Spot Out of Town: Discover the Best Things To Do in Los Banos, Laguna

(SPOT.ph) More often than not, a trip to Los Baños means one of two things: to drop off a student at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) or to soak in one of the many hot spring resorts dotting the area. But that barely scratches the surface of what good ol’ Elbi has to offer.

Los Baños is nestled between two of Luzon's most distinct geographic features, Mt. Makiling and Laguna de Bay, both of which bestow the town with immeasurable bounty from unique flora like the rare rafflesia (the world's largest flower) and the endemic jade vine, to rich, fertile land that supports local farms. With over 4,200 hectares of forest reserve, Mt. Makiling alone makes Elbi a go-to for hikes, birdwatching, and nature photography—all just a few hours from Metro Manila.

UPLB is also worth lingering in. Its sprawling 1,524-hectare campus is home to striking brutalist buildings by National Artist Leandro Locsin, set against wide, open green spaces that are perfect for a slow, scenic stroll. Nearby, Alligator Lake offers a quieter alternative to Laguna de Bay, with panoramic views and a handful of resorts and campsites where watersports add a dose of thrill to the otherwise laid-back setting.

Safe to say, Los Baños may be a sleepy town, but it’s never boring. It’s packed with things to do and places to discover if you know where to look. Let this edition of SPOT Out of Town be your guide to exploring Elbi, from the best outdoor spots to must-try dining finds.

• What to Do in Los Baños?

• Where to Eat in Los Baños?

• How to get to Los Baños?

There are usually two types of people who head to Los Baños: those looking to unwind at a hot spring resort, and the more adventurous set taking on the full Mt. Makiling trail to the summit. These sit on opposite ends of the spectrum—but they’re not your only options.

If you’re after something in between—not quite full R&R, not quite a full-on hike—here are some activities you can mix and match to build the perfect Elbi day out.

The Makiling Botanic Gardens is a 300-hectare facility right in the UPLB Campus dedicated to plant research, education, and conservation. Located at the lower elevations of the Molawin-Dampalit watershed, it is home to a plethora of endemic, native, and even endangered flora and fauna. Within the area, you can go birdwatching, try forest bathing, or simply wander and spot different plant species.

Pro tip: Bring a pair of binoculars—you never know what you might spot. While the Philippine Eagle no longer inhabits the area (back when the Philippine Eagle Foundation had a hatchery here, sightings were possible), the gardens still host rare species like the Philippine hornbill and brown-breasted kingfisher, along with many other birds that nest and soar around the forest.

No two visits are the same. Depending on the season, you’ll encounter different plants in bloom and wildlife sightings. It’s worth checking the Makiling Botanic Gardens’ Facebook page ahead of your trip for recent sightings or updates on their “Plant of the Month,” which is likely currently in bloom.

If you need a break, you can rent a table at the picnic area. Tucked under the shade of towering trees, it’s an ideal spot to rest and recharge after exploring the gardens.

Entrance to the Makiling Botanic Gardens is P60. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the UPLB Makiling Botanic Gardens Facebook page.

A full hike up Mt. Makiling and back can take 10 to 12 hours—but if you’re not up for the full trek and still want a taste of the mountain, a quick hike to Flat Rocks near Makiling Trail Station 2 might be just the thing.

Flat Rocks is a cluster of striking formations shaped by Mt. Makiling’s volcanic past, with towering boulders stacked atop one another and a clear creek running through the area—offering a scenic payoff without the hours-long climb. Here, you can relax by the stream, perch on the rocks, and take in the surroundings. Depending on the season, the creek may even be deep enough to dip your toes in; if not, building rock towers or simply lounging in the forest still makes for a pretty great time.

Tour guides are required for hikers along the Mt. Makiling Trail. Register for your hike and pay the P30 fee before you go. For more information, visit the UPLB Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems' Facebook page.

The great thing about the UPLB Campus, much like its sister sites in Manila and Diliman, is that it's open to the public. Whether you're an alumnus looking to reminisce about the good old days or simply curious to experience Elbi life, Freedom Park is a great place to start.

This massive green space is prime real estate for early-morning or late-afternoon picnics with the gang or just by yourself.  Bring a blanket, a good book, and some snacks, then settle in for some people-watching or simply laze around—whatever you do, just enjoy the slow moments and the fresh breeze.

