lake pandin

Lake Pandin was quite a surprise with the experience of riding the bamboo raft in the company of family. The serenity of the lake is conjucive to concersation, relaxation and enjoyment in its simplest form. The manual navigation of the raft was enjoyable since the absence of a motor was a welcome respite from the everyday hum of various motors in the streets. Food served was simple but really good and ample for everyone. The sense of community of the residents who manage the tours is an attraction in itself. A self-sustaining community that has shunned commercial influences has led to the preservation of the lake and the lifeways of these people. Hopefully, this remains the way it is forever. The trip to Lake Pandin and the raft ride is a must for everyone who is out to explore the beauty that San Pablo beholds. It certainly is a trip worth doing again and again and again.

Lake Pandin is a perfect quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the seven lakes of San Pablo, it is something that could be toured for a day being just located in Laguna, some 70-90km from Manila.I arrived there alone and without any reservation so to lessen costs of raft rentals, I found myself befriending a group of local tourists as well and asked them if I could join their raft, they gladly agreed.The whole location was serene. Stayed and hung-out for more than an hour by the balite tree near the trail to Pandin's twin lake Yambo, and enjoyed the cool breeze and the scenery.

We took the bamboo raft out into the lake and ate on the lake a traditional Philippine meal of tilapia, rice, etc.

500/Pax for 2-3 PAX360/Pax for 4 and aboveFood includes:TilapiaShrimpPork LiempoBukoEnseladaBananaOther foods yiu can buy with the Locals:Halo-Halo 25.00Polvoron 50.00 3PacksMineral bottled water 15.00CR:5.00 Per use5-10 mins. Trekking from the jump off, do not forget to bring umbrella or water.P

Lake Pandin is a scenic little lake hidden in Laguna. We were backpacking and got their via a tricycle and a jeepney ride from Mount Banahaw, without any reservation, so we had no raft to take us to the other side of the lake (where people swim). We were persistent and kept asking the women there (the area is being managed and operated by women as a gender empowerment livelihood project) and after a few minutes, we found ourselves sipping juice from freshly opened coconut waiting for our raft. On the raft, we were served lunch -- fish, salted eggs, vegetables, fruits, water, and some more coconuts (all delicious!) and we were treated to stories by our guide, an old lady as well. We got to the other end of the lake where we were also able to check Pandin's twin lake, Yambo. You just have to be careful climbing cause it is steep, and having to climb with wet slippers makes it even more difficult. There's a bamboo rail to hold on to, just grab tight. We spent hours swimming with our life jackets on (we were asked not to remove it cause apparently, and according to the guide, the lake "takes" people, especially tourists). It was relaxing, quiet, peaceful, and fun all at the same time.

Lake Pandin was said to be the most pristine among the 7 lakes of San Pablo. It has a twin lake which is the Lake Yambo. We paid a visit here to celebrate my parent's wedding anniversary. We're tired of those fancy restaurants so i guess this is a better alternative. The place is just a short drive from our home in Batangas. From the parking area, visitors will have to take a short walk to get to the wharf. The walk was kinda hot and there can be chances of rain so better be equipped with an umbrella. The place is wonderful and truly a piece of heaven on earth. The water is green and calm. The air is fresh and the the raft ride was awesome! We spend an hour river rafting while having our native lunch on board. I love the native delicacies offered from our boat especially the Ube Halaya and the leche flan! hope to be back again! Please visit my travel blog for photos and stories http://mommyqueenelizabeth.blogspot.com/2012/06/nature-escape-at-lake-pandin.html

