San Pablo City, City of Seven Lakes

SAN PABLO CITY
Visiting its Seven Lakes
The Lake Hopping Experience
#cityofsevenlakes

I always enjoy visiting the province of Laguna not because it is near Metro Manila but rather I see it as one of the most colourful.  Every cities and municipalities of the province have its own identity which is really unique from the others and one of these is the City of San Pablo because of its seven lakes, the only place in the Philippines that has this kind of feature.

I first learned about San Pablo City during my college years because of the famous former coconut plantation turned resort, Villa Escudero, which is situated in this city and share a boundary with Tiaong Municipality in Quezon Province.  I only learned a couple of years ago that the city is also called “The City of Seven Lakes” and this is when I got interested going back to the area and explore all of those lakes and as an adventurer, I did with the hope of enjoying the exploration and visiting all in just one day.

You might think…why the heck you will go on a lake hopping.  Then ask yourself, did you already do this activity before…seven lakes in one day in one city?  See, told yah!  And besides, trust me, after the day ends you will feel you accomplish something.  Did I mention all the seven lakes are different from each other either in beauty or the adventure going there?  Oh not yet.  So I will mention it now that all the seven lakes are different from each other either in beauty or the adventure going there J.  Now I mentioned it.

Waking up 4:00 in the morning to catch a bus bound for San Pablo, I arrived in JAC Liner in Cubao, Quezon City at 6:00 am which five minutes after I boarded left the station (there are other bus companies in Cubao who serve the Manila to San Pablo route).  Tell the bus conductor to drop you off at SM City San Pablo (which is at your left) or at the “Medical” which is the “Y” intersection (another landmark will be Jolibee).  Both drop-off points are near each other.  After getting off the bus, ride a jeepney bound for San Pablo town proper (Php 8.00) then get off in McDonalds in San Pablo town proper or before the San Pablo Church (Church of St. Paul the Hermit).

A Little Bit of History:

San Pablo City was known as Sampalok before being established on 1596 by the Augustinian Priests and became a city on 1647 under the first governadorcillo, Bartolome Maghayon.  It was later transferred to the Franciscan Church on 1734 then to the Segrales on 1898.  On 1896, the people revolted headed by the famous Batangueno general, Miguel Malvar.

Sampaloc Lake

Sampaloc Lake

You may start your lake hopping here by crossing the street from McDonalds.  By walking, it will only take you less than ten minutes to get there while passing San Pablo City Hall (this serves as your landmark).  From here you can already see the Dona Leonila Park which is the access to the lake.  Besides being the biggest lake among the seven, it is also the most develop and has the most numbers of man-made structures that includes the park for picnicking, viewing area, and small stores that sell foods and other items.

Bunot Lake

From Sampaloc Lake, go back where you came from then turn left at McDonalds till you reach the “Ilog” bound jeep which is at the right side of San Pablo Church.  You might be tempted to ride a tricycle which may cost you around Php 40.00 to Php 50.00.  The jeepney ride only cost Php 10.00.

Bunot Lake

At the right side of the road, you could see a signage pointing to Bunot Lake but you might missed this (if the jeep is moving slower than your grandma) so it is better to just tell the driver to drop you off at Bunot Lake.  After getting off at the highway, you are already at the lake but you would not see it since houses are covering it.  So just go straight and turn left at the first, or second, or third block.  Do not think the reason why I gave you so many directions is because I am not sure about this.  Well, let me put it this way, since the lake is surrounded by houses and you are not fond of growling or barking dogs that seems ready to put you into their diet, then choose the safest block. But mostly, the dog owners put their dogs in a leash.  Even though visitors have given a right-of-way leading to the lake, you will still passed by the lawns of the locals so be sensitive and be courteous enough to tell them you just want to see the lake.  People here are very friendly.  I even had time to interact with the adults and we even shared stories.  The kids are also nice to guide me to the best viewing area to see the lake.  So if they decided to unleash their dogs and gave a “bite” or “kill” command, well, I do not know what kind of person are you for the locals to get mad at you.

Note:  Please do not expect much of this lake because this is a fishing ground but still searching for the lake could be a challenge for you (which of course part of your journey).

Calibato Lake

Calibato Lake

Now, you have a choice what will be your next stop between the twin lakes, Pandin and Yambo which are beside each other, or Calibato Lake.  I have decided the latter.

