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Your 2022 Guide To Visiting Laguna

Hot springs, sparkling lakes, majestic waterfalls, verdant mountains, fun-filled theme parks, and historic sites—there’s so much to do and see in this province that it’s no wonder tourists flock to Laguna every weekend. If you’re interested in exploring the wonders of southern Luzon, this stunningly diverse destination is a good place to start. Find out where to stay, eat, and sightsee in the province with our handy guide to visiting Laguna in 2022.

COVID-19 Regulations In Laguna

The province of Laguna is currently under Alert Level 3.

Before leaving the house, make sure you have your vaccination card with you at all times. Border control points are set up at various points throughout the Greater Manila Area, with officers checking the vaccination cards of motorists and passengers crossing municipal borders. Some hotels only accept travelers between the ages of 18 and 65, so reach out to the establishment before finalizing your booking.

If you’re expecting to enter public establishments like malls, restaurants, and even convenience stores, set up the contact tracing app Stay Safe on your mobile phone and generate a QR code for quick and easy entry. The use of face masks is strictly implemented throughout the Philippines, particularly in indoor and outdoor public areas.

 

How To Get There

By car: If you’re driving to Laguna, take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) until the exit of your destination.

By public transportation: Tourists may catch a bus to Calamba, Laguna from terminals in Buses Cubao, Kamias, and Taft Avenue.

 

 

Where To Stay In Laguna

The sprawling landscape of this magnificent province can make it a challenge to figure out where to stay in Laguna for a weekend getaway. Here, we share our favorite staycation spots in Laguna, from tranquil farm havens to more contemporary stays.

Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast (Bay)

via Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast Facebook page

Take some time off for a spell of farm tranquility in the quiet town of Bay. Set on a beautifully landscaped three-hectare property, Lotuspod is an idyllic escape where guests can indulge in spa treatments, leisurely strolls, picnics by the pond, or outdoor activities like ziplining. Each casita is tastefully appointed, with a private outdoor hot spring tub.

Address: 2340 Kalsadang Putol St. Purok 6, Brgy. Puypuy, Bay, Laguna
Rates: Starts at P8,500
Website: https://www.lotuspodbedandbreakfast.com, Facebook, Instagram, Airbnb

 

The Lake House at Caliraya (Lumban)

via The Lake House at Caliraya Facebook page

In this age of social distancing, The Lakehouse at Caliraya is the perfect hideaway. The private property is nestled on the shores of a mountain lake, offering big groups an exclusive retreat where they can play and relax in the great outdoors. Guests enjoy the use of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing gear, a water trampoline, and a bonfire pit.

Address: Lumban, Laguna
Rates: Starts at P29,000
Website: https://www.thelakehouse.ph, Facebook, Instagram, Airbnb

 

Seda Nuvali (Sta. Rosa)

via Seda Nuvali, Laguna Facebook page

Set in a convenient location just steps from Ayala Malls Solenad and endless recreational facilities, Seda Nuvali is a stylish and modern hotel that’s a popular choice among both business and leisure travelers. Notable hotel amenities include Misto Restaurant, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.

Address: Lakeside Evozone, Nuvali Boulevard, Don Jose, Santa Rosa, Laguna
Rates: Starts at P5,300
Website: https://nuvali.sedahotels.com, Facebook

 

 

Where To Eat In Laguna

Food is an essential part of any vacation, right? Luckily, a mouthwatering array of restaurants in Laguna is open for travelers hunting down a good meal.

Kape Kesada Art Gallery (Paete)

via Kape Kesada Art Gallery Facebook page

Art and coffee meet at Kape Kesada Art Gallery, one of the old-world haunts in Laguna that’s beloved by both residents and tourists. Step inside the charming gallery to check out local artworks, then head to the café on the second floor for a cup of brew and some delicious local delicacies.

Address: Quesada St., Paete, Laguna
Service Hours: Monday, 1 PM to 6 PM; Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM to 6 PM
Website: Facebook

 

Sulyap Gallery Café (San Pablo)

via Sulyap Gallery Cafe, Boutique Hotels & Restaurant Facebook page

Visit the award-winning Sulyap Gallery Café for a taste of traditional and modern Filipino cuisine. Besides serving a tasty selection of meat and vegetarian dishes, this beautiful colonial-style restaurant also features an impressive collection of art and antique pieces.

