Information about Gantao Hills Flower Garden

Photo from Gantao Hills Facebook page

Gantao Hills Flower Garden

Located in the peaceful town of Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte, Gantao Hills Botanical Garden, also known as "Little Taiwan," is a beautiful spot in the Philippines if you want to relax and have a leisurely walk in a garden. This flower garden is famous for its scenic landscapes and vibrant nature, making it perfect for nature lovers.

Gantao Hills features a wide variety of flowers and plants, creating a colorful and fragrant experience for visitors. The place also feels like Baguio because of its cool temperature and beautiful scenery. Well-maintained paths lead to viewpoints with stunning views of the hills and lush greenery. Throughout the garden, you'll find cottages offering a cozy area to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. If you want to stay overnight, you can try Gantao Hill's overnight camping and bring your camping gear. 

Gantao Hills Flower Garden is known for its scenic beauty, which is reminiscent of Taiwan's landscapes, and it has earned it the nickname "Little Taiwan." Visitors can stroll through the garden's trails and appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings. There are also several benches where you can stop by and sit to have a quick break.

With all the vibrant colors and stunning vistas that Gantao Hills offers, it's the best place to take good photos and unwind in the cottages of the garden. There are "instagrammable" areas and photo booths where you can take photos. Tourists can also learn about the diverse plant species that thrive in this garden, where you can find posters explaining the different plants and their descriptions, making it an educational experience for visitors of all ages.

How to get there

If you're from Manila, you need to fly to Dipolog City. Several flights operate from Manila and other major cities to Dipolog Airport. From Dipolog City, take a bus or van bound for Sergio Osmeña. The trip usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Once you're in Sergio Osmeña, hire a local tricycle or motorcycle (habal-habal) to take you to Gantao Hills Botanical Garden. Local drivers are familiar with the route and can guide you to the garden.

If you prefer to travel by sea, you can take a ferry to Dapitan City from Cebu or other nearby islands. From Dapitan City, take a bus or van to Sergio Osmeña, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. Upon reaching Sergio Osmeña, hire a local tricycle or motorcycle to reach the garden.

For visitors coming from Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental, start by heading towards Barcelona. Then, continue through Pinan, followed by Mutia. Proceed to Alvenda, then make a right turn towards Osmeña. Follow the signs to Gantao Hills Botanical Garden.

If you're from Cagayan de Oro, fly to Zamboanga and head downtown for the van terminal. Ride a van heading to Sergio Osmeña and then ride a habal-habal going to Gantao Hills.
If you're already in Osmeña Proper (Public Market), you need to turn left and head towards Brgy. Penacio. Then, continue straight to Brgy. Tuburan. Follow the road until you reach Gantao Hills Botanical Garden.

For a hassle-free trip, it's advisable to book a Zamboanga tour that already includes Gantao Hills Botanical Garden in the itinerary with transportation and a guide. By booking a Philippines guided tour, you can also explore other Zamboanga tourist attractions.

Tickets and entry

There is a minimal entrance fee when you visit Gantao Hills Flower Garden. This is for the maintenance of the garden. Children from 4 to 12 years old will pay a much lower rate, while children below 3 years old and PWDs are free. UV Express and travel and tour drivers are also free of entrance fees. 

If you're planning overnight camping, there is also a minimal overnight fee you need to pay, but the entrance fee is already included. For day trips, cottages and umbrellas are free; you just have to pay for the entrance fee. The cottages can accommodate 15 to 20 pax. 

There is also WiFi in Gantao Hills, but you need to pay for a WiFi fee per hour or for 4 hours.  If you have a car, a parking fee may also be needed to pay. There's also a shop where you can buy souvenirs, so it's best to bring some cash if you're planning to buy some. 

Best time to visit

Gantao Hills Botanical Garden is an all-year-round destination because of its cool atmosphere, like Baguio in North Luzon so that you can visit anytime. If you're also visiting other Zamboanga tourist spots, it's best to visit during the dry season, which typically runs from November to May. During this period, the weather is generally sunny and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the garden and enjoying the outdoor scenery. 

When you visit Gantao Hills Flower Garden, you may bring your food and drinks, but make sure to bring your trash with you. The flower garden is open daily from 6AM to 6PM.