After going back to the highway from Bunot Lake, wait for a Nagcarlan bound jeepney (look at the information about the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery in my next write-up).  Jeepney fare is around Php 10.00.   Going to Calibato Lake, you will passed by the Twin Lakes jump-off point at your left and soon after, Calibato Lake.  Upon getting off the jeep, you will have to descend hike approximately ten-minutes passing a rough road with tall grass, locals and their animals being grazed, and then a stream before reaching the lake which has a couple of small houses in its area.  During the hike, expect for few good views of nature which you might consider to take pictures.  I also have stayed here longer than I expected because of the cool breeze and the shade of the trees that added enticement.

Twin Lakes -  Yambo and Pandin Lakes

To go to these two lakes, ascend back to the highway then cross and wait for a San Pablo City proper bound jeep.  You would not miss the drop off point of these two lakes on the highway simply because you have passed it before of course J when you went to Calibato Lake plus there are signages.  Jeep fare is Php 8.00.

Pandin Lake

Yambo Lake

Start your hike from the parking area and just go straight.  When you reach the Y-intersection, choose the left path.  It is only a five-minute walk.  When you reach Yambo, you will be amaze how beautiful the lake is.  It is surrounded by mountains having lush green trees.  Now, listen (or read) very carefully what I will tell you---locals will tell you that the only way to Pandin Lake is to pay Php 170.00 when you register in which these includes usage of its bamboo raft going to the other side of the lake where you will be assisted by the boatman to climb a very steep area of the mountain (quite risky especially when it rains).  At the top (approximately 30 feet high), you can now see Pandin Lake.  The two lakes are only separated by the mountain.  After, you will descend back to the raft (trust me, climbing is easier than getting down) then you will be brought to the grotto area.  At the end of your very quick lake bamboo rafting tour (again it’s Php 170.00 which is too much), you will be brought back to the registration area.

Now, this is my tip for you not to pay that much to see the other side.  Approach one of the local kids and ask them if they know another access on the mountain to see Lake Pandin.  Make sure you’ll ask them far from the adults because they might be hesitant to show you the way if the adults are looking (remember the bamboo raft tour is their livelihood but I am quite saddened they did not tell the truth about the other access just to gain income).  Lucky for me, the first kid I have asked knew another route.  He escorted me to another viewing point of Lake Pandin.  This route also has the same level of difficulty to climb except cheaper.  You can give any amount to the kids but I have decided to give Php 50.00  (The first time I have been here I have tried the bamboo raft, and the trekking part with the kid on the second)

But honestly speaking, it’s quite nice experiencing both route but I hope they will lower the charge.

Palakpakin Lake

Palakpakin Lake

Now, after the twin lakes, go back to the highway and ride a jeepney bound for San Pablo City proper which cost Php 12.00.  Then look for the terminal of the jeepney going to Baranggay San Buenaventura in the city proper.  Tell the driver that you want to see Palakpakin Lake so he will drop you off nearest to the lake.  From this area, you will notice a more urban-type residential zone and you only need to walk around five minutes to get to a small bridge which serves as the viewing point of the Lake.

Mojicap Lake

Mojicap Lake

You can now go back to where you got off going to Palakpakin Lake and ride the jeep with the same route.  I was quite surprised they only charged me Php 5.00 going to Mojicap Lake but I insist not to take the changed they are giving me.  There are no good landmarks in the area for you to see so my advised is just tell the driver that you will go to this lake.  When you get off, you will walk approximately five to ten minutes before reaching an area at your left side where you will descend using stairs leading to the lake.  The house beside the lake may offer you a bamboo raft service like the ones in Lake Yambo.  They are charging around Php 100 but I know you can go below Php 50.  This lake also has a good view but bamboo rafting is riskier because there are very few people or if not, none at all.  So if you capsize or fall to the lake, you are on your own brother.  By the way, the family whom I spoke with are also friendly sharing some information about the area.

After the Seven Lakes

Again, this activity is a unique experience that you can finish in one day.  Ride a jeep (Php 8.00) bound for SM City San Pablo if you are already planning to go back to Manila.   You can also spend a couple of minutes taking pictures in and out of St. Paul (San Pablo) the Hermit Church and even read the historical marker just outside the church, see SM San Pablo City (I know, I know, there are a-lot of SM’s in the country), or dine in at Si Cristina Café in front of the church and try their sans rival, most of all, you can include Villa Escudero in your itinerary.  You may also visit the Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan, Laguna which is only a ride away from San Pablo.

