From Joy~Nostalg in Ortigas, then to Sta. Rosa, Laguna, we journeyed to San Pablo to drop off Ms. Kach’s Grandmother. From there, we had a side trip and Liliw and saw terrific spots along the way. If you want to spend a weekend away from the busy city and keep stress away – San Pablo, Laguna is the city to be!
San Pablo is a first-class town in the province of Laguna in CaLABaRZon. It is known to be the “City of seven Lakes” because it really has those. They are namely Lakes Bunot, Calibato, Muhikap, Palakpakin, Sampaloc, Pandin and Yambo. It was known as Sampalok before but was renamed to San Pablo in honor of Saint Paul of Thebes, the first Hermit.
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Table of Contents
Here are the fun things you should do when you are in San Pablo, Laguna
1. have Lunch at Pandin Lake
2. stroll along Sampaloc Lake
3. See mount Banahaw
4. stay at the villa Escudero Resort
5. check out Komiker Komiks Museum
Side trip from San Pablo, LagunaLiliw, Laguna
Tanaw de Rizal Park
Sample itinerary to San Pablo, Laguna
How to get in San Pablo, Laguna?
Where to eat in San Pablo, Laguna?
Where to Stay?
Here are the fun things you should do when you are in San Pablo, Laguna
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1. have Lunch at Pandin Lake
One of the lakes in San Pablo is Pandin Lake; its twin is Yambo. They are both separated by a strip of land. You can take your family or pals here, take a swim and enjoy the beauty and serenity nature has to offer.
If you are going to ride the bamboo raft to be at the center of the lake, it would cost PHP 400.00 per head. If you are less than 4, then it would be more expensive; it would PHP 500 each for 3, PHP 600 for 2. It already includes “boodle” food like Pako Salad, Shrimp, Grilled Tilapia, and bottled water.
You can ride a jeep here from 7/11 highway for PHP 13.00 or ride a tricycle. It’s going to be a 15-20 minute walk; in case you’re not up for it, then ride a motorcycle for PHP 50.
2. stroll along Sampaloc Lake
Photo by sam saludo CC BY-ND 2.0
At the back of the San Pablo City hall is the largest among the seven lakes, the Sampaloc Lake. legend says there was a beggar who wanted some Tamarind (Sampaloc) but was driven away by the owner. It was a fairy in disguise, the fairy got angry, and the earth cracked and it rained and filled with water till it becomes a lake.
Sampaloc Lake has a boardwalk where you could enjoy strolls. There are also fish pens, cottages on stilts and restaurants nearby.
3. See mount Banahaw
Photo by Jose Nicdao CC BY 2.0
Mount Banahaw is not a mountain but is an active three-peaked Volcano. Banahaw is believed to be a “Holy Mountain” and considered blessed by the natives. There are a spring and a cave that is said to “cure” people from their sickness or disease. You can see it as you drive along San Pablo.
4. stay at the villa Escudero Resort
Photo by Gary Todd CC0 1.0
Technically, it’s not in San Pablo City but already in Tiaong, Quezon. Still, really close to the city proper. The villa Escudero Plantations and resort is a coconut plantation as well as a tourist destination for locals and foreigners. You can check out a museum with antiques, paddle on a river, eat near a waterfall restaurant, and see a show featuring Philippine’s traditional dances and music. There are day tours as well as rooms where you can stay overnight.
5. check out Komiker Komiks Museum
Photo by Komiker museum Facebook
Check out a museum featuring vintage and modern works of Filipino Comic artists. It dates back to the 1940s. You could sit here and read a comic or two, or more. This is curated by Gerry Alanguilan, who has also worked with DC and marvel comics.
Side trip from San Pablo, Laguna
You can also venture beyond San Pablo, Laguna if you have time! here are places you can spend a few hours at:
Liliw, Laguna
Liliw is the Tsinelas capital of the Philippines. If you want sturdy and budget-friendly footwear, you can buy it here. Here’s a more extensive guide on Liliw, Laguna.
Tanaw de Rizal Park
Climb Tayak Hills to see Tanaw de Rizal Park. It’s a terrific place to have a view of San Pablo City as well as mount Banahaw. The popular building is Noah’s ark. There’s also a enormous cross at the top. This place is trendy during holy Week and visited by Pilgrims.
Sample itinerary to San Pablo, Laguna
Saturday
Travel to San Pablo
Komiker Komiks Museum
Picture with mount Banahaw
Rest of the day at villa Enull