Are you tired from your busy city lifestyle? Do you want to go on a weekend adventure? What better way to spend your weekend than visiting the 7 Lakes of San Pablo City in Laguna?
In this area, you can see and explore all 7 of San Pablo: the Sampaloc, Bunot, Mohicap, Palakpakin, Calibato, Pandin and Yambo Lakes. There are swimming opportunities or cycling, jogging and rafting, hiking, and even go sightseeing.
All of this in just one day. Sounds good? Continue scrolling.
1. Sampaloc Lake – San Pablo Laguna
The first is Sampaloc Lake. Its circumference is 3.7km and the maximum depth of 27m. Sampaloc Lake is the largest of the 7 lakes that comprise San Pablo City.
It’s possible to think that cycling around the area isn’t enough, but one ride can leave you wanting more! Along this lake you’ll have the chance to take in a panoramic panorama of Lake, fishing boats in action, early joggers, fresh fish to be sold as well as water lilies that are in bloom and delicious Lomi. Their lomi is very similar to Batangas Lomi, since San Pablo City is just beside Batangas.
After that, you can hire bikes for PHP20, or one with a sidecar that costs PHP50 for a ride around. If you’re not sure how to use the bike, there is a thorough guide to the subject, or you could opt for a tricycle that can transport you to where you’d like to take you. If you’re feeling adventurous do you want to run through the lake?
2. Bunot Lake – San Pablo Laguna
The next stop we made is Bunot Lake since it is the closest thing to Sampaloc Lake.
It covers an area of 30 hectares with an average depth of 23m. It’s most well-known for its cultured tilapia.
Before you can catch a view of the water, you will need to travel through the rows of homes. It was later discovered that many houses are located around the lake. At the time we went there, we saw an angler looking to catch the tahong. A few kids were taking a dip. The lake was stunning despite the numerous homes that surround it.
3. Mohicap Lake – San Pablo Laguna
The next stop is Mohicap Lake. It is among my top 7 lakes in San Pablo. The smallest of the 7 lakes, having an area of 22.89 hectares, and average water depth of just 21m.
The entry cost is PHP10 per person. As you walk through the gate to Mohicap Lake, Kuya Alex will welcome you with a warm smile. Kuya Alex happens to be one of the OIC as well as treasurer for the newly formed tourism Kalipunan mga Mamamayan in the Lawa ng Mohicap.
He will provide you with a brief description of the various San Pablo lakes and how they plan to market Mohicap Lake. After the lake’s approval by the tourism office in December, they’re hoping to transform the lake into something that is similar to Pandin Lake or even better.
After ascending a flight of steps (105 steps to be precise) and you’ll be able to see the stunning panorama of Mohicap Lake with the mountains in the background. There are rafts, houses, and fishermen. You can hire rafts to reach the opposite part of the lake, where you can take swimming since it’s less shallow. It is also a breeding area for native fishes and shrimps including tilapia and mudfish and catfish. This is the reason you may also lease some fishing gear.
Bamboo Rafting Rates – San Pablo, Laguna
For rafts consisting of 40 bamboos
1-6 persons = PHP900 for all
7-12 persons = PHP120 pax
For rafts consisting of 10 bamboos
1-2 persons = PHP300 for all
3-4 persons = PHP130 pax
For rafts consisting of 6-8 bamboos
1-2 persons = PHP300 for all
3-4 persons = PHP130 pax
For rafts consisting of 6-8 bamboos for fishing
Four persons = PHP300 for 7 hours
Kuya Alex – 09462707776
You could also take a dip. The water is extremely cold, yet very refreshing. It’s an unforgettable experience. In terms of food, you are able to bring your own food or can use their services. Simply contact Kuya Alex a minimum of 3 days prior to your anticipated arrival time so that they can make the food for you.
4. Palakpakin Lake – San Pablo Laguna
The Fourth lake for the day is Palakpakin Lake. It covers 43 hectares with an average of 7.5 meters. It is the smallest of all 7 San Pablo City lakes.
The residents of the lake depend on the income generated by fish cages and fish pens that produce cultivated tilapia, silver carp and shrimp. The lake is evident along the highway.
A local who lives near the lake shared an urban legend regarding the lake. The lake was home to a beautiful red-haired lady who washed her hair long with the hollow trunk as her basin for washing. There’s also a river nearby in which a large fish appeared at night when the beautiful woman was there. The locals were unable to take it in, thinking that it was her pet.
A stranger then tries to find out the truth about the red-haired woman. He waited until he saw her shining in her pristine beauty. As the stranger approached, the earth began to shake with horrendous power as lightning and thunder. As the river increased in size, it swelled to form a lake. Since then the lake produced an abundance of shrimps, which when cooked, changed color.
The people of the time knew their town as Palakpakin in honor of the old tree, and the shrimps in the lake became the major source of income and they named it Hipong Palakpakin
5. Calibato Lake – San Pablo Laguna
Calibato lake covers an area of 42 hectares and a depth of 135m. Due to this, it has the distinction of being the deepest of the 7 San Pablo lakes. The lake provides the town and surrounding towns with a wealth of aquatic and fish species.
