Philippines,Travel,Travel & Kids

Lake Pandin with Kids (Laguna, Philippines)

Pandin Lake 17-min

Have lunch on a bamboo raft as you float along a lake! It doesn’t get any dreamier than this here at Lake Pandin… except, when the weather refuses to cooperate, which is exactly what happened to us!

But no complaints! After all, there’s no such thing as bad weather when you’re having an adventure!

Getting There:

Pandin Lake 10-min

We’re all about looking for quick escapes from Manila and this is one of our latest finds! Lake Pandin is located at San Pablo, Laguna and is around 2.5 hours away from Manila.

We drove from Manila and got our directions via Waze (searchable as Lake Pandin.) But it kinda gets tricky once you arrive!

The Nitty-Gritty Details: Arrival

Pandin Lake 19-min

So arriving at Pandin wasn’t as easy as we thought. Unlike most places, you can’t just drive, park and walk to the lake.

Our friends who live in San Pablo were the ones who arranged this activity for us. They were in touch with a woman named Tina (Mobile: +63917-9952983). They also paid directly to her for our raft rentals and everything.

When we arrived where Waze told us to stop, we saw a number of people holding signs that said “Pandin Lake Parking Here.” In other words, there was no official designated parking space.

We ended up parking our car at a house whose owner was called Manang Tina (same name as our contact Tina but different person!) It was just one of many different parking areas. This was just the nearest we found and was vouched for by our contact, Tina.

1km Hike on “Private Land”

Kids Outdoors

My husband said he can’t believe that I forgot to mention to him that there was a 1km hike! Haha!! OOPS.

So yes, Tina told us to take this route. There’s a 1km hike through a private road. Because it’s “private land,” they charged us 50php per person, even the kids. We were told that you can haggle this but they didn’t let us haggle that time. :(

Pandin Lake 16-min

They also said it will take us 15 mins but I think it took us more than that, probably because we had kids. To be honest, the hike up wasn’t that bad. But because it was raining when we went, it was particularly muddy and slippery on the way down. No doubt, the best time to do this is when it’s sunny but not too hot. Three boys helped bring our things up. We gave tips.

However, it’s also good to note that this is only a temporary situation (as we were told!) I believe this wasn’t the path before and they’re planning to fix it as well. But, I have no other details. I am also not entirely sure if there is another way.

(Don’t forget to read the tips at the bottom of this article.)

Getting a Raft

Pandin Lake 6-min

Our friends paid directly to “Tina” upon arrival. Here are the rates:

  • Raft Rental only: 220php/person
  • Raft + Lunch: 400php/person
  • Free for kids below 6 years old

They had life vests on all the rafts for anyone who wanted to jump on the lake and swim.

Pandin Lake 4-min

We waited for the rain to settle down a little and then off we went!

When the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate

Pandin Lake 12-min

So it wasn’t exactly THE perfect day to go have lunch on a raft. It was raining and particularly windy. I wasn’t dressed for the weather AT ALL (haha!). Kudos to the kuyas who steered our raft to the tree-covered area despite the harsh winds.

Pandin Lake 14-min

Our destination. The view was nonetheless gorgeous despite everything!

Pandin Lake 11-min

This is hardly the group picture we wanted, raincoats and all, but you make do with what you were given with! Haha!

Lunch on a Raft

Pandin Lake 7-min

The rain was on and off but thankfully the bamboo roof held up (haha) and we hardly got wet! Yay! Now it’s time to feast! We got the lunch package and this is what they prepared for us!

Pandin Lake 8-min

My faaaavorite! This is apparently a kind of fern called “Pako.” It was my first time to try it and it was sooo good! I must’ve eaten half of the plate. Oops. Hehe.

Pandin Lake 9-min

Our friends decided to bring home-cooked food for the kids, just in case they were going to be picky about the food. Thankfully though, that’s never been a problem with Luke. By God’s grace, he’s not hard to feed and eats all kinds of food. But he didn’t mind having adobo chicken either! 😉

What to do in Lake Pandin

Pandin Lake Kids Outdoors

Lake Pandin’s iconic spot is this tire swing by the trees. There’s only one of these so people all took turns. The kids had fun playing!

Pandin Lake 18-min

You can go swimming but we weren’t brave enough to do that because of the weather. I’m sure it would have been lovely though had it been sunny!

Pandin Lake 15-min

All in all, we just really had a relaxing time at the lake. No agenda whatsoever! We just ate, played a little at the swing and we went back! A peaceful afternoon with wonderful people. Wouldn’t have it any other way!

Tips when visiting Lake Pandin with Kids:

Pandin Lake 3-min

Actually, most of these are just general tips, whether or not you’re visiting with kids!

  • Wear your swim attire before you board the raft. Then just bring coverups. There’s obviously no changing area once you’re in the middle of the lake! Haha.
  • Bring only your essentials. Space in the raft is limited. Also, it’s hard to hike if you’re bringing so many things.
  • Wear waterproof shoes that hopefully has a good grip. Water will get inside your shoes for sure when you’re in the raft but you need the grip as you go down the muddy path.
  • Optional: If you have smaller kids, I would highly suggest babywearing for the hike! Bring a carrier.

Looking for family-friendly places to visit near Metro Manila? We’re also on the lookout!

CLICK TO VIEW ALL POSTS UNDER “ROADTRIPS FROM MANILA” TO SEE WHERE WE’VE GONE SO FAR!

(NOTE: THIS POST IS ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCE LAST MARCH 2018.)
Previous Story
Next Story

You Might Also Like

44 Comments

  • Reply
    Vivian
    April 13, 2018 at 3:35 pm

    Wow, the lunch looks incredible! Lovely photos~

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 15, 2018 at 8:47 am

      Oh, it was really good!

