Cavinti Laguna Travel Guide

Cavinti Laguna is a town along the Sierra Mountain ranges.  It has a small total population of roughly 20,000 people.  It's main industry is agriculture.  It is currently a third class municipality.  There are a few resort, restaurants and schools in the area.  It is also equipped with electricity and connectivity.  Public transport is available in getting to and around Cavinti.  Locals are very friendly and hospitable.

The town's name came from the Tagalog expression, "kabit sa binti". The Aetas, the early dwellers of the land, performed a wedding ritual in which the groom chases his bride to the riverbank and during that time, the audience cheers by shouting "Kabit sa binti, kabit sa binti!" 

Cavinti Laguna Map

Cavinti Laguna Climate
The climate in Cavinti Laguna is dry from March to May and wet during the rest of the year.  Temperature can range from 21 °C (70 °F) to 27 °C (81 °F).

Cavinti Laguna Budget
The Budget for a Baguio City Trip  ranges from 1,000 php (for day trips) to 4,000 php (for overnight trips loaded with resort and outdoor activities).  Budget allocation may include:

Accomodation (Where to Stay in Cavinti Laguna) - Budget is from 500-2,000 php per person

• Caliraya Mountain Lake Resort (Brgy. East Talaongan) - (632) 723-0781 | (0998) 555-8394
• Camarin Guesthouse Resort & Eco-Park - (632) 922-8434 | (632) 924-5340
• Lago Fishing Village (Brgy. West Talaongan) - (632) 330-5740  | 4048763 (63906) 318-LAGO

Activities

• Boating - Caliraya Mountain Lake Resort
• Cavinti Underground River and Cave Complex - 500 php +environmental fee (10 php) + tour guide fee (400 php/up to 10 persons) + jeepney ride (2,500 php/up to 7 persons)
• Cavinti Falls - 270-1,250 php (depending on your package)
• Fishing
• Lago Fishing Village
• Lumot Lake - FREE
• Golf - Caliraya Mountain Lake Resort
• Picnic 
• Bumbungan Eco-Park - 150 php (optional cottage rental)
• Pueblo El Salvador Nature Park and Picnic Grove (Brgy. Tibatib) - 50 php
• Japanese Garden - FREE
• Photo Stop and Sight Seeing
• Camarin Guesthouse Resort & Eco-Park - sunset view 
• Cavinti Spillway - sunset view
• Japanese Garden - FREE 
• Lumot Lake - FREE
• Transfiguration of our Lord Parish Church - FREE
• 
  
• Swan Boat Ride - Lago Fishing Village
• Swimming - Caliraya Mountain Lake Resort
• Zipline - Caliraya Mountain Lake Resort

Food - Budget is around 100-400 php per meal if you don't BYOB (bring your own baon)

   Restaurants:

• Coco Cafe in Lago Fishing Village (Brgy. West Talaongan) - (632) 330-5740  | 4048763 (63906) 318-LAGO
• La Cucina De Caliraya in Caliraya Mountain Lake Resort (Brgy. East Talaongan) - (632) 723-0781 | (0998) 555-8394

Souvenirs (Pasalubong)

• Kalakal–Pandan Sambalilo Weaving and Handicraft Center - weaved products    

Transportation

Public Transportation

• Bus (Regular) To and From Sta. Cruz Laguna - ETA 2 1/2 hours
• Cubao - HM Transport - 180 php
• Pasay/Buendia/Gil Puyat - 140 php
• Jac Liner
• DLTB
• Greenstar
• Jeep from Sta. Cruz Laguna to Cavinti Laguna - ETA 50 minutes - 25 php
• Within Cavinti Laguna
• Jeep (Minimum Fare is 8 php)
• Tricycle (Minimum Fare is 10 php/person)

Private Transportation via car from Manila

• SLEX: Take the Calamba exit going all the way down to the town of Pagsanjan. Upon reaching the public plaza of Pagsanjan, you either turn right from the municipal hall heading to the municipal proper of Cavinti or turn left taking the Lumban-Caliraya route.
• Eastern Route (through Antipolo or Tanay, Rizal): Turn right upon reaching Municipality of Mabitac-Famy going to the direction of Pagsanjan, passing through the towns of Siniloan, Paete, and Lumban.  When you reach Brgy. Bagong Silang, Lumban, you either make a u-turn and start ascend going to the direction of Caliraya Lake or go straight to the Pagsanjan Hall and start ascend going to Cavinti Proper.

