Backpacking: Laguna’s 5 Lakes Plus Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery and Liliw

This trip was simply an extemporaneous decision among the three of us. My 2 college buddies and I planned to simply meet and spend some time together since it has been months since our last get together.  Since, the two of them have never experienced backpacking, I suggested we do it together for the first time. (I guess Melai now knows well the definition of “backpacking”. She has been asking me what it is about. ^^). One easy to do backpack trip I have read from a blog (journeyingjames.com) will be a good one for us. It is just in Laguna (not too far for us) and it’s only for one day (since we can’t go on a trip on other days except Sunday). Another good thing is, Jessica (who is not used to having this kind of trips) agreed! ^_^

To be guided in this trip, we tried to follow James’ itinerary (travel guide) in journeying the lakes, the underground cemetery, and Liliw. Though we tried to see the 7 lakes, we ended up with 5 because we didn’t have enough time. Another reason, Jessica is already tired (and we don’t want to make her cry. haha!).

1. Meet Up!

Since we are from different cities, we decided to meet at Buendia, JAM Liner bus station. I was a bit late because my alarm clock failed to wake me up (Lessons learned: 1. Don’t sleep too late, I mean, dawn if you plan to wake up early; 2. Ask someone to wake you up to make sure that you can wake up on time).  We took a bus going to Lucena and drop off at San Pablo, in front of SM San Pablo.

2. Sampaloc Lake

To reach the lake, we took a jeepney going to Sampaloc Lake. From the highway, we had to walk for few minutes to see the lake. On our way, we just kept asking strangers for direction. When we got close to the lake, we spent few minutes taking pictures in the small park near the lake. Then, we proceeded to the lake to find that “iconic tilapia”. We took pictures then planned to buy some snack, but we eventually decided not to because we wanted to make our tummies ready for lunch. ^^

3. Bunot Lake

From Sampaloc lake, we took a tricycle going to Bunot Lake. When we arrived there, we were a bit shy to get close to the lake since it is a residential area. Houses surround the part of the lake where the tricycle brought us. However, the residents were kind enough to let us in their compound to see the scenic lake. One kid even joined us in the picture-taking. ^_^

4. Calibato Lake

From Bunot Lake, we walked for few minutes to get to the highway and took jeepney going to Calibato Lake. I find this lake the best among all the 5 lakes. Why? I simply like its location. We had to walk from the highway then go down to a forest-like or seemingly-mountainous path and trek for few minutes. We also passed by a small river where we saw some women washing clothes (I find that very rural life!) and it really caught my attention. My friend, Jessica, who is not used to trekking, complained about it but actually it was just a short walk. It was just a bit slippery that time because it rained when we were on our way. The weather was actually very inconsistent at that time. When we started the trek, it was so sunny, then we suddenly experienced a mild drizzle. After few minutes, it rained quite much. That was the time we were already in the Lake. So, it was raining when we were taking pictures. When we were about to leave the place and started to hike going back to the highway, it became so sunny again. 

5. Pandin Lake

From Calibato Lake, we had to ride on a jeepney again going to Lake Pandin. Among the 7 lakes in Laguna, I guess this is the most-visited place by tourists. Because of that, there are already available “balsa” tours/rides being offered to its visitors. You can also order foods there for your “balsa tour”.

When we got off the jeepney, we had to walk for few minutes again to reach the lake. As expected, we were all tired and hungry at that time. It was already past 1PM. However, we still had enough energy to walk since we were expecting that we can order sumptuous meal there. I already had in mind a rice and grilled tilapia meal. To our surprise, we couldn’t take our lunch there. L The staff there told us that they prioritize those who have prior reservation. If there were few people that time, they could’ve entertained us but since it was Sunday, there were many visiting local tourists. So, we ended up taking pictures instead, even though we were already starving. (Take note! Melai and I didn’t have breakfast and lunch and that was almost 2PM. However, Jessica was still the hungriest. Haha!) After taking pictures, we rushed to the highway again since we had to eat lunch (late lunch!) so that we can still drop by at the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. I have read in James’ blog (journeyingjames.com) that it is open until 4PM only. Past 2PM, we reached the eatery (Aljon’s Eatery) along the highway. We satisfied our stomachs with the delicious “adobo” with rice and soda. (I just got one order. Jessica was so thirsty, she drank 2 bottles of soda and Melanie was so hungry, she had 2 cups of rice. ^_^). After the meal, we had ice cream on stick. Kuya (ice cream seller) was so persistent in making us buy it. ^_^

6. Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

After having our lunch, we decided to go to Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. We had another jeepney ride going there. When we reached the place, we were happy that it wasn’t 4PM yet. It means, we can still enter the place. It was very quiet there but it was a little scary when you get to the underground cemetery (simply because of the fact that it is a cemetery). Jessica was scared every time she hears unusual sounds but it’s actually normal to hear some sounds since there could be some echo. We took pictures from the entrance to the sides, stairs and in front of the tombs. Just take note that camera flash should be turned off (follow instructions!).

7. Liliw

It was past 4PM when we left Nagcarlan. We had another jeepney ride going to Liliw. We started roaming around the area to see some of the shoe shops there. There are lots of footwear you can choose from. We also took pictures in the nearby small park where we saw the monument of Gat Tayaw. If you will see it, read the description!

8. Red Brick Church

When I saw the church, I could easily say that this church had a long history but it has a very strong structure. The red bricks make the church really attractive in photographs. The atmosphere surrounding the church is very relaxing. There are spots where you could sit for a while before entering the holy place. The altar of this church is also great. However, we decided not to take picture when we were inside because a mass was on going (show respect!)

9. Palakpakin Lake

It was already a bit late, almost dusk actually, but we wanted to see the lake since James described it as the most scenic. When we got there, we realized that it’s a bit similar to Bunot Lake. The place surrounding the lake is a residential area. So, again we simply asked permission to get in. We were still able to take photographs of the scenic lake. Indeed, James was right. It is scenic because it shows the complete view of the mountain on its background. 

10. Bidding Goodbye to Laguna

We took a jeepney ride and a tricycle ride going to San Pablo highway. Since we were hungry already, we dropped by at a fastfood chain to buy food. We decided to just eat it inside the bus. After that, we waited for bus going to Manila. We took a bus (JAC Liner) going to LRT/Taft. After boarding, we started with our dinner. (We ate chicken and rice in the bus. We made the bus a canteen. Haha! A proof that we are cowgirls! Hehe!) On our way, Jessica and I had some sort of naps but Melai said she didn’t because she just enjoyed the wi-fi connection and spent time browsing Facebook.