La Virginia Resort and Hotel, Batangas

Set in 6 hectares of secluded grounds yet only 2 hours from downtown Metro Manila, La Virginia offers one of the largest privately-owned natural getaways in Batangas, with the clean elegance of Philippine and modern architecture. A getaway from life's pressures in the healing tranquility of an environment that truly feels "away from it all". If you have ever spent time at a tropical plantation, you know what we mean. If not, come and discover a refreshingly different experience.

The resort boasts of several attractions that will surely keep you busy the whole day. Our infinity pool, picnic tree house, hanging bridge, pagoda, chapel and many more, all within walking distance in the resort, will definitely bring lots of fun to both young and old folks alike. Enjoy all these attractions with a scenic backdrop view of the Taal Lake and the many colorful flora all around the resort.

La Virginia Hotel and Resort has one of the most finest view of Taal Lake in the Philippines.The Lake is so refreshing and relaxing just by looking at it, but it's also so amazing that most of the time, it looks like a painting from afar.

Pagsanjan Falls, Pagsanjan, Laguna

"Famous in song and story is the little town of Pagsanjan (pronounced ´Pag-sang-han´), situated about 92 kilometers south of Manila and can easily be reached by car or bus in less than two hours. It is world-renowned not only because of the Pagsanjan Falls, whose enchanting beauty fascinates tourists from all corners of the globe, but also because of its panoramic vistas, its fine homes and lovely women, and its talented citizens, whose achievements in war and peace reflect glory to the Filipino nation, and its cosmopolite culture which is a harmonious amalgam of Asian, Hispanic, Mexican, and American heritage." ...Dr. Gregorio Zaide Pagsanjan, the tourist capital of the province of Laguna and one of the premiere world-class tourist destinations in the Philippines, is gifted with natural wonders and scenic views! How to get there? From Metro Manila, Pagsanjan is best reached via the South Luzon Expressway. After Canlubang Exit, go around the cloverleaf to reach Calamba. From Calamba, follow the provincial road passing Los Banos, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Sta. Cruz and finally Pagsanjan. Of these towns, only Calamba, Los Banos and Pagsanjan are traversed by the highway thru the town proper, the rest is via by-pass roads or the town itself is out of the highway. Getting to Talahib Falls and Pagsanjan (Magdapio) Falls is by boat paddled and pushed upstream by two boatmen. Gone are the days of wooden boats. Nowadays, they use locally built fiberglass canoes. The boat ride rates are conspicuously posted in various locations throught the town of Pagsanjan. So, someone who was able to read them should not be victimized. Everyone is cautioned about dealing with flaggers. These are the "un-accredited" boatmen who will run beside your vehicle as you slow down trying to look for directions.

The boat trip starts from Pagsanjan. 

The real excitement is on the boat's return trip. This is what was dubbed "Shooting the Rapids". See how skillfully the boatmen will manuever the boat between rocks, alternately using their paddle or their feet. There are places that the rapids is on a curve but the boatmen will guide the boat through it. If the paddle is not enough to steer, the boatmen's feet surely will. There are at least 16 rapids (turbulent waters) that the boat has to go through. Going upstream, the boatmen will get down at these rapids and push the boat or use their feet to kick the rocks and propel the boat upstream. At places where the rocks are too many and the water is too shallow, steel pipes were placed transversally at proper intervals so that the boat can be slid over these pipes. Tips: Although not required, it is advisable to wear a helmet (a sports helmet or hard hat) because the boat moves too close to the big rocks which your head might hit. Also, the walls of the gorge is too high, that any falling object from it, such as small stones, can do some damage to an unprotected head. Rarely, some monkeys along the gorge are fond of throwing objects at those boats. Don't look funny wearing clothes as if you're going to the mall. Be ready to get wet. Have plastic bags for your cameras, wallets and other keep-dry-items. There is no use for your cellphones once the boat entered the gorge - that is when you entered Cavinti. GPS receivers works fair but loses signal at some portions. --Waypoint narrative by: GBLontok 2004 Do you know that the world-famous Pagsanjan Falls is actually not in Pagsanjan? This famous tourist destination is located in Brgy. Anglas, Cavinti, Laguna. A big "WELCOME TO CAVINTI" sign erected on top of a big rock on the river on the way to the falls will let the tourists know that they are no longer in Pagsanjan - I do not know if foreigners care about this fact. Enclosed in parenthesis in that sign is the name Magdapio Falls which is the preferred name by Cavinti folks. From this point facing upstream, the left bank is belongs to Lumban and the right bank belongs to Cavinti. In fact, Pagsanjan Falls drops water from Cavinti River. If you have been to Cavinti, this is the river crossed by the overflow spillway on the road going to Lumot.
Another waterfalls, Talahib Falls, situated about 900 meters downstream of Magdapio Falls serves a first stop for the upstream boat ride. Talahib is a sitio of Brgy. Caliraya, hence, the town of Lumban hosts this waterfalls. This waterfalls is also called First Falls while the Magdapio Falls is called Main Falls. The Talahib Falls area has a souvenir shop, barbeque stand and most important, a pay-toilet for PhP10 per pee.

