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International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

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International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)

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The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is an international agricultural research and training organization with its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. Established in 1960, IRRI is dedicated to abolishing poverty and hunger among people who depend on rice-based agri-food systems. Its research has been instrumental in the Green Revolution, developing high-yield rice varieties like the famous IR8, which significantly increased rice production worldwide. The institute's campus houses advanced laboratories, extensive rice paddies for experimental planting, and the International Rice Genebank, which holds the world's largest collection of rice genetic diversity, with over 132,000 rice accessions. IRRI works with a network of partners across Asia and Africa to develop and disseminate improved rice varieties and farming technologies that are more resilient to climate change, pests, and diseases. It is a premier center for rice science, training thousands of researchers and scientists globally and playing a crucial role in ensuring global food security.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242425272827272626262525
Rain mm14413410591163245283238272335351388

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños is a world-leading research facility for improving rice and sustainable rice farming. It develops high-quality rice varieties and supports farmers worldwide through knowledge transfer and breeding programs.
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Visiting
The IRRI grounds are open to visitors, with a visitor center and museum featuring interactive exhibits. Guided tours of the research facilities and rice paddies are possible by prior appointment, barring any security concerns.
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Where to view it
The IRRI Museum provides excellent indoor and outdoor views of the experimental fields. The rooftop terrace of the main building provides a panoramic view of the surrounding rice terraces and Mount Makiling.
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Local products
Travelers can buy various rice varieties and educational publications about rice farming at the museum shop. In the Los Baños area, local rice specialties like rice bread and rice cakes are also sold by street vendors.
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Active season
IRRI is active year-round, but the main planting and harvesting periods of the experimental fields follow monsoon cycles. Major conferences and field days are typically held between November and February when weather is drier.
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Nearby
A visit to IRRI can be combined with a hike up Mount Makiling or a tour of the nearby University of the Philippines Los Baños campus. The hot springs of Pansol also provide a relaxing addition.

Geography

Coordinates
14.16800, 121.25800

Facts

  • Established in 1960, with headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.
  • A leader in developing high-yield rice varieties.
  • Developed the famous IR8 rice variety during the Green Revolution.
  • Home to the world's largest rice genebank.
  • The genebank holds over 132,000 rice accessions.
  • Trains thousands of researchers and scientists globally.
  • Plays a crucial role in global food security.

Explore nearby

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PagsanjanPagsanjan23 km · NExplore →
📍Masungi Georeserve23 km · WExplore →
AntipoloAntipolo26 km · WExplore →
Pagsanjan FallsPagsanjan Falls27 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (18)

Diocesan Shrine of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus⛪ religious

A notable Catholic diocesan shrine near the rice research facilities, dedicated to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus.

Saint Augustine Parish⛪ religious

The historic Catholic parish church of San Agustin located in the municipality of Bay, Laguna.

DZLB Transmission Tower🗼 tower

The DZLB Transmission Tower is a broadcasting structure serving the University of the Philippines Los Baños area.

Mount Mahanggulod🌿 nature

Mount Mahanggulod is a natural peak rising above the verdant landscape of the Los Baños region.

Mount Bulalo🌿 nature

Mount Bulalo is a scenic mountain peak that forms part of the rugged terrain surrounding the area.

Mount Cabulugan🌿 nature

Mount Cabulugan is an elevated peak offering sweeping views of the surrounding natural terrain.

Riceworld🏛 museum

Riceworld is an educational museum of the International Rice Research Institute dedicated entirely to the science and cultivation of rice.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

Cleanergy Center🏛 museum

The Cleanergy Center is an educational facility featuring interactive exhibits on renewable energy and power generation.

Former Site of MRH Unit 1🏺 historical

The Former Site of MRH Unit 1 contains the structural ruins of a past university residential hall.

UPLB Oblation🏺 historical

The UPLB Oblation is a symbolic bronze statue depicting a naked man with outstretched arms, representing selfless offering to the nation.

