Nature, culture, crafts: Experience the best of Laguna

With its 30 cities and municipalities that offer a variety of outdoor attractions, Laguna is a popular destination for tourists, especially from those in nearby Metro Manila looking for a little adventure, since the province is just an hour’s drive (or two, depending on the town) away.

If you’re looking for a quick road trip chock-full of activities that will bring you closer to nature, take a look at these top Laguna spots and start planning your next getaway!

Esmeris Farm

Liliw

What to do: Take a relaxing nap in a hammock or on the fresh grass; go for a dip in their pool; or try horseback riding.

Esmeris Farm is the perfect place to take a breather for the weekend. Quiet and peaceful, this beautiful destination allows you to reconnect with nature, with its fresh air and vast greenery far from the busy town proper of Liliw. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, though, since the parking area is a good 400 meters away from the farm itself.

Tanaw de Rizal Park-Tayak Adventure Nature and Wildlife

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Rizal

What to do: Enjoy the mountain views; take a pause and meditate amid 600 hectares of protected forest area.

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Located in Barangay Tala, Rizal, Laguna, Tanaw de Rizal Park is also known as Tayak Hill. It is known for being a great hiking spot in a lush forest. Atop the hill, at 736 meters above sea level, stands a 30-foot solid cross. The park also has the best panoramic view of San Pablo City, Laguna de Bay and nearby towns.

KM 90 EcoPark & Restaurant

Santa Maria

What to do: Enjoy the cool weather while dining, or swim in one of the natural spring pools.

KM 90 Ecopark and Restaurant offers visitors a breathtaking view of the province and other nearby areas, a natural spring swimming pool, a man-made lagoon, and Swiss-inspired houses for accommodation. It is located in an area that has been dubbed the “New Little Baguio,” thanks to its cool and foggy weather. The restaurant sits along Marilaque Road, which is popular among motorcycle rider groups who frequent the area to have their photos taken while on the road.

Vonwelt Nature Farm

Magdalena

What to do: Ride an ATV, the Sky Bike, or zip line; experience taking a Kawa Bath; go river rafting or wall/rock climbing; swim in the infinity pool.This outdoor recreational farm is located at the foot of a mountain and provides a quiet refuge for those who want to commune with nature. With panoramic views and a constant supply of fresh mountain air, Vonwelt Nature Farm also offers several rooms that can accommodate solo travelers, couples, and groups.

Lake Caliraya

Lumban, Cavinti and Kalayaan

What to do: Visit the Caliraya Resorts Club, Spacio Caliraya Bed and Breakfast, Casa Marina Bed and Breakfast, Hamptons Caliraya, Yamshe Resort, or Japanese Garden.

Lake Caliraya is a man-made lake created in 1939, and is accessible via the municipalities of Lumban, Cavinti,and Kalayaan. Today, it is a popular spot for water sports and other outdoor activities, including fishing. Guests can also stay the night in any of the resorts and vacation homes surrounding the lake.

Cavinti Underground River and Cave Complex

Cavinti

What to do: Channel your inner spelunker inside the caves!

As the newest ecotourism destination in the municipality of Cavinti, this complex is one of the most well-regarded caves in the country because of its amazing rock formations. There are different cave sections to explore, depending on the difficulty level one can tolerate.

Pueblo El Salvador Nature’s Park

and Picnic Grove

Cavinti

What to do: Use this as your jump-off point to Pagsanjan Falls.

Pueblo El Salvador Nature’s Park and Picnic Grove is the gateway to the Magdapio or Pagsanjan Falls. Choose between trekking to the falls, or rappelling via Pueblo El Salvador. Either option is a great (read: budget-friendly) alternative to shooting the rapids, with hiking priced at only P270 and lasting from 20 to 30 minutes to the falls, and another 45 minutes to an hour going back. If you don’t want to hike back, you can easily hire a boat that will take you on another scenic tour for just P350, and you will be dropped off at Bumungan Eco Park.

Lake Pandin

San Pablo

What to do: Go on a bamboo raft ride; take a swim; hike and trek around the lake; have a picnic lunch.

Outdoor enthusiasts who want to take their family and friends to a nature-friendly destination will enjoy a day at Lake Pandin, one of the popular Seven Lakes of San Pablo.

Hulugan Falls

Luisiana

What to do: Take a dip in the falls’ cool waters.

As one of the most visited places in the province, the charming and majestic Hulugan Falls attracts thousands of tourists every year, since it is also close to two other waterfalls: Talay Falls and Hidden Falls.

Hulugan Falls is one of the tallest falls in Laguna at 235 feet. It is said that the falls were so named because a carabao once fell from it due to the strong water current.

Liliw Town Proper

Liliw

What to do: Buy some cute footwear for you, your family and friends!

Liliw’s main attraction is its iconic footwear industry. Take a quick walk around the town and discover the many stores selling slippers and sandals, as well as leather goods and handbags. It’s also here where you can find bargains, like slippers sold at three pairs for only P100. Catch the annual Tsinelas Festival, which is held every end of April.

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