At the Main Falls (or Magdapio Falls or Pagsanjan Falls), the main attraction aside from a view of the falls itself is the raft ride. Skilled raftmen will bring tourists aboard bamboo rafts by pulling on ropes laid across the lagoon. They will bring you to the far end to have a glimpse of another cascade on top of the Main Falls. Another rope guides the raft behind and underneath the falls to the Devil's Cave. At the cave, visitors enjoy playing with their echo by shouting to their lung's desire. It is interesting to note that the raft services is maintained by the Cavinti municipal government. Rightfully so, since they are the one hosting the attraction. Reciprocally, the revenue is shared with other host towns. The raft crew has established a trail for their own use. It includes a series of ropes for the vertical portion. Even skilled mountaineers would not be allowed to use this trail for safety reasons - one wrong step will send down a small stone deadly for the people at the bottom.

Sonya's Garden, Tagaytay

Time was when rumors of a secret garden tucked in the gentle rolling hills of Tagaytay inevitably sneaked into conversations of Manila’s inner circle on what is new and exotic. Stories were told in awe and delight about a flower garden planted in “organized chaos” yet soothingly pleasing to the eye, as if choreographed with artistic perfection. And then there is the simple yet incredibly filling country cuisine with fresh and organically grown ingredients from the garden, served in fine tableware that complements the idyllic setting. Then there is Sonya herself with her memories of growing up in her grandmother’s country garden in the Philippines, her life as an expat in Europe and the US, and her dreams of carving out a place in the country where she can live her philosophy on “the art of doing nothing”. This was supposed to be Sonya’s private paradise, open only to family and friends and eventually, friends of friends. But after much prodding from all who have enjoyed the country living experience to share with more people what otherwise would have been her retirement lifestyle, she finally but reluctantly relented. In February of 1998, she opened the doors of her secret garden to the public in time for Valentine’s Day.

From then on Sonya’s has been host to a bevy of visitors; the tourist from a far off land who looks beyond the beaten path; the balikbayan looking for a familiar sketch of a memory of home; burned-out city-dwellers seeking respite from the din of the city; and practically anybody who is looking for something different yet strangely familiar. Of course, as a wonderful haven of romance, love blooms in Sonya’s garden like flowers of an eternal spring. Many romantics have found it to be a popular spot to disarm, to court and to propose. Some have even returned to say, “I do.” And with that, Sonya’s Secret Garden earned the reputation of being the worst kept secret in Manila. Perhaps Sonya’s most generous gift yet is the opportunity for her guests to stay awhile in her private world thru her Bed and Breakfast facility were one can retreat to a charming cottage of their own. Families or friends who wish to bond, couples on their nth honeymoon or just the tired soul longing for solitude and a bit of pampering - all have found their way to Sonya’s B&B. And to continue her quest for creating more spaces of serenity, Sonya also opened the SPA, a pampering salon where harried city folks are reminded to be kind to themselves once in a while. ---

BED AND BREAKFAST All the Bed and Breakfast cottages are named after herbs, which, like her garden, reflect Sonya’s love for aromatic things. Inspired by her simple country lifestyle, the Bed and Breakfast facility was born out of insistent pleas from guests to stay awhile longer in Sonya’s private sanctuary. In the short time that it has been open to the public, many have already vowed to return for a myriad of simple joys, like waking up to the smell of flowers, languishing in bed from last night’s soothing massage, contemplating in the undisturbed solitude that surrounds each cottage, relaxing by the charming bay windows that opens into a view of nature in its entire splendor, the warm hospitality of Sonya and her staff—and other delightful discoveries that has made a stay at the B&B a unique experience for every person. The B&B has welcomed all sorts of people into its uniquely styled cottages. From the tired urbanite just longing for an escape from the city, the couple on their nth honeymoon, the traveler searching for a different kind of journey, the balikbayan who’s just glad to be home, and the curious who is perpetually intrigued by how Sonya’s lives her philosophy on “the art of doing nothing”—all have made the path to Sonya’s a well-traveled road. There seems to be something inexpressibly powerful about the restful setting at Sonya’s B&B that it has drawn families together for reunions, inspired bonding sessions among friends, even lured colleagues to conduct teambuilding activities here. Guests have rediscovered the lost “Art of Conversation”. Perhaps it reminds them of simpler times, when instead of watching television there would be long conversations that lasted well after dinner, when time was an excess rather than a luxury. Another long-forgotten art that Sonya hopes to revive is the art of letter writing, which she encourages by leaving guest books in every cottage. She has even provided a rose-scented ink, a concoction she made from scratch, and a notebook of hand-made paper. This has prompted many who have been moved by the country living experience to leave her personal thank-you notes while some pages are even filled with poetry and illustrations inspired by her garden. One of the best times to spend the night at Sonya’s is during the hushed nights early in the week, when the garden is quiet save for crickets singing a lulling melody, or the sound of soft tinkling from glass chimes that signals the passing of a breeze. The damp months of June to October beckons the hopefully romantic who are seduced by the rhythm of falling rain and the aftermath of a sparkling garden scene of dew-like droplets. Ever the haven for lovers, the B&B has become a popular destination for a romantic getaway. There have been quite a number who have even made the place their wedding venue of choice, where they would also have their bridal shower and spend their honeymoon. While receptions and wedding ceremonies have been held at various corners of the garden the most unique is a twilight wedding setting at Sonya’s Herb Greenhouse. Guests have described the experience as something out of a dream, specially when the pebble-stoned pathways of the B&B are lit with colored glass lanterns. 