Cavinti Laguna Sample Itinerary

• Daytrip
• 4:00 am: Bus to Sta. Cruz Laguna 
• 6:30 am: Jeep to Cavinti
• Tricycle to 1st Stop: Kalakal–Pandan Sambalilo Weaving and Handicraft Center
• Tricycle to 2nd Stop: Breakfast at Bumbungan Eco-Park
• Tricycle to 3rd Stop: Cavinti Underground River and Cave Complex
• Lunch at the Cave Complex
• 4th Stop: Picnic merienda at the Japanese Garden
• 5th Stop: Sunset Viewing at Cavinti Spillway
• Tricycle to Sta. Cruz Laguna 
• Final Stop: Aling Taleng’s Halo-halo 
• Bus to Manila

Hope this Travel Tripsters Cavinti Laguna Travel Guide Helps!
(Last Update: January 17,  2016)

Read More

Japanese Garden and Yamashita Shrine: Picnic Place and Solitary Wonder in Cavinti Laguna

Our last stop in Cavinti is the Japanese Garden along Caliraya Lake .  I had the assumption that this is just a small park.

As we were trying to find a parking slot, I couldn't help but be surprised that the parking was full and there were so many cars parked. 

The Japanese Garden is a memorial park built by the Japanese government in the 1970s in order to commemorate the Japanese soldiers who died during the Second World War which is why you can find the Yamashita Shrine there.

Passing through the convenience stores, we headed on towards the bridge and a huge staircase.  When we got up, we were all amazed at how big the area was! It is roughly 11 hectares in total!

Everything was so green.  Family, lover and friends can easily find a picnic spot.

And, if you continued on, you'll reach a beautiful place with stunning view of Caliraya Lake with the mountain and clouds as backdrop.

If you're in Cavinti Laguna, definitely include Japanese Garden on your destination list.  Bring a camera, some food and spend some relaxing time here.

Japanese Garden
Address	Japanese Garden, Lumban - Caliraya - Cavinti Rd, Cavinti, Laguna, Philippines
Budget Per Person	FREE	Japanese Garden Map
Payment Options	N/A
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (even holidays)

Read More

Lago Fishing Village: Fishing Vacation Destination Near Manila (Cavinti Laguna)

If you're looking for a place to clear your mind, Lago Fishing Village in Cavinti, Laguna is the place to be. 

You can easily spot it with it's distinguishing signage.

Coco Cafe

If you want to stop for some snack, you can also check out Coco Cafe.

The area is huge so you can hold events there too.

There's also an aquarium of big fishes which were caught from the fish pond.

Just outside Coco Cafe, there's this interesting display.

Swan Boat

If you want to go Swan Boating, there are some units for rent.

Fishing Hut

There is a Fishing Hut where you can rent and buy fishing materials.  This is also where you can pay for your caught fish (and you can even pay for Coco Cafe to cook it for you).

Cottages are for rent.

We went on to the big fish pond.

There are huts scattered in the area.

I remember the first time I've ever tried fishing, I didn't catch anything.  I once watched a show (which I can't remember) where it was said that fishing is neither a test of patience nor a matter of random luck. 

Casita Room

If you think the huts are for decoration, well, it isn't.  

Inside, it's actually very functional.  There's a bed and a television.

It even has a restroom with its own heater.

There are outdoor fitness actvities here.

The huts didn't have any air-conditioning unlike these.

As you can see, the rooms are more modern and more expensive.

Although modern, you're still in tuned with nature because there is a terrace.

The bathrooms are essentially the same.

The Superior Rooms are grand.

If you're looking for an affordable place to escape and relax, we Travel Tripsters recommend adding Lago Fishing Village should be one of your options.

Lago Fishing Village
Hotel Address	Brgy. West Talaongan, Lumban - Caliraya - Cavinti Road, Cavinti, Laguna, Philippines
Contact	(632) 330-5740  | 4048763 (63906) 318-LAGO lagofishingvillage@gmail.com	Reservation Required	Yes
Payment Options	Cash	Public Transport	Jeep
Room Types	Room Amenities		Price
Premium Rooms	30 sqm. rooms each 15 sqm. balcony facing the fishing lagoon, coconut grove, and casitas  Include 2 queen sized beds Located at the 2nd floor Maximum of 5 guests Breakfast for 2 persons OR waived fishing fee for 2 persons in the Family Fishing Area		4,900 php
Deluxe Room	23 sqm. rooms 8 sqm. balcony overlooking the casitas and fishing lagoon  1 queen size bed and 1 single bed Maximum of 4 guests		3,900 php
Barkada Room	4 double deck single beds  Located at the 2nd Floor (Annex Building) Maximum of 10 guests (including children)
Annex Room 22 and 23	Located at the 2nd Floor (Annex Building)  Maximum of 5 guests		3,000 php
General Amenities	Pool Fishing Area Outdoor Fitness Area	Parking	Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating		Lago Fishing Village Map
Location	★★★
Room Comfort	★★★
Cleanliness	★★★
Service	★★★
Price	★★★

Read More

Lumot Lake in Cavinti Laguna

Lumot Lake a.k.a Sierra Lake is a man-made reservoir just like it's bigger brother, Lake Carilaya.

