Want to experience El Nido Feels in just 2-3hours drive away from Manila? 
A newbie dayhike with a refreshing side trip is what San Pablo Laguna has to offer.


4am Pick up
7am Arrival at Yambo Lake
7:30 start trek at Mt.Mabilog
9:30am Descent Mt.Mabilog
11:30am arrival at Pandin Lake
3:00pm off to Nagcarlan Underground cemetery (10mins ride)
3:30pm arrival, photoops (30mins only) 
3:45pmoff to Bunga falls (15mins away)
4:00pm Arrival to Bunga falls
4:15pm Pack up
5pm Dinner at MangInasal Los Banos,Laguna

• Hiking
• Swimming
• Eat
• Chill

Name: Mt. Mabilog
Elevation: 428 MASL
Difficulty: 2/9
Location: San Pablo & Nagcarlan, Laguna
Jump Off Point: Brgy. Sulsuguin, Nagcarlan
Features: Grasslands. Coconut, Banana & Corn Fields. Breathtaking View of the 7 Lakes of San Pablo, Mts. Makiling, Banahaw, Cristobal and the other surrounding mountain ranges.

Pandin lake drop off point was temporarily closed recently by the private land owner, where the tourist usually took the route to the shore, with that being said we drop off to Yambo lake instead and started an hour trek to Mt. Mabilog summit and exit to Pandin Lake (But if you're not really into hiking, you can also rent a raft to take you to Pandin Lake 40PHP/head in just 10minutes. We're just really looking for adventure that's why we chose trekking)

Mt. Mabilog is an easy climb, even more so than the famous beginners hike, Mt. Batulao in Batangas. We're the only group in Mt.Mabilog that day, another party ascending the time were way to Pandin lake already. It wasn't crowded, no congestion in the summit. Perhaps this low popularity score is due to its simple view in the summit. There are no sea of clouds or mountain ridges in the distance. 

The Hikers

Take 5 before assault!

La Union buddies to Laguna Buddies!

We reached the lake after 2hrs of trekking, Locals prepared the food and took us to the one of the swimming spots in the lake. The rafting experience is good for 2hrs so make sure to maximize your time well. (Most of my time spent on taking pictures, well I'm scared of deep waters lol) 

Pandin Lakes deepness ranges from 80-100ft deep! But for those who dont know how to swim they provided life vest as well ( But Naah, not for me. Wag ako iba na lang! Hahaha) 
They don't allow swimmers without life vest for safety purposes. 

We're really stunned with the beauty, serene Pandin lake welcomed us. It is super clean that you can even see your reflection on it. 

Ladies in Black in Pandin Lake

Life vest is a must!

With my main (lol, wag bitter)

Sister Goals!

Magboyfriend/Girlfriend Goals

Cottage raft with flavorful lunch

LAMON AT ITS FINEST!!!

Meals were delicious. The food was simple yet flavorful and very perfect for tranquil ambiance of the lake. 

ENTRANCE FEE: 400PHP / each ( Includes food + guide fee + cottage raft + Life vest)
If you're into swimming only, you can just rent a raft for 200PHP/each. You can enjoy the lake for 2hrs
Additional 100PHP/per hour

Aside from the home-cooked lunch, there's fresh coconut affordable for 25pesos only! 

Here are some awra photos taken at Pandin Lake! (Sorry we're too vain, lol)

Contestant # 1: Ang bentang benta sa gays este guys "Sheila Mae"

Contestant #2 Ex-Accenture Housemates "Nica"

Contestant # 3. Awra lang ng awra " Belle"

Ang Tahimik nyong coordinator "Ninafe"

Contestant # 4. Ang nanaginip na nagtroubleshoot "Leilani"

Contestant # 5. Ang Harkor mamundok "Eva"

Contestant # 6. Ang Broken hearted ng Accenture "MaryRose"

Who's your favorite candidate? Hahaha lol
I highly recommend to contact them and book a slot before you visit the place! Especially during peak days/ weekends. 

Contact Person
Ate Tina: 09079952983

You can also do a quick visit to Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery w/s is 15mins away from Yambo lake ( No entrance fee) and Bunga falls for 5PHP entrance fee only. 

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

La Union to Laguna buddies

"We are the kids, your parents warned you about" pose

Bunga Falls!!!

HOW TO GET THERE ( for commuters)
From Manila – Ride a Jac Liner or any bus bound for Lucena in Buendia/Kamias Bus Terminals. Alight the bus in SM San Pablo then ride a jeepney to San Pablo proper. Walk from the final stop inside the public market to the street near the Fire Station across 7/11. Ride a Jeep to Narcarlan. Alight in the terminal and ride a tricycle going to Brgy. Sulsuguin.
From Alabang – Ride a bus bound for Lucena and alight in SM San Pablo. Fare is P98. Follow remaining steps above.
From San Pedro, Biñan and Sta. Rosa – Go to Balibago complex. Ride a van to going to San Pablo City. Fare is P75. Follow remaining directions above when you get to San Pablo.
From Calamba, Los Baños, & Calauan – Ride a jeep or a bus going to Sta Cruz. Once in Sta Cruz, ride a passenger jeep to Nagcarlan. Follow remaining directions above.
From Dasma and Pala-Pala – Ride a van going to Sta. Cruz. Once in Sta Cruz, ride a passenger jeep going to Nagcarlan. Follow remaining directions above.

For private van, I highly recommend to use Waze, indeed a very helpful navigation( it avoids traffic jam in the route)

That summed up all in packed adventure for this weekend! Hopefully, locals and tourist will be responsible especially in this hidden gem in Laguna. 














by Jobelle Villareal