Shooting the Rapids

Pagsanjan  is dubbed as the tourist capital of Laguna due to its natural wonders and scenic spots. The most famous attraction of the province is its awesome waterfalls. Although the waterfalls is located at the town of Cavinti, it is popularly known as Pagsanjan Falls mainly because the boatride to the falls starts from Pagsanjan, passes through Lumban and then to Cavinti.

Shooting the rapids is an experience where you ride a boat and the boatmen will steer it against the rapids going to the waterfalls. It takes around 1 hour to reach the waterfalls but going back is much faster at around 45 minutes because the boat is no longer moving against the rapids. During summer,  it is advisable to wear your rashguard and bring hat or umbrella as it gets very hot.

Starting from still waters, the ride eventually becomes rough. The boat will pass between rocks and boulders but the skilled boatmen are able to steer the boat safely. The boat/banca has two boatmen - a navigator and a pilot. The navigator expertly paddles the boat, does the maneuvering and lifting of the boat upstream against the rapids.

On the way to the main waterfalls, you will see lush trees , vines, ferns, wild orchids. When it's rainy season, you will be able to see several smaller falls. There are two to three stops for some picture taking session. The boatmen can also take your photos.

At the end of the river, you will hear the roaring sound of the majestic waterfalls . Upon getting off  the banca, the glorious sight of the waterfalls is surreal. A bamboo raft  which can carry 10 people will take you through the cascading waters into a hidden cave. The thunderous waterfalls is like you're experiencing a category 5 typhoon.

After your water adventure, drop by Aling Taleng's halo halo to sample their menu.

The experience is memorable. Shooting the rapids is truly a thrilling adventure.

Tips:
1-Pagsanjan can be reached via bus or private car. Bus station can be found along Buendia corner Taft Avenue . Sta Cruz bound buses cost P140 one way. Stops at Sta Cruz terminal and get a jeepney bound for Pagsanjan for P10. Via private car, take Calamba exit, pass Pansol, Calamba, Bay , then to Pagsanjan. Travelling time is 2-3 hours depending on the traffic. Note that the public buses stop to take on passengers along Laguna.

2- Go to the Tourism Office for assistance. Beware of people who will offer you tour and paying more. There is a standard fee of Php1250 (rate as of May 2015)
3- With the skill and hard labor of the boatmen, one can be generous; tip of Php500 per boat is alright.
4-Bring bottled water, plastic bags, sunblock, extra clothes, water proof camera; wear beachshoe
5- Do not be a litterbug; respect the environment
6-Sample the local food; get halo halo from Aling Taleng after your boatride
7- There's another way of getting to the waterfalls-  rapelling and hiking  via Cavinti which is cheaper but no shooting the rapids. I like the one with the boat ride.
8- DOT accredited landing point is Casa Bianca. Contact for Tatay Dolan at 0917 4029656. He's a retired boatman.

Twin Lakes - Pandin and Yambo

Pandin and Yambo are two of the famous seven lakes which can be found in San Pablo City, Laguna. They are also known as the twin  lakes because they are separated by a narrow strip of land.

Going there via private car, you can take SLEX and exit at Sto. Tomas. Follow the road going to San Pablo City and to Brgy. San Lorenzo. Travel time is between 2-3 hours depending on the traffic. There are markers on the road leading to Lake Pandin and a parking space is available for a small fee of Php50. From the parking, one has to walk a rough trail for about 15 minutes before reaching the lake. Along the trail are coconut trees, banana trees, bushes and horse's dung. It is better to bring an umbrella, wear sunblock, wear comfy shoes and light clothing and water.

There's an uphill portion which will make your heart beat a little faster but at the end of it is the refreshing sight of the Lake Pandin.

Currently, there are 12 bamboo rafts docked at the waiting area and the caretaker/resident will lead you to your raft. During summer season, green algae abound making the lake's water not clear. Though they will disappear before the onset of the rainy season.

A male and female paddlers cum guide will take you to the far end of the lake where Lake Yambo can be seen. There is a rope tied from the dock up to the strip of land separating Lake Pandin from Lake Yambo. The rope serves as a guide to the paddlers especially when the wind is strong. 
Lake Pandin's depth is about 180 feet and guests are advised to wear life vests when going near the edge of the raft or when swimming for safety.

The guides are friendly, courteous and jolly.

They will  tell you the legend of Pandin & Yambo, their advocacy to maintain the cleanliness of Lake Pandin and other stories. They are also committed in keeping the place clean and natural as this helps boost ecotourism and livelihood in the area.

Upon reaching the other end of the lake, one will trek a narrow strip of  land to get a glimpse of Lake Yambo. There are bamboo railings but be careful as one may slip because of the steep slope.

 It's like climbing a mountain. Lake Yambo is about 29 hectares and is suitable for swimming. However, there is no easy way going down to Lake Yambo from Lake Pandin.

Lake Yambo is serene and there are some fish cages. The landscape is beautiful.

 

The food which comes with the tour is served on the raft and one can decide when they can have their meal. It consists of rice, tiny shrimp, grilled tilapia, fern salad with salted egg, banana and bottled water. The ingredients of these dishes are fresh and the salad is prepared only when the guests arrived.

This tour package includes the bamboo raft ride for two hours and lunch. The cost is dependent on the number of guests. Php500 each if two persons, Php400 per head if three and Php360 each if 4 persons and above. You need to have a reservation to ensure that you have a raft when you arrive. The contact person is Ate Tina at +63929-978-9565.

The two hour raft ride is enough for you to enjoy the place. You can go swimming or just relax, enjoy the view, the cool breeze, enjoy the simple yet sumptuous food and commune with nature.