If you are a nature lover and currently around the province of Laguna, The Makiling Botanic Garden is a must see destination. It is a part of the Makiling Forest Reserve and is located at the lower elevations of the Molawin-Dampalit watershed. It is home to many species of tropical rain forest trees, palms, bamboos, plants and flowers. It serves as a research site on the preservation, conservation and development of forest and natural resources as well as recreational and tourism for the general public.
On our visit, a large concrete sign on the right side of the road informed us that we have reached the place. Vehicles are not allowed inside the garden. There is a space provided near the concrete sign to park the vehicles.
Once inside, the first thing we see is the recreational area. It has a pavilion, fountains and picnic areas. Though there is an abandoned swimming pool at the back of one of the picnic areas. It seems the administration has chosen not to maintain it.
The recreational area has a wide space and the trees around it provides shade, making the area perfect for picnics and for children to play and run around.
Walking ahead, we noticed a stair going down the Molawin creek. We went down carefully for some parts of the stairs are slippery.
We come across a tourist on the creek taking pictures of us and we took pictures of them in return. They are really friendly. The water on the creek is clean but has a grayish color, maybe it's because of the minerals for Mount Makiling is a dormant volcano.
At the middle elevation of the botanic garden, two things are noticeable. The abandoned comport room filled with vines and a tree with fruits that smells like bananas.
Roaming around the garden, we have seen a lot of flowers and butterflies. And as we are about to leave, we have been lucky to see a group of birds called Tarictic Hornbill. These species of birds is one of the many birds of Mount Makiling.
We are tired of walking up and down the slopes but are satisfied with our experience.The Makiling Botanic Garden makes its visitors remember and realize the importance of preserving our environment and natural resources.
Makiling Botanic Garden also accepts school educational tours. For field trip bookings, guided walk arrandements and use of facilities, you can contact through telefax: (049) 536- 2637 or email: makiling.bg@gmail.com.
The Makiling Botanic Garden is open daily except holidays from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Entrance fee: P 20.00 per person.
How to get to there:
By Public Transport:
1. Board a bus ( BLTB Bus, Green Star Bus, JAM or JAC Liner) at the terminal in Cubao or Taft Avenue bound for Sta. Cruz Laguna.
2. Get off at Los Baños Junction.
3. Ride a jeepney to UPLB College of Forestry and tell the driver to drop you at Makiling Botanic Garden.
Tip: Raise your index finger (aka pointer finger) as a sign for jeepney drivers that you will go up along the College of Forestry.
By Private Transport:
1. From Manila drive to South Luzon Express Way (SLEX) and take the Calamba Exit.
2. Take the National Highway to Lopez Avenue in Los Baños.
3. Turn right onto Lopez Avenue.
4. Continue onto Jose R. Velasco Avenue.
5. Turn Left onto Narra.
6. Continue onto bridge.
7. Continue onto Domingo lantican Avenue.
8. Turn left onto Makiling
9. You will see the sign "Makiling Botanic Gardens" at your right side.
Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems
College of Forestry and Natural Resources
University of the Philippines Los Baños
College, Laguna, Philippines
Telefax: +63 49 536 3572
Email: mountmakiling.cfnruplb@yahoo.com
