Trip to Caliraya Lake via Laguna Loop

Whenever we go on a trip these days, I would always search the net for blogs regarding the place that we intend to go. So far, I have been successful with the 3 trips we have in South Luzon . For the third time because of the tips given by bloggers, we were available to maximize out time and fuel by having our itinerary fixed.

As suggested, we have to pass by the Rizal route in going to Laguna. Our aim was to pass by Morong and visit St. Jerome Church, a church known for its old baroque style of architecture. Truly we were impressed by its grandeur. Up and about the long and winding road of Rizal, the Sumulong Highway, we can already see the beauty of Laguna de bay. The stretch of the highway was scenic, much better than the South Luzon expressway.

Our aim was really to see Caliraya Lake, not for boating but just to take a peek on that man made lake. On our way we stopped by the Exotic Restaurant to have our lunch. We were not disappointed again, really, tips made by bloggers made our day. We were a group of five and our lunch amounted to P 1,100 including the tip. A remarkable sight in this restaurant is the presence of phytons, bear cat and birds.

Finally, we reached Caliraya Lake, actually, its going uphill at kilometer 95. A real sight to see. It was a man made lake, as source of hydroelectric power. I am sure it has a dual purpose, a source of power, and a scenic spot to see.

As one goes farther at kilometer 100, there is the NAPOCOR place and in it is the Japanese Garden. Entrance fee is P10.00 per person. If not for the blogs will not be able to know the place. It is a park, with a memorial for Japanese soldiers. Plight of stairs would lead you to the highest part of the park to see the view of Caliraya Lake. Its an ideal place to have a picnic , picture taking and camping.

I like the view of Caliraya Lake than going to Tagaytay to see Taal Lake. The road strip in Tagaytay has been so commercialized. Caliraya Lake has still the flavor of rural life. You can have a boat ride , it will cost P 1200.00 for at least 40 persons. One can stay overnight at the resorts located in the other part of the island.

PASSING BY LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA

From Caliraya Lake, our next stop would be Pagsanjan Laguna , however due to time constraints , we just headed for Los Baños to see UPOU, UP LB, Jamboree site, National Arts Center Pook ni Maria Makiling.

It was already pass 4 pm, so we just pass by UP OU, and went straight to UPLB. As one enters UPLB, there is a P 5.00 entrance fee. Before reaching the National Arts Center, you have to pass by the Boy Scout of the Philippine jamboree site, again camp entrance fee per person of P 2.00 as donation to BSP. We had the chance to see scouters putting up their tent at the campsite.

Again its going uphill, at the entrance of the national arts center, entrance fee is P30.00 per vehicle. Along the way a chapel is located in an area so serene and quiet. An Ideal place for contemplation and reflection. Different flora and fauna dominate the road going to the highest peak.

As we reached the highest part of the place is where the National Arts theater is located, again lo and behold, you can see the beauty of the lake. A marker is place near the flagpole, giving importance to the vision of former President Marcos in building this school for those who are artistically inclined.

There is a resort at the foot of the Natonal Arts Center called Pook Makiling, we were not able to see the place because its getting dark and we don’t want to get caught by the darkness in this area. It looks a little creepy with all those tall trees and quiet place.

We headed for Manila via the South Luzon expressway! This completes our travel to Laguna via the Laguna Loop and SLEX. Last summer we did a Visita Iglesia covering the other towns of Laguna, see Jeric’s post.