"Isdaan" the Floating Resto in Laguna

Isdaan, known as the floating resto is located in Calauan, Laguna. Owned by the same family that manage "Barrio fiesta" this restaurant has attracted throngs of visitors not only for the food they serve but also for the uniqueness they offer. The whole resto was inspired by a Thai theme which also offers other attractions that gives a unique wholesome experience suited for the whole family. They have a wide selection of different cuisine that anyone can order through their menu.

The only downside is the waiting time before your orders can be served, perhaps due to the large volume of orders which usually takes an average of 40 minutes to an hour (now I know, why they have too many attractions).

 

Rating:
7 out of 10

How to Get There:

1.) From LRT Buendia ride a bus bound for Sta, Cruz in Laguna
2.) Tell the driver to drop you off in Isdaan.

Mt. Ulap Traverse

Situated in the Cordillera mountain ranges of Benguet, the trail that leads to Mt. Ulap consists of Pine Trees and grassland ridges with stunning views of the mountain ranges, even a glimpse of burial caves, and hanging bridges. Mt Ulap is a perfect dayhike from Baguio City which is only 1 hour away from the city proper by public jeepney. The complete traverse spans around 8 kilometers through several peaks along the Ampucao-Sta. Fe Ridge  and can be completed in 4-6 hours (I managed to complete the whole trail in 4.5 hours).

Only 20 percent of the trails are covered with trees (Pine trees) and most are exposed grassland slopes- it's a good thing that the soothing cool breeze of Benguet compensates the scorching heat of the sun. The first part of the traverse will be greeted with a full assault, an ascent of 900 ft in just an hour of trek and from there on, rolling terrains of hills will lead you to the highest point which is Mt Ulap (5820 ft above sea level). 

There are a number of peaks and points of attraction that can be seen in the traverse trail from the grassland slopes of Ambunao Paoay (Camp 1) to Gungal Rock - the site for rock balancing (Camp 2), and then to the highest point, Mt. Ulap (Camp 3). The descent from Mt. Ulap to Pong-ol Burial Caves (Camp 4) is steep with almost 1400 ft descent via a pine-forested terrain of cliffs and ravines. The Burial Caves themselves are a nice attraction but the Pinoy Solo Hiker opted not to take any pictures out of respect.

Vlog Version:

How To Get There:

1.) From Baguio City, you can ride a jeepney bound to Ampucao (terminal is in Lakandula St.)

2.) Once in Ampucao, register and secure a guide.

Bunga Falls

Located in the town of Nagcarlan in Laguna and is one of the two tourists attraction in the said town (the other one is the Underground Cemetery). The trek consists of a 10 to 15 minutes walk from the jump off point which will pass through a rough trail of woodlands.

Though not as high as the other falls located in Laguna which is only 30ft. of cascade, what makes it unique are the twin waterfalls, almost identical that cascades side by side. It was named after the Betel nut (Bunga) that used to grow in the area.

There were an urban legend about a mysterious creature who snatches unsuspecting victims down to the depths of Bunga Falls's 30 feet catchbasin and has circulated among the towns folk. For some reason I have decided not to plunge into the waters of the falls. If you will observe, a figure of a face on the rock formation is also visible on the falls, making it quite creepy and mysterious.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Lucena (DLTB or Jac Liner), they have terminals in Cubao and LRT Buendia 

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in San Pablo City (since, bus were not allowed inside the city you will be drop off at Mahalarlika hiway in San Pablo, you can either ride a trike or take a San Pablo bound jeepneys.

3.) Once in San Pablo, ride a jeep bound for Liliw/Nagcarlan tell the driver to drop you off in Nagcarlan Public Market.
4.) You can the ride a trike bound for Bunga Falls.

The Cheese Steak Shop

The home of the beloved Philly-style cheese steak that was originally established in California and now has 31 branches in the United States. In 2011 they opened their franchise shop in Amorsolo, Makati where they brought the original Philadelphia-style sandwich to our shores and allowed us to get a taste of authentic cheese steak.