Point of Origin: Cubao

Travel Time: 3 Hours

Tikcet Cost: Php 135.00

The Grotto in Narvacan

Grotto in Narvacn

Every time I travel with my family to our hometown in Laoag since I was a kid, we always passed by the municipality of Narvacan but never did I remember even once seeing the Grotto standing on the ocean / bay of Ilocos Sur.  During the start of my traveling days as an adult, that was the only time I can recall seeing the Grotto of the Virgin Mary but still I never find time to really get off the bus (or whatever I’m riding) and see the grotto up close.

 

Found in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, people can get off in Sulvec Bay in Barangay Sulvec.  During my first real backpacking in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, I included the Grotto in my self-created itinerary since I think it is about time to really see this Grotto and what made it special.  Coming from Sta. Maria Church in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, I rode a commuter van traveling to Vigan, Ilocos Sur and got off in Narvacan (You would not miss it if you are looking at your left).  Before I went to the grotto, I first had my breakfast in one of the carinderias (local canteen) in the area since it was around 8:00 am.  While having breakfast, I can clearly view the grotto from the carinderia which really gave me excitement.  Surveying the area, I notice, the only way to go there was to submerge my feet in water.  So I remove my rubber shoes and wore my slippers (I brought my traveling sandals with straps but still I have decided to use my slippers instead for the adventure).

 

Tips & Reminders:

Ask the owner of the carinderia if you can leave your backpack and other things in their establishment just for a while (this is assuming you were a customer and bought something before asking them of leaving your backpack which of course could add the possibility of them saying yes to your request).  Anyway, if either you decide to just bring your backpack or they did not allow you to leave it with them, then your risk is high of soaking your things if you slip along the way, which later you’ll know why.  Or, another advice is to find a dry spot on the rocks along your trip to the Grotto where you can leave your things but it should be close enough for the backpacks to be seen.  As for me, I have decided to bring my backpack since I still do not know what to expect during that time.

Now, start our journey by crossing the highway from the carinderia (Be careful when crossing. Remember this is a highway and there is a curve in your left so possibility is motorists might not see you when you cross. So if you’re not careful, its game over brother) and go to the beach (I do not recommend swimming here). Looking at the Grotto from the beachhead, it seems it will only take you two (2) minutes to be there and from where I was standing then, it is obviously just a couple of meters but it took me around thirty (30) minutes to be at the foot of the grotto, then ten (10) minutes to stay there to pray (you can bring candles and lit it if you want), feel the serenity, admire the view of the place, picture taking, and... thinking how you could go back after withstanding the challenge halfway with exhaustion, which is another thirty (30) minutes traveling back. Why? Ok, let me put it this way, I almost slip more than five times (Thank God He helped me), and remember I am carrying my backpack for my one week journey (my entire travel career is in there and remember, no body like wearing a wet underwear), so slipping is not an option if you know what I mean. To continue, beside the slippery rocks which are submerged in water, you need to deal with small sea snakes (well, they look like snakes but I guess they are afraid of you than you of them) and other sea creatures (not the likes of the cracken though), and the deep (it’s above the knee so fold your short or better wear your short high and do not let your backpack again to get wet)

So this attraction is not just a religious place but also an adventure site as well. The trip going to the grotto is challenging for adults, not good though for kids unless you are a local kid in the area which is familiar with the place. And by the way, I left my backpack at the middle part of the trip after finding a dry safe spot and just went back for it after.

Point of Origin:  Sta. Maria Church, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur (30-minute travel time)

Dropped off point:  Get off in Sulvec Bay in Baranggay Sulvec or to be safer, ask the driver to drop you off at the Grotto area

Transportation Cost (PUV Van): Php 10.00 to Php 15.00

Point of Origin: City of Manila (8-hour travel time)

Dropped off point:  Get off in Sulvec Bay in Baranggay Sulvec or to be safer, ask the driver to drop you off at the Grotto area

Transportation Cost: Php 600 to Php 700 (air-conditioned bus – depending on the bus line)

Travel Safe.  Send me an email if you have questions about this place.  Be a backpacker, be a member.  Enjoy the Philippines

Great Experience

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