  • Reply
    Jennifer
    April 13, 2018 at 11:56 pm

    This looks like so much fun!!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 15, 2018 at 8:47 am

      It was! Thanks Jennifer!

  • Reply
    apivovarov
    April 15, 2018 at 10:58 pm

    for mas maganda ang view sa Pandin lake pero mas konte lang tao sa Yambo. Yes pwede ka magpareserve pero di nman required.

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 16, 2018 at 8:18 am

      Thanks for this!! I didn’t know because my friend was the one who arranged. Wow I’d like to go to Yambo next time!

  • Reply
    Andreea Birsan
    April 16, 2018 at 12:49 am

    OMG the are near the lake and the lake itself! So beautiful, would love to visit it one day. Have a nice day! xx

    Andreea,

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 16, 2018 at 8:16 am

      It’s really wonderful, you should visit!

  • Reply
    Nancy
    April 16, 2018 at 1:59 am

    Lake Pandin looks gorgeous! Love how there are lots to do and it’s kid-friendly! Luke is so adorable. I always love reading about your family experiences ? Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 16, 2018 at 8:16 am

      It IS gorgeous! We had a great time! :)

  • Reply
    Stacey Simó
    April 17, 2018 at 7:00 am

    Philippines always looks so amazing! I’d love to go back there someday since I’ve only been there once as a kid. The views would make anyone feel happy <3

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 17, 2018 at 12:41 pm

      Aww you should come back one day! It’s really beautiful! <3

  • Reply
    Bexa
    April 17, 2018 at 5:51 pm

    Wow! Lunch on a raft sounds amazing! What a fantastic experience. The food looks absolutely delicious too. Thanks for sharing your day! ???? xx

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 18, 2018 at 6:45 am

      Yes the food was absolutely delicious! :)

  • Reply
    Simone
    April 17, 2018 at 11:21 pm

    This adventure looks like so much fun! I’ve never been on a bamboo raft, it’s amazing how it looks like. I would definitely book this trip.

    xx Simone\

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 18, 2018 at 6:46 am

      When you come to the Philippines, make sure you do! :)

  • Reply
    Cris
    April 18, 2018 at 4:47 am

    I loved it. Such a unique experience. Landscape and food are amazing. xoxo Cris

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 18, 2018 at 6:46 am

      It really was!

  • Reply
    Jessica
    April 18, 2018 at 11:50 am

    What a lovely lunch you have there! Kids seems too be enjoying their vacation.

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 19, 2018 at 5:07 pm

      We had an awesome time!! Thank you!

  • Reply
    Lovely Amusan
    April 18, 2018 at 3:20 pm

    The pictures look awesome, the food looks delicious and looks like you all had a fun time.

    xoxo
    Lovely

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 19, 2018 at 5:07 pm

      We really did thank you!

  • Reply
    Eena
    April 19, 2018 at 10:03 am

    What a beautiful place! Also jealous of all the food served over banana leaves – the best way to eat a meal in the Philippines!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 19, 2018 at 5:07 pm

      Yes agree!! Banana leaves are the best!

  • Reply
    jane
    April 19, 2018 at 4:07 pm

    It looks like an amazing trip.
    I bet the kids enjoyed so much.
    This is a perrfect family outing.

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 19, 2018 at 5:06 pm

      Yes its a great place for a family outing!!

  • Reply
    Andrea
    April 20, 2018 at 11:16 pm

    It looks like such a nice activity even with the rainy weather!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 21, 2018 at 9:52 am

      Surprisingly so! :)

  • Reply
    Sakura
    April 21, 2018 at 2:03 am

    Wow it looks fun!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 24, 2018 at 10:09 am

      It really was!

  • Reply
    tales of two
    April 23, 2018 at 4:04 pm

    What a beautiful getaway! Hope you and your kid had a blast!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 23, 2018 at 8:58 pm

      We really did! Thanks.

  • Reply
    Evgenia
    April 23, 2018 at 6:18 pm

    Your pictures are just amazing! Love everything about them and your post!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 23, 2018 at 8:58 pm

      Thanks Evgenia, we had a great time!

  • Reply
    Kathrine Eldridge
    April 23, 2018 at 7:21 pm

    What a fun day trip! The scenery is beautiful and loving all the delicious food. Drinking out of a coconut is the perfect day for me.

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 23, 2018 at 8:58 pm

      Yes the food was awesome. Coconut anyday everyday. Haha.

  • Reply
    Olga
    April 23, 2018 at 11:07 pm

    Such a lovely post!Wonderful pictures:-)Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 24, 2018 at 10:09 am

      We had a great time! Thank you!

  • Reply
    Chic Every Week
    April 24, 2018 at 1:09 am

    Hi Sheena! What a wonderful trip, even with the weather no helping. My kids would love to have lunch on a raft and in a place like that! What a view! Love you group photo even with rain coats on 😉 xoxo Joana

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      April 24, 2018 at 10:08 am

      Thanks Joana, it was actually still fun despite the rain! :) Thanks for dropping by!

  • Reply
    M Peralta
    May 29, 2018 at 9:59 pm

    Thank you for this post – it has so much helpful info for me to plan a visit in a couple of weeks! Do you happen to know if any of the other lakes nearby are worth visiting, or just Lake Pandin?

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      May 30, 2018 at 9:58 am

      Hi M, during the time we visited, we didn’t visit any other lakes but I heard there were other nice ones. Let me know what you find! 😉

  • Reply
    Gabby
    July 31, 2018 at 11:13 am

    Was there a place to shower and change clothes??

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      August 1, 2018 at 9:40 am

      There might be but we didn’t use the facilities so I can’t guarantee!

    Leave a Reply