Laguna Guide for Families
After a year in lockdown, we received the best news yet of 2021: domestic travel is back! The IATF has finally approved uniform travel protocols across all government units, further easing travel restrictions and allowing local tourism to bounce back.
Now you can make plans for a family reunion just in time for the summer holidays. Head over to Laguna, southeast of Metro Manila, and go on a road trip around its lakeside stays and agri-tourism attractions. Make up for lost time through team-building activities, boodle fights, and watersports. These are just some of the best things to do in Laguna — read on to learn more!
What to Do
Enchanted Kingdom
With over 20 attractions across 7 themed zones, you’re bound to enjoy a no-fail family day at Enchanted Kingdom. There’s something for everyone in the 20-hectare park, which features interactive exhibits, live attractions, and adrenaline-pumping rides like Space Shuttle and EKstreme Tower. Its latest attraction, Agila: The EKsperience, offers a nostalgic flight simulation ride through 20 of the Philippines’ most admired wonders.
Since its reopening last year, Enchanted Kingdom has been operating at a 50% capacity — that means no queues and no crowds! And with tickets sold at a huge discount on Klook, now’s your chance to treat the whole fam. But before your excitement gets ahead of you, check out the park’s safety guidelines first for a smooth-sailing experience.
Enchanted Kingdom
- Address: RSBS Boulevard, San Lorenzo South, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, Philippines 4026
- COVID-19 Safety Guidelines: https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/eksafenmagical/
- Book Now: via Klook
Mountain Lake Resort
Being stuck in Metro Manila’s gray and gloomy streets for a year calls for an indulgent nature retreat. Drive down to Caliraya Lake and enjoy a slice of heaven at Mountain Lake Resort. Its expansive greenery is the perfect setting for outdoor activities, like ziplining over the river, crossing a hanging bridge, kayaking, swimming, and cycling. Team-building games are also possible, thanks to the many obstacle courses available in the field.
The Day Tour Access also includes a boodle lunch or a classic Filipino lunch spread over banana leaves for communal eating. Get all these and more at a much lower price when you book the Group Day Tour package via Klook.
Mountain Lake Resort
- Address: Brgy. East Talaongan, Cavinti, Laguna, Philippines 4013
- COVID-19 Safety Guidelines: https://www.facebook.com/mountainlakeresort/photos/a.239614059570144/1361741094024096/
- Book Now: via Klook
Splash Mountain Resort Laguna
Photo Credit: @sandundermyfeet on Instagram
Photo Credit: @sandundermyfeet on Instagram
It’s not a trip to Laguna without a dip in Mount Makiling’s famous hot springs. Drive no further than Splash Mountain Resort Laguna, a countryside resort best known for its many water attractions. Kids and kids at heart are in for a treat with 10 swimming pools of varying depths and designs to choose from. For the ultimate relaxation experience, let the lazy river take you around the interconnected pools for an overview of the mountainous scenery.
Splash Mountain Resort Laguna’s affordable Resort Day Access makes it a popular venue for family excursions. Picnic tables are readily available for rent and can accommodate up to 15 persons at a time.
Splash Mountain Resort Laguna
- Address: Los Banos, Laguna
- Contact/Socials/Website: 0917 583 2993 or splashmountainresort@gmail.com. You can also reach them via Facebook, Instagram, and their website.
- COVID-19 Safety Guidelines: https://www.facebook.com/SplashMountainResortAndHotel/posts/4278763962137958
- Book Now: via Klook
Taytay Falls
Photo Credit: @kelseaswim on Instagram
If you’re looking for a nice and relaxing nature trip in Laguna, Taytay Falls is a must-visit. Its cool, crystal clear waters come from Mt. Banahaw, which makes it one of the prime tourist spots in Laguna during the summer months. Guests may also hold picnics at the large campsite area nearby, or explore the waterfalls systems and trek all the way to the top.
Taytay Falls
- Address: Majayjay, Laguna
- Contact information: 0917 901 3390
Where to Eat
Sulyap Gallery
Photo Credit: @sulyapgallerycafe on Instagram
Traditional Filipino cuisine has never tasted as good as Sulyap Gallery’s menu. The modern twists on classic local dishes have landed the restaurant multiple awards over the years. Nostalgia creeps in with every bite, each flavor reminding guests of “a taste of the past” — their slogan. Best-sellers include Sizzling Chicken, Boneless Bangus, and Bistek Tagalog.
Photo Credit: @sulyapgallerycafe on Instagram
However, the multi-awarded restaurant’s homage to the Filipino culture is not only limited to the labor of its kitchen. Its in-house collection of art and paintings, named Antique Gallery Museum, ties in the appreciation for Filipino heritage beautifully. Sulyap Gallery also offers cozy accommodations reminiscent of the olden days.
