aEMY'S WANDERLUST
"the gladdest moment in human life is the departure to unknown lands"
23/5/2015 0 Comments Lake PandinPandin Lake – is one of the Seven Lakes of San Pablo City in the province of Laguna. Second from Sampaloc Lake being the most popular among the seven, just next to it is Yambo Lake. Pandin and Yambo are twin crater lakes separated by a narrow strip of land. It is said to be the cleanest among the Seven Lakes. My trip in Pandin Lake was really unplanned and even on the day itself, I was a bit reluctant whether I'll go or not. But since I've got nothing to do that Sunday, I have decided to push it through - "nothing to loose" as I always say. It will take about 10-15 minutes walk in an unpaved road from where I parked my car. Yes, It’s seems a short trek to think but being under the heat of the sun seems eternity. While walking and enjoying the nature at the same time, I had the chance to see a buriko (a long mane with a long tail) which we rarely see not only in the city but nowadays You will know that you are almost near the lake if you see a lantern type of a welcome signage. The locals are very friendly that you even feel you are secure even if you go there alone. From the welcome signage and the billboard of rules and regulations, it took me another 5 minute walk until I reach the lake. Included on the said trip would be eating in the balsa; unfortunately, because it was Sunday, there was no one available to cook for me. So for the sake of not wasting time, I requested for a bangkera to take me to the pathway going up to the Yambu Lake. Ate Tina, the bangkera, was so accommodating that I didn't feel nervous being her lone passenger in the balsa during that day. While rowing, she tells stories about her family and her newly graduated son who is finding a job in Manila, and she, being a bangkera was able to send her kids in school. The trail leading to Yambu lake is very steep but it was such a rewarding experience seeing a breathtaking view on another side of the hill. I'd like to go back here again if time permits. This is definitely one place adventurous souls have to visit at least once in their lives. HOW TO GET THERE:
San Pablo City is around three hours drive from Alabang. Once you see the San Pablo Cathedral, take the road on its left side (if you are facing the church) going towards the towns of Rizal, Nagcarlan, and Liliw, Laguna. In about 10-15 minutes, you'll see a big sign (with Governor Fernandez' face) on the left welcoming visitors to Pandin Lake. Park on the vacant lot and ask the locals for directions. There are some locals who offer themselves as guides. Just up to you whether you would like to discover the place yourself but believe me, residents are very friendly - all you have to do is just to ask. :)
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8/4/2012 2 Comments Kalayaan Twin FallsThis is the third time I visited Kalayaan Twin Falls and sad to say, I was a bit disappointed. The first time I went there was year 1996 and only few tourists know the place. If I'll compare it now from before, the place now was mismanaged - maybe because of many guests and visitors coming especially during Lenten seasons. I don't remember what led me going in Kalayaan Twin Falls this time- I just find myself driving nowhere to go, until I reached the place again. Well, that is a typical thing for me especially if I do nothing at home; and of course, if given enough time and money :) Truthfully, I would rather not recommend Kalayaan Twin Falls {now) because of the following reasons: 1. Place is not as clean as you expect. Yes, it's cheap. Entrance fee is only Php40 and cottages will range from Php150 to Php450) but the entire resort (for me) is very dirty. 2. No parking space.So if you have any plans of trying it, just park your car in the nearest Catholic Church outside the premise. 3. Overnight is not advisable. Even though there are lots of securities roaming around, still, a lot of drunkards as well even in daytime. 4. Lastly, bring off lotion. Prevention is better than cure - if you get what i mean. HOW TO GET THERE: By Public Ride: From Manila, you can take a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. You can just get in to one of those Laguna-bound buses along EDSA or go to the HM Bus terminal in Cubao (near Victory). That's about 3 hours ride, depends on the traffic. From the HM Bus terminal in Sta. Cruz, ride a PUJ going to Paete. Kalayaan is just about 20-30 minutes away from Sta. Cruz. Just tell the driver to drop you off along San Juan. San Juan is one of the Barangays of Kalayaan, Laguna. Primary landmark would be the Church on top. The road going up to where the falls is; it is a 5 to 10 minutes walk from the church. You may also take a tricycle from the place where the jeep will drop you off. Tricycle drivers are very nice so need not to worry that you will have to negotiate for the fare pricing unless you wanted the driver to be your tour guide as well. 6/4/2012 0 Comments Dampalit FallsWho would ever think that there's a hidden falls in Los Baños, Laguna? All the while I thought, it's only UPLB, our well known buko pie and the hot springs nearby that we can promote in our town. Thanks to a former co-worker and also a town mate, who told me that there is this falls that can be seen near DPWH office.
