Top Things to do in Santa Rosa
Top Restaurants in Santa Rosa
The 10 Best Things to Do in Santa Rosa, Philippines
Discover the best top things to do in Santa Rosa, Philippines including Nuvali, High 5 Paragliding, Bangkong Kahoy Valley, Splash Island, Rizal Shrine, Enchanted Kingdom, Paragliding Philippines, Republic Wake Park, Evia Lifestyle Center, Solenad.
Restaurants in Santa Rosa
1. Nuvali
Overall Ratings
4 based on 187 reviews
An ecologically-sound community development in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Nuvali is more than just a stopover station. Although many of those traveling further south would often pass by and enjoy the area, many travelers have likewise made this their sole destination. For those just stopping over for a quick meal, Nuvali’s Solenad which is home to numerous dining options and retail shops is the ultimate stopover area. For those planning to enjoy more of what Nuvali has to offer can have their fill of the tree-lined streets, bike trails, the 4-hectare multifunctional lake, the Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, tree nursery and demo farm, The Fields at Nuvali, and the Repulic Wakepark. Nuvali also offers refuge for tired and weary travelers with the opening of the new Seda Hotel which can be the perfect base for exploring the surrounding areas of Nuvali.
Reviewed By Leah A - Mandaluyong, Philippines
Where to bike, jog, shop, eat out, fish, wakeboard, picnic, camp, attend events, etc. in one place? Nuvali offers all these and more! And it's very near Manila - just be prepared for some serious traffic along the way.
I remember a few years ago, our company had a tree planting activity in Nuvali when no structures were visible yet. I'm very happy to see that some of the seedlings we planted have now become trees that give shade and beautify the place. Still more trees are needed, especially in the parking areas near the highway where cars fry under the hot, tropical sun. It's free parking though.
There are also outlet stores where you can snag good deals on name brands like Nike, Adidas, etc. While there are lots of restos, these can get crowded real fast during lunch time and dinner on weekends - and they close early in the evening (7-8 p.m.). A more affordable alternative is the open air eateries in Paseo de Sta. Rosa just across Nuvali Solenad area.
We have been there several times and still yet to try the other activities. So we'll be back again and again - for special activities like the Magical Garden of Lights they had last Christmas season. Just be prepared for the crowds and the long walks on uneven ground. Wear comfy shoes - always!
2. High 5 Paragliding
Overall Ratings
5 based on 63 reviews
Tandem Paragliding is where you fly together with a certified Tandem Pilot and get the thrill of a lifetime. BOOK a FLIGHT online, get more INFO and RATES at the website of HIGH 5 PARAGLIDING The flysite in Carmona is less than 1hr drive from Makati. Paragliding in Carmona is definitely one of the best 1/2 day trips for outdoor and adventure lovers, who want to escape the traffic and pollution of Metro Manila. There is no age but weight restriction. Passengers should have a minimum weight of 25kg and a maximum weight of 95kg. During the peak flying season from November till end of May, paragliding is daily available, if weather permits. Groups up to 10 passengers can easily be accommodated.
Reviewed By wabbysabby - Metro Manila, Philippines
Don't let the very outdated look of High-5 Paragliding main website fool you: (kinda nostalgic of the nineties if you ask me, haha) Booking and scheduling a paragliding session (as well as transport to the flysite) with Uwe is a breeze! Uwe swiftly replies to...MoreThank you for the full comprehensive review. I will try to improve the look of the website. Any suggestions welcome ;-) Cheers Uwe
3. Bangkong Kahoy Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Bangkong Kahoy translates to Wooden Bench, hence the name “bangko” which was derived from live tree trunks and branches. About 2-hours drive from Metro Manila, Bangkong Kahoy Valley sits between the Mountains of Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal; a comfortable haven for weekend trekkers, bird watchers and anyone who wants to escape to a cool and quiet retreat. One gets a magnificent view of two Mountains interacting with the moods of sun, the wind and the rain, constantly changing, always proclaiming the glory of its Maker.
Reviewed By JrlnLP - Las PInas
It was a short nature trip for me on the day that I visited this place.
The place was remote but surprisingly there was a road right up to the spot.
It was raining and one of the caretakers gladly accompanied me to take a look at what they have to offer.
There was a main restaurant area, a round pavilion, tent area, camp grounds, zipline and a small picturesque chapel. Right at the background were Mts. Banahaw and Cristobal.
The outdoor restaurant is being constructed/renovated and, when finished, it would surely be a nice spot to hang around.
The place was very relaxing. No need for airconditioning because the temperature was very cool, perhaps cool enough even during summer.
