Some news around the internet alarmed me that this Laguna - San Pablo's Seven Lakes was chosen as one of the "Threatened Lakes of the Year 2014". As for that news, I was so eager to visit as soon as possible the 7 Lakes before it was fully destructed by some people/locals or I don't know who exactly they are. And just like another weekend, I invited my friends out of nowhere and they randomly agreed to come with me.
1). SAMPALOC LAKE
It was late in the morning when we finally found ourselves driving South Bound to this San Pablo's Seven Lakes, and our first stop is Sampaloc Lake, where they say the dirtiest lake, sort of. And its one of the biggest I may say. According to the news I've read there are more than the allowable cages that's in the vicinity of most of the lakes. Sadly, they cannot control. As you can see, people make it their cause of living.
at Sampaloc Lake's viewing deck
On top of our list we ordered of course Tilapia, just because it was one of their main dishes and hey they were famous because of Tilapia, Sadly, and disappointingly, they don't have any Tilapia to serve us that time. Okay, so we just ordered Sinigang na Bangus, Calamares, Pancit, and Adobong Kangkong. Not to mention the overpriced Iced Tea for 120 per pitcher? Whoa?!
Bunot Lake is just about near the Sampaloc Lake, you can just hail a tricycle to take you there. Seeing this lake just make no difference from Sampaloc Lake as it is also dirty.
From Bunot Lake, we did just a quick photo ops and then off we go to this Kalibato Lake. Mind you that along the road coming from Bunot Lake, it is on the right side, and we almost did passed by its jump-off. Until later we found out(from our GPS) that we almost missed it. Just look at the photo above you can see the signage which we also didn't recognized at all.
the trail going to Kalibato Lake
From the main road where we parked our car, we walked for just about 10 to 15 minutes to reach this Kalibato Lake. I can see some fishermans' arranging their fresh catch. The lake was also a bit dirty. But is more calming than the previous two.
We then proceeded to our next and main stop which is the ever famous Pandin Lake. We arrived here at almost no sunlight but it wasn't sunset yet. We were greeted by this monkey playing with us while we take a pictures of him.
4). PANDIN LAKE
Arriving at Pandin Lake I already saw the raft that were being offered for the exploration of this Lake Pandin. So the Lake Pandin bamboo raft tours costs about P180 per head. And we were also offered the meal that most of travelers had on their packages. But we already took our lunch so we decided not to take the additional meal in the package. I know its a good, sumptuous lunch as per other blogs. But on the other hand, adding around 200 pesos is also a bit pricey . And we do not want to over spend just because we already had our lunch back in Sampaloc Lake.
the refreshing halo halo
We were also offered a Halo Halo for snack for about P25 while we were sailing on the way on our tour. And it was nice and refreshing talaga ha :)
Another inclusion from our P180 package per head for the tour, they gave us bottles of mineral water as they don't have any fresh buko that time. Oh sad. Sigh*
Arriving to where we would parked our raft for a while to visit the Lake Yambo. You couldn't see any trail but there is a tiny path going up there.
5). LAKE YAMBO
From that parking point it is really a quick 5 to 10 minutes hike up to see the beauty of this Lake Yambo. We were told that it is already a private property so we are no longer allowed to swim there. Anyway this lake is also clean and looking at peace.
We head back to our raft to tour us to the grotto, where my friends started to swim around. The waters was no way too cold nor too hot. They invite me to take a good dip.
I have no plans of swimming myself in the lake, just because I don't feel like it. But my friends were convincing me and Faith to join them. They look like having so much fun, so with all their convincing powers, me and Faith decided to take a dip. Plus I do want to take a closer look at the grotto so I had the opportunity to do so. Well, the water was way good. Not cold enough to make me chill, but this mini water source in the falls makes a cold one! Refreshing though.
6). PALAKPAKIN LAKE
7). MOHIKAP LAKE
photo grabbed from google link here
It was getting dark after we visited Palakpakin Lake, and we just ended it there. We had no more time to still visit Mohicap Lake, and since its getting dark, we could no longer take a good pictures though. And I guess I will be back just to visit this last Lake from the series. They say that its the cleanest? I cannot say YES as I have not visited it yet. But looking at the photo above, I think it has the most relaxing feel among the other lakes.
So that's it! I hope you guys visit too the Seven Lakes of San Pablo! And please complete the series for me :) I will update this blog as soon as I can pay a visit to Mohicap Lake. Happy travels everyone! :)
HOW TO GET THERE:
Via Public Transportation
There are buses from Cubao, Kamias, and Buendia going to Lucena or Bicol bound. Fare is around P180 and just tell the conductor to drop you off at San Pablo Medical or 7-11 in San Pablo Highway. From there, you can ride a jeepney or tricycle and tell to drop you off at the Jollibee Plaza. From there a tricycle will do to cover it all(the 7 lakes). Just haggle if you think they will set an overpriced rate.
Via Private Car
From Manila, the easiest way is to take SLEX. Go straight after exiting Calamba exit heading into STAR tollway and exit at the Santo Tomas exit. Turn right after exiting the expressway ramp and just head straight ahead until you reach San Pablo. In San Pablo, it will be better if you have your own GPS navigation to reach all the 7 lakes or you can just ask around as the locals are always willing to help you.
Expenses for Day Trip:
P1500 - Gas and Toll
P150 - shared lunch at Sampaloc Lake(per head)
P180 - rafting tour at Lake Pandin (per head)
P25 - halo halo
P50 - tip for batang guide
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I spent just around P615 (estimately) for everything. (per head basis)
The budget will still depends. Take the public transpo or go with your private vehicle. But still, the total will be cheaper and hey its less than 1K! That's a steal.
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