Los Baños is a beautiful town in the province of Laguna, Philippines. It is famous for its hot spring resorts, natural scenery, and educational institutions. The town is located between Laguna de Bay and Mt. Makiling, making it a relaxing and refreshing place for visitors.

The name “Los Baños” means “The Baths” in Spanish. The town got its name because of the many natural hot springs found in the area. These hot springs come from the geothermal activity of Mt. Makiling. Today, many tourists visit Los Baños to enjoy swimming and relaxing in warm pools.

Los Baños also has an important history. During the Spanish colonial period, it became known as a place for healing baths. Later, it became an important center for education and science. The town is home to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), one of the top universities in the country. Many students from different places study agriculture, forestry, science, and technology there.

Another famous place in Los Baños is the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Scientists at IRRI study rice farming and help improve food production around the world.

Visitors enjoy many activities in Los Baños. They can hike near Mt. Makiling, visit botanical gardens, swim in hot spring resorts, and taste local food.

Popular delicacies in Los Baños include:

  • Buko pie

  • Espasol

  • Cassava cake

  • Coconut macaroons

  • Fresh buko juice

Tourists also buy souvenirs such as:

  • Handcrafted keychains

  • Native bags and hats

  • UPLB shirts and souvenirs

  • Wood crafts

  • Local snacks and sweets

Los Baños is a wonderful destination for people who love nature, learning, food, and relaxation.


Los Baños is a beautiful town in the province of Laguna, Philippines. It is famous for its hot spring resorts, natural scenery, and educational institutions. The town is located between Laguna de Bay and Mt. Makiling, making it a relaxing and refreshing place for visitors.

The name “Los Baños” means “The Baths” in Spanish. The town got its name because of the many natural hot springs found in the area. These hot springs come from the geothermal activity of Mt. Makiling. Today, many tourists visit Los Baños to enjoy swimming and relaxing in warm pools.

Los Baños also has an important history. During the Spanish colonial period, it became known as a place for healing baths. Later, it became an important center for education and science. The town is home to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), one of the top universities in the country. Many students from different places study agriculture, forestry, science, and technology there.

Another famous place in Los Baños is the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Scientists at IRRI study rice farming and help improve food production around the world.

Visitors enjoy many activities in Los Baños. They can hike near Mt. Makiling, visit botanical gardens, swim in hot spring resorts, and taste local food.

Popular delicacies in Los Baños include:

  • Buko pie

  • Espasol

  • Cassava cake

  • Coconut macaroons

  • Fresh buko juice

Tourists also buy souvenirs such as:

  • Handcrafted keychains

  • Native bags and hats

  • UPLB shirts and souvenirs

  • Wood crafts

  • Local snacks and sweets

Los Baños is a wonderful destination for people who love nature, learning, food, and relaxation.

Beautiful Views of Los Baños, Laguna

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Popular Delicacies and Souvenirs

Local Delicacies

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Souvenirs from Los Baños

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Vocabulary

WordMeaning
hot springnaturally warm water from underground
geothermalrelated to heat from the Earth
scenerybeautiful views of nature
delicacya special local food
souveniran item bought to remember a place
botanical gardena garden with many kinds of plants
relaxationrest and comfort
handcraftedmade by hand
institutionan important organization such as a school
tourismtravel for pleasure

Discussion Questions

  1. Would you like to visit Los Baños? Why or why not?

  2. What activities can tourists enjoy in Los Baños?

  3. Have you ever tried buko pie or espasol?

  4. What souvenirs do you usually buy when traveling?

  5. Why are hot springs popular with tourists?

  6. What natural attractions are found in your hometown?

  7. Why is UPLB important to the Philippines?

  8. Do you enjoy visiting places with nature or cities more?

Fun Fact

Los Baños is known as the “Special Science and Nature City of the Philippines” because of its many research institutions and natural attractions.