Travel Guide: Sampaloc Lake, San Pablo Laguna

Quick Background

Way back 2001 My parents decided to rent a bamboo bungalow house in front of the lake. we stayed there for about 2 years. I still remember the arrangement back then, my Dad works at Manila and he comes home every weekend and goes back to work every first day of the week. How we survive? I barely remember. as far as I know we our kilometers away from the public market. The people are very polite. their accent is cute and melodious. 

San Pablo Laguna is known for It's 7 lake. One of the most prominent or well known lake is the Sampaloc Lake. Sampaloc is an inactive volcanic maar on the island of Luzon, the Philippines. It is the largest of the Seven Lakes of San Pablo, Laguna.

Area: 104 ha

Width: 1.2 km

Mean Depth: 10m

ABOUT THE PLACE

Sampaloc Lake is such a great place for Family. though unlike other tourist spots in Laguna there are only few activities you can enjoy. however if you're really determined and motivated running around the lake is basically the best thing. people start running at 4 am. what's good about it is you don't have to bring water, Just enjoy the spring. there are few bamboo tubes connected on to the foot of the mountain providing Fresh Mineral water. just stick your mouth on the tube then all good. Hydrated. 

The locals are very Polite. there are houses on the other side of the road and few houses beside the lake. I heard this year it will all be cleared out. the Officials will make it a legit tourist spot. ( Kinda sad because they will relocate the people away from their source of livelihood, Most of the locals' source of livelihood is their fishing fond around the lake. ) 

There are two view deck in the lake the first one is actually built beside the lake. so you will have a closer view on the site. the other one is just few steps away up if you wish to have a much wider view of the lake. 

(Photos Provided Below) 

( The first View Deck: Built beside the lake ) 

( The second View Deck: If you wish to have a wider view. Few steps away up here.) 


SIX THINGS TO DO IN THE LAKE

1. Bike - you can rent a bike for only 20 pesos ( $0.433 ) sadly there's no sidecars only single bikes are                            available. you can bike around the lake. 

2. Boating - you an do boating for only 50 pesos ( $1.082 ) I think for 30 mins or so. however Boating is only                        available every weekend because Huge amount of people mostly stay on the weekends. 

3. Food Trip - there are a lot of street Food available in front of the lake. Mostly Isaw, BBQ , hotdogs etc. If                           you don't feel like eating street food there are few eatery or coffee shops around too. just                                 imagine having coffee with such an incredible view. 

4. Stroll - stroll around. there's a park in front of the lake you can just sit there and re evaluate things. 

5. Run - and as what I said earlier. It's free. take your Bums out of laziness and hit the lake by running. surely                    gain some self boost. 

6. Swim - Few people only do dives at the lake. but if you want to do it why not? It's Free 

( Below are Photos Provided to visualize the actual experience ) 

( Bike:  rent a bike for only 20 pesos ( $0.433 ) ) 

( Food trip all over the place )

( Swim if you can because why not? ) 

Master Garden Filipino Cuisine Tomas Morato

Filipino Cuisine is influenced by many culture, mainly Chinese, Spanish, Malay and United states. so foreigners will surely enjoy Filipino food since it is no different from other food around the globe. 

have you ever crave for the traditional Filipino food that your Grand Mother or Grand Father used to cook when you're still a little Girl. This Restaurant is the perfect Place to go to  whenever that Crave for Filipino Food hits you. they cater Best Filipino Cuisine with reasonable price. 

                                     LOCATION:  310  Tomas Morato Ext. South Triangle, Quezon City 

                                     CONTACT: ( 0927) 966-3958 / 02 2469072,638

                                     BUDGET: 300-500 PHP ( $ 4.309 - $ 6.464 )

                                     OPENING HOURS : 11AM - 12AM 

                                     HAPPY HOURS: 5PM - 10PM

                                              KNOWN FOR:  It's Relaxing Ambiance, Live acoustic Band and commendable staff 

ABOUT THE PLACE 

            It is made for casual Dining, My family and I enjoyed the beautiful warm ambiance and the live acoustic band.  what makes the interior relaxing is the dim lighting. I heard it is named after Master Siomai after It's success ( Same owner) the main branch is located at Malabon and now they have the second branch along Tomas Morato.  They offer Free Drinks for WOMEN every Thursday and the place is clean and cozy.  they can accommodate huge number of people. the staff are so accommodating and fast.  

ABOUT THE FOOD

                 Master Garden has a huge selection of food in their menu. their lechong kawali is definitely a 5 star. the kare kare is not that exceptional, the Pancit is Good, sweet and Sour pork is just fine not as good as other diners.  you can always ask the manager or the staff on what's their specialty. but the Lechon Kawali is a must try. very crunchy. 

           (Disclaimer : Photo grabbed on Zomato was not really able to take photos of food coz I'm extremely starving ) 

Balsa sa Niugan

If you're looking for a cozy and romantic ambiance to chill out with friends or even family gatherings this place will never let you down. 

Balsa sa Niugan 

Location: 3M Aquino St., Niugan, Malabon, 1470 Metro Manila

Contact Number: (02) 442 1033

Operation hours: 11AM - 12AM

Getting there is a bit tricky but you can always ask around. there are tricycle drivers you can always depend on when it comes to directions

ABOUT THE PLACE
                
                  Balsa is Known for their Bamboo floats, You get to dine in in their Bamboo floats while enjoying such luscious food and super cozy ambiance. 

( wooden Isle, the only path to get in your assigned bamboo Float tables )

( They have tons of Bamboo Float, however one float can only accommodate 6 persons. if you are in a huge group of people you must probably enjoy their concrete pubs. there are two concrete pubs in Balsa mostly used for celebration or reunions. 

On holidays or weekends if you want to dine in on their bamboo foats make sure to make a reservations because Mostly it is occupied by new arrivals. always be careful on each steps on the bamboo floats for it is a bit slippery specially when it rains. 

( Balsa at night. I suggest that if you're after the coziness or a romantic kind of person you will enjoy the place at night. there are tons of cute lanterns hanging as a path light, Plus a good back ground music. Mostly at night there are bunch of group of friends who're just hanging out and having their drinks, yet if you're a dorky or Introvert person you can always enjoy their cafe. enjoy a bit of their cake and a sip of their hot late) 

ABOUT THE FOOD 

            

            some restaurants are only good at appearance, I have tried tons of restaurant that brings bliss on your eyes but never on your taste buds. this Restaurant is completely dissimilar to them the food is delish. real bomb diggs. they are known for their crispy sisig MUST TRY! and their kare kare. they have a huge selection of food. Good food. variety of choices that you may enjoy yet in a very reasonable price. 

( Disclaimer: Photo grabbed on Instagram ) 

Love always,