Engage your senses by traveling to San Pablo, Laguna, heralded as the City of Seven Lakes. It’s named as such because it’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful lakes in the province. Situated between the foot of two mountains—Makiling and Banahaw—San Pablo boasts of Lakes Sampaloc, Yambo, Pandin, Bunot, Kalibato, Muhicap, and Palapakin. While you can travel all 7, the most tourist-friendly are Pandin, Yambo, and Bunot.

Surprised to see this sort of attraction in an area that’s only one drive away from the city? Laguna has plenty to offer in terms of water activities, and this is just one of them. Offered by the famous Laresio Resort, here are some fun things to do when you’re in this part of town! Remember to bring a swimsuit!

(photo via Flickr, @KoolBeep) Considered the second most popular waterfall site in Laguna, Taytay Falls is located in Majayjay. Besides its clear and clean waters, sometimes you might even catch a glimpse of dragonflies making themselves comfortable in the ambiance.

No Laguna to-do list is complete without mentioning one of its more iconic locations. Ranking as the #1 most popular waterfall site in Laguna, the Pagsanjan Falls is a place kids in the Philippines learn about as early as grade school. Known by the locals as Magdapio Falls, this gorgeous landmark is located in the town of Cavinti, and is flocked by tourists all year round.

(photo via Facebook, @BatoSprings) Since Laguna isn’t that far from the Metropolitan city of Manila, take a trip down to Bato Springs in San Pablo City for a quick weekend of R&R. Perfect for any time of the year, the springs offer a variety of pool sizes and springs for the whole family, or barkada, to wade into. It may actually be a better idea to travel here during its lean seasons after summer, so you can have the entire spring all to yourself!

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Got kids along for the ride? Time to disconnect from technology, mall-hopping, and city-living at Sta. Elena, Laguna’s fun farm! Despite its name, the farm also acts as a giant playground where kids and adults alike can reconnect with nature in a family-friendly way.

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(photo via Commons) Waterfalls aside, Laguna is also famous for being home to the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal. In Calamba, a shrine was erected in his memory, and is open to all interested parties who are curious about the polyglot’s humble origins.

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Inhale some of the freshest, cleanest air around when you visit the Makiling Botanical Gardens located at the lower elevations of the Molawin-Dampalit watershed (traveling tip: This is also nearby the University of the Philippines Los Baños campus!) What began as a research facility to support professional instruction related to forestry and plant sciences back in the 60’s, the Makiling Botanical Gardens have now evolved into a recreational park.

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(photo via Commons) Visit another piece of Philippine history, unique to Laguna. The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery may sound creepy, but it actually resembles more of a historical museum nowadays, rather than a piece of haunted ground. Known as the only underground cemetery in the country, Nagcarlan is also notable for its role in the Philippine Revolutionary narrative.

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Let your hair down at Laguna’s Hidden Valley Springs, the closest you’ll get to living a lush tropical rainforest paradise in this side of the archipelago! Located in the town of Calauan, this postcard perfect vacation hotspot is surrounded by natural spring water, local vegetation, and has abundant flora which has since filled in a 300ft deep crater from the area’s volcanic origins.

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Compared to the other local attractions in Laguna, Nuvali is probably more commercialized than what you would expect. However, if you take away the outlet malls surrounding this modern space in Sta. Rosa, there’s still plenty to do to please your inner thrill-seeker. In fact, Nuvali is probably the perfect example of a hybrid of nature, enjoyment, and relaxation!

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Who needs a Japanese visa when you can glimpse what the Land of the Rising Sun has to offer, right here in Laguna? Satisfy your inner Japanophile and travel to the Cavinti Japanese Garden. This area actually serves as a shrine created by the Philippine-Japan Friendship Society in memory of the Japanese soldiers who died during the tailend of World War II. A ceremonial tomb commemorates those who died in battle right at the center of the Garden. Moreover, this place is a living symbol of the positive relationship between the Philippines and Japan after the war ended.

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(photo via Flickr, @Arnold) While most people might not associate art with travelling, Laguna offers some of the most interesting art pieces that can intrigue any visitor. If you have the time, visit the lakeshore town of Paete in Laguna, which is named after the signature carving tool the artists from this area use to chisel wood into ornaments and statues. In 2005, this reputation was solidified when the government named Paete the “Carving Capital of the Philippines.”

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Got a big group coming to Laguna? Make sure no one is left out by coming to the Rizal Re-Creation Center, which is perfect for company outings, team building events, or family reunions. Surrounded by clean yards and towering palm trees, book activities in advanced and get treated to a fun-filled afternoon with your friends and loved ones.

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A vacation in Laguna wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the crown mountain jewel of the province, the magical and legendary Mt. Makiling. Inspiring countless legends and tales, embodied by the spiritual protector of the forests—Maria Makiling—this hiking trail is not for the faint of heart. The mountainside reclines, and its steepness is a testament to the fact that Mt. Makiling is actually an inactive volcano.

Back to topEnjoy a fun experience and check out other tourist spots to visit, restaurants to try and more in Laguna. Discover cheap hotel deals and cheap flights from carriers like Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, and more with Traveloka!]]>