Things to do in Laguna for a fun getaway
With all the hustle and bustle happening in our lives, it’s inevitable that we’d want to surround ourselves in nature every once in a while when going on vacation.
On that note, here are 10 things to do in Laguna – known for its magnificent waterfalls and mountains – for adventures in nature, letting loose at a theme park, and eating kamayan-style feasts.
Table of Contents
– Nature attractions –
With its near proximity to Manila, Laguna has become a popular destination for seeing waterfalls, mountains, and most of all, hot springs. Here are some attractions in nature you can visit, from taking a dip in water falls to hiking at a mountain.
1. Venture out to Hulugan Falls, Talay Falls, and Hidden Falls – all near each other
Hulugan Falls.
Image credit: Neil – The Backpack Adventures
Start off your adventure by walking up to Hulugan Falls, enclosed in a forest in Luisiana. Aside from Pagsanjan Falls, Hulugan is becoming a sought-out attraction due to its majestic structure.
Talay Falls.
Image credit: @nhilxolarte
It’s not the only falls in the forest you can explore. Talay Falls is a nearby waterfall that’s more picturesque as its structure is lower and you can stand on the rocks.
Hidden Falls
Image credit: roel cruz
On the other hand, according to reviews, Hidden Falls is the hardest to reach among the three. However, upon arriving and seeing it, it’ll feel as if you’ve walked into a magical part of the forest with its aesthetic rock formations and steady flow of fresh water.
Depending on when you visit, the currents may be strong so make sure to practice safety at all times.
Hulugan Falls, Talay Falls, Hidden Falls
Address: Luisiana, Laguna
2. Hike at Mount Makiling
Mount Makiling.
Image credit: @marineltravels
Take a hike at one of the most popular hiking spots near Metro Manila Mount Makiling. According to legend, the mountain is guarded by Maria Makiling – a forest nymph who fell in love with a hunter that promised her eternal love – with its “reclining woman” figure when viewed from afar.
Keep in mind that it’ll take you four to five hours of hiking from the base to the peak. If you’re a beginner, you can get a local guide to assist you along the way. Experienced hikers suggest taking the Maria Makiling Trail, the most popular one. Although it seems like a challenging hike, feel free to stop and rest at one of the stations set up around the mountain.
Mud Springs.
Image credit: Ilaria Doimo
You’ll also encounter Mud Springs formed by volcanic heat. Bear in mind that it’s considered as a danger zone so you can view it from the guarded fence and take photos safely.
What’s more, camping is allowed on the mountain as long as you maintain cleanliness and keep safe. You can choose camp sites between Tayabak near Station 9 and Malaboo near Station 13.
Entrance fee: P40 (~USD0.76) per head
Address: Los Baños, Laguna
3. Magdalena White Water River Rafting Adventure – rafting, river tubing, and airsoft games
River rafting and river tubing.
Image adapted from: @laichee45 and @nashitamd
Ride the rapids of Balanac River at Magdalena White Water River Rafting Adventure if you like adrenaline-rush activities such as rafting, river tubing, and cliff jumping. Upon arrival, instructors will orient you on what to expect, activity duration, and practice of safety measures. You may also be taken on a mini tour on the grounds while the staff prepare your gear. The entire river rafting tour costs P900 (~USD16.99) per person.
Go for river rafting to hone your teamwork skills. On the other hand, if you want to take on the challenge on your own, you can choose river tubing instead.
Camping at the riverside.
Image adapted from: Magdalena White Water River Rafting Adventure and Magdalena White Water River Rafting Adventure
Or if you want to pump up your adrenaline even more, you can brace yourself and go for cliff jumping. What’s more, feel free to camp and have a picnic on the riverside for a day (P150, ~USD2.83) in nature by the river.
Practical shooting.
Image adapted from: Magdalena White Water River Rafting Adventure and Magdalena White Water River Rafting Adventure
While it may be unconventional or unrelated, airsoft games such as practical shooting (P250, ~USD4.72) are at your disposal for practicing military skills or trying something new.
Address: Mhollywood Adventure Camp (Tour) Poblacion, Magdalena, Laguna
Telephone: 0929 320 5040
Email: [email protected]
Magdalena White Water River Rafting Adventure’s Facebook
4. Relax in Laguna’s hot spring resorts – from 88 Hot Spring Resort to Bato Springs Resort
88 Hot Spring Resort
Image credit: 88 Hot Spring Resort
Aside from the mountain and waterfalls, Laguna is commonly known for its abundance of hot spring resorts. 88 Hot Spring Resort in Calamba is a staycation spot with a combined Korean and Filipino theme that has hot spring pools from Mount Makiling.