We decided to go on a little adventure last June 8, 2014 by visiting 2 of the 7 famous lakes of San Pablo, Laguna - Lake Pandin and Lake Yambu. Arriving 8:30 a.m., we were guided by a local lass Jacqueline to the lake. Helping us carry our breakfast baskets, we followed an uphill trail to Lake Pandin. It was a little steep halfway up but we managed slowly. The overview of th lake was a sight to behold! We rented the raft for P180per person with complimentary fresh coconut. Though the local people (they called it 'Samahan') managing the place allow 12 -15passengers per raft, i won't recommend this because lake water seeps between the bamboo flooring making it risky & slippery. 4-8passengers is advisable. Rafts can only be used for 2hrs. Your option to stay at the banks or cross the lake. Every raft has 2 guides - to manuever & entertain you with their stories. We opted to cross the 100mtr deep lake while having our breakfast. It was a calm & breezy morning. The short ride to the other side of the lake led us to the 5min uphill trail to get a good view of Yambu lake. Another local guide was there to assist us. Like everyone, we were cautioned not to go beyond the boundary of the 2 lakes. The only activity here was to appreciate the blue lake & take photos. After this, we stopped by the small man-made grotto with natural spring water. We capped the tour with halo-halo for P20-BTW, they can also prepare lunch for additional P180/head. But it is better if you bring your own. Meal consists of rice, pako (edible green fern) salad, grilled tilapia & gatang hipon (small fresh water shrimps). Grilled pork can be added for an additional price. Reservation is required unless you are willing to wait for an hour Parking was P50/car. Tip for the local guides voluntary

The scenery was spectacular. It's a place where you can just reflect and commune with nature. So tranquil.

the water in the lake is dirty. the staff weren't so accommodating. the lake is picturesque but i wouldn't recommend swimming in the water.the food was so-so. they ran out of fish(tilapia) so they replaced it with one salted egg. ugh.but there was one lady who sells the most wondrous lumpia ever. either that or we were just really hungry.

My First time together with my family in San Pablo last week on a Holy Thursday to Black Saturday.We enjoyed our stay in TAhanan Hotel, with a nice view from our room, clean room, accommodating and very nice staff. It was breathtaking to experience the balsa ride at Lake Pandin.A different experience joining the procession during Good Friday. People at the dagatan boulevard were very nice. the vendors were entertaining and offered good local food.

Book a raft ahead of time. Check my blog: neca the explorer to know how to get there and for contact numbers to reach to reserve the raft. Walk ins wait a lot longer if no luck so better book ahead of time.Here you get to see how difficult it is to pull the raft to move through the ropes and how these women manage to pull it without hurting their hands. Much to my experience, I enjoyed it mostly because of the locals. Watching them chat and make fun of one another is a boon. Seeing their simple yet extraordinary duties to their community. I'd consider it a bane to witness how climate change affected the community. There's a fish pen with tilapias in the lake. If the changes in water temperature continues and people wouldn't do something about it, this once beautiful lake that we still have now will vanish sooner or later and will only live through our memories.

Definitely go here if you are in the neighbourhood. The tourist project is a major income for the villagers living at the shore of the lake, especially for the women. Before tourists came here and the raft trips were offered, the source of income for the men was fishing. It caused pollution of the lake. Then the women were given the opportunity to offer raft trips and food to tourists, this didn't only raise their income, but also their dignity. Morever, the lake is very clean nowadays.

What a relaxing afternoon!! Sunny, wonderful weather. Excellent lunch provided with the trip. Lush scenery, and refreshing cool water. In away it was good our son is too small to go on rapids or else we would have never considered this trip. Now I plan to make it again!!

The weather was quite gloomy when we went to the lake. Lucky for us it didn't rain. From the main road, the sign getting to the lake is visible enough. There's a parking slot for cars manned by the locals. Parking fee is 40 pesos. And if you're friendly enough, they'd give you a bag full of lanzones in exchange. :) There are local guides (mostly the kids who live near the lake) from the parking area. We gave them 50 pesos after the trip. It will take 10-15 minutes of trekking before you reach the lake. It is recommended that you wear comfortable slippers or sandals as the area is quite muddy (especially during rainy season). We didn't prepare lunch. They offered a set for 100 pesos. This includes rice, steamed seaweeds, fried fish/ sauteed shrimps, and bottled water. You may bring your own food if you're a picky eater. Raft ride is 100 pesos per person. You may take a quick swim or try catching shrimps. Note though that there are no washrooms available. The locals are friendly so don't hesitate to ask.This is truly a great place to just relax and bond with nature.

We took a jeepney from San Pablo City in the direction of Liliw and got out at the "entrance" to the lake, which is basically just a path through the forest. After a while, we arrived at the small village next to the lake, where we were offered a ride across the lake on a bamboo raft (200 pesos/person including a fresh coconut drink). That's all I will say, as you will just have to experience it yourself (we found it a very pleasant experience).