Larga-Bista: 7 Lakes of San Pablo w/ Nagcarlan Cemetery Sidetrip (Laguna)

For travel enthusiasts here in the Philippines, an expected majority would be exploring spectacular places that would constitute mountains, beaches, forests, and old structures.

Unfortunately, for several nature lovers, one facet has been taken for granted. Another gem of nature which definitely deserves a closer look, and these are what you call lakes.

On the southern part of the island of Luzon, the most famous province known for its lakes is Laguna, which boasts of the largest lake in the country, Laguna De Bay, but we would not be targeting that destination.

Instead, we would be zooming in one of the cities in Laguna.

Touted as the first city in Laguna and one of the oldest cities in the nation (1586), the City of San Pablo prides itself for its seven lakes, which is why this city was aptly called “The City of Seven Lakes.”

Our “larga” to explore all seven lakes happened last September 7, 2013, and this was our story.

By the way, the “Seven Lakes of Sam Pablo” are seven crater lakes scattered around the City of San Pablo, all of which belong to the San Pablo Volcanic Field.

Seven Lakes of San Pablo

Anyway, the Lucena-bound Jam Liner bus we rode departed at 5:50 AM from the Cubao terminal and we arrived safely at the San Pablo Junction, 7:50 AM. Fare was Php 135.50.

Since most of us were not able to eat breakfast, we readily ordered quick meals at the nearby Chowking restaurant. For me, I just bought a regular-sized Bola Bola Siopao and consumed it in just a few minutes so we could move on with the trek.

Since we were nine people, we rented three tricycles and we sped off via Schetelig Avenue towards the first lake, which was Lake Bunot, located in Barangay Concepcion.

After we paid Php 100.00 for each driver, we just walked for a few minutes in order to get a good view of this lake. Thanks to the guidance of some of the kids around the area who were very accommodating.

Lake # 1: Lake Bunot

It was told that during the Spanish times, some Spanish soldiers came upon a quiet lagoon and wanted to know its name for record purposes. They inquired from a man husking coconuts by the side of the lake. Thinking that the soldiers were asking for the native name of the coconut husk, the man replied, "Bunot." The Spanish soldiers left, muttering the word, thinking that it was the name of the lake.

Bunot Lake is used primarily for floating cages operation where most of the residents derive their source of income. This lake is known for its cultured tilapia and fishpens for Nilotica fingerlings.

After a glass of “Taho”, we trudged back to Schetelig Avenue, rode tricycles anew, and zoomed to the location of the next lake found in Barangay Sto. Angel.

Timeout for Taho

Alighting from our trike along the highway, paying the driver Php 120.00, we walked towards our destination for around 20 minutes, inclusive of picture taking moments along the way.

The trail towards the second lake consisted of “curtains” of “Talahib”, huge volcanic deposits, steep stairs, and rocky stream crossings. The end result was breathtaking Lake Calibato.

A trail full of Talahib

Volcanic Deposits from Mount Banahaw

Rocky Stream Crossing

Lake # 2: Lake Calibato

It was told that the area was the domain of a Diwata (fairy) who had wanted to keep her realm free from the intrusion of mankind. Thus she was angered when they built rocky pathways that criss-crossed her valley. She caused a strong earthquake and a severe storm that transformed her valley into a lagoon.

The villagers living on the other side of the surrounding hills, gaping at the sight they beheld the following morning, named it Lake Calibato, taken from the criss-crossing stone pathways of the valley. Cali must have been a conjunction of the Spanish "Calle" or Street, while Bato means rock or stone in the local dialect.

Lake Calibato is the deepest of all the seven lakes and supplies the city and nearby towns with abundant fish.

Resting for several minutes at a waiting shed back at the highway, we then took an Php 8.00 jeepney ride going to Barangay San Lorenzo to visit Lake Pandin and Lake Yambo, the third and fourth lakes respectively, who are just beside each other.

The jeepney stopped near a sign indicating the direction of Lake Yambo, and after walking for around 20 minutes, a natural wonder appeared before our very eyes. This was Lake Pandin, and all I can say was WOW!

Approaching Lake Pandin

Lake # 3: Lake Pandin

We rented a balsa (bamboo raft) to take us around the said lake for Php 180.00 per person.

Onboard the Balsa

The boatmen utilize paddles as well as ropes tied from one end up to the other end of the entire lake to navigate the balsas.

Navigating the Balsa

When we arrived at the other side of this lake, we were told by the boatman that Lake Yambo can be viewed from the other side, and should climb a certain part at the end of Lake Pandin.

When we trudged the slippery steps and some muddy portions uphill, we then saw Lake Yambo from the top, and since there was a trail going down that lake, the exploration continued as we took photos on the shore of that lake.

Lake # 4: Lake Yambo

As we went back to our raft in Lake Pandin, we were treated with fresh buco at 12:00 NN, and this was our lunch…honest.

Fresh Buco for Lunch

Lake Pandin...Breathtaking!

Moving the balsa a bit further, we arrived at a small grotto, adorned with some statues from the Catholic religion. It had running water at a certain area, which we used to refresh ourselves.

Since the water at Lake Pandin was so pristine, some of us went for a swim, with floaters attached.