Arboretum of Aurora

April 2016

Not many people visit this site because they think that the attraction at the top of Ermita Hills are just the photo opt, chapel, cottages and viewing deck. But there is one more must see place at the Ermita Hills, the Arboretum of Aurora.

We saw the sign near the left side of the two big cemented cottages at the photo opt area of Ermita Hills, we got curious and started to go up the stairs, not knowing how far we will climb and where it will end.

There are hundreds of steps going up, lined up along the railings are trees of different species, most of them are labelled and we also spotted some animal cages but we did not check out what are the contents.

The trees provided shades that made the climb bearable, but there are no signs that will give direction nor hint as to where these stairs will lead and end.

At the peak of the Arboretum is a big cross.  If you want to experience a quiet moment and commune with nature, I suggest you try climbing the stairs of the Arboretum.

          

 The climb gave me some realization, that at the end of every hardship there is hope and happiness. And most importantly,  God is there waiting for me and you.

Going down stairs is a lot easier, our curiosity gave us an unexpected exercise. The steps to Arboretum is double the steps to Ermita Hills.

more steps  going down

arboretum: a place where trees and plants are grown in order to be studied or seen by the public (William-Webster dictionary)