Sulyap Gallery
- Address: Brgy. Del Remedio, Cocoland Compound, San Pablo City Laguna
- COVID-19 Safety Guidelines: Social distancing and wearing of masks and face shields are strictly implemented.
Orient The Original Buko Pie Bakeshop
Photo Credit: @foodeeesdiary on Instagram
Every Filipino knows that buko pie is the one true Laguna specialty. But how did an unassuming tropical pie become so in demand beyond the province during quarantine? The answer is Orient The Original Buko Pie Bakeshop. The craze started in Los Banos until a distributor eventually set up shop in the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Highway for better accessibility. Buyers rave online about the pie's delectable contrast of flavors and textures: a sweet coconut filling set inside a flaky crust that titillates your taste buds with its hint of saltiness.
People from all over line up at both branches just for a chance to buy a piece as pasalubong. Make sure to arrive early and to buy enough for the whole family. Buying an extra piece is a good idea if you’re on the road for longer.
Orient The Original Buko Pie Bakeshop
- Address: Santa Rosa Tagaytay Road LMMO Building Caltex, Silang, Luzon 4118
- Contact/Socials/Website: +63 49 576 5577
- COVID-19 Safety Guidelines: Social distancing and wearing of masks and face shields are strictly implemented.
Kamayan at Palaisdaan Resto Resort
Photo Credit: @kamayansapalaisdaan on instagram
Floating restaurants in Laguna de Bay are a unique dining experience you can’t miss out on when in the province. And the best place to explore that is Kamayan at Palaisdaan Resto Resort, an Instagrammable tropical-style resort. Dine in one of the 21 floating kubos or cottages and enjoy a spread of sumptuous Filipino specialties, such as bulalo and sisig, in banana leaves and rattan plates.
Fish feeding and rod fishing are popular pastimes after a meal, so why not try your hand at either during your visit? Take your time with the fishes surrounding your floating kubo or enjoy a live musical performance as the sunset hits.
Kamayan at Palaisdaan Resto Resort
- Address: National Highway Km. 68.5, Brgy. Dila, Bay, Laguna
- COVID-19 Safety Guidelines: https://www.facebook.com/KAPrestohotel/photos/a.10154050640784001/10158247955784001/
Where to Stay
Caliraya Ecoville Recreation Farm & Resort
Photo Credit: @yani_sioco on Instagram
Photo Credit: @abibortiz on Instagram
Photo Credit: @pamsevillaaa on Instagram
The relaxing and simplistic Caliraya Ecoville Recreation Farm & Resort is a popular weekend retreat for big families looking to disconnect from the noise of the city. The lake allows kayaking, stand-up paddling, and fishing, while the land can be explored via cycling or hiking the 3 Kilometer Trail. Team-building facilities are also in place, as well as a multi-purpose court for basketball, volleyball, and badminton.
The accommodations vary according to the guests’ tastes. If you’d like to be closer to nature, the EcoHuts and Tents are small yet functional stays. But if space matters and/or you are with a bigger group, the EcoHotel and EcoDorm are great options.
Caliraya Ecoville Recreation Farm & Resort
- Address: Cavinti, Laguna
- COVID-19 Safety Guidelines: Social distancing and wearing of masks and face shields are strictly implemented.
- Book Now: via website
BLOC Camp Site
Photo Credit: @glampingbybloc on Instagram
Photo Credit: @bloc.campsite on Instagram
Cavinti’s lakeside beauty deserves a proper Instagram post, so why not go glamping at BLOC Camp Site? The tents are available in two designs: minimalist blocks of steel and premium tents. Both are furnished with luxurious airbeds, blankets, and pillows. Charging phones and lights won’t be a problem since everything is connected to the main power switch.
Families of up to 10 can enjoy bonding over the campfire or playing music on the steel porch. Outdoor grilling is also available, ensuring a comfortable camping experience like no other.
BLOC Camp Site
- Address: Cavinti, Laguna
- COVID-19 Safety Guidelines: Social distancing and wearing of masks and face shields are strictly implemented. Optional: If you can provide a medical certificate, baranggay travel pass, or a recent COVID test result, you may present it upon arrival.
- Book Now: via Facebook
Casa Marina Bed and Breakfast
Photo Credit: @casamarinaph on Instagram
Staying in a heritage home like Casa Marina Bed and Breakfast feels like connecting with your roots. Hints of Spanish influence can be found all over the traditional Filipino-style design of the house, which leads off to a terrace overlooking the Pagsanjan River. The view is captivating and timeless — as if looking into a painting of the past.
There are private suites and luxury hostel beds available, which can accommodate up to 30 guests. All the basics like free WiFi and bathroom necessities are covered, as well as extra needs like hot water and a hairdryer.
Casa Marina Bed and Breakfast
- Address: KM 92 General Taino Street National Highway, Pagsanjan, Laguna, 4008
- COVID-19 Safety Guidelines: Social distancing and wearing of masks and face shields are strictly implemented.
- Book Now: via website
