Top Things to do in San Juan
10 Things to Do in San Juan That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in San Juan, Philippines including Villa Escudero, Playa Laiya, Laiya Adventure Park, Milea Bee Farm, Lucena Cathedral, Lake Pandin, Ugu Bigyan Pottery, Laiya White Cove Beach Resort, Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, Pacific Mall.
Restaurants in San Juan
1. Villa Escudero
Overall Ratings
4 based on 398 reviews
This resort is actually a self-contained working coconut plantation and features a museum, bamboo rafts, a rural village tour and a restaurant underneath a waterfall.
Reviewed By Ron H - Groningen, The Netherlands
The nice thing about Villa Escudero is that it offers a bit of variety. Eating in the restaurant with your feet in the water is very nice, but the museum, pools and cultural show are all worth it as well.
We went for a day trip, which is very possible from Manila (by car), but it seems the lodging is not expensive as well, so we might try that next time.
Oddly enough the museum appears to be the least favorite elements as the place was deserted when we went there. But it does contain a very interesting collection of historic items.
The waterfall restaurant is really all about the experience of sitting with your feet in the water, but the food is actually pretty decent (buffet, no cutlery!!).
We brought swimming attire, so we also enjoyed the pools and went for a short ride on the bamboo raft.
And everything is included in the entrance fee! Very worth it.
2. Playa Laiya
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By charmed497 - manila
We were invited to this place by my cousin. When we got to the place i was mesmerized how beautiful the place is. Well, laiya was known also for their (semi) white sand. The place was really a heaven. My nephew and niece really enjoyed swimming in their huge infinity pool. The staff were very kind and accommodating. Especially for sir raffy who were very kind to us and granted our request. Kudos to that! I will definitely go back here.
3. Laiya Adventure Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By thenavigator8 - Manila, Philippines
If you had been to Sandbox in pampanga, this one is similar. This is located 15 mins. away from acuatico/sabangan beach resorts (there are free rides if you check in in sabangan). This is open 8 am to 5 pm, you need to wear shoes but they have shoe rental a refundable P150 and but you must buy the socks P20. Buy fresh buko juice at 20. They are still building their hotel/accomodation for overnight stay.
the following are the activities that you can do there: caution : weight limit is 100 kilos
package all in P670
package b without pool P520
package c- zipline and giant swing only P300
individual activities:
zipline P250
giant swing P 150
aerial walk P150
wall climb P100
rappelling P100
free fall P100
swimming pool (bring swim wear) P250
4. Milea Bee Farm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 98 reviews
Milea Bee Farm is not not your typical, manicured farm. You will be visiting a small farm dedicated for the propagation and care of various species of honey producing bees. It is situated in a secluded area with no neighbours and without electricity, and it's a five minute walk from the parking area. Visitors will be having a guided tour to see the bees in their habitat. We have the Italian Bees, Philippine Native Honey Bees and different kinds of Philippine Native Stingless Bees. You can have a taste of honey, fresh from the bee hive; know and see the different honey producing bee species; know the sources of nectar and pollen as well as edible flowers; discover the relationship between bees & flowers; and how bees are closely related to the food chain. It will be an entirely new experience which gets you much closer to nature. Milea Bee Farm is only open to visitors every first Saturday of the month. Please note that this is not a resort and we do not have a restaurant though we serve food using farm produced ingredients with prior arrangement. Hope we could share to you why bees are important and how you can lend a hand in our campaign and the worldwide concern to help save the bees.
Reviewed By Kyla0605 - Lipa City, Philippines
We just planned to go to this bee farm without knowing something, and I just thought this is just a bee farm, wherein there is only bees, but when we start walking into the narrow way to farm the surrounding is wonderful it was full...MoreWe teach visitors our way of farming and beekeeping. Your visit gave us the same opportunity but also opened our eyes to other learnings that you shared. Thank you for dropping by and we hope to bee with you sometime soon.
