Mount Makiling, Stratovolcano and ASEAN Heritage Park in Laguna, Philippines.
Mount Makiling rises to 1,090 meters above sea level, formed primarily of andesite rock with diverse vegetation zones ranging from grasslands to mossy forests supporting rich biodiversity.
This dormant stratovolcano has been monitored for geothermal activity throughout history, with hot springs and mud pots indicating its volcanic origins and ongoing geological processes.
Local folklore centers around Maria Makiling, a guardian fairy believed to protect the mountain, making this site deeply significant in Philippine mythology and regional cultural identity.
Visitors can access hiking trails, botanical gardens, and educational tours through the University of the Philippines Los Baños management, following conservation guidelines to protect the ecosystem.
The reserve hosts the rediscovered Rafflesia lagascae flower, previously thought extinct, and serves as habitat for the rare Megaderma spasma bat that feeds on frogs and lizards.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
