Calamba Hotels

As the resort capital of the Philippines, Calamba, Laguna boasts an endless variety of all-around accommodations for a truly relaxing trip. Its hot spring resorts are the pride of the province of Laguna, while a good view of Laguna de Bay makes for a refreshing vacation experience.

Calamba is a great family-friendly destination to get away from your hectic city life. That’s because the city is home to a selection of private pool resorts that are perfect for a relaxing vacation or a fun office excursion. Additionally, the city also hosts numerous hot spring resorts—most of which are located in Barangay Pansol, Bucal, and Bagong Kalsada. With a wide choice of Calamba hotels and resorts, this lakeside city can be your home away from home.

How to Go  

By land transportation

The easiest way to get to Calamba is by bus. Some of the bus lines that offer routes to Calamba include JAC Liner, JAM Liner, HM Transport, Lucena Lines, Saint Rose, and Green Transit. These bus lines have stations near EDSA cor. Aurora Boulevard in Cubao, Quezon city. Fares from here will cost Php 218 (JAM liner).

Alternatively, they also have stations closer to Laguna and located along Gil Puyat Avenue cor. Taft Avenue in Pasay.  Buses usually take the South Luzon Expressway, allowing for an ETA of 