WEEKEND AT CALIRAYA MOUNTAIN LAKE RESORT
En route to Metro Manila,
laughter and never-ending exchange of imaginative stories filled the trip. And to even provide a pleasant parting
surprise, the skies turned in hues of orange as the sun sets on one Sunday afternoon along with a sighting of a majestic cloud formation which only science
can explain.
That was the end of our
Caliraya, Laguna weekend getaway. A
two-day adventure and fun with travel blogger friends.
Where it all started? On an early Saturday morning at HM Transport Terminal, Cubao Station, Quezon City, bound for Caliraya Springs at the Mountain Lake Resort of Laguna.
Where it all started? On an early Saturday morning at HM Transport Terminal, Cubao Station, Quezon City, bound for Caliraya Springs at the Mountain Lake Resort of Laguna.
Travel time is an
approximate of two and a half hours (2 ½ hours) on board a Sta. Cruz bound bus - alight at Pagsanjan, then charter a tricycle towards the guard house of
Caliraya Springs, where in our case, the resort’s shuttle van picked us up in a
matter of minutes from arrival.
CLUBHOUSE
Standing on a vast green
field, an old building sits at the center with parked bicycles on the front
yard and a minimal interior design, so minimal that I felt like visiting an old
residential house of a hacienda (estate).
We were welcomed and ushered
to the function rooms of the clubhouse as we enter the hallway with huge
pillars. The breakfast set was the perfect
way to start our day and everyone loved the sizzling pork sisig.
As the first activity for
the day, duck feeding was on the list.
It was fun watching them eat in group and synchronized movements for
that matter and like in any other large crowd, a smaller circle is formed. In the case of the ducks, the white-feathered
ones don’t mingle with the black ducks.
As our group gets near the feeding area, the white ducks gathered
together near us while the black ducks moved to another vantage point in a
synchronized manner. Are they that shy?
follow the leader! |
where is Lakad Pilipinas? |
THE RESIDENCE HOTEL
The Golf and Country Club is
truly scenic and noticeable is the fact that majority of its clients are
Koreans. Most of them make an overnight
stay at the clubhouse. And there are twenty
one fully-furnished rooms available, equipped with the necessary amenities and
facilities, after a day of fun and adventure. (click to check rates)
Twin sharing |
Family Suite |
MARINA
The vast hectare of land
showed an obstacle course set-up, a swimming pool, jet skis, docking area and
aligned huts. We were assigned on two
native huts for a group of nine.
A clean and spacious
compound of shower room and toilet is built at the back of the huts – our
transient abode for this weekend.
Apt for the name of the
place, activities related with water comes in next. We hopped on a speed boat and did the cruise
on the lake. It was a breeze and I don’t
have any intention of swimming on it, thus, the view and the fresh air was the
treat.
Afterwards, we went fishing
for dory. The calmness of the lagoon
provided a laidback moment for us and we were told whatever is caught in this
activity will be our dinner.
Patience is really a virtue
and I had the least in the group. I
immediately gave up as no fish came into my sight near the gazebo where I was
standing with my fishing rod in tow.
While others tried their best for hours, I just sat down, breathe fresh
air, enjoyed the scenery and chit-chat. Set-up a hammock and I will truly snore
and doze off. Now, where’s the bottle of
beer? I reckon beer and fishing will
truly complement and I would have extended my patience with a fishing rod on
one hand.
The Dory Fishing Village
would truly be a haven for fishing enthusiasts.
And before the sun sets for
the day, I found myself in the swimming pool.
What’s the next part of the
program? Beer-drinking over a bonfire.
The moon would peek at times over the thick clouds as we gather in
semi-circle and share stories of all sorts.
It started to drizzle after an hour and so we moved to the karaoke bar where
dinner was served, drinking session commenced and the hidden talent of every
member of the circle was unleashed. (was it truly hidden?)
The resort’s staffs were
really accommodating and for being there even in the wee hours of the morning
until we declare ceasefire (on drinking) was truly commendable.
GOLF COURSE TOUR
Waking up early the next day
posed as the biggest challenge for me.
But a lot of activities are in store for us. My biggest apologies for being the last to
arrive at the shuttle van as I drag myself in fleeting air. As they say, the show must go on!
We went back to the clubhouse
for breakfast and afterwards were directed to the front yard where the golf
carts are waiting.
What makes this golf course
at Caliraya Springs different from the rest is the fact that it is situated
amidst a scenic lake and the famed Mount Banahaw in view. The 18-hole golf course was designed by
renowned golf legend and course designer Arnold Palmer.
The uphill and downhill
terrains on board the golf cart as we move from one course to another remedied
my ‘morning sickness’ (???) – Terrible hangover to be exact.
the complete cast of travel bloggers |
The experience was indeed
fun.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Bikes are available at the
clubhouse to stroll around the vicinity.
And for an even more challenging outdoor activity, we head back to the
Marina for the zipline, hanging bridge and the obstacle course.
The obstacle course is
definitely a fun activity for group retreats.
As I am not in the mood to participate on such outdoor activities, I was
contented on seeing some in the group, struggle over the varied stunts while I
document and drink beer on one side with other bloggers. What mood? (hahahaha) Fine, I don’t want to stress myself and that’s
the real reason.
Blissfulguro |
Juanderfulpinoy |
KirkAnatomy |
Marxtermind |
LA CUCINA DE CALIRAYA
Even in isolation from the
nearby civilization as we are in the mountains to begin with, only that a lake
is in view, we never craved for other foods.
Everything served at Caliraya Springs is truly a gastronomic treat.
There are even times that we
get surprise meals but who are we to decline such an offer. A pampered stay indeed while we enjoy the
scenic landscape of the Caliraya Springs.
Crispy Pata |
Address: Brgy. East Talaongan, Cavinti, Lumban, Philippines
Website: http://www.calirayasprings.com/
5 comments
i had fun during this trip.
ReplyDeletelalakas nyo mang-asar! hahaha
Inggit. :p
ReplyDeleteMukang masaya dito ah. Mapuntahan nga this weekend. Thanks for sharing! Hahaha
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this. We're planning to go there on October
ReplyDeleteTraveling is a privilege not everyone is lucky enough to experience. But to travel with fellow bloggers just takes it to another level. How many hectares does the place have? It seems so big!
ReplyDelete