Showing posts with label Laguna. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Laguna. Show all posts

TOP 10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THE PHILIPPINES IN 2024

Today, just noticed that the weather is changing from cool to a warm humid air - a proof that summer is almost here. To help you, I listed 14 best and must visit and destinations in the Philippines. First, the world famous Boracay Island. It is listed as one of the best beaches in the world according to the travel agencies, websites, blogs, magazines and other people’s reviews. The shoreline has fine white sand, the waters are crystal clear, cool and fresh air and there's a lot of activities to choose from. READ: BORACAY ISLAND GUIDE | 

Top 18 Best Tourist Spots in Laguna: Itinerary, Places to Visit, Activities, Travel Guide


1. Mt. Romelo


Mt. Romelo and the Buruwisan falls are one of the top tourist spots in Laguna. Hiking to Romelo's campsite, river and waterfalls is always challenging because the trail is usually covered with mud since it is being used by the locals, with their horses and carabaos to transport goods to the low-lying areas. The trail is covered with hardwood trees, coconuts and fruit-bearing trees that create a cool ambiance. The water on the river and waterfalls is crystal clear and totally refreshing. If you're looking for extreme, some organizers set up ropes for wall climbing and canyoneering. READ: MOUNT ROMELO


2. Mt. Kalisungan


Mount Kalisungan is perfect for those people aiming for a higher altitude and has a 360 degrees view of the province and nearby places. The trail of Kalisungan is considered as friendly for the first timer in hiking, but it will definitely make you sweat. Fruit bearing trees like lanzones, mangoes, rambutan and coconuts are present in most of the terrain. On the summit is an open area covered with relaxing green grass and a fresh cold breeze. But tourist guides are recommended before ascending.


3. Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery


It is another top tourist destination, with a touch of history and heritage. It is said to be one of the oldest cemeteries in the Philippines and the only cemetery underground. There are burial chambers outside and below a small chapel. History said that this cemetery was created for selected people; only those with position in the government, leaders, rich families, and church leaders. READ: NAGCARLAN UNDERGROUND CEMETERY


4. Pandin Lake


After mountains and historical sites, let's go to Pandin Lake, one of the seven lakes  of Laguna. Aside from the fact that Pandin is a good source fresh water fish, it is also now developed for local tourism purposes. Floating cottages are available for rent for a family outing. Sari-sari stores and rest rooms are available in the area. Residents also offer fresh buko juice, halo-halo and other local delicacies. READ: PANDIN LAKE


5. Pansol Hot Springs


This place is the usual destination for team building, especially during rainy season. Since the province has a good source of warm water or hot springs, resorts and hotels developed their own swimming pools and made them available for rent. This warm water from the spring can make your tired muscles relaxed, good for blood circulation, remove skin problems, and can make you younger looking.


6. Mt. Mabilog


Aside from the historical sites, food, and rich culture, Laguna also has great flora and fauna that can be found on the mountainous and forest areas. Mt. Mabilog is just one of the mountains lying in the province where a vast diversity of wildlife can be found. Hiking Mt. Mabilog can definitely bring an extreme and remarkable experience because of its muddy trail but there's a wide picture of the province and the nearby mountains, such as Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal. Not only that, the reflection of the skies can also be seen on the water of the seven lakes. READ: MOUNT MABILOG

Other Best Places to Visit in Laguna:


7. Pagsanjan or Cavinti Falls
8. Laguna Falls
9. Mt. Makiling
10. Bahay ni Rizal
11. St. John the Baptist Church
12. The Hidden Valley Springs
13. Enchanted Kingdom
14. Caliraya Lake
15. Pila Heritage Site
16. Villa Escudero
17. Japanese Garden
18. Paete Town



Mt. Romelo + Buruwisan Falls, Laguna

Mt. Romelo
Hiking Mt. Romelo and rappelling the Buruwisan falls was fun and amazing experience because the area has rich bio-diversity, both flora and fauna. There is a body of water that flows on its terrain, thus, this mountain has a high concentration of trees and other plants. It can bring a good combination of adventure and relaxation. Having said that, Laguna, together with the provinces of Batangas and Cavite, makes the region the center for outdoor activities.

BUNGA FALLS, LAGUNA: 2020 TRAVEL GUIDE, ITINERARY, BUDGET, WHAT TO DO, AND HOW TO GET HERE

Bunga Falls 2020
During our Mt. Kalisungan and Mt. Mabilog hikes, Bunga Twin Falls was our side trip and post climb destination. The ambiance in the area is cool and relaxing because it is surrounded by trees, coconuts and other plans. Its name, Bunga Falls, was derived from the "bunga" plant or "beetle nut" in English; that was many years ago when the area was still abundant with this plant. Today, this twin falls is definitely one of the summer destinations in Laguna.

Buntot Palos Falls, the Hidden Falls in Laguna

Buntos Palos
As I've been telling on my Laguna posts, this province has a lot to offer. Today, I am bringing you to one of the majestic waterfalls of Laguna. Buntot Palos Falls, others call it "the hidden falls," is the grandest waterfalls in Southern Luzon as it stands 80 meters with a high amount of water falling. It's name literally translates to "Eel's Tail" in English because, according to our guide, the trails to the falls is a long, curvy and slippery, similar to Eels's body or Palos in Filipino. Did you know that it has a hidden feature? It is a cave beneath the water falls, so passing through the water is needed.

HIKING GUIDE: Mt. Mabilog and Pandin Lake

Mt. Mabilog
Aside from the historical sites, food, and rich culture, Laguna also has great flora and fauna that can be found on the mountainous and forest areas. Mt. Mabilog is just one of the mountains lying in the province where a vast diversity of wildlife can be found. Hiking Mt. Mabilog can definitely bring an extreme and remarkable experience because of its muddy trail but there's a wide picture of the Laguna and the nearby mountains, such as Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal. Not only that, the reflection of the skies can also be seen on the water of the seven lakes.
 

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, Laguna

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery
Another historical landmark in Laguna is the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. It is a burial site which is 15 meters below a small chapel; a chapel which was designed for funeral masses in 1845 by Franciscan Priests lead by Fr. Vicente Velloc. In the Philippines, burial sites are situated in different spots, like hanging in Ifugao, placed inside the cave in Palawan and Cagayan, and concrete crypt (in the modern era). This burial site is unique because of its architectural design and purpose.

Lakes Pandin and Yambo

Pandin Lake
The province of Laguna has a healthy culture, stories, and travel destinations. Pandin Lake is just one of the seven lakes in the province that is certified tourist destination because of its unique and amazing picturesque. The lake, with the reflection of the skies, greets the visitors with its instagrammable landscape. The water is cool and crystal clear waters surrounded by forest which preserves the tranquility in the area. This is also the perfect jump off or side trip for hiking Mt. Mabilog. Pandin Lake is definitely one of the must visit tourist spots and destinations in San Pablo, Laguna.

Digging the History of Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery
Today, I can feel the Halloween season; at the office we're already preparing for an amazing costume party with the touch of Disney characters and while searching for a stunning outfit, I encountered a photo of the oldest cemeteries in the Philippines - the reason why I am now posting these photos taken at Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, in 2014.