We often take for granted how beautiful our neighboring provinces are. Metro Manila is such a bustling city, that we forget that rich natural resources and spectacular ruralscapes are just around the corner. Or actually, just around the lake. I'm talking about the beautiful countryside of Rizal and Laguna provinces that you can visit when on a Laguna Lake Loop tour.There isn't any established itinerary, but it is always good to follow the shores of the lake until you go full circle, passing by small towns and villages in the process.
Last year, I went on an overnight backpack tour with a friend through Laguna's quaint little towns. We started our trip in San Pablo and traveled to places like churches and underground cemeteries in Nagcarlan and Pila before we settled in a hotel in Pagsanjan. The next day, we woke up early to catch breakfast and to check out a local barong Tagalog factory in Lumban. Then, we proceeded to Paete, where we caught Palm Sunday mass and celebrated with the rest of the town. Paete is known for its sculptures and its beautiful church, and we went around the town center buying papier mache horses and taking photos of interesting sculptures. We also went to Pakil, where there is a really nice church.
Then, we took a jeep from Siniloan all the way to Pilillia, which was our last stop. From there, we went to Shaw Blvd. via Binangonan, Rizal. It was a memorable tour. We didn't even need our own car - the jeeps and the tricycles were able to take us places. It might also be a good day trip if you want to get a quick idea of the small Laguna towns' culture. I heard some people also bike the entire route, and I totally see why.The scenic views and beautiful roads would be a great playground for bikers and adventurers. read more