Prior to reaching the Lake, it is necessary to hike for about 10 minutes to get there. The trail will pass by a brook that leads into the lake. It is possible to enjoy a stunning perspective of Mt. Cristobal from this spot while you relax beneath the huge Talisay trees.
An individual from the area told us about the urban legend surrounding the lake. The region was inhabited by the Diwata (benevolent fairy, also known as Nymph) who wanted to protect her kingdom from intrusion by humans. That’s why she was enraged by the way that people constructed pathways of sand that traversed the valley. In the end, she created a huge storm and earthquake that turned the valley that she resided in into an ocean.
The inhabitants of the hills around were amazed on the following day and provided the body with the name that is made from the waters of Lake Calibato, taken from the stone paths that go throughout the valley. It’s an Portmanteau of Cali (corrupted in Spanish”calle”street”) and also the Tagalog Bato (“rock”).
6. Pandin Lake – San Pablo Laguna
The second last item in our list is Pandin Lake. It is among the most stunning lakes in the region that is famous for its swimming and lakes tours. It covers 20 ha and the average is 63m deep. Private vehicles aren’t allowed to enter the zone. Locals have created a parking zone near the road.
After that, you can walk for about 15 minutes or take tricycles to get to the lake. When you get to the point where you can take off it is necessary to sign up and wait to be the first to go on the raft. You are able to take your own food with you, however, locals will also provide food when you ride the raft.
Pandin Lake Rates:
Bamboo Raft with food = PHP360 pax
Bamboo Raft only = PHP200 pax
Two hours are allotted for each raft.
Bangkeros pulls an attached rope to the take-off point from the opposite end of the lake in order to take you across the lake from B. The Bankeros can instruct Bangkeros to tell the Bankeros that you want to put the raft down at mid-lake in order to take a picture. When you reach the shoreline it is possible to eat food and swim.
The Bangkero will give you a life jacket so don’t be concerned if you aren’t confident in swimming. You can also hike over 5 minutes to look at Yambo Lake. Yambo Lake which is right next to that of the Pandin Lake. The Bankeros will lead you along the path.
If you’re in search of an adventure that is more adventurous to take part in, Pandin Lake is also the jumping-off point for Mt. Mabilog. It’s at least two hours of easy trek to reach the summit from where you will be able to take in the magnificent view of the majestic Mountains that comprise Makiling, Banahaw, and Cristobal.
Also, you’ll be able to see the spectacular views of the 7 Lakes of San Pablo City. However, if you’re planning to include this in your itinerary, you may have to break this out. This could take up the entirety of your day.
7. Yambo Lake – San Pablo Laguna
And lastly, Yambo Lake is the final one on our list of 7 lakes in San Pablo.
It is often referred to as being the twin lake of Pandin Lake since the two are situated near one another. It covers an area of 28.5 acres and the average depth is 40m.
To reach Lake Yambo, you have to traverse Pandin Lake and hike for five minutes to reach the viewpoint. From here, you’ll be able to enjoy an amazing view of Yambo Lake.next to that of the Pandin Lake. The Bankeros will lead you along the path.
How to get to 7 Lakes of San Pablo City?
If you are from Metro Manila, San Pablo City is just a few hours away. There are 3 ways to get from Manila to San Pablo City.
1. PNR | Bus
The cheapest way to get from Manila to San Pablo is via Train then Bus. First you’ll be riding the train in Tutuban PNR Station in Barangay 241 Tondo, Manila, also known as Divisoria, going to Alabang PNR Station. The entire train journey costs only PHP60 and lasts for about 1 hour.
After that, you’ll walk about 10 minutes before taking an express bus up to San Pablo CIty in Alabang Bus Terminal. The cost of the bus is PHP150, and the entire trip will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
2. LRT | Bus
The more convenient way to get there is to use LRT1 and then Bus. Take LRT1 to any station that you are close to in order to get towards Gil Puyat station. The price is about 15-30 PHP depending on your departure destination. It is expected to take between 16 and 40 minutes.
At Gil Puyat Station, go to JAM Liner Buendia Bus Terminal to take an express bus that will take you through San Pablo City. The journey will take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes and costs PHP210.
3. Private Car
The most efficient and speediest method is to travel by private vehicle however it’s going to cost you a significant amount.
From Manila I highly recommend taking Skyway Stage 3. The duration of travel from Araneta, Quezon Avenue Ramp to SLEX is around 35-40 minutes. Much more convenient than EDSA. It’s a bit expensive, however, it’ll be PHP 264 to get there from Araneta Ramp going to Buendia (end of Skyway Stage 3). There you’ll pay another PHP260 to get from Skyway Buendia to SLEX.
After that, from the SLEX exit, go straight towards Star Tollway and exit on Sto. Tomas. Star Tollway will cost PHP50. When you exit the tollway and continue straight to Pan-Philippines Highway (Sto. Tomas road) that will take you straight to San Pablo City. Travel time total will be 1 hour and 20 minutes. The total distance is approximately 90 km.
San Pablo City is known for its beautiful lakes, particularly the seven crater lakes that are located within the city. These lakes are a popular spot for picnics and swimming, and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
Additionally, San Pablo City is home to a number of historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the Bahay na Tisa (House of Clay). The city is also known for its hot springs, which are said to have therapeutic properties. Overall, San Pablo offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture, making it a destination worth visiting.
