccino
4. Elbi Proven at Raymundo Gate
Students, professors, and locals queue up for street food at Raymundo Gate. Dogs roam the area and the line can get quite long, but if you’re going to have street food in Los Baños, this is the place to go.
A generation-old stall in Raymundo, Elbi Proven makes no compromise to finicky
diners who are in a hurry, so be prepared to wait and fall in line. Don’t worry, every minute is worth it. If you have a hard time looking for it, just ask anyone around: The humble place is pretty popular.
5. Dal Cielo
If you’re itching for inspired cuisine from the colonial era, make sure to visit Dal Cielo. Must try are their Cream Puffs and Paella.
6. IRRI Riceworld
The place has the world’s most comprehensive collection of technical literature on rice in more than 80 languages, and the largest museum on rice artifacts. The problem is, hardly anyone goes inside. Just so you know, their resto offers unlimited rice for 10 pesos.
7. LB square
With its candle-lit atmosphere and bare light bulbs, Los Baños is far from being an all-nighter. There is one area, however, that wakes up at 6 pm and stays awake until the wee hours of the morning: LB square. It’s got international cuisine, affordable alcohol, and all-night karaoke.
8. The Orient Buko Pie
You have to be patient with the long queues, but then again, what’s Los Baños without Buko Pie?
9. University of the Philippines Los Baños
The largest university in the Philippines gives proletarians the perfect relief from restricted, confined spaces through immersion in nature’s very own playground. Around the area are remarkable pieces of art, built and crafted by our nation’s finest. The grandeur of Leandro V. Locsin’s architectural vision can be seen at the DL Umali Auditorium, UPLB Main Library, Jose Rizal Carillon, and Student Union Building. It’s worth the walk.
10. Fertility Tree
Before you leave, don’t forget to lie down under the famous tree. You never know -- you might just be bringing something else, other than an ‘instant’ baby.
