We’re not here to tell you that the summer months have arrived—we know you already feel it. The sweltering heat, the intense craving for creamy sorbetes, and the increase in pedestrians with their colorful abanicos are all elements of the classic Filipino summer.
To describe the perfect Filipino summer getaway, the common destinations would be the mountains for cooler temperatures or the beach for those who want to enjoy a refreshing splash. But for people who want to have a different experience this summer, sun-dappled, peaceful gardens are the perfect summer destination!
So grab your wide-brimmed sun hats and prepare yourself a tasty lunchbox as you plan your next summer garden trip to one of these top 10 gardens you can visit this summer!
Planning To Unwind? Here Are The Top 10 Gardens To Visit This Summer
1. Sirao Pictorial Garden “Little Amsterdam”
Image from Traveling Light
If you’re looking for a garden that’s both a pictorial wonderland and an unconventional destination to escape the summer heat, look no further than Cebu’s Sirao Pictorial Garden. Described by international online publication Medium as Cebu’s ‘Serene Little Amsterdam,’
Sirao Pictorial Garden is a must-visit getaway filled with botanical wonders and little windmills that resemble those located in the heart of the Netherlands.
Apart from the garden, here is another unique selling point of Sirao Pictorial Garden: a detailed sculpture of a hand large enough to hold up people for a pictorial. Want to capture the wonderful hilltops behind? Climb the hand and enjoy the view!
Location: Busay, Cebu City, Philippines
Operational Hours: 6 AM to 6:30 PM
2. Hidden Garden (Vigan)
Image from Pinterest
There is no need to pack a heavy picnic basket when looking for the Hidden Garden; the surprise when you find it is absolutely filling—both for the eyes and the belly! Visit the Hidden Garden after a quiet stroll at the Calle Cristo or a spiritual time at the Vigan Cathedral. The Hidden Garden boasts a lot of wonderful plants that are best enjoyed when strolling along the paved walkway.
Location: 008 Katipunan St, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
Operational Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
3. Philippine Tarsier Recreation Inc.
Image from Facebook
The Philippine Tarsier Recreation Garden is not your typical garden. Sure, they have 9 hectares of luscious greenery filled with over 3000 species of exotic plants, but this garden also serves as a sanctuary to the world’s smallest species of primates: the adorable tarsier. Characterized by their large, round eyes and velvety brown fur, these tiny little critters are always hanging around tree branches in the Philippine Tarsier Recreation Garden, so it’s best to keep an eye out for them while enjoying a breezy stroll in the garden.
For plant titas and titos who want to take in all the nature, this garden is perfect—there are 9 hectares of garden to enjoy!
Location: Hoyohoy, Tawala, Panglao 6340, Philippines
Operational Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
4. Lakeview Le Jardin
Image from aRVee’s Blog – Cebu and Beyond Travel Blog
Another gastronomic adventure in the middle of a tropical garden, the Lakeview Le Jardin is a collaboration of French cuisine and the natural beauty of Philippine botanical plants. What started as a simple idea from two designers resulted in a beautiful landscape filled with colorful bushes and breathtaking visuals.
Location: Trans Central Highway Sitio Inaad, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City
Operational Hours: 7 AM to 7 PM
5. Makiling Botanic Gardens
Image from TripAdvisor
For those looking for a garden to visit for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Makiling Botanic Garden is the perfect summer destination. Located inside the Los Banos branch of the University of the Philippines, the Makiling Botanic Garden is a prime spot for people who want to spend a couple of quiet hours from the stress and heat of summer without having to worry about long travel times.
The Makiling Botanic Garden is home to unique species of butterflies, birds, and of course, plants. It is also easily accessible with jeepneys.
Location: University of the Philippines, Los Baños, 4031 Laguna
Operational Hours: 8 AM to 4 PM
6. Girasoles Farm Candelaria
Colored by rows and rows of yellow and orange sunflowers, the Girasoles (literally translated to “Sunflower” in Spanish) is a wonderful garden situated in the Candelaria. The garden blooms all year round and is famous for its tall and vibrant sunflowers, which are aesthetically pleasing to look at no matter what the angle.
What started as a simple flower and ornamental garden in the early 2000s is now 2,000 sq. meters of sunflower beds that bear wonderful blooms all year round.
Location:Sitio 3 Diversion Road Barangay, Candelaria, 4323 Quezon
Operational Hours: 7 AM to 6 PM
7. Chinese Garden
Image from TripAdvisor
A park that has been around for decades for Chinese gardenscape admirers, the Chinese Garden is filled with irregular-shaped stones sourced from Antipolo, as well as various plants and greeneries that fill hectares of land with breathtaking visuals. Man-made lagoons and Chinese-inspired pagodas and gazebos were created in collaboration with one of the most influential landscapers in Taiwan at the time of its construction in the 1960s.
The Chinese Garden is an amalgamation of Chinese aesthetics and the beauty of the Philippines’ flora.
Location:Luneta Park, Ermita, Cagdianao, Metro Manila
Operational Hours: Open 24 hours
8. Heritage Hill and Nature Park Garden
Image from My Instagrammable Trips
What better way to beat the summer heat than to chase the horror chills? If you’re looking for a spooky garden to stroll through at midnight, then Baguio’s Heritage Hill and Nature Park Garden is a must-visit. Located at the infamous and now uninhabited Diplomat Hotel, this garden is more than just a relaxing place for nature lovers. The Heritage Hill and Nature Park is definitely a fun little place to visit if you want to enjoy a relaxing walk (as long as you’re chill enough to ignore the spooky vibes!)
Location: Diplomat Road, Baguio, CAR, PH
Operational Hours: 4 AM – 3 AM
9. Baguio Botanical Garden
Image from PeakD
Known for its many names, the Baguio Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to sit back and be one with nature—all in the heart of the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City. Also known as the Centennial Park, the Igorot Village, and the Botanical and Zoological Garden of the Philippines when it was still a zoo before the 70s.
The Baguio Botanical Garden welcomes an average of 100,000 visitors per month and boasts a thriving friendship garden with the countries United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Thailand.
Location: 37 Leonard Wood Rd, Baguio, 2600 Benguet
Operational Hours: 6 AM to 6:30 PM
10. Buwakan Ni Alejandra
Image from Cebu-Ph Guide
You’ve probably heard of this vacation spot as a buzz-worthy place that’s been making rounds on social media, but Bukawan Ni Alejandra definitely lives up to its popularity. “Buwak” is Cebuano for ‘flower,’ translating “Bukawan” to a flower garden.
Bukawan Ni Alejandra includes numerous species of flora that display vibrant colors fit for that perfect Instagram chat. This place is also perfect for those who want to visit the garden to simply relax and enjoy the relaxing summer sun!
Location: Sitio Bunga Barangay, Balamban, 6041 Cebu
Operational Hours: 7AM to 5:30 PM
Let’s Refresh!
As summer approaches, exploring lush green spaces can be the perfect way to unwind and reconnect with nature. From serene botanical gardens to vibrant floral displays, these top 10 gardens offer a tranquil escape for nature lovers and enthusiasts alike. Whether you seek a peaceful stroll amidst blooming flowers or a picturesque spot for a picnic, these gardens promise a delightful experience for all. Embark on a botanical journey this summer and immerse yourself in the beauty of these breathtaking landscapes!