While lounging around Freedom Park, you might notice a few buildings that stand out against UPLB’s otherwise rural landscape—and you’d be right. Scattered across the campus are several brutalist structures designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, including D.L. Umali Hall, the Student Union Building, SEARCA Residence Hall, B.M. Gonzales Hall (a.k.a. the Main Library), and the Carillon Tower. Locsin’s signature floating concrete style is evident in each, making them especially striking subjects for photos—particularly when the light hits just right, casting dramatic shadows across their forms.

While you’re at it, consider trying out the UPLB Heritage Walks—a 15-stop self-guided tour around campus. Simply scan the QR codes found on various buildings and landmarks to access short backgrounders on their significance to the UPLB community. It’s an easy, engaging way to learn more about the campus, with stops including The Philippine Pegasus, The Oblation, Mariang Dalam-banga, and more.

Before leaving the UPLB campus, make sure to drop by the Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI) for a taste of their milk products—fresh milk, chocolate milk, kesong puti, mozzarella, yogurt, ice cream, and more. They’re fresh, creamy, and surprisingly affordable for the quality.

Most visitors simply grab their goodies and go, but if you plan ahead, you can book a tour of the DTRI farm to see operations up close. You’ll get to meet the cows, learn how milk is collected and processed, and gain a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into these products. Just be sure to request a tour at least a week in advance to secure a slot.

For more information, visit the Dairy Training and Research Institute's website.

If you visit on the weekend and are a sucker for churches and spiritual experiences, make time to catch mass at St. Marc's Chapel. Located in the idyllic National Arts Center, this open-air chapel within the forest is a beauty. It's designed like an amphitheater with a massive concrete cross featuring an outline of Jesus Christ as its centerpiece. It features limited seating on stone slabs that, over time, have grown moss and weeds, further feeding the illusion that this chapel is pure happenstance in the clearing.

The chapel's design is simple yet dramatic, especially when set against the towering trees and lush green flora of Mt. Makiling. It's still unclear whether St. Marc's Chapel was also designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, who has designed most of the buildings at the National Arts Center. Some studies show it might also be Vicente Manansala. Either way, St. Marc's Chapel's location and unique design give it an uncanny, serene vibe that makes it feel extra spiritual and a crowd-favorite for weddings.

Moving away from Mt. Makiling, we now go to Alligator Lake. Don't worry, there aren't any real alligators in the water, but there is still a lot of high-thrill adventure to be had, especially at Laresio Lakeside Resort & Spa.

At Laresio, you can take it easy with a dip in their in-resort pools (some of which are natural hot spring pools, btw), but the real draw is its lineup of lakeside activities. Think cliff diving, kayaking, slides, and giant blobs that launch you into the air. The resort offers a mix of laid-back and high-energy fun, making it a solid pick for barkada and family getaways.

Laresio has both day tour packages and overnight stays. There are different room classifications at Laresio, whether you're a couple out on an adventure or a barkada catching up for the summer. There's something here for every group size.

Day tour rates start at P600. For more information, visit Laresio Lakeside Resort & Spa's website.

On the other side of Alligator Lake, just across Laresio Lakeside Resort & Spa, is Camp Q—another property from the same owner. While Laresio leans into creature comforts and high-adrenaline activities, Camp Q takes a more stripped-down approach, offering a simpler but equally memorable experience.

Here, guests pitch their own tents and camp by the lakeside, fully leaning into the outdoors. It’s a bit more hands-on, back-to-basics kind of stay. But don't worry, there are still plenty of activities to keep things fun and exciting. This includes a pickleball court, archery, an outdoor bowling lane, billiards, and more. They also occasionally host outdoor movie nights, adding a cozy touch to evenings at the campsite.

Since both properties are under the same management, there are packages that bundle experiences between Laresio and Camp Q. Plan it right, and you can spend your day diving, sliding, and kayaking at Laresio—then paddle your way to Camp Q just in time for a quiet night under the stars.

Camping rates start at P450. For more information, visit Laresio Lakeside Resort & Spa's website.

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Being a university town, Los Baños is packed with small eateries and restaurants serving bang-for-your-buck meals. While “university food” often gets a bad rap for being fast or junky, that’s not the case here. Elbi’s dining scene stands out for its easy access to high-quality, farm-fresh ingredients—making it possible to serve a wide variety of food that’s affordable, flavorful, and surprisingly wholesome. Here are some of must-not-miss dining spots when in Los Baños.