5. Lucena Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By gabykouchacji - Washington DC, District of Columbia
The Saint Ferdinand Cathedral in Lucena City, Philippines is located in St. Ferdinand Parish which was founded by Friar Mariano Granja in 1881. The construction of a church started in 1882, was finished by 1884, but was destroyed by fire in 1887. Another church was rebuilt in its place beginning that same year. The Bishop of Lipa built a seminary here in 1942 which became the foundation of the Diocese of Lucena. Pope Pius XII established the Diocese formally in a Papal Bull on March 28, 1950. St. Ferdinand Cathedral has undergone considerable renovation and has maintained the beauty of its altar and additional buildings on its grounds.
6. Lake Pandin
Overall Ratings
4 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By pinoyfamily - Lucena City
There is a raft with lunch activity here, make an inquiry or booking thru Ms Tina 09079952983.Ride with lunch is P360, consisting of steamed rice, broiled tilapia fish, river shrimps cooked in coconut milk, pako or fern salad with salted eggs on top, banana and bottled water. You can add pork barbeque in the menu for additional P40 per person. Before reaching the place, you need to hike for about 15 mins, the initial trail is shaded, the next is not, so better be ready with hats or umbrellas. Wear comfortable footwear. A young guide will lead you to the location. Guides are young students, 11 years old and above. They wear Lake Pandin Tour ID and are trained. Mine is a 12 year old highschool freshman, respectful and he can answer my queries about the place. They are not salaried guides, it's up to you how much you want to give. The bamboo raft can sit a maximum of 14 people, lifevests available in your 2 hour rafting. Your raft guides are courteous, you can have your lunch anytime in the raft. We took our spot near the grotto whre fresh, cool mountain water flows. The deepest part of the lake is 180 ft, you can swim near your raft. The water is so clean. You can order fresh buco or halo halo before you ride if you feel so hot. But once you start moving, you will forget how tired you get from walking just to reach the place. Beautiful place, a must-see!
7. Ugu Bigyan Pottery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Oskrehoboth - Manila, Philippines
This sure is a very nice place to go to unwind. I had been here once before - a few years ago and I recall leaving this place feeling better. My stomach was full, too and so did my eyes. My other senses were likewise teased. My wallet did get damaged.
I seriously hope that many people get a chance to visit this place. And hopefully, you get a chance to chat with Mr Ugu Bigyan himself and perhaps be inspired by his story and his craft.
Call in several days, even a week or two in advance to reserve. Good places such as this are always popular.
8. Laiya White Cove Beach Resort
Overall Ratings
3 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Maricar O
Before we went to White Cove Beach Resort, I wasn't really expecting too much because I've read the reviews. I prepared myself psychologically so that I would not be disappointed. I also brought some snacks and noodles because they said that food was a little bit pricey. Since I was expecting for the worst, I was surprised that it turned out to be okay. The staff were friendly, our rooms were clean and spacious, and the resort itself was not bad at all. What made our stay enjoyable was the banana boat ride that turned out to be awesome for a price of P1,500 for 6 people plus 4 kids who joined the speedboat.
If you are planning for a family staycation during weekends, expect a company outing. Resorts in Laiya are very famous in company team building activities. Expect lots of guests especially during the summer.
Negative side: The beach area is rocky and there is an awful smell like of a drainage in the morning at the beach because I've noticed that the water from somewhere is going to the sea. There are also trash everywhere because there were no visible trash bins outside.
9. Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By SherwinJoseph - Luzon, Philippines
Also known as the Our Lady, Mary Mediatrix of All Grace Parish. The church is located few kilometers from the city center of Lipa City in Batangas Philippines.
This is a Carmelite-led Monastery. The compound is relatively big, with different sections -- meditation area, candle and prayer area, convent, office rooms, garden, elevated prayer open area, the main church, and a big parking space.
Prepare to get stuck in traffic to and from the place, as the Lipa City traffic may not be cooperative the day you visit the place. If coming from the South (Bicol or Lucena), take the Tiaong-Lipa road or the Padre Garcia-Lipa road.
10. Pacific Mall
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By FSRP01 - Mandaluyong, Philippines
Finding an independent mall is rare indeed. The department store and supermarket is Metro Gaisano and there is the usual popular mix of fastfood restaurants and fashion stores.
The layout of the mall is different from others with a passing resemblance to Evergotesco Mall on Commonwealth, Quezon City.
It's not very big, the food court is miniscule but if you are in Lucena, it's a must see.
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