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Laguna is famous for...
Rizal Shrine
This two-storey, red-tiled-roof, Spanish-vintage house is maintained as a national shrine by the national government. It houses Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s childhood, ranging from pictures of and early sculptures by the late hero to laminated excerpts of some of his best written works. The house is by no means in its original state – except for the old well, everything is a reconstruction of the original house of Rizal, the country’s national hero. However, the house has maintained much of its colonial appeal.
The museum on-site offers guided tours for groups. It has a gift shop on the ground floor. There is no entrance fee but donations are welcome. Museum hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., everyday except Monday.
Pagsanjan
The town of Pagsanjan is blessed with natural wonders – the awe-inspiring gorges, the roaring rapids, and the Pagsanjan Falls, a plus factor that made Pagsanjan one of the premiere tourist attractions of the country. The gorges teem with wild orchids, ferns, and vines, and in early morning, chattering monkeys and beautiful sunrays and peaceful water. Inside, multi-colored birds flirt in the bushes.
The thrill of shooting the rapids here is an experience of a lifetime, starting with boarding a banca paddled by two expert Pagsanjeño boatmen. The only way to the falls is through the Bumbungan River of Pagsanjan. The upstream trip, three miles from outside town on the rugged Cavinti highlands, is relatively slow as the boatmen paddle and drag the banca against the currents. But the half-hour trip back provides an unforgettable experience in shooting the 14 rapids.
The rainy season is the best time to view the series of mini-falls, over 19 in all, first of which is the Talahib Falls. Farther on are the Kalukuy Falls and the misty Bridal Veil Falls. Some of these mini-falls are unnamed and rarely seen in the summer. Huge stones called Pusong Bato lay at the center of the river.
Pagsanjan is further known for beautiful and quality shoes and locally made slippers. The shoe store located at Gen. Taiño Street is a tourist favorite.
Mount Makiling
The mystical Mount Makiling is an inactive volcano rising to about 1,109 meters above sea level. The vegetation consists of approximately 2,048 different species of plant. The lower slope is a tall dipterocarp forest while the summit is a dwarf mossy forest. The slopes of Mt. Makiling are shaped to resemble a woman reclining, hence, the air of mysticism that surrounds the mountain. Legend has it that it is the profile of the sleeping Maria Makiling, a mythical goddess. Still others say that Maria Makiling dwells in this mountain and protects dwellers and travelers from harm.
Mount Banahaw
Yet another popular spot with great tourism potential is Mount Banahaw. A unique experience awaits mountain climbing enthusiasts who venture to a part of the mountain so-called “Banal na Lugar,” or Holy Place, found in the depths and alleged to be mystical. In fact, Majayjay situated at the foot of the mountain is considered holy ground amongst amulet makers, faith healers, and seekers of the divine. Mystical Mount Banahaw is 2,188 meters in height.
Laguna de Bay
The province owes its name to this body of water that forms its northern boundary which, in turn, was named after the first provincial capital, the town of Bay. Laguna de Bay is known to be Southeast Asia’s largest fresh water lake. It stays pristine throughout the year as the area is blessed with regular rain showers.
Underground Cemetery
Built in the 18th century by the Franciscan Missionaries, the Underground Cemetery is enclosed by a circular structure. The intricately designed wall and wrought iron gate with a red-tiled walk leads straight to the small chapel, where an altar-like structure is located. The tombstones are embedded on the brick walls of the cemetery and the basement. At the crypt of the cemetery, according to history, is where the local Katipuneros, or followers of the secret revolutionary societies collectively called the Katipunan, plotted against Spanish rule.
National Arts Center
Managed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National Arts Center is a show window of cultural development and performing arts education the country. More than this, It is an ideal vantage point for a panoramic view of Laguna de Bay, Talim Island, Crocodile Lake, and the International Rice Research Institute. It boasts 62 cottages, an auditorium, and seminar and convention facilities. Reservations may be coursed through the CCP Main Office on Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
Lake Caliraya
The man-made lake was built by American engineers in the 1930s in order to provide hydroelectric power in the region. Lake Caliraya is situated at 1,200 feet above sea level. It is endowed with cool winds, clear water, and the surrounding greenery.
Boy Scouts of the Philippines Camp
The BSP grounds are an ideal camping area. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines usually hold their jamborees and other relevant activities in this campsite.
Woodcarving & Papier-Mache
There is a proliferation of small to large woodcarving and papier-mache factories in the town of Paete. That practically all the townsfolk are involved in these businesses either as factory workers or owners has become a tradition passed on through generations. The artistic ingenuity of Paeteños dates back to the pre-Spanish period, during which the artists created mostly religious articles. Skillful artisans patiently fashioned lanite, amlang, kamagong, lauan, acacia, and santol wood into world-class miniature décor items. The old creations of Paete are among the most valued antiques today. At present, Paete’s artists carve not only religious figures but also furniture and other items. The hard work that each Paete artist devotes to his craft indeed puts meaning to the label, “made in Paete.”
Center for the Philippine Raptors
Situated in Los Baños, Laguna, the site serves as a rescue and rehabilitation center for rescued, confiscated, or donated diurnal and nocturnal raptorial birds. It is also a venue for scientific research and public education as well as a captive breeding facility for Philippine birds of prey, with emphasis on the highly endangered Philippine Eagle, the world’s largest eagle.
Caliraya Boardsailing
Ironically, one of the finest sailing sites in a country with thousands of kilometers of coastline is an artificial lake created by a dam. Caliraya, only three hours’ drive from Manila, is a favorite destination for city-based boardsailors. The wind comes in just above the water, leaving the surface glassy smooth, even in winds of up to 30 knots. These are perfect conditions for speed.
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