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Visitor Information

 

RiceWorld Revitalized!

For over two decades until 2019, the Riceworld Museum and Learning Center was IRRI’s front door and a popular destination for Los Baños visitors and residents. The primary focus of the museum was on rice growing cultures and farm practices, with farm implements from all over Southeast Asia forming a large part of the exhibits.

The plan for a revitalized RiceWorld includes its transformation into a quality, innovative visitor center that embodies and amplifies the science behind the transformation of rice production from seed to plate - the mark of IRRI’s innovations in the last few decades. It will be a learning and experiential hub to inspire the next generation of rice and agricultural scientists and to encourage conversation on science solutions to challenges to global food security and nutrition. The new RiceWorld aims to catalyze public interest and active engagement in rice-based food science, food security, and the sustainability of the planet.

Do you wish to join a sneak peek tour of the new RiceWorld? Contact: info@irri.org
 

RiceWorld Virtual Visit Program

While we have lined up on-site Learning Programs for visitors, especially for our young learners, we have adapted some of these programs for virtual visits to enhance your knowledge on food and nutrition security, climate change, and biodiversity as they relate to rice.

A RiceWorld Virtual Visit for groups allows participants to see a visual presentation, engage in a moderated participative discussion, and join a game-based learning platform on Kahoot!. Pre-booked sessions also allow participants to access pre-virtual visit resources. Schedule a virtual tour or e-learning session with us. Please contact: info@irri.org

Transport to and around IRRI Headquarters

We may require visitors to pay for their own transport costs to recover our own costs for providing this service. Payment for transport may be made at the Guesthouse or with the Residence Officer if staying in the Dormitories on campus.

Estimated costs are: 

  • Transport from airport to IRRI headquarters:

- Car US$80 (one-way)

- Van US$80 (one-way)

- Coaster US$110 (one-way)

  • Los Baños trip (car/van) US$59
  • Los Baños trip (coaster) US$66

Accommodation

We may require visitors to pay for their own accommodation costs to recover our own costs for providing this service. Accommodation payment may be made at the Guesthouse or with the Residence Officer if staying in the Dormitories on campus.

Payment may be made via cash, Gcash, or credit cards(Amexco, Visa, Mastercard, JCB). Below are estimated costs:

(Rates are subject to change without prior notice)

IRRI Guesthouse

  • Single, US$65 / day
  • Double, US$85 / day

Dormitories - MSSwaminathan Suites

  • Single, US$55 / night
  • Double US$60 / night

Dormitories - Regular Guestrooms

  • Single, US$24 / night
  • Double, US $32 / night 

No show/cancellation policy

Any cancellation must be made 48 hours prior to the date of the arrival. Otherwise, a cancellation or no show charge equivalent to the room rate for the first night will be charged.

Meals

Guesthouse(approx for plated)

  • Breakfast, US$8
  • Lunch, US$12
  • Dinner, US$12

Guesthouse(approx for buffet)

  • Breakfast, US$10
  • Lunch, US$16
  • Dinner, US$16

IRRI Dining Room(approx for buffet)

  • Breakfast, US$12
  • Lunch, US$14
  • Dinner, US$14

Visa requirements

When travelling to IRRI HQ, you need a valid passport (at least 6 months validity) with Philippine visa stamped on it. While nationals from numerous countries are allowed to enter the Philippines visa-free, please check with the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs for the visa requirements from your country of origin. Attach your old passport, if any, to show your past travel(s) abroad.

For more information about travelling requirements to the Philippines, visit: List of Philippine embassies and consulates abroad

Have the following handy just in case:

  • Award or invitation letter from IRRI
  • Certificate of employment – particularly if this is your first travel abroad
  • Return air ticket

Health information for travellers

General recommendations for travelers to the Philippines

  • Complete the routine immunization program required by the countries.
  • Ensure that vaccinations that require updating are kept up to date, e.g. tetanus, polio, etc.

For more information on recommended vaccinations for travellers to the Philippines, visit: Recommended Vaccinations: Routine Immunizations

FAQs

How do I make an appointment with an IRRI scientist or a subject matter expert?

Our scientists and experts try their best to immediately provide the latest information on rice research to all of our stakeholders. However, they are not always available to accommodate general inquiries. If you have made arrangements with some of our experts in the past, we encourage you to contact them directly, otherwise, please email us at info@irri.org and we will direct your inquiry to the appropriate scientist.

How long do I need to wait for a response?

We will acknowledge and respond to all inquiries in 24 hours.

Who should I contact to connect to an IRRI laboratory?

IRRI has several service labs which cater to different needs and requirements. Please contact info@irri.org for assistance in finding the right laboratory for your specific needs. If you want to know about the IRRI Services Laboratories, please click here.

I want to request for rice seeds. What should I do?

We have a small amount of seed samples available to those who request for them for research purposes but you must know the specific variety that you need. Please note that we only give SAMPLE rice seeds. For the procedure in obtaining seeds, please visit rice seeds . For COMMERCIAL USE, please refer to your national or local agriculture office or research institute.

I have a practical inquiry which I need IRRI’s inputs on (e.g. problems in the field, research/thesis, partnership opportunities, data, etc.). How can I obtain information relevant to these?

Visit www.irri.org for information and updates on current IRRI research. Or click here for IRRI knowledge tools that may address your specific inquiries. IRRI also offers an extensive range of solutions to empower all rice value chain actors.