Is it because of budget, time, or your companion?
Let me share you one shade of color to get you started with your work of art.
– Raft tour (2hours)
– Eat
– Swim
– Relax
We booked the floating raft day tour with lunch that cost us P400.00/pax. This includes our lunch; 1k grilled fish (tilapia), grilled pork (liempo), shrimp in coconut milk, pako salad, banana for dessert, cup of rice and a bottle of water for each. Every dish was delicious and too much for us that we took the whole untouched 1k grilled fish home.
The 2hours raft tour will take you to the other side of the lake for swimming. They go on a no vest-no swim policy and since the lake is said to be a 100ft deep, I strongly suggest you follow.
Commuters Mode: (From EDSA Cubao)
➡ Take a bus bound to Lucena (DLTB/JAC/JAM) (P140.00/pax) and tell you’re getting off at San Pablo.*** you can alight at SM City San Pablo but I suggest you get off at Franklin Baker or 7/11 Hwy since tricycle here going to San Pablo Plaza Cathedral is cheaper.
➡Ride a tricycle and ask the driver to drop you off at San Pablo Cathedral where the terminal of jeep with Nagcarlan-Liliw signage can be found near.
*** If you’re travelling night time, be aware that bus will drop San Pablo passengers off exactly at San Pablo Cathedral.
➡ Take a jeep Nagcarlan-Liliw bound or a jeep bound for Ilog Brgy Sto. Angel (P20.00/pax). Let the driver know that you’re heading to Pandin Lake, and he’ll drop you off to where the Pandin Lake guides are waiting.
*** since drivers are locals of the town, you can simply call a tricycle anywhere and ask that they take you to Pandin Lake jumping-off point but will cost more.
➡At the jumping-off point, you’ll be welcomed by guides and will be offered to either ride a habal habal (50 PHP/pax) or trek the trail for 15-20mns which is by the way is not a joke, especially walking at 12 noon.
➡After the walk… Voila!!! Welcome to one of the seven lakes of San Pablo.
Rates:
Tour w/o Food:
180 PHP/pax min of 4pax
500 PHP for 2pax (joiner)
600 PHP for 3pax (joiner)
Tour with Food: 1k grilled fish (tilapia), shrimp in coconut milk, pako sala, banana for dessert, cup of rice and a bottled water for each.
360 PHP/pax min of 4pax
1000 PHP for 2pax (joiner)
1200 PHP for 3pax (joiner)
***Add P40.00/pax for Grilled Pork
☎: Aling Tina +639079952983 for more info & reservations.
Expenses:
Cubao – San Pablo Bus Fare 140 PHP
SPC Highway – SPC Cathedral Tricycle 10 PHP
Cathedral–Pandin Lake (gate) Jeep/Tricycle 20 PHP
Pandin Lake Day Tour w/Lunch + grilled pork 400 PHP
Tour Guide Tip Optional PHP 200 PHP
Pandin Lake – Cathedral Jeep/Tricycle 20 PHP
SCP Cathedral – SPC Hwy Tricycle 10 PHP
SPC Hwy – Cubao Bus Fare 140 PH
Total: 790 PHP/pax
*other fees such as transportation cost from main location to terminals, optional activities, vices, snacks, etc and most personal expenses not included.
Ms. Promdi Tips:
-San Pablo is a busy town; please expect the traffic can be unpredictably heavy any time.
-It’s not hard to go around and it is possible to DIY, but if you want a hassle free tour and willing to pay extra there’s a lot of travel agencies now offering the tour (they will pick you up from Manila and can add other tours near the area as well).
-Rent a tricycle to see the seven lakes and other spots near town (ex. Nagcarlan underground cemetery and the Bukal Falls of Majayjay).
-They say it’s an easy trek… but for those who are not really in to walking; P50.00 of habal ride is worth it.
-They accept walk-ins but prioritize guests who have reservations. So if you’re planning to go on a weekends I suggest you book a day or two ahead of your desired date to avoid waiting.
-Tour hours can be extended but only on weekdays and/or only if there’s minimal guests booked.
-The view is amazing; try to avoid expecting too much though, they have one shower room for changing and small stores for basic needs and souvenirs. (Don’t expect too much and avoid disappointment that will lead to complaints).
-Ask your guide to take you to Yambo lake viewing area just a little climb from the swimming area.
-You can bring your own food… much cheaper!!! 😉
-Not sure if they still allow camping near the area, but if you’re planning to stay and visit the rest of the lakes (we still have 6).
Go check resorts and hotel near San Pablo, Nagcarlan, Calamba.
They say it’s something comparable to Palawan Lagoons, but greener I think. So for those imagining nature as backdrops, manage your expectations and expect less to no limestone and less rock formations here.
But the deep emerald green water is actually clean and seems unspoiled, and the scenery is still tranquil. Bet it’s worth the shot… considering that this relaxing idyll is just 2-3hrs away from the hustle and bustle of the metro
💬Please note: Written are just personal takes and opinions based only on my own experiences and not in any ways connected to any businesses stated above/below.
Lake Pandin
Brgy. Sto. Angel, San Pablo, Laguna
Ate Siony – 9299789565
Ate Leonor – 09193374992
Tina – 09079952983
2halves 