They uses 3 kinds of cheese, namely: Provolone, White American cheese, and Cheese Sauce. You can ask the crew to change the cheese used in your sandwich according to your taste. The Italian-made Provolone is the tastiest among the 3 choice of cheese, with cheese sauce coming in at second. If you want to taste “more” of the meat, you can add the white American cheese because it’s the blandest among the choices.

I ordered the Classic Philly Cheese Steak, comes in different sizes - it is truly there specialty. The meat is perfectly blended with tomatoes, onion and cheese sauce. Their Fries w/ Cheese Sauce is also great- cheese sauce is the best dip for fries. However, the Spaghetti with cheese and meatballs doesn't taste that good, it's too expensive for it's price and the blend of sauce does not compliment very well. I had Fried Oreo for my dessert which I believe is too expensive, but nonetheless it is a must try. They don't have much variation in their  drinks and beverages except for rootbeer and softdrinks.

Average order time usually takes time to prepare, but there are board games that you can play while waiting for your food to be served.

Rating:

7 out of 10

Tayak Hill

Situated beside the much bigger Mt. Cristobal which is located in the town of Rizal in Laguna, Tayak Hill stands at 1960 feet above sea level. It is believed to be the gateway of Mt. Cristobal which is known among the urban legends as the devil's mountain.

Due to it's steep terrain and scenic views, it has became a haven for bikers which has a total stretch of 6.5 km. from the jump off point to the summit. It played a crucial role during WW2 because it served as a command post for American and Filipino troops during the war where ammunitions, arms and provisions were dropped off.

Upon reaching the summit, one can have a scenic view of the nearby Mt. Cristobal, Mt Atimla and Kalisungan and the Mt Malarayat mountain range from can be seen from afar. Two crosses were erected near the summit (one smaller than the other) and a bike which is dedicated to the biker who died due to cardiac arrest while on his way to the summit.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Lucena (DLTB or Jac Liner), they have terminals in Cubao and LRT Buendia 

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in San Pablo City (since, bus were not allowed inside the city you will be drop off at Mahalarlika hiway in San Pablo, you can either ride a trike or take a San Pablo bound jeepneys.

3.) Once in San Pablo, ride a jeep bound for Liliw/Nagcarlan tell the driver to drop you off in Rizal (Rizal Elementary School), that's where the jump off begins.

Taytay Falls (Imelda Falls)

Taytay Falls is located in the protected area of Mt. Banahaw forest reserve in the town of Majayjay, Laguna. It has an altitude of 1900 ft above sea level (Brgy Taytay as the reference altitude), a hidden treasure in the heart of Mt. Banahaw, which is also known by other names as Majayjay Falls and Imelda Falls.

Taytay Falls is a short trek consisting of 15 to 20 mins walk from the jump off point which will pass through a cemented pavement. Lush green vegetation consisting of plants and trees are present throughout the trail, teaming with flora and fauna, thus it making it a relaxing walk through a serene and breezy Mt. Banahaw.

Once near the falls, you can see it's grandeur and majestic beauty. I tried to swim the waters in the catchbasin which cascades from the mountain that is approximately 50-60 ft., but it is freezing cold (just imagine ice water). It is the cleanest and clearest among the waterfalls found in Laguna. 

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz  (DLTB), they have terminals in Cubao and LRT Buendia 

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in Pagsawitan.

3.) Once in Pagsawitan,  You cane then ride a jeep to Sta.Cruz town proper (that's where the Majayjay jeepney terminal  is located). Tell the driver to drop you off in Majayjay Terminal.

4.) Once in Majayjay, you can then ride a jeep bound for Taytay (falls)

"Ryuma" the Authentic Japanese Resto in Nuvali

Ryuma Restaurant is located in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa - offers an authentic Japanese cuisine with real Japanese chefs.  The restaurant is also a toy store, home shop, and part museum. Museum, in a sense that it also display a full suit of samurai armor. The resto is usually at full capacity during weekends.

Stuffed toys and toy dispensers are aligned near the entrance, all toys on display are for sale. Ryuma also have a mini grocery beside their restaurant which sells different kind of stuff (Japanese products). The unique set up offers a different kind of experience for all who wish to experience Japanese cuisine.

Rating:

6 out of 10