This is the place for you if it’s your first time in Laguna or if you like Korean-Filipino dishes. Room rates start at P3,500 (~USD66.09) for two guests.
Bato Springs Resort.
Image credit: Bato Springs Resort
Alternatively, Bato Springs Resort is the place for you if you’re a nature lover who’s on a budget – with a day out costing P200 (~USD3.78) and an overnight stay for P300 (~USD5.66) per person. Ironically, previous guests recommend visiting during the summer as the spring water is cold instead of hot. They noted that the cooling water became the charm of the resort due to the fresh running water and abundance of greenery.
88 Hot Spring Resort
Address: #9061 National Highway, Bagong Kalsada 4030 Calamba, Philippines
Telephone: 0917 874 7888
Email: [email protected]
88 Hot Spring Resort’s website | Facebook | Instagram
Bato Springs Resort
Address: Dolores Road, 4000 San Pablo City, Laguna
Telephone: 0926 582 2822
Email: [email protected]
Bato Springs Resort’s Facebook | Instagram
– Fun & entertainment –
Aside from the natural attractions, here are a few man-made must-visit attractions for a day of fun and learning.
5. Let loose at Enchanted Kingdom
Image credit: Enchanted Kingdom
Enchanted Kingdom is another attraction that you’ll enjoy, especially if you’re with kids or friends and family. Known as “EK” by Filipinos, the theme park has a wide range of grand rides and activities for kids and adults.
Image adapted from: Katsumi Fujita and Enchanted Kingdom
For kid-friendly rides, go for the DinoSoarUs for kids who are dinosaur fans. The ride has six dinosaurs and each one can either take two kids or one kid with one chaperone.
Or go on The Grand Carousel for a classic family-friendly ride. This way, a chaperone can enjoy the ride while still looking after the kids they’re with.
Image adapted from: Jasmything and Enchanted Kingdom
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, there are various extreme rides that you can choose from such as Air Race – acrobatic plane rides with 360-degree turns while rotating in circles – and Space Shuttle – a huge roller coaster ride that tilts guests upside down 6 times along with forward and backward motions.
Image adapted from: Enchanted Kingdom and Enchanted Kingdom
You can even ride the newly introduced Twin Spin that mimics a roller coaster’s twists and turns, but friendly enough for younger and elder guests. The thrill comes from sharp downhill turns, S-turns, and up-and-down motions while spinning over and under the track.
Image adapted from: Enchanted Kingdom and Enchanted Kingdom
There are also water rides such as Bump N’ Splash – an aquatic version of bumper cars, each ride with a built-in water shooter to use on others – and the Rio Grande Rapids, a ride that guests look forward to when going to EK. Take a shot at this ride to feel the sensation of rafting on raging rapids that’ll give you spontaneous turns and bumps while you wait and see who gets wettest in your group by the end.
For extreme rides, those who have weak backs or necks are advised to steer clear and opt for other rides instead. Bonus tip: save the water rides for last to enjoy every ride and activity possible before you have to change clothes and end the day with hefty carnival food.
Admission fee: from P688 (~USD12.99) for children and P999 (~USD18.86) for regular adults
Address: RSBS Boulevard, San Lorenzo Road, South, Santa Rosa, 4026 Laguna
Opening hours: Fri–Sun 11am–8pm | Closed Mon–Thu
Email: [email protected]
Enchanted Kingdom’s website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Explore Nuvali Park – roller coaster ziplines, birdwatching, and tree-planting
Image credit: Drake Hogestyn
Nuvali is an established eco-community that has a recreational complex Nuvali Park, where you can engage in obstacle courses and ziplines or nature-related activities such as birdwatching and tree-planting.
Bird watching and tree planting activity.
Image adapted from: Nuvali and Nuvali
If you want to see different kinds of birds, you can opt for birdwatching to see them up close and possibly interact with them. Additionally, if you’re fond of voluntary work, you can participate in their tree-planting program where foresters and advanced community members will aid you on the process of proper tree planting.
Image adapted from: Nuvali and Nuvali
Alternately, for more challenging activities, you can try their rope obstacle courses. Also, this is a fun activity for leadership training and team-building workshops.
Image credit: Tristan Marsh
What’s more, there’s also a fish-feeding area where you can take the little ones. For taking breaks, you can go to the nearby mall or dine in one of the food places at the park.
