San Pablo Travel Guide

Discover the natural and cultural attractions, best things to do, where to stay, and more in San Pablo, Laguna, Philippines.


Introduction to San Pablo

San Pablo is a small city located in the province of Laguna, in the Calabarzon region of the Philippines. It is known for its natural beauty, consisting of seven crater lakes, and its rich cultural heritage. The city boasts several historical sites, museums, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a balance between cultural immersion and outdoor adventure.

List of Places to Visit in San Pablo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Casa San Pablo - A bed and breakfast and art space that showcases the work of local artists, along with traditional Filipino crafts and artifacts.

  • Sampaloc Lake - The largest of the seven crater lakes and a popular spot for boating and fishing. It is surrounded by a walking path with several restaurants and shops.

  • San Pablo Cathedral - A historic church built in the Spanish colonial period and home to several religious relics and artworks.

  • Malabanban Rice Terraces - A scenic terraced rice field located just outside the city.

Natural Attractions of San Pablo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Seven Crater Lakes - San Pablo is known for its seven crater lakes, each with its own unique character and features. Visitors can explore the lakes through boat tours, hikes, and bike rides.

  • Mount Cristobal and Mount Banahaw - Two popular hiking destinations near San Pablo. Mount Cristobal is a beginner-friendly trek, while Mount Banahaw is more challenging.

  • Bukal Falls - A natural waterfall located in the nearby town of Majayjay. Visitors can swim and explore the surrounding forest.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Pablo

San Pablo is a destination for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts. The best way to explore the natural beauty of the city is on foot or by bike. There are several hiking and biking routes that visitors can take, including:

  • Sampaloc Lake Loop - A 7-kilometer loop around the largest and most popular of the seven crater lakes. The route is flat and ideal for biking.

  • Mount Cristobal Traverse - A two-day trek that takes visitors from San Pablo to the summit of Mount Cristobal. The route is relatively easy, but hikers should be in good physical condition.

  • City Lake Loop - A 5-kilometer loop around the five crater lakes located within the city proper. Visitors can rent a bike or explore on foot.

Best Things to Do in San Pablo: Activities and Tours

San Pablo offers several activities and tours that cater to different types of travelers. Some of the best things to do in San Pablo are:

  • Crater Lake Tour - Visitors can take a boat tour around the seven crater lakes and learn about the geological history and cultural significance of each lake.

  • San Pablo Heritage and Food Tour - A walking tour of the city’s historic sites and a taste of local cuisine.

  • Arts and Crafts Workshop - Visitors can take a workshop on traditional Filipino crafts, such as weaving, pottery, and wood carving.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Pablo

For visitors who want to spend more time in San Pablo, here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long stay:

Day Activities
1 Arrival, check-in at hotel, Sampaloc Lake Walk
2 Seven Lakes Tour, Rest and Relaxation at Lake Pandin
3 Bukal Falls Hike, Plant-Based Lunch at Kusina Salud
4 Casa San Pablo Art Workshop, City Lake Bike Tour
5 Mount Cristobal Hike, Overnight Camping
6 San Pablo Heritage Tour, Traditional Filipino Cuisine
7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of San Pablo

The food scene in San Pablo revolves around traditional Filipino cuisine, with a focus on fresh produce and plant-based dishes. Some of the must-try dishes and beverages are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Adobo - A popular Filipino dish made with marinated chicken or pork and soy sauce.

  • Sinigang - A sour soup made with tamarind and a variety of vegetables and meat or seafood.

  • Kare-Kare - A creamy stew made with peanut sauce, oxtail, and vegetables.

  • Ginataan - A sweet dessert made with coconut milk, plantains, and sweet potato.

Local Beverages

  • Barako Coffee - A strong and flavorful coffee made from Liberica beans found only in the Philippines.

  • Lambanog - A coconut-based alcoholic beverage that is popular in the Calabarzon region.

Where to Stay in San Pablo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Pablo offers several accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the best places to stay in San Pablo are:

  • San Pablo Resorts - A collection of luxury resorts located near the crater lakes, offering breathtaking views and a range of amenities.

  • Sulyap Bed and Breakfast - A boutique bed and breakfast located in a restored heritage house, featuring traditional Filipino decor and art.

  • Paete Pension - A budget-friendly guesthouse in the nearby town of Paete, known for its wood carvings and handicrafts.

What to Buy in San Pablo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

San Pablo is known for its arts and crafts, with several local products that visitors can bring home as souvenirs. Some of the best souvenirs and local products to buy in San Pablo are:

  • Tinawon Crafts - Handmade pottery and ceramics created by local artisans.

  • Pandurols - Traditional Filipino musical instruments made from bamboo and rattan.

  • Carabao Milk Soap - Soap made from carabao milk, known for its moisturizing properties and rich lather.

Local Culture and Customs of San Pablo

San Pablo is a predominantly Catholic community, with several religious festivals celebrated throughout the year. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and show respect when entering churches and other religious sites.

Best Time to Visit San Pablo

The best time to visit San Pablo is between November and February, during the cool and dry season. This is also the peak season for travel, with prices higher and crowds more significant. Visitors can also opt to visit during the off-peak season between June and October, where they can enjoy more affordable rates and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Pablo

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and traditional villages.

  • Try the local cuisine, especially plant-based dishes.

  • Explore the natural beauty of the crater lakes and Mount Cristobal.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions, such as littering in public places or disregarding the dress code in religious sites.

  • Engage in disrespectful behavior towards the local community or wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in San Pablo

San Pablo is generally a safe destination, but visitors should take usual precautions to avoid theft or pickpocketing. Visitors should also avoid unlit and isolated areas at night.

Health in San Pablo

Visitors should drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues. The nearest hospital to San Pablo is located in the nearby city of Lucena.

Getting to San Pablo: Transportation Options and Logistics

San Pablo is accessible by land and air travel. The nearest airport to San Pablo is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. Visitors can also take buses from Manila to San Pablo, with several companies offering daily trips.

Airports Near San Pablo

  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport - The nearest airport to San Pablo, located in Manila.

Bus Stations Near San Pablo

  • Alabang Bus Station - Located in Muntinlupa City, offering daily trips to San Pablo.

  • Buendia Bus Station - Located in Makati City, offering daily trips to San Pablo.

Other Options

Visitors can also opt to rent a car or take a private shuttle from Manila to San Pablo.

How to Get Around in San Pablo

The best way to get around San Pablo is on foot, bike, or car. Visitors can also hire tricycles or jeepneys for short distances.

Where to Go Next from San Pablo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

San Pablo is an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations and excursions, such as:

  • Liliw - A nearby town known for its shoe industry and home to several handicraft shops.

  • Lucban - A historic town known for its colorful Pahiyas Festival and Spanish colonial architecture.

  • Puerto Galera - A popular beach destination located in Oriental Mindoro, accessible by boat or land travel.

Conclusion

San Pablo is a hidden gem in Laguna, Philippines, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, and relaxation. Visitors can explore the seven crater lakes, hike Mount Cristobal, learn about traditional Filipino crafts and cuisine, and take home souvenirs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the city. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, San Pablo is a must-visit destination in the Philippines.