AQUASCAPE LAKE CALIRAYA: A PERFECT QUICK ESCAPE
It would be nice to found a place where you can just relax, de-stress, enjoy a picturesque view with fresh air and stay at a unique room accommodation away from the metro, right? In short, a perfect staycation to unwind. I've been planning this since I knew that Antonino (my Italian boyfriend) will come over here for holidays, to finally meet my family and of course to travel here in the Philippines. I was confused where to go but good thing I found this place in one of the posts I've seen on facebook.
Actually the whole experience was epic. First, I forgot to bring our cooking pan so we looked around for it at Buendia lrt station but sadly we didn't found any and we just lost time. Second, I made a mistake of what route of the bus we're going to take. Instead of Sta. Cruz, we rode bound to Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and so the adventure begins. Lol. We honestly got lost and paid more of what our intended fare should be but when I asked Antonino what is his unforgettable experience in his whole vacation here in the Philippines, he said that this trip to Aquascape Lake Caliraya. We didn't expect that this would happen but it really turned out to be the most unforgettable one-also for me.
Instead of check-in time at 2:00pm, we arrived 5:00pm. We really lost a lot of time but the good thing is that we witnessed the majestic sunset by the lake. I almost lost a chance also to take photos of our floating cottage because it got dark already, but still I took some.
FLOATING COTTAGE
The floating cottage actually looks like the traditional kubo or nipa hut but it is modernized with glass sliding doors and windows with vintage style lights and benches outside. The cozy interior includes 2 double beds, a couch, a modernized rocking chair, table and chairs, kitchenette, bathroom, a TV, an audio system, laser and party lights with a smoke machine for party animals on board. It can fit 4 persons for Php 6,000 per night (low season); ₱7,200 per night (peak season) including a free use of kayak and cruise around the lake.
Since its already dark, we started to prepare our dinner. Some rice and grilled liempo to feed our hungry tummies. After dinner, we decided to drink something before we sleep. I asked the caretaker of the lake where we can buy some beer and pika-pika and there's actually a store nearby. I was surprised because according to some blogs I've read, we need to bring everything from cooking equipments up to food and drinks because there are no stores nearby. Kuya even let me borrow a cooking pan for the preparation of our breakfast the next day.
They also provided us a cooler to keep our food and drinks cold until the next day. Thumbs up for that! After some good conversations, with drinks and music, we decided to go to sleep.
THE NEXT DAY
Ughh, I can wake up to this view forever. We woke up around 7 o'clock in the morning as the cold breeze touches our skin. Too bad, there's no sun that time because according to the caretaker, the weather will be just like this until afternoon, cloudy with just a little rain. After our breakfast, we started to sail around the lake.
TIME FOR FUN!
Aside from chilling inside the floating cottage, Aquascape also offers lots of ways to enjoy the rest of your stay. Here are some fun activities:
- Kayaks (PHP 300 per hour for two persons)
- ATV (PHP 600 for 15 mins for two persons)
- Electric Mountain Bike (PHP 300 for 20 mins) or electric skateboard.
- Jetski/Wave Runner for a Spin (PHP 4,000 per hour for two persons)
- Speedboat (PHP 1,500 for 15 mins for four persons)
- Jet-ski Pulled Inflatables - which can take you on thrill rides, such as the Swordfish (PHP 1,000 for 15 mins for two persons)
- Banana Boat (PHP 200 person person, for a group of six to ten)
- Tsinelas (PHP 1,000 for 15 mins for three persons)
- Flying Bird (PHP 1,000 for 15 mins for one person only)
- Buggy Car (PHP 600 for 15 mins for 2 persons)
There's also outdoor jacuzzi, or soak your tired feet at the doctor fish spa – both free of charge for check-in guests!
HOW TO GET THERE
Option 1: search for Aquascape Lake Caliraya on Waze, which will accurately lead you to the right way (3-4 hour drive)
Option 2: From Buendia/ Cubao, ride a public bus bound to Sta Cruz, Laguna (Php 160). From there, ride a jeep (Php 30) to Lumot, Caliraya and get off when you see a Mt. Carmel sign. Its about 10-minute walk going to Aquascape.
Option 3: Aquascape also offers to rent their van for (Php 6,000) Roundtrip, including drivers fee and gas
TAKE NOTE
Aquascape Lake Caliraya is not a commercialised resort. It is more famous as a camping site so there are no restaurants or establishments inside or near the area.
It’s recommended that you bring your own food and drinks (no corkage fee), utensils and charcoal if you wish to use their grilling area.
Bring your first-aid kit with medicine for allergies, headaches and fever, just in case.
Bring toiletries, too (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, towels, etc.)
The weather is relatively cool all year round, like that of Tagaytay, so prepare jackets or thick clothes.
There’s only one air-conditioned room. You won’t need AC anyway because of the cool weather, especially at night.
When doing the watersports activities, it’s advised that you wear a rash guard or tight swimwear to protect your skin and to avoid wardrobe malfunction.
When camping or exploring the area, always follow the Leave No Trace Principles.
There is an additional P80/person per night entrance fee charged by the local barangay of eco-saddle.
Please bring your pre-cooked/pre-marinated food, rice cooker, super kalan/electric stove, ice, cooler, cooking and charcoal supplies for the duration of your stay. We have a common grilling and dining area you can use free of charge. There are also basic utensils and cookware inside the floating cottage. – NO CORKAGE FEE
Standard check-in time is at 2pm and check-out is at 12 nn (Look for our caretaker Ms Salve Alcantara 09773786951)
Source: Tripzilla
Happy travels!
xo, esca ♡