Finding Peace & Quiet at the Twin Lakes of San Pablo, Laguna

Contributed by A Wanderful Sole

San Pablo is another developing city in the province that doesn’t seem to run out of unexpected delights, Laguna. Slowly, this city is paving its way to urbanisation with it seeming a little too busy which is easily observed through its streets thronged by vehicles, markets reverberating its usual grind and locals getting on with their daily routines.

Despite the threat of it completely evolving to be one of this world’s modern cities, San Pablo’s charming and rustic character is still very evident. Cool refreshing air, century old infrastructures and locals’ traditional ways are some of the things that make this city very endearing. To add to its already remarkable resume are multiple peaks towering in the outskirts and the 7 jewels of a lake which are all breathtakingly beautiful. Allow me to introduce you two of the most off-beaten and pristine of the 7, the Twin Lakes of Pandin and Yambo.

Also read: Seven Lakes in a Single City? Only in the Philippines!

Pandin Lake

Pandin Lake is a rarely spoken gem lying unperturbed beneath the luscious forest in Brgy. Sto Angel. Sitting among locals’ simplistic houses, who would ever think that a beauty such as that of Pandin Lake can be found a few minutes walk from the busy highway with only a tiny dirt road enough for motorcycles leading hopeful visitors to this precious jewel.

Surely, Pandin Lake knows how to take one’s breath away with its cool teal waters abounded by lush vegetation looking pretty enchanting from afar. This jewel effortlessly exudes grace and opulence common only to some of nature’s unspoilt creations. Afloat its pristine waters are bamboo rafts while the crisp laughter of local children playfully having a much-needed swim, the chirping of the birds and some hearty conversations around are the only sounds you would hear like its own natural melody played in repeat.

How to get there

From Manila

Ride a Jac Liner or any bus bound for Lucena in Buendia/Kamias Bus Terminals. Alight the bus in SM San Pablo, then ride a jeepney to San Pablo proper. Walk from the final stop inside the public market to 7/11 located near the church and ride a jeepney going to Ilog. Alight in Brgy. Sto. Angel, just in front of the entrance to Pandin Lake which you would easily notice as it bears the sign PANDIN LAKE written in bold and huge letters, and the Mayor’s face sitting next to it. Choose whether to get a local guide (not necessary unless you want to give a local child his baon come school day) or simply ask them for directions to Pandin Lake and walk on your own (very doable).

From Alabang

Ride a bus bound for Lucena and alight in SM San Pablo. Fare is ₱98. Follow remaining steps above.

From San Pedro, Biñan and Sta. Rosa

Go to Balibago complex. Ride a van to going to San Pablo City. Fare is ₱75. Follow remaining directions above when you get to San Pablo.

From Calamba, Los Baños, & Calauan

Ride a jeep or a bus going to Sta Cruz. Once in Sta Cruz, ride a passenger jeep to San Pablo. Follow remaining directions above.

From Dasma and Pala-Pala

Ride a van going to Sta. Cruz. Once in Sta Cruz, ride a passenger jeep going to San Pablo. Follow remaining directions above.

Yambo Lake

Yambo Lake sits in between the municipalities of San Pablo and Nagcarlan and its name may sound a little masculine to the ear but this magnificent creation bears an elegance of a Queen. Unlike Pandin Lake, getting to Yambo lake can be a bit of a task yet another rewarding journey with a delightful promise at the end. The quest to behold the beauty of this jewel may be long and winded but you’ll see it’s worth it. Cool, pristine waters reflecting the lush greens that surround it is this jewel’s breathtaking reward. The tranquillity it offers is unmatched. To some, a trip to this lake may be a bit boring but to those who value serenity and being in harmony with nature, Yambo Lake is a priceless treasure.

Also read: Top Laguna Attractions for Your Next Weekend Escape

How to get there

From Manila

Ride a Jac Liner or any bus bound for Lucena in Buendia/Kamias Bus Terminals. Alight the bus in SM San Pablo then ride a jeepney to San Pablo proper. Walk from the final stop inside the public market to the street near the Fire Station across 7/11. Ride a Jeep to Narcarlan. Alight in the terminal and ride a tricycle going to Brgy. Sulsuguin.

From Alabang

Ride a bus bound for Lucena and alight in SM San Pablo. Fare is ₱98. Follow remaining steps above.

From San Pedro, Biñan and Sta. Rosa

Go to Balibago complex. Ride a van to going to San Pablo City. Fare is ₱75. Follow remaining directions above when you get to San Pablo.

From Calamba, Los Baños, & Calauan

Ride a jeep or a bus going to Sta Cruz. Once in Sta Cruz, ride a passenger jeep to Nagcarlan. Follow remaining directions above.

From Dasma and Pala-Pala

Ride a van going to Sta. Cruz. Once in Sta Cruz, ride a passenger jeep going to San Pablo. Follow remaining directions above.

Sample Budget, Contact Info, Fees & Itinerary

Also read: 20 Underrated Provinces in the Philippines Totally Worth Visiting

Other info you need to know

1. The trail leading to Yambo Lake from Pandin is already closed so those who intend to trek to Yambo Lake or Mt. Mabilog will have to take the jeepney bound for Nagcarlan and a tricycle going to Yambo Lake.
2. Another option if you only want to see Yambo Lake is to rent a bamboo raft which will take you to the end of Pandin Lake where lies a trail to Yambo Lake. The trek may take 10 minutes.
3. If you plan to side trip to Bunga Falls from Yambo Lake, you can ride a tricycle which is for ₱150 good for 5 pax.
4.  Trekking Mt. Mabilog is yet another exciting adventure which you can have for a guide fee of ₱300.

There you go folks. Happy travels everyone. Ciao. 🙂