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)

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Bumbungan Eco-Park: Picnic Breakfast Before Cavinti Falls Trek (Brgy. Tibatib Cavinti Laguna)

Before our Cavinti Falls Trek, we stopped over at Bumbungan Eco-Park for breakfast.

The place is open for public. And, it has become a popular stopover for many as it is near the waterfalls and poblacion or town center of Cavinti.  The tourist center is also located here.

It is a  water spillway and wet bridge that was converted into a picnic grove.  Thus, it is great for any group activity.  And, some who opt to rest after a long trek can also use this as a venue.

The sound of the rushing and crashing water is very refreshing and invigorating.

Some even use the spillway for skim boarding and other activities.

So let's eat!

My friends and I had a great time here. =)  Cottage rental is 150 php.  But, you can just eat elsewhere if you want to save.

When looking for a resting or eating spot in Cavinti, we Travel Tripsters commend Bumbungan Eco-Park.

Bumbungan Eco-Park
Address	Brgy. Tibatib Cavinti Laguna
Budget Per Person	0-150 php	Bumbungan Eco-Park Map
Payment Options	N/A
Operating Hours	24/7
Reservation Required	No
Contact

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Cavinti Falls: Trek and Rafting in Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove (Cavinti Laguna)

I'm sure you're familiar with Pagsanjan Falls or Magdapio Falls written in our academic textbooks.  But, little do we know that is also known as Cavinti Falls as it is located in Cavinti Laguna. 

Since 2007, the municipal government of Cavinti established the Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove, originally known as Cavinti Eco-Park, in Brgy. Tibatib to offer a much cheaper route by treking, hiking and rappeling to Cavinti Falls for a minimal fee of 270 php/person as opposed to the popular shooting the rapids means.

Being an adventurer, I was very eager to register and embark on our journey.

There are several packages available.  You can even include the Cavinti Cave on your package.

Package A - 50 php

• trekking
• deck view

Package B - 270 php (our package)

• trekking and rappelling via metal ladder
• raft riding
• entering the main falls

Package C (coming soon) - 1,250 php

• trekking and rappelling via metal ladder
• raft riding
• entering the main falls
• boat ride exit to Pagsanjan, Laguna (shooting the rapids)

The pathway is already fully developed and well-maintained so you'll easily find your way through.

We've been told that the first stair case down to Nakulo Falls.  I wanted to check this out but my companions were too worn out by the time we passed by this again.

We reached the view deck that has this "El Salvador Del Mundo" statue.

This is where we geared up.

We then proceeded to our 589 steps downward.

I really loved the rappelling part.  The first rappelling is 14 feet or a around 5 seconds to go down to.

We then continued to the trail which had a bit of a thrill passing through giant trees.

It was very cool and windy in the middle of the forest so it was quite pleasurable for me.

The second rappelling part is shorter. 

We could already see the boats below from here.

We then had to go down a long and steep staircase but which required safety gears.

Then, before I knew it, we were finally near.

There were a lot of tourists flowing from Pagsanjan.

Together with the other tourists, we all proceeded to Cavinti Falls where we were supplied our life vests. 

And, we lined up for our turn to raft inside Cavinti Cave.

It was really cool to see the raft go near the falls.

And gently fade as it goes inside.  No words can sufficiently depict the sensation we felt as we went near the falls.  It was a surge of cool air and water combined like a whirlwind around us.  Be sure to have waterproof gears as none will be spared from wetness at that point.

We didn't have the time to change.  We quickly trekked up.  The rappelling parts were a new experience for me since I've never climbed up a ladder so high in the mountains before.  We also encountered a few drizzles.  And, then we all saw a beautiful rainbow at the end of the track which made us all smile. 

There were huts and tables at the Picnic Grove so we set out our lunch picnic style.  The food was so delicious especially after a 2-hour trek.

Overall, we Travel Tripsters, highly recommends this very affordable adventure in Cavinti Falls.  It is so near Metro Manila that a day-trip is easily manageable. 

For More Information:

Check out:

• #CavEAT: Cavinti Eco-Adventure Tour
• Facebook
• Website

• Municipality of Cavinti

How to go to  Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove:

Public Transport: 

• Take bus to Sta. Cruz Laguna - ETA 2 1/2 hours

• Cubao ( (HM Transport): 180 php or 140 php regular
• Pasay/Buendia/Gil Puyat (Jac Liner, DLTB, Greenstar):  140 php

• Upon reaching Sta. Cruz Laguna, take jeep to Cavinti: 15 php - ETA 30 minutes
• Upon reaching Cavinti, take tricycle to Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove, Brgy. Tibatib: 40 php - ETA 30 minutes

Private Vehicle:

• 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.

