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SAN PABLO |
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In ancient times, SAN PABLO , in Laguna, was known as Sampalok, a
large and prospering hamlet in the town of Bay Laguna where sampaloc (tamarind)
trees grew in abundance. It was originally inhabited by Aetas, Dumagats
and Muslims who migrated from Mindanao. These days, it is known as the
City of Seven Lakes and is a good area for hiking. A five-minute jeepney
ride (P15) north of the city lies the largest of the lakes, Lake
Sampalok , which you can circumnavigate in a few hours. There are
floating restaurants along the shore that serve native freshwater fish
such as tilapia, bangus, carp and several species of shrimp. The other
lakes all lie to the northeast, between San Pablo proper and Rizal. They
are Lake Bunot, Lake Calibato, Lake Yambo, Lake Pandin, Lake Palakpakin
and Lake Mohicap.
There are plenty of reasonably priced resorts in the area. Choose from
Cresta Monte Resort and Countryside Spring Resort in Barangay Santo
Angel, Star Lake Resort in Barangay San Buenaventura, Bato Spring in
Barangay San Cristobal, and dozens of others. These resorts are on the
road south of San Pablo heading towards Tiaong and can be reached by
jeepney or bus from Lopez Avenue, San Pablo. Most have their own hot
springs. Further down the road to Tiaong is Villa Escudero ($40-60), a
former coconut plantation, where you can rent cottages; the price
includes all meals. Reservations for Villa Escudero are best made in
Manila (tel 560/523 2944). The Tierra De Oro Resort-Hotel ($5-10), on
the Maharlika Highway south of San Pablo, has excellent quad cottages
and tree houses for six people, set in expansive tropical gardens. From
the BLTB terminal in Pasay, Manila, buses leave every hour for San
Pablo. There are numerous jeepneys from Los Banos to San Pablo, but only
a limited number from Pagsanjan (2hr).
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