Even I am familiar with the DPWH in Los Banos, I really do not know exactly where the said falls is located. I was a bit hesitant to pursue the said side trip as well - since my friend already informed me that many visitors and guests are coming from different places because of a very cheap entrance fee. With the said info given, I already had an idea that the falls may be as not as "clean" as I expect (but I was totally wrong). So when my plan to visit a friend in Dairy Ville (which is also inside the UPLB campus), I added to see Dampalit Falls. Nothing to loose - as I keep on telling myself.If the scenery is good, then lucky me; and if not, then don't promote and never return. :) I arrived in Barangay Dampalit at exactly 8am. Had a breakfast in Aling Medz store where I also parked my little Kitchy. I opted to walk instead of bringing my car going to falls since the road going up is very steep. Lucky enough Aling Medz, the store owner, offered her grandchild to be my personal tour guide and part of that offering would be a certain amount I will give - which I guess, is already the residents "customary" every time there will be any visitors who would come to see the falls. Anyways, the tour guide fee is not that much as compared with Pagsanjan Falls. I just gave Nene, Aling Medz' grandchild, Php100 plus our snacks when we reach the falls. Nene and I walked for roughly 15 minutes until we reached our destination. Our walk paid off. All hesitations were replaced by excitement seeing how the falls were taken care of the residents, also the guests who going there to swim. As I was also informed by my little tour guide, the falls is no longer as beautiful as before after it was hit by typhoon Milenyo. But even if, personally speaking, it is still well formed and looks so enticing for you not to dip. Well, how i wish i was able to see the place during those times Nene had inform me. Maybe, I will like a little kiddo playing in its running waters. Lastly, this is one of the cheapest trip I have been so far because I only spent Php500 enjoying the view and realizing that there's no need to spend too much money - to explore our own place. Gas (Php300) Entrance and Parking Fee(php40) Food(Php 60) Tour guide fee (php100) HOW TO GET THERE: With private car: Dampalit Falls can be reach in 1.5 to 2 hours from Manila on the way to Sta Cruz, Laguna via the South Luzon Expressway. Take Calamba exit then go straight directly until you reach Bgy Dampalit, Los Baños just next to the Camp Eldridge. Landmark would be a park and a DPWH sign board Take a 10 - 15 minutes walk from the Los Baños main road to the right side will take you to the falls. Please take note that the road going to the falls is a residential area. And it is very steep. I suggest you just ask some locals instead to bring you in the falls and just park your car down hill. Happy viewing :) 3/3/2012 0 Comments The Japanese GardenThe Japanese Garden is located along Lake Caliraya in Cavinti, Laguna. It is under the management of PNOC and it is open to public with an entrance fee of Php 10 for adult and Php 5 for the kids. If you have any plans visiting the park, I highly suggest to bring food because there's only one store inside the vicinity and it only sells limited junkies and sodas. The said 13 hectare park is suitable for family outings, company team buildings or simply just a get away from the very busy city like Manila. It is more accessible if you have a private ride. But if you don't have any, Php800 is sufficient enough for your transportation allowance (back and forth) if you'll be coming all the way from Manila. Please take note that tricycle from Lumban going up to Japanese Garden will cost you Php150 each for there's no regular trip going up. What i can advice is, just make a bargain with the trike driver to make it lower - i mean, the Php150 fare. The first time i went there, i was able to make "tawad" from Php150 to Php100. All you need to do is just to talk to them amicably and eventually, they will say yes. :)
HOW TO GET THERE: By Public Ride: Take a ride at the Sta Cruz-bound bus of HM Transit on EDSA Cubao or Green Star on LRT/Taft Ave. The bus will go through South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and will exit at Calamba tollgate. Get off at the terminal in Pagsawitan, Sta. Cruz, Laguna then ride a jeepney with "Lumot" signboard. The Lumot-bound jeepney will take you directly to Lake Caliraya/Japanese Garden. (Note: There are few public transport/jeepneys that descend from Cavinti/Lake Caliraya. Please consider this when planning your trip.) A tricycle ride is available in Lumban Public Market but it will cost you Php150 going up and Php 30 going back. By private vehicle: Through South Expressway… Take last exit to Calamba, turn right to Calamba Junction towards Los Banos all the way to Pagsanjan Church. Turn left passing through to Palacol Bridge going toward Barangay Bagong Silang and start ascend to Caliraya Lake. Happy viewing :) |
AuthorRoamer. Wanderer. Explorer. Risk Taker. Nature Lover. Adventurer. Solo Tripper. CategoriesAll Baguio Batangas Benguet Bicol Bolinao Bulacan Cagayan Cavite Cebu Ilocos Norte Ilocos Sur Laguna Las Piñas City La Union Makati Mindoro Pangasinan Paoay Rizal Sagada Archives
October 2017
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