Other similar dining establishments for top-notch Filipino cuisine in San Pablo include Casa San Pablo and Patis Tito Garden Café.

Address: Cocoland Compound, Brgy. Del Remedio, San Pablo City, Laguna
Service Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 6 PM
Website: http://sulyap.info, Facebook

 

Pots & Kettles (Bay)

via Pots & Kettles Facebook page

Plantitas and plantitos will enjoy the garden-themed Pots & Kettles in Bay, Laguna. Inspired by coffeehouses and restaurants in the Calabarzon region, the café features abundant flora, vibrant plant murals, and a large alfresco area that’s a social-distancing-friendly space for all-day dining. Locally sourced coffee is a highlight in Pots & Kettles, but the bistro also serves hearty rice meals, snacks, and more for hungrier diners.

Address: Golden Fields Road, Bay, Laguna
Service Hours: Daily, 11 AM to 8 PM
Website: Facebook, Instagram

 

 

Best Tourist Spots In Laguna

The tourist attractions in this southern province are impossibly diverse. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a theme park enthusiast, or a laidback tourist traveling with the family, you can create the vacation of your dreams in Laguna.

Springs

via KKday Supplier

A magical spot deep in the tropical forests of Calauan, Hidden Valley Springs features six natural pools that look straight out of a fantasy movie. Another great alternative is Bato Springs Resort (San Pablo), which is known for its multiple pools of fresh spring water in the heart of the forest. And of course, Pansol (Calamba) at the foot of Mt. Makiling is known as the hot spring capital of the Philippines. If you enjoy soothing soaks in warm waters, the many private resorts and Airbnbs in this area are worth exploring.

 

Lakes

via Pandin Lake Facebook page

There are a lot of lakes in Laguna, but probably the most notable of the bunch is the Seven Lakes of San Pablo, a collection of seven lakes in San Pablo that’s nestled between Mt. Makiling and Mt. Banahaw. If you’re not sure if you can hit all seven, start with the most popular: the twin lakes Pandin and Yambo.

Seeking adventure? The man-made Lake Caliraya has developed into a well-known destination for outdoor recreation. Popular activities in the lake include fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, boating, windsurfing, and more.

 

Waterfalls

via KKday Supplier

The magnificent Pagsanjan Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Laguna. Even the trip to the 300-cascade is an exciting experience, whether you choose to hike and rappel to the waterfalls or hop on a canoe for a thrilling ride through the rapids. And if you’ve been to Pagsanjan, Taytay Falls in Majayjay and Dampalit Falls in Los Baños are other scenic cascades in the province that are worth visiting.

 

Mountains

Trek through wild rainforests and challenging terrain on Mt. Makiling, one of the most famous peaks in the Philippines. For beginners who want a relatively easier climbing adventure, Mt. Kalisungan (Calauan), Mt. Mabilog (San Pablo), or Mt. Romelo (Siniloan) are all excellent options for exploring mountains in Laguna.

 

Historic And Cultural Attractions

via KKday Supplier

Laguna is home to a dizzying collection of historically significant monuments—truly an engaging vacation destination for history lovers! Japanese Garden (Lumban) is a peaceful property built by the Japanese during World War II, while Rizal Shrine is a beautiful reproduction of the Spanish-Colonial house in Calamba where Jose Rizal was born. A journey through Pila Heritage Site in San Pablo is also a must, as it features an impressive selection of well-preserved homes and churches from the Spanish colonial period.

If you’re interested in seeing old churches in Laguna, you may want to go on a day tour of the 16th-century Paete Church and the 17th-century Pakil Church.

 

 

Amusement Parks

via KKday Supplier

No matter how old you are, a day at Enchanted Kingdom is always a fun experience. The country’s first and only world-class theme park never disappoints, with eight themed zones featuring over 20 thrilling attractions. Adventurous wakeboarding lovers can head to Republ1c Wakepark in Nuvali to satisfy their inner adrenaline junkie. And on scorching hot days, Splash Island (Biñan) may be a more refreshing destination for you and your family.

Note: Due to the rising cases of COVID-19, Enchanted Kingdom has decided to temporarily suspend operations until February 4, 2022.

 

 

 

Check out KKday for more travel guides in and around the Philippines.

 

 

*Featured image via KKday Suppliers

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