Solita's Farm Diner is home to vegetable-forward student meals, think affordable but will leave you full, ready to take on your next class (or in our case, adventure). When in doubt, go for the pan-grilled liempo for something hearty, or the Ilokano-style dinuguan, which leans slightly sour for a more complex, less heavy take on the classic. But if there’s one thing you shouldn’t skip, it’s the mushroom tempura. Made with oyster mushrooms fried to a crisp, it’s easily their bestseller—great as a snack on its own or as a crunchy add-on to your rice meal.

We have to admit we were surprised at just how much we loved the food at Seoul Kitchen. It's one of those high-ranking Google favorites that actually live up to the hype. But more than just having raving reviews online, Elbi locals also swear by it. The draw? Korean dishes developed by an actual Korean chef, so you’re getting flavors that feel a little closer to the real deal.

When at Seoul Kitchen, don't miss the Itaewon Kimchi Pasta. It's spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet, with just the right balance of comfort and kick. For dessert, the Injeolmi Bingsu is an easy favorite, topped with chewy rice cakes that add a fun texture to the shaved ice. And if you need a pick-me-up, go for the Kori Kopi—coffee ice cubes slowly melting into milk for a drink that gets better with every sip.

Thai food in Elbi? Yes—don’t skip It’s a Thai, an OG and one of the first Thai restaurants in the area. Unlike most Elbi spots that lean small and intimate, this one is spacious, with its own parking and plenty of personality thanks to colorful murals across both floors. There’s even a mini market stocked with Thai goods (yes, Poy-Sian included).

The menu sticks to Thai classics—but executed so well, they’ll linger in your head long after. Must-orders include the Kao Mun Gai Tod: Hainanese-style rice paired with chicken in a light, crispy batter, served with a sweet chili sauce that ties everything together. For something comforting, go for the Tom Yum Goong. It leans more sour than spicy and isn’t too heavy on the coconut, letting the broth's flavors really shine.

Dessert is non-negotiable. While the mango sticky rice is a safe choice, the Roti Gluay is the real sleeper hit—a roti pancake filled with banana and finished with a generous spread of Nutella. It’s indulgent, a little messy, and absolutely worth it.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion in Elbi, Dalcielo is where locals go for something a little more fancy. It leans on the pricier side, but the experience delivers—think unfussy Italian cooking that hits the spot.

The menu keeps things simple and straightforward, letting the ingredients do the talking. When in doubt, go for the Frutti de Mare—light on the tomato, which allows the seafood to really shine. It’s clean, well-balanced, and exactly the kind of dish you’d want as a pat for a job well done.

Makiling Ihawan Garden is the kind of place you go to when you’re really hungry—and we mean really hungry. The menu is extensive, serving up just about every Filipino dish you can think of, all meant for sharing. You’ll be seated in your own nipa hut, which makes the whole experience feel like a mini outing in itself.

It’s the perfect stop when you’re craving familiar, home-style flavors after a long day out. Must-orders include the Pork Sinigang—sour, comforting, and slightly on the lighter side—and their roasted chicken, which delivers on that classic, no-fuss flavor that just hits the spot.

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Los Baños, Laguna is easily accessible from most parts of Metro Manila by land. If you’re driving, you can take the South Luzon Expressway (or the Skyway, if you’re up for a quicker—albeit pricier—trip).

Commuting is just as convenient. Elbi is about a two- to three-hour bus ride from Metro Manila, with several lines running daily trips, including JAM Liner, JAC Liner, and DLTB. You can catch these from terminals in Cubao, Buendia, and PITX. If you’re coming from Quezon City, there’s also a P2P bus service that connects UP Diliman and UP Los Baños. It operates Monday to Saturday, with two to three trips scheduled per day.

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Los Baños, Laguna, is a great place to unwind and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city living. There are plenty of ways to spend a day in Los Baños, and these spots are just the beginning. Elbi may be known for its hot springs and hikes, but it’s also where nature, campus life, and good food come together. Take this as your sign to see Los Baños in a new light, whether for a weekend escape, a quick day trip, or something in between.

Check out our other SPOT Out of Town guides and itineraries:
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SPOT Out of Town: Rediscovering the Best Things to Do in Antipolo