Things to Bring:

• Sunblock
• Comfortable clothes 
• Rain or Trekking Jacket (it might rain or drizzle) or Windbreaker (against the wind)
• Swim Wear
• Waterproof Trekking Footwear
• Waterproof camera and dry bag
• Drinking water
• Towel and change of clothes (the lighter the better)
• Food (for your picnic after the trek)  

Disclosure:   Our participation is partt of the #CavEAT: Cavinti Eco-Adventure Tour, a Tourism Advocacy Campaign to help generate online buzz for the upcoming Cavinti Water Sports Olympics: 1st International Competition happening on February 8-14, 2015.

The #CavEAT: Cavinti Eco-Adventure Tour is organized by Herald C. Bebis for the Municipality of Cavinti headed by Hon. Mayor Milbert Oliveros. The event is fully supported by the Municipal Tourism Office, DigitalFilipino, Pelikula Padayon, Caliraya Lake Mountain Resort, Camarin Resort and Lago FishingVillage.

Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove
Address	Cavinti, Laguna, Philippines
Budget Per Person	150-800	Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove Map
Payment Options	Cash
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (even holidays) 7am-5pm
Reservation Required	No (encouraged)
Contact	cavintitours@gmail.com

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Crosby Park: Camping, Nature Trip and Kiddie Obstacle Course at Itogon Benguet

After our Balatoc Mines Tour, we were at the nearby sari-sari store drinking and resting when we noticed a poster about Crosby Park.  I recall going there when I was young but the memory is quite faint.  On the other hand, fellow Travel Tripster Kurt had never been there.  So instead of waiting for the next jeepney to bring us back to Baguio City, we decided to stop by Crosby Park.  We asked the miners who were waiting in the bench with us if it was just nearby.  They told us that it was walkable. 

The funny thing about our walk was it was loonnnggg.  But, whenever we asked the locals if we were near, they all said the same thing... "it is very near".   By following their instructions, we found ourselves in a fenced vicinity called Crosby Park.

 The playground or the kiddie obstacle course is found on top.  It was pretty deserted during our visit.

 My vague memories begun to feel something familiar. 

When I was a child, I was more daring with the jungle gym.  Now, I'm to scared to try hanging on it with my legs. 

 I recall not being able to climb here when I was young because I've always been afraid of heights.  As I climb, I was still as scared as I was before but I did it anyway just to conquer my fear. =D

This looks easy but I couldn't balance and pass through it. =(

Of course, we didn't try this.  We'd have to be as foolish as kids to crawl on the dirt to go through this. =p

This is a bit of a challenge for me but I surpassed this as well. 

The wooden house and picnic tables look old but they are still sturdy.

We Travel Tripsters imagine Crosby Park as a nice place for kids to play around and families to enjoy a picnic or camping together.   It was cool in the area as we were surrounded by pine trees.

Crosby Park		Crosby Park Map
Price Per Person	FREE
Payment Options
Business Hours
Reservation Required	No but suggested because they close the gates
Contact	(074) 447-2617
Other
Address
Itogon, Benguet, Philippines
Transportation to Attraction
Jeepney
Commute Guide

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Burnham Park and Children's Park: Baguio City's Famous Park

During our stay at Baguio City, we were always bound to pass by Burnham Park.  Burnham Park is a large park located at the heart of Baguio City.  

Daniel Hudson Burnham Monument

Burnham Park is named after Daniel Hudson Burnham, an architect and urban planner, who planned the city.  Burnham Park is a place for recreation for both locals and tourists.  

Burnham Lake Boat Rentals

Burnham Lake is a man-made lake located at center of Burnham Park.  There are many boat rentals at Burnham Lake.  There are different boat docks at every park of the Burnham Lake.  Each of them has their own boat designs.  A boat rental costs around 120 php per person per hour.  The boat rentals booths are open until midnight. 

Burnham Bicycle Rentals

Another popular activities available in Burnham park is its Bicycle Rentals.  The Bicycle Rental costs around 50 php per hour.  The price can depend on the type of bicycle and the stall.

Picnic Tables

Burnham Park also has Picnic Tables where people can bring enjoy the cool weather while bonding with friends or family. 

Children's Park is located at the western part of Burnham Park.  It offers a FREE playground for the kids to enjoy.

There are also a lot of vendors at Burnham Park.  There are corn, cotton candy and pasalubong sellers.  

 The famous Silver products of Baguio City are also sold around Burnham Park.

At the western part of Burnham Park is the Melvin Jones Grand Stand and Football Field where kids play soccer.

We Travel Tripsters suggest that one should see Burnham Park during a visit at Baguio City.  It is the best place to enjoy the natural cool breeze of Baguio City and it is open at any time of the day.

Burnham Park and Children's Park		Burnham Park and  Children's Park Map
Entrance Price Per Person	FREE
Payment Options
Business Hours	24 Hours
Reservation Required	No
Contact
Other
Address
Baguio City, Philippines
Transportation to Attraction
Taxi, Jeepney, Bus

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