"San Pablo City: Oldest City In Laguna" San Pablo City by cyndymc

San Pablo City Travel Guide: 51 reviews and 229 photos

Sampaloc Lake's Restored Beauty - San Pablo City

City of 7 Lakes

Located about 82 kilometers from Manila, San Pablo City is nestled at the southern portion of Laguna, at the foothills of Mount Cristobal and Mount Banahaw. It is the very first and oldest city in the Province of Laguna, and is considered one of the oldest cities in the Philippines.

San Pablo City is rich in natural resources, and is largely agricultural, with rice fields and coconut farms as well as orchards. It is blessed with 7 lakes within its geographical boundaries, offering rich fishing grounds that provide livelihood to the local fishermen.

San Pablo Cathedral

I've been to San Pablo City many times in the past, the last time was only a year ago when we dropped by the Cathedral. My first travels to San Pablo City were official business in nature (had to do some management audit of a foreigh-assisted program) so I didn't have time for sight-seeing. Then, I had the occasion to bring some kids to Sampaloc Lake for an educational tour when I volunteered as a Camp Counselor. The following years, I had trips with my family for various reasons: food trips at the restaurants in Sampaloc Lake; hubby's company outing at Villa Escudero; Visita Iglesia during Holy Week at the San Pablo Cathedral.

Ongoing Construction of A Bigger SM City

This Travel Page is dedicated to fellow VTer machomikemd who requested me to write about his birthplace... I'm glad I obliged to his request because it was a pleasant surprise to see so much change and progress in the city, and the restoration of Sampaloc Lake's beauty.

After talking with Ms. Maria Donnalyn Brinas-Esce, Administrative Officer for San Pablo City Tourism Affairs, as well as some locals, I realized that there are so many places I still have to see/discover in San Pablo. In the past, the only popular tourist destinations were Sampaloc Lake and Villa Escudero. Today, with the city government's thrust to promote ecotourism, tourists are encouraged to go for nature trips to its waterfalls and 7 crater lakes: Sampalok, Palakpakin, Yambo, Bunit, Pandin, Muhikap and Calibato.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lovely place; lovable people!
Cons:Terrible traffic; ill-mannered tricycle drivers!

Last visit to San Pablo City: Sep 2010
Intro Updated Sep 21, 2010
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Reviews (19)

The 4-Storey Octagonal Bell Tower - San Pablo City

Visita Iglesia At St. Paul Cathedral Things to Do (9)

We went for Visita Iglesia at the San Pablo Cathedral on several occasions. It is also known as St. Paul Cathedral,... more travel advice

Live Band Nightlife (1)

Imagine listening to live band music while drinking beer (at discounted price of P35) in a relaxing ambience overlooking... more travel advice

Tahanan Ni Aling Meding - San Pablo City

Great Place, Great Food, Great View! Hotels (1)

I did not personally stay in this place because there was no need for me to check in. (Our house is only less than 2... more travel advice

Photo Shoot Things to Do (9)

There is so much to capture in photos: the views, the people, the flora, butterflies, etc. Don't be irritated if... more travel advice

What to Pack (1)
Travel Light
Local Customs (2)
See All Heed The Legend
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Travelogues (1)

Written Sep 20, 2010

8 photos

Sampaloc Lake's Restored Beauty

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Comments (2)

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nixca316 Aug 12, 2011 at 12:49 AM

I agree with Mike :) They are the best tips EVER!
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machomikemd Sep 22, 2010 at 7:13 PM

they're simply the best tips on san pablo city!!! even better than my san pablo city page!!!!! again thank you cyndy :-)