4. Splash Island
Overall Ratings
3 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By Gatsby H
Went to splash island with my friends. It was great and exciting but there were a lot of people because a big company rented splash island for their team building and the remaining slot was limited but luckily we are able to get in. There were no rooms and cottages available but there were tables and chairs left which is free. We left our things there and I'm really nervous because it might get lost (LOL! Trust issues), to be honest I was a little surprised when we get back, our bags were still there. There are different pools like lazy river, wave pool, kids pool, pools with different amazing slides. We waited in line for more than 30 minutes just to experience different slides. The water in the pool was already dirty when we get there but it's okay because it was really fun and challenging. They have many food kiosk, they have shakeys, grilled meat and veggies,different desserts and drinks. The staff were so friendly and approachable, they were always ready to serve. Their comfort rooms are clean, the floor was slippery, be careful! Anyway it's not allowed to bring food inside. When you bring food and you have a car you can eat it in your car you just need to get the stamp from the guard first before you can exit. Even though there were a lot of people it was really fun and exciting!
PS: you can experience it too for just 500php per person. It will be better and efficient when you visit the place during off peak season. Have a safe trip!
5. Rizal Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By MissisJaye - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This Rizal Shrine is the home of our Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal and where he was born. A historical place and a must visit of all Filipinos in all ages. Located in the center of Calamba City. Kudos to the management that continues to maintain this important place clean, beautiful, updated and interactive.
Highly recommended to friends, family and foreign visitors.
6. Enchanted Kingdom
Overall Ratings
4 based on 473 reviews
Reviewed By patlv23 - Winnipeg, Canada
Enchanted Kingdom is pretty much the premiere theme park in the Philippines.
For me it hasn't changed much since I last went a decade ago. There's definitely more rides but the feel is the same. Again, like any theme park, near closing, the lines disappear, so you can pretty much ride over and over.
Ticketing/entry was a long process so improvements can be made there. I do appreciate the effort in the beginning to measure kids' height so you know up-front what rides they can enjoy and the requirements regarding companions.
The big change for me was Agila Experience.
If you've been to the Mall of America in Minneapolis, there is an attraction there called FlyOver America. This is very similar, but this time with a trip through some of the Philippines' popular attractions and even a couple I didn't know about. I would bet that it was built by the same company. The difference though, if I remember correctly, is that in FlyOver America, the edges of the screen are not very prominent. I wish they had done the same with Agila because it helps with the "like I'm really there" effect. Agila has a decent "pre-show" as you make your way through the facility before the actual show. There is a story being told from the beginning until the show. I wish they improve the sound system though, I could barely understand some of the dialogue. We went in near closing time so lines were short so I don't know how the experience would be with bigger crowds. I enjoy these type of attractions in general, so I enjoyed this one as well.
7. Paragliding Philippines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
TANDEM PARAGLIDING. Paragliding in the Philippines is fun! tandem paragliding prices are very reasonable. We do Tandem Paragliding as a first free flying experience to every free flying enthusiast out there. It also help us sustain our sport and the flysite. If you love free spirited flying of tandem paragliding you can than decide to learn paragliding by signing up in our paragliding school and
Reviewed By Janzel L
If you're looking for something different, this is a good choice. The pilots are very nice and informative if you have keep them ask questions. If you just want to do something new just near Manila, you can try this. Here are some y notes:
Bring water -
there are no stores in the area so you might need water while waiting for your turn
4x4 car is recommended -
I've brought a sedan but luckily I was able to hop in with a Safari so I won't need to bring my car in the jump off area.
Wear comfortable clothes
Make sure that your camera is safe and secured so it won't fall during your flight.
8. Republic Wake Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By 3amigosmom - La Habra, California
We went to Republic Wake Park a couple of times during our recent vacation. For approximately $5 per hour, and a $10 refundable deposit for the helmet and life-vest, you get to ride around in either the beginner or advanced lakes. You cannot bring in any outside food or drinks though. My recommendation is to go when it first opens so the line should be smaller. How often you get a turn to wake-board depends on the number of people in line. They only have 1 area for beginners. Make sure you also bring your own towels and soap/shampoo so you can clean-up afterwards.
9. Evia Lifestyle Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
10. Solenad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By Joyce D
We live near Solenad so it's no problem getting here. Now that there's Solenad 1, 2 & 3, there's more food choices to choose from depending on your preferences and budget. The Ayala Malls Solenad adds gaming and cinemas to the activities it offers. Clothing, toy, book stores are also present here.
There is a wide outside parking lot without any fee as of today. But on weekends especially at night, expect to have this full already then you have to park at the gravel area which still has a security guard.
The latest addition to Solenad is the p2p bus from Solenad to Glorietta for P150 until November 2017 then to its regular price at P250 starting December 2017
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