Laguna, Philippines: travel guide
Lake-side province with hot springs, waterfalls and hill-town resorts
A populous province known for Enchanted Kingdom theme park, hot springs, and scenic mountain communities.
About Laguna
Laguna is a province just south-east of Manila, wrapped around the southern shore of Laguna de Bay, the country's largest lake. Volcanic soil and natural springs have shaped its character, making it a favourite for short breaks from the capital.
The town of Los Banos is known for its hot spring resorts and for the university's botanical gardens at the base of Mount Makiling. Pagsanjan offers boat rides through a river gorge to waterfalls, and Enchanted Kingdom, a theme park in Santa Rosa, draws families. Villages such as Liliw are known for their footwear and cool-water springs.
Laguna suits families, spa lovers and those who want nature close to the city. The dry months of November to May are the most comfortable.
- Country
- Philippines
- Currency
- PHP
- Time zone
- Asia/Manila
- Nearest airport
- MNL
- Typical trip
- 2-3 days
Last updated
Top places to visit in Laguna
Enchanted Kingdom
Activity · 4.5 rating · about 6 h · check the fee at the gate
The Philippines' largest theme park with roller coasters, themed zones, and seasonal night events.
Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · entry ₱30 (≈ ₹45)
A unique 1845 subterranean brick crypt that served as a refuge for revolutionaries — a fascinating piece of history.
Pansol Hot Springs
Nature · 4.2 rating · about 3 h · entry ₱150 (≈ ₹230)
Scores of private resort pools fed by volcanic hot springs — the most accessible thermal bathing destination near Manila.
Hidden Valley Springs
Nature · 4.4 rating · about 3 h · entry ₱900 (≈ ₹1,360)
A volcanic spring resort inside an ancient maar crater — seven spring pools of varying temperatures.
Pagsanjan Falls (Cavinti)
Waterfall · 4.5 rating · about 5 h · entry ₱500 (≈ ₹760)
Thrilling shooting-the-rapids bangka boat ride through a jungle gorge to a 30-m twin waterfall and cave pool.
Paete Woodcarving Town
artisan town · 4.8 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Lakeside town on Laguna de Bay known as the "Carving Capital of the Philippines", lined with workshops and galleries producing religious wood and papier-mache (taka) sculptures.
Rizal Shrine Calamba
Heritage · about 1 h · entry ₱30 (≈ ₹45)
The birthplace of José Rizal — beautifully preserved ancestral house with period furniture and family memorabilia.
Things to do
- Pagsanjan Falls Canyon Boat Shooting Adventure · 4 h · from PHP 360 per person
- Laguna de Bay Sunrise Boat Tour Nature · 2 h · from PHP 140 per person
- Hot Spring Resort Soak in Calamba Wellness · 3 h · from PHP 180 per person
- Jose Rizal Museum & Shrine in Calamba Heritage · 1.5 h
Where to stay in Laguna
- Lakeside Town about PHP 2,000 per night
Lake area with accommodation
Hotels
- Villa Escudero Plantations & Resort 3-star · PHP 4,000 to PHP 9,000 per night
- Hidden Valley Springs Resort 4-star · PHP 5,000 to PHP 12,000 per night
- EZ & V Guesthouse 2-star · PHP 1,200 to PHP 2,500 per night
Where to eat
- Panciteria Marilao Calamba Filipino · about PHP 100 per person
- Hidden Valley Buffet Laguna Filipino · about PHP 900 per person
- Enchanted Kingdom Food Court Filipino, International · about PHP 200 per person
Getting to Laguna
Nearest airport: Manila (MNL), about 48 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Jeepney main way to get around
Jeepneys are the main way to travel between towns in Laguna, with Calamba, San Pablo and Santa Cruz as the major hubs.
- Tricycle useful for some trips
Tricycles are the usual choice for local trips in rural parts of Laguna.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Money exchange short-change
Major tourist zones
Cashier counts notes quickly, palms one, then re-counts and accuses you of being short.
How to avoid it: Use credit card. Count change yourself before stepping away.
Best time to visit Laguna
- Jan 27°C
- Feb 28°C
- Mar 30°C
- Apr 33°C
- May 33°C
- Jun 31°C
- Jul 29°C
- Aug 29°C
- Sep 29°C
- Oct 29°C
- Nov 28°C
- Dec 28°C
More in Philippines
Frequently asked questions about Laguna
- How many days do you need in Laguna?
- A typical trip to Laguna is 2-3 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Laguna?
- The highest-rated places in our Laguna guide are Paete Woodcarving Town, Enchanted Kingdom, Pagsanjan Falls (Cavinti), Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, Hidden Valley Springs.
- Where should I stay in Laguna?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Laguna: Lakeside Town.
- How do I get around Laguna?
- Ways to get around Laguna covered in our guide: Jeepney, Tricycle, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Laguna?
- Scams reported to us for Laguna include Money exchange short-change. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Laguna?
- Average daytime highs in Laguna run from 27°C in Jan to 33°C in Apr.
- Which airport is nearest to Laguna?
- The nearest airport to Laguna has the code MNL.