Summer treasures of the south

With the hope that this summer will be better than last year’s, here are some tourist destinations in Calabarzon that are worth a quick visit, if only for a brief respite and a taste of adventure.

Diving Havens in Anilao

Batangas is known for its natural wonders—mountains and ridges, farms, beaches and diving spots. In the coastal community of Anilao in Mabini, Batangas, it would be the resorts and dive shops that help provide livelihood for residents and business operators.

A famous spot for scuba diving, Anilao and its dive resorts are ideal for a relaxing but adventurous getaway. Classified as an “outdoor, non-contact sport,” diving in Anilao offers a view of the country’s lush marine biodiversity, said to be among the best in the world.

If you’re not into diving, Mabini also has charming resorts for the ultimate respite. One of these is the cozy, cliffside resort Vivere Azure that has an infinity pool overlooking the bay, and the island town of Tingloy in the horizon or the sea at the private beach downstairs. Azure’s house reef also has a remarkable profusion of aquatic and coraline life for those who would like to settle for snorkeling.

Private pools in Pansol

For fast and easy staycations, Laguna province has long been known for its long line of public and private resorts in Barangay Pansol in Calamba City. The area offers a wide array of different styled accommodations, most featuring swimming pools to beat the summer heat and amenities to make sure you have everything you might need for an easy vacation. With a lot of options available, it’s easy to find something that perfectly fits your needs.

Bee House in Antipolo

A simple, peaceful day out to bask in nature and art means a visit to the Beehouse after a trip to Pinto Art Gallery in Antipolo City, Rizal.

The Beehouse, located 15 minutes from Pinto Art Gallery, and an hour from the Masungi Georeserve, has a bright and open layout with surrounding greenery. It has a rustic, homey vibe that makes it an ideal place to book for photoshoots.

It houses the Burrow Cafe, an underground cafe that aims to bring people closer to nature through its natural ambiance and delicious, seasonal menu. According to its site, it has a fully operable kitchen with all-day breakfast, brunch and lunch menu and set hours. Book an appointment online first before visiting the place.

Mt. Marami in Maragondon

If up for a real adventure that moves your whole body, mountain hiking may just be what you want.

Mt. Marami, situated at the heart of Maragondon in Cavite is an alternative to the widely known Pico de Loro, as it shares the same location and similar summit views and rock formations. The jump-off point to Mt. Marami is in Brgy. Ramirez in Magallanes, Cavite, but the summit and its environs are under the jurisdiction of Maragondon.

Matching Pico de Loro’s rocky tower are two grand structures: the summit of Mt. Marami, a massive, monumental composite of rocky pillars; and its guardian, the smaller Silyang Bato. Mt. Marami is recommended as a two-day hike. Aside from rock formations and views of the mountain range surrounding it, the trail to the summit of Mt. Marami also involves crossing two rivers, Kayrayag River and Bangkaan River.

But Mt. Marami promises of rewarding views. After crossing Bangkaan River, there are two trails to choose from. One is the Nuestra Senora dela Paz trail, which offers frontal views of both monuments (including a close-up of Silyang Bato). It is recommended over the Talahib trail, which has a more gradual ascent, and is used by the locals. In both trails, the environment is composed of woodlands and sections of grasslands.

Sources: Inquirer Archives, Antipolo Bee House official website, Maragondon official website