Address: One Evotech, Nuvali Boulevard, Don Jose, Santa Rosa, 4026 Laguna
Nuvali Park’s website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Drop by Museo ni Jose Rizal
Image adapted from: Knowhere1112 and Travis Miguel
Visit the national hero Jose Rizal’s former home-turned shrine Museo ni Jose Rizal to learn more about his achievements and experiences while he was growing up. The two-story house had been preserved through the years so that visitors will see the home in its full glory.
However, now that it’s a shrine, the home is now divided into six galleries: Kaliwanagan (intelligibility), Kapaligiran (environment), Karunungan (education), Bahay-na-Bato (stone house), Unang Paglalakbay sa Europa (first journey to Europe), and Pangalawang Paglalakbay sa Europa (second journey to Europe).
You can visit the first four galleries to learn about who Rizal is, his learnings, and where he lived. On the other hand, the last two galleries showcase Rizal’s travel to Europe, where he wrote his famous novels Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo (The Subversive).
What’s more, the shrine also has a hologram of Rizal reading a letter, interactive booths, and e-learning lessons about Rizal’s lifetime.
Address: J. P. Rizal Street, Corner F. Mercado Street, Barangay 6 Poblacion 4027 Calamba, Laguna
– Food spots –
Now that you’ve seen some of Laguna’s attractions, it’s time to take a break and eat classic Filipino dishes kamayan-style or at a traditional, rustic home setting.
8. Take a dip at Labasin Waterfalls Restaurant
Image adapted from: Alexander Lao and @desy_motret
For a refreshing way to eat kamayan-style, dine at Labasin Waterfalls Restaurant in Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort, where you can also dip your feet in the water at a waterfall’s base while enjoying your food on a sunny day out in nature.
It’s also a great way for you and your family and friends to take photos with all the greenery and aesthetic waterfall.
While you’re at it, you can even explore around the resort and engage in activities such as swimming, bamboo rafting, or visiting the museum.
Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort
Address: Villa Escudero, Km 91, Tiaong, Quezon
Opening hours: 11am-2pm, Daily
Telephone: (02) 8-523-0392/(02) 8-521-0830/(02) 8-523-2944/0917 583 7727/0919 993 4744
Email: [email protected]
Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort’s website | Facebook | Instagram
9. Day touring at Mountain Lake Resort
Image credit: Mountain Lake Resort
As part of a day tour stay, Mountain Lake Resort offers boodle fights for lunch or dinner and at the same time, you’re free to use the amenities offered outdoors.
Image adapted from: Mountain Lake Resort and Mountain Lake Resort
Aside from the food, go ahead and explore more at the resort, where you can go test your athletic skills in their obstacle course, fish in their fishing village, look at the stars in the Astro camp, or go for some golfing on the Arnold Palmer golf course with a mountain and lake view.
Address: Barangay East Talaongan, 4013 Cavinti, Laguna
Telephone: (02) 87230781 | (02) 8257 2244 | 0917 836 0717 | 0998 989 3832
Email: [email protected]
Mountain Lake Resort’s website | Facebook | Instagram
10. Have the classics at Sulyap Gallery Café
Image credit: Anton Meneses
If you want to go back in time and experience the feel of a rustic, traditional wooden middle- to high-class Filipino home during Spanish colonization, go to Sulyap Gallery Café.
Here, you can dine al fresco or indoors while being served with classic Filipino dishes such as Crispy Pata (deep-fried pork trotters or knuckles) (starts at P790, ~USD14.85), Grilled Pork (P430, ~USD8.08), and Paksiw na Bangus (milkfish stew) (P500, ~USD9.40).
Image adapted from: Sulyap and Sulyap
Additionally, you can roam the grounds and take photos with historical pieces such as a vintage phone or a hard wood rocking chair.
Address: Barangay Del Remedio, Cocoland Compound 4000 San Pablo City, Laguna
Opening hours: Mon 10am–9pm | Tue–Wed, Fri–Sun 10am–6pm | Thu 10am–7pm
Telephone: 0917 182 1483
Email: [email protected]
Sulyap Gallery Café’s website | Facebook | Instagram
Things to do in Laguna
For your next getaway, make sure to jot down these 10 things to do in Laguna for adventures in waterfalls and hot springs, engaging in recreational activities, and eating some good old Filipino favorites.
Also check out:
- Takoyaki with “gold flakes” in Sta. Rosa
- Colorful croissants for your inner child in Los Baños
- A coffee bar in Calamba as a station for your wedding
Cover image adapted from: Alexander Lao, @nhilxolarte, Sulyap, and @laichee45
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