(photo via Instagram, @biyahenidrew)
You don’t have to book a plane ticket to see rich rainforests and greenery as far as the eye can see! In Laguna, there is a gem called the Hulugan Falls, which is a postcard perfect destination for any nature lover. This isn’t as popular as Pagsanjan Falls, but the Filipino backpacking community has been aware of its existence for quite some time now, ever since a picture of its majestic falls resembling the Amazon rainforests surfaced online. Get your cameras ready, because this sight will blow you away!
Because this town is overshadowed by its more popular neighbors Majayjay and Nagcarlan, not a lot of local or foreign tourists visit Magdalena. It’s a sleepy town with quiet folks. But Magdalena has a unique charm that no other place in Laguna shares. Moreover, while it’s not a popular mainstream destination, film and TV crews have long since eyed Magdalena as an ideal place to shoot soaps. Fernando Poe Jr. had a special love for the town, and Heneral Luna was even filmed here too.
(photo via Instagram, @travelstoriesphilippines)
About two hours away from the hustle and bustle of Manila lies Caliraya Lake. Visitors to this lake will also enjoy a scenic view of the famous Laguna de Bai. One interesting fact about this lake is that it’s man-made, and access to the grounds were reserved only for the elite in society. Since opening its doors to the rest of the public, Caliraya Lake has established itself as a hub for peace and quiet. Perfect for weary city dwellers!
Since 1933, Aling Taleng’s Halo-Halo restaurant has been serving up some of the finest Pinoy desserts this side of Laguna. Created by Catalina Zaguirre in Pagsanjan back in the day, they take pride in their special halo-halo which adds kundol, ube, and tubo to the ingredients at the bottom of the cup. They are still serving the same recipe as they did back then, and every Laguna tourist needs to stop by here for a refreshing serving of halo-halo!
(photo via Instagram, @ezysefuentes)
Petting zoo animals isn’t a new concept, but Alaminos Goat Farm in Laguna takes the concept to a whole new level. Owned by Rene Almeda, who is known as warm and cheerful, the Alaminos Goat Farm presents a whole new way to treat goats, and the milk they produce. You can even purchase goat’s milk products here for a cheaper price too! It’s a great side-trip in Laguna for something new and refreshing for the whole family.
This is another tourist spot you need to visit when your weary mind, body, and soul, just need to take a step back from the noise of the urban jungle that is life. Known as the Sierra Lake, or Lumot Mahipon Lake, this is a man-made water reservoir sandwiched between Lumban and Cavinti that was created when Lumot Dam blocked off the Lumot River. It’s serene and detached from the city life that can stress us out more often than not. The lake is definitely a must-visit for anyone who just wants to get away!
(photo via Instagram, @mangochizcake)
These grand, hidden waterfalls of the Sierra Madre is one of those hidden gems that can blow you away as soon as you discover their grandeur. It will definitely take some hiking of a more advanced kind than other tourist spots, but the view of the grand waterfalls is worth every step up the mountain. Buntot Palos, aka “Eel’s tail”, is also called the “Hidden Falls,” or “kawa-kawa” by the locals. It’s a 90ft waterfall that seems out of this world, and thousands of liters of water collect in a basin down below. The tailend of this basin forms into the Pangil River, which ends in the Laguna Lake.
This is another well-preserved jewel of Majayjay, Laguna. Not only does it serve as a natural spring, it’s also a waterfall. Located at the foot of Mt. Banahaw, the waters here are so pure, you can taste their sweetness—really! The beauty of Bukal Falls has been kept at its most natural state for many years, making it the perfect place to get lost in Mother Nature’s total glory.
(photo via Instagram, @wowphilippinestravelagency)
So you’ve visited all these waterfalls in Laguna and you’re grown a little frustrated that you can’t linger at the foot of the majestic falls for too long? Villa Escudero can help fulfill your needs by sitting you down to eat by the side of actual waterfalls! The waterfall resto sits at the foot of the Labasin Falls, and it’s completely safe!
This resort in Laguna captures the best of both worlds, incorporating Laguna’s famed clear and clean waters with the idea of a public spring and resort. Surrounded by lush and healthy vegetation, Calauan’s Hidden Valley Springs is a little bit more gimmicky than the other trails, but it still provides a healthy and natural escape from the sprawl of Manila’s cityscape!
Enjoy a fun experience and check out other things to do, restaurants to try and more in Laguna. Discover cheap hotel deals and cheap flights from carriers like Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, and more with Traveloka!]]>