Laguna Travel Guide (Calabarzon/Luzon/Philippines/Southeast Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Laguna

Laguna is a province located in the Southern Tagalog Region of the Philippines, characterized by its stunning natural landscape and rich cultural history. Nestled in between the Sierra Madre mountain range and Laguna de Bay, this region boasts a diverse range of natural wonders such as waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanic peaks. Laguna has also been dubbed as the birthplace of Philippine nationalism, with its numerous museums and historical destinations showcasing the region’s role in the country’s fight for independence.

List of Places to Visit in Laguna

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Museo De La Salle - showcases the country’s colonial and pre-colonial treasures, located within the De La Salle University campus in Canlubang
Rizal Shrine in Calamba - the birthplace of national hero Jose Rizal, featuring a museum and a replica of the house he grew up in
Pila Heritage Site - a town with preserved colonial-style houses, declared as a National Historical Landmark
Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery - a unique cemetery with an underground crypt, originally built for Spanish friars

Natural Attractions of Laguna: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mt. Makiling - a popular hiking spot within the country, with a diverse range of flora and fauna
Pagsanjan Falls - a three-tiered waterfall located in the town of Pagsanjan, known for its exhilarating boat ride
Kayaking in Lake Caliraya - a serene escape offering a range of watersports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing
Los Banos Hot Springs - a set of natural hot springs located within the town of Los Banos that offers a relaxing spa day

Hiking/Biking Routes of Laguna

Mt. Banahaw - a sacred mountain to the locals, offering various trail options for beginner to advanced hikers
Mt. Cristobal - another popular hiking spot with challenging terrain and scenic views
Caliraya Trails - a biking trail that takes you through scenic routes around Lake Caliraya

Best Things to Do in Laguna: Activities and Tours

Villa Escudero Resort Tour - a tour that takes you through the vast coconut plantation, featuring a carabao cart ride, traditional Filipino dance performances, and lunch by a waterfall
Isdaan Floating Restaurant - a unique dining experience where you dine on floating nipa huts while enjoying live performances by a troupe of performers
Enchanted Kingdom - the country’s premier amusement park, featuring thrilling roller coasters and fun attractions
Pila Walking Tour - an immersive tour around the colonial town of Pila, with a local guide showing you around historic sites while telling stories of their past

Week-Long Itinerary for Laguna

Day 1 - Arrival in Los Banos. Visit the International Rice Research Institute and the Jose Rizal Museum.

Day 2 - Visit the hot springs of Los Banos and enjoy a relaxing spa day.

Day 3 - Hike Mt. Makiling, and explore University of the Philippines Los Banos campus afterward.

Day 4 - Head to Pagsanjan Falls and take a boat ride to the base of the waterfall.

Day 5 - Explore the town of Pila and take a leisurely walking tour around the colonial-style houses.

Day 6 - Take a trip to the Villa Escudero Resort for the guided tour and lunch by the waterfall.

Day 7 - Visit Enchanted Kingdom for a day of fun-filled amusement park activities.

Food and Drink Scene of Laguna

Must-Try Dishes

Sinigang na Lechon - a sour soup made with roasted pork, vegetables, and tamarind
Buko Pie - a delicious dessert made with young coconut meat and condensed milk
Pancit Habhab - a type of stir-fried noodles served on a banana leaf-shaped plate, unique to the city of Lucban

Local Beverages

Sago’t Gulaman - a refreshing drink made with brown sugar, tapioca pearls, and agar-agar jelly
Kapeng Barako - a strong coffee made from liberica beans grown in the province

Where to Stay in Laguna: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Casa San Pablo - a beautiful bed and breakfast located in the town of San Pablo, with a rustic Filipino-inspired ambiance
La Corona De Pagsanjan - a cozy hotel situated in Pagsanjan town and just a few minutes’ walk from Pagsanjan Falls
Splash Mountain Resort and Hotel - a modern resort with a water park located in Los Banos

What to Buy in Laguna: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kesong Puti - a Filipino style cheese made from buffalo milk
Laguna Handicrafts - woven baskets, mats, and bags made from buri palm leaves
Barong Tagalog - the country’s national formal attire, made from pineapple fibers and embroidered with intricate designs

Local Culture and Customs of Laguna

Laguna is a predominantly Catholic province, with a deep-rooted cultural heritage. Locals are known for their love for music and dance, often showcased in numerous festivals and events throughout the year. The language spoken in the province is Tagalog, but English is widely spoken and understood.

Best Time to Visit Laguna

The best time to visit Laguna is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this time, rainfall is less frequent, and temperatures are cooler. However, tourist destinations in Laguna can get crowded during peak months of December - January and April - May, which coincides with the school holidays.

Do’s and Don’ts of Laguna

Do:

Respect the local culture, customs, and traditions.
Carry cash, as not all establishments accept credit cards.
Bring appropriate clothing and gear when taking part in outdoor activities.

Don’t:

Litter or damage the environment.
Disrespect religious and cultural landmarks.
Haggle too aggressively with street vendors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Laguna

Laguna is a relatively safe place to travel to, but it is always essential to take necessary precautions as you would in any other destination. Avoid going to unfamiliar places alone, especially at night, and be cautious of pickpockets in busy areas.

Health in Laguna

It is essential to take precautions against mosquito bites as dengue fever is a prevalent health risk in Laguna. Make sure to bring insect repellent and wear long-sleeve clothing during mosquito-infested areas or while participating in outdoor activities. It is also advisable to drink bottled water to avoid stomach illnesses.

Getting to Laguna: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Laguna

The closest international airport to Laguna is Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, about a 2-hour drive away from Los Banos, the provincial capital.

Bus Stations Near Laguna

Several bus companies operate trips from Manila to Laguna. The bus ride from Manila to Los Banos takes about 2 hours, while the ride to Santa Cruz takes around 3 hours.

Other Options

One can also opt to book a private transfer from Manila directly to their hotel or destination in Laguna.

How to Get Around in Laguna

The easiest and most convenient way to get around Laguna is by renting a van or hiring a private car. Public transportation such as jeepneys and tricycles are also available, but they can be quite challenging to navigate if you’re unfamiliar with the routes or destinations.

Where to Go Next from Laguna: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Batangas - known for its beautiful beaches and diving spots, Batangas is less than a two-hour drive from Laguna
Tagaytay - a popular destination for its cooler climate and scenic views of Taal Volcano, located around two hours away from Laguna
Quezon Province - this neighboring province is known for its unspoiled beaches and delicious seafood, located around two hours away from Laguna

Conclusion

Laguna is a province full of surprises, boasting a blend of natural wonders, rich history, and a vibrant local culture. From hiking through majestic mountains to indulging in local cuisine, Laguna offers something for every type of traveler. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure-filled trip to one of the Philippines’ most beautiful provinces!