It was created to complement Lumot Dam which is an enbankment dam sourcing it's water from Lumot River.

This is smaller and less developed so all activities here are free.  You can see both foreign and local fish here.  Sometimes, water sports competitions are also held here.

Chino of Juanful Pinoy

It's really a beautiful scene.  My friends and I had tons of fun taking our scenic photos here.

We Travel Tripsters recommend a free visit at Lumot Lake for some photos, fishing or sunrise and sunset viewing.

Lumot Lake
Address	Cavinti, Laguna, Philippines
Budget Per Person	FREE	Lumot Lake Map
Payment Options	N/A
Operating Hours	24/7
Reservation Required	No
Contact	N/A

Read More

Caliraya Mountain Lake Resort: Golf, Swim, Zipline, Kayaking, Boating and More in Cavinti Laguna

Caliraya Mountain Lake Resort formerly known as Caliraya Springs is located in Brgy. East Talaongan, Cavinti, Laguna.

You won't see much from the outside...

but you'll be amazed at how big the area it covers upon entry.

You can see that there are Twin Bicycles (Php 500) and Mountain Bikes (Php 200) for rent on its drive way.  We went pass it because we were excited to try the other activities.

We noticed that the resort is very Korean-friendly.  They even have their own registration area.

There are Korean banners everywhere and the restaurants serve Korean dishes.

After our breakfast, we decided to go and try golf.

Golf

As a novice, I really can't tell the difference of one hole from another.

But, that didn't seem to matter since the first step is to learn how to swing.  My friend Resley did a pretty good job.  I had many attempts before I managed to swing a good one.

Golf Rates

Green Fees                     
No. of Holes     Weekdays     Weekends
9 Holes             Php 850.00     Php 1,130.00
18 Holes           Php 1,700.00     Php 2,036.00

Other Charges
Golf Cart     
9 holes - Php 450.00
18 holes - Php 780.00
Caddie Fee   
9 holes - Php 250.00
18 holes - Php 300.00
Umbrella Girl     Php 200.00
Gallery     Php 300.00
Driving Range Fee     Php 200.00
Driving Range Ball     Php 50.00 per box of 40 balls

Lakeview Swimming Pool

We had our lunch at La Cucina De Caliraya which is their dining place right beside the pool.  We watched the kids swim while we ate.

It's a scenic view to see both the pool and the Caliraya Lake.


Bonfire

There's a bonfire area near a mini forest and the lake.  It was really windy and cool during our visit although it was still noon.  So, the bonfire at night would really be a nice warming activity for any group.  Bonfire rate is Php 700.  I'm told you can also set up a tent here for functions and sleepovers for a fee. 

Pasyal Boat

My friend Clarissa and I headed over to the boat house to wear our life vest and wait for the boat.

The Pasyal Boat (Small) is for 2,500 php.

Of course, we didn't want just an ordinary pasyal along the Caliraya Lake.  So my friends Martin and Althea, showcased their flexibility.

And,our boatman is their number 1 fan...

Marina

40 meter Slide & Drop

The Marina is a fun-filled area.  It has several courses such as Slide & Drop, Cobweb, Wall Climb Slide, Tire Challenge, Cable Balance, Karate Kid, Military Crawl, Tarzan Swing, Log Crossing and Palo Sebo.  I think all of them are cool especially the Military Crawl because you have to swim underwater.

Zipline and Hanging Bridge

The Zipline and Hanging Bridge (Php 150) are packaged together because you have to go back by the bridge. 

Paddle Boat

On a fair day, who can resist going on a Paddle Boat?  The Paddle Boat is available for Php 300/hr.

Kayak

If you prefer Kayaking, it is also available for Php 300/hr.

Animal Caring

A whole new experience for my Clarrisa and I is the Duck Feeding.  The very friendly staff taught us how to call them.  It was really fun, funny and yet, very effective.  As you can see, the ducks came swimming towards us!

We got 6 bowls of duck feed priced at Php 500.  To our amazement, the ducks peck gentle so it tickles.

Amihan Villa

You can stay at the Amihan Villa that's close to the lake for a great outdoor experience.

Amihan Villa Rates
Php 3,250 (6-8pax) Standard Villa / Night
Php 3,850 (8-10pax) Superior Villa / Night
Php 4,200 (2-4pax) Family Villa / Night

Caliraya Mountain Lake Resort
Hotel Address	Brgy. East Talaongan, Cavinti, Laguna, Philippines
Contact	(632) 723-0781 | (0998) 555-8394	Reservation Required	Yes
Payment Options	Cash	Public Transport	Jeep
General Amenities	•Pool •Jacuzzi •Game Room •Karaoke	Parking	Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating		Caliraya Mountain Lake Resort Map
Location	★★★	14.293267,121.55328
Room Comfort	★★★
Cleanliness	★★★
Service	★★★
Price	★★★★

Read More