UPOU Oblation🏺 historical

The UPOU Oblation is a prominent campus monument symbolising academic freedom and public service at the Open University.

Dioscoro L. Umali Hall🎭 culture

Opened in 1969, the Dioscoro L. Umali Hall is a large campus theatre that hosts major university convocations and cultural performances.

Los Baños Seventh-Day Adventist Church⛪ religious

The Los Baños Seventh-Day Adventist Church is a local religious building where the Sabbath-keeping congregation gathers for worship.

Bay Public Market🎭 culture

Bay Public Market serves as a central trading spot for the municipality, packed with stalls offering local agricultural harvests.

Calauan Public Market🎭 culture

Calauan Public Market is the town's primary open-air bazaar, frequented by locals purchasing fresh seafood and seasonal fruits.

Makiling Rainforest Park - Central Nursery📍 landmark

The Central Nursery of the Makiling Rainforest Park cultivates a diverse array of endemic tree saplings and tropical flora.

Dao sa SU📍 landmark

Dao sa SU is an iconic and massive Dao tree serving as a popular natural landmark at the university's Student Union area.

Mud Springs📍 landmark

Mud Springs is a geothermal attraction on Mount Makiling featuring bubbling pools of hot, sulfuric mud.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) open to tourists?
Visits are usually possible by appointment, often as part of guided educational tours.
Why is the IRRI so significant?
It plays a leading global role in developing sustainable rice varieties to combat world hunger.
Can one see the rice fields on site?
Yes, guided tours give visitors insight into the experimental farming areas and research work.
How long does a tour take?
A tour usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the chosen program and interest.
Is there a visitor center?
Yes, there is an information center where you can learn more about the history and achievements of the institute.
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI): where is it located?
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is located in Philippines.
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI): what is there to see?
Highlights include Diocesan Shrine of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, Saint Augustine Parish, DZLB Transmission Tower.
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI): why is it worth visiting?
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is an international agricultural research and training organization with its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.
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Nearby cities

Los Baños — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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A resort town at the foot of Mount Makiling, famous for its hot springs and academic institutions.
Antipolo — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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Lake Taal (Talisay) — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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Taguig — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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Hugom — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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Laiya-Aplaya — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
Laiya-Aplaya
A popular coastal destination in Batangas, known for its extensive white sand beaches and premier resorts.
Pasig — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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Once a rural settlement, it is now a highly urbanized city with a major financial district.
Parañaque — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
Parañaque
A bustling city in the capital region that houses several major casino resort complexes.
Batangas City — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
Batangas City
A major industrial and port hub providing a gateway to scenic resorts and historical landmarks.
Marikina — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
Marikina
A vibrant industrial and residential center nationally famous for its high-quality shoe production.
Tagaytay — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
Tagaytay
A cool ridge-top retreat offering panoramic views of the Taal Volcano and Taal Lake.
Laiya (San Juan) — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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Makati — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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The leading financial center of the Philippines, featuring skyscrapers and multinational corporate headquarters.

History & landmarks

Pagsanjan Falls — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
Pagsanjan Falls
One of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines, accessible via a thrilling boat ride through a canyon.
Pagsanjan — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
Pagsanjan
Famous for the Pagsanjan Falls and the exhilarating 'shooting the rapids' boat ride adventure.
Malacañang Palace — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
Malacañang Palace
The official residence and principal workplace of the President of the Philippines.
National Library of the Philippines — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
National Library of the Philippines
The official national library of the Philippines, located in Manila, which houses original copies of José Rizal's novels.

More places

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Enchanted Kingdom — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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A popular theme park in Santa Rosa, Laguna, offering a variety of rides and attractions for all ages.
Laguna Technopark — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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Masungi Georeserve — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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Filinvest City — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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A central business district in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, focused on sustainability and green development.
Taal Volcano — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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Bonifacio Global City — International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (Philippines)
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