Along an alternate route going to the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) campus lies a unique curiosity known as Magnetic Hill. The Magnetic Hill is not a hill per se, but rather just a part of the route itself. Cars parked and placed on neutral would magically go uphill instead of going downhill. Water when allowed to flow along the slope of the hill would also go in the same direction. There are many uncanny explanations to this phenomenon. Legend has it that Maria Makiling, the deity from whom the mountain was named, enchanted the area so that people would always be reminded of her presence. Another story mentions that Mount Makiling has a magnetic iron ore concentration in that area. Still, another story claims that it is caused by underground treasures hidden by General Tomoyuki Yamashita, who was executed nearby, during World War II. Though this may appear to be another one of nature’s anomalies, Magnetic Hill’s effects is actually an optical illusion. Scientists from the Department of Science and Technology and UPLB have already proven that it does slope downhill. The manner in which the road lay relative to the other slopes along the route makes Magnetic Hill look like it is going uphill. Even though the myth of Magnetic Hill has long been debunked, people from all over still come to experience this phenomenon for themselves. The site is open to the public any time of the day though if you want to try out the phenomenon for yourself, take precautions like setting up early warning devices to avoid accidents. Extra precautions should also be taken at night since there are very few streetlights in the area.

By Public Transportation From Manila: The Magnetic Hill is about 60 kilometers south of Manila and can be easily accessed by public transportation (although it is not recommended since one would miss out the fun of watching the car go uphill). Direct buses stationed in Buendia (Green Star, Saint Rose Transit) and Cubao (H.M. Transport) ply the route daily, approximately once every 30 minutes. Take the bus going to "Sta Cruz/Calamba/College" and tell the conductor to drop you off at PCARRD, which stands for Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Resource Research and Development. The fare is approximately 80 pesos. From there, tricycles are available to take you up on PCARRD road. The fare is about 30 pesos. You can also walk (around 1.5 kilometer), but it might be a bit difficult as most of the route goes uphill. Alternatively, it can be reached by taking a bus from Alabang to Calamba Central Terminal (40 pesos), located in between SM Calamba and Calamba Doctor's Hospital. From CCT, take a jeepney going either to "UP College" , "Sta. Cruz" or San Pablo. The ride costs around 20 pesos and could take anywhere from 30 minute to 1 and 1/2 hours depending on traffic conditions. The route from the terminal is quite scenic with a view of Mt. Makiling and passes through numerous resorts and water parks dotting the Pansol area. Remember to tell the driver to drop you off at PCARRD. After disembarking, take the tricycle or walk as stated above. From Los Banos Town Center: From the town center (Bayan), one can take a jeepney going to Calamba and disembark at PCARRD. The fare is only 8 pesos (minimum fare). Alternatively, the National Highway-PCARRD intersection is only about 10-15 minutes walk, although part of it is slightly uphill. Take the tricycle or walk as stated above. By Private Vehicle The best way to get to and experience Magnetic hill is by car or in any private vehicle which will entail the same 60-kilometer ride via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). After the Canlubang toll gate, exit either through the Mayapa Exit going through the Canlubang ramp or through the Turbina Exit ramp to Calamba, Crossing. Toll rate for cars and vans is 87 pesos from Nichols/C5 Tollgate. From either exit, turn right at the Calamba Crossing intersection after the stoplight between a Mercury Drug and Chowking outlet. After 9 kilometers into the route, take a right turn going to an uphill road leading to PCARRD. Following this alternative route also leads to the National Jamboree Site and National Arts Center.