Home-cooked meals are also included in the accommodations because Sonya treats guests as family. Her braised chicken with carrots and baby potatoes might trigger memories of a sunny kitchen always smelling of mother’s cooking. Guests on extended stay may expect a variety of dishes (try the callos!) to perk up their appetite. 

 For those who want to renew their inner selves there are therapeutic and creative activities such as cooking with herbs and gardening lessons, flower arrangement and wreath-making sessions. When she is available, there’s also a yoga class for beginners taught by Sonya herself that sets the mood for a surreal restorative experience. These are only a handful of ways among a multitude of possibilities that guests of Sonya can experience at her B&B to nourish both body and soul. 

SPA At the core of Sonya’s advocacy on “the art of doing nothing,” which she encourages all to practice, is allowing the self to indulge in relaxing activities that ultimately becomes one’s vehicle for self-rediscovery. For Sonya’s visitors, the word SPA translates to Secret Pleasures At Sonya’s , a leisure facility intended for guests to spoil themselves with a little bit of pampering. Many tired and harried city folks have long considered Sonya’s private sanctuary as their own refuge from the hubbub of life in Manila. Here, guests can choose from a variety of rejuvenating body treatments rendered by the courteous and well-trained staff while relaxing in an environment that stimulates the senses. An atmosphere of Zen-like comforts is ever-present, where simple pleasures such as watching water cascading down the window are created. Outside, an eyeful of nature’s bounty makes one feel almost immediately soothed. Services at the SPA are a fusion of European and Asian traditions merged with some modern techniques. The most popular of all is Sonya’s Signature Massage, which is a compendium of Sonya’s favorite massage strokes that maintains pressure and focus typical of Shiatsu while executing relaxing Swedish strokes that improves blood circulation combined with stretching movements of a Thai massage. Another favorite is the Four Hands Massage, a unique body treatment designed to double one’s pleasure with synchronized strokes. Guests will discover the experience to be a sensual quest that spoils the body , one that can also be shared with partner in the Couple’s Room. The SPA also offers reflexology (Shiatsu for the foot and hands) and facial treatments, even a special session dedicated to aromatherapy, which by way of steam bath, calms the body with refreshing Lavender scents. For a complete head-to-toe indulgence, Sonya suggests the Wet Pampering Treatment, which starts with hair spa, followed by a facial and full body scrubs, then capped off with a foot spa. This is how Sonya regales her guests with secret pleasures that create avenues to be kind to oneself.

88 Spa Hot Spring Resort - Calamba, Laguna

The resort is developed around the base of centuries old dormant volcano - Mt. Makiling. Its perimeter is covered with wild forest. Experience the unwinding tranquility of deep nature, and a breathtaking view of Laguna Lake, known as the biggest lake in the Philippines. 

 The source of hot springs originated from the underground of Mt. Makiling volcanic geological springs 300 meters deep, at 99°C known as “Miracle Water” for hundred of years. It is odorless, clear bicarbonate water, and tested rich in organic minerals, which is believed to cure variety of illnesses. The property spreads approximately 100,000 sq. meters. At present, it provides 20 rooms, with more than 10 outdoor swimming pools and hot spas, banquet room, outdoor bars, massage parlors, horse back-riding ranch, kid's Zoo and other amusement facilities. The resort was honored by Department of Tourism as “The best resort of Laguna”.

Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano has been called the smallest active volcano in the world. It is located about 70-km south of Manila in the middle of a lake called Taal Lake. What makes Taal Volcano unique is the fact that the volcano itself forms an island that has a lake of its own inside its crater which is called the "Crater Lake", thus, it is a lake within a lake. How to go there. Manila to San Nicolas via Cuenca: From Manila, take the South Luzon Tollway from Nichols or C-5 entry all the way to the south end. At the end of the tollway, take the exit that points to Lucena and drive along this National Road for about 6km until you reach the Calamba boundary. About 1.5km from the boundary of Calamba, turn right and take the Star Tollway (Batangas Expressway) up to the Batangas/Lipa exit. Upon exit, head westward towards Batangas City. 1.2km from the tollway exit is the Fernando Airbase and about 2.5km from the airbase, there will be a junction the leads to Cuenca. Turn right at this junction. Head for Cuenca then Alitagtag then Sta. Teresita. At Sta Teresita, head northwest towards Lemery/Taal. About 3.8km from Sta Teresita, there will be a junction to bypass Taal and Lemery with signs that point to Agoncillo. Take this bypass route on the right, and about 2.5km from the said junction, there will be a small road on the right side that leads to San Nicolas. This small road will be about 5km and will end straight into the Town Hall of San Nicolas. There will be a Y junction midway, just take the left road on this junction. Right behind the town hall of San Nicolas is the majestic Taal Lake. The boats that can take you to the volcano island are docked on the pier behind the town hall. 

 You can inquire about boat rides from the people in the town hall. The boats can take you to either of two destinations on the island. One is to a point where you can start a hike to the crater's highest point called the "ridge" where you can get a bird's eye view of the crater lake and the other to a point where you can start a hike to the crater lake itself.The volcano island can be reached by taking a half-hour boat ride from practically any town on the the shores of Taal Lake. The more popular jumpoff point is from the town of Talisay. Total hike distance from the boat landing point to the crater lake and back is about 6.2km. Because of the steep terrain and soft (and hot) nearly powder-like ash surface, the hike takes nearly 4 hrs (four 10-minute rest/stops included).

you can hire a horse and save yourself about 4.5km worth of hike. But even on horseback, you have still have to hike 1.6km as there is a portion of trail down the crater where the terrain is too steep for horses to pass. Tips Bring lots of drinking water. Probably double the amount of water that you would normally take on a hike of similar distance. It is one hot hike, very little shade, hot ground and steep climbs. 

-waypoints.ph 

Taal Volcano is located on the island Luzon, south of the Philippines' capital Manila. It has been selected as one of 15 Decade Volcanoes. There is currently no Taal-homepage by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology's (PHIVOLCS), hence this is only an unofficial home-page (PhiVolcs' "blessing" is indicated by a link from the PhiVolcs-www-page to this site). Aside from information on Taal, this site provides information on and translations of 19th century work of German/Austrain scientists travelling the Philippines and exerpts from the famous work of Fr. Saderra Maso, who summarized the pre-1911 activity on the basis of historical ("hard-to-get-to") accounts. Taal Volcano is located about 60 km SSE of Metro Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It is a complex volcanic system composed of a small volcanic island (Volcano Island), which has been the site of almost all historic activity, located within a 20x30 km lake-filled complex caldera(?) (Taal Lake, in older texts also called Lake Bonbon), one of the great volcano-tectonic depressions of the world. The whole region surrounding Taal is at considerable volcanic risk. Taal Volcano is situated in a highly populated and rapidly growing agricultural and industrial region. Five towns are located around the lakeshore and 2 cities and 8 more towns are lined up along the caldera rim. Two large power stations are located 15 km and 17 km, respectively, from Taal Lake. The geologic setting of Taal, and the variability of eruption sites and magnitudes, generates a diverse range of volcanic hazards, such as base surges, lava flows, ballistic fallout, ash and scoria fallout, toxic gases, acidic flashes from crater lake, lake tsunamis and seiches, lakeshore flooding, earthquakes, ground fissuring and subsidence, landslides and sectoral collapse, turbulent ash flows, and lahars. Base surge eruptions in 1911 and 1965 blasted the villages to the west of the vent at Volcano Island, travelling 3 km across Lake Taal. In contrast, the aa lava flows erupted in 1968 and 1969 were confined within the embayment created by the 1965 eruption in the SW flank of Volcano Island and, apparently, did not pose a significant threat at that time. However, lava flows could be a serious hazard at Taal if erupted from a lakeshore vent and accompanied by violent hydrovolcanic explosions resulting from lava-lake water interaction. The presence of a scoria cone at Boot, located east of Volcano Island, also suggests that eruptions along lakeshore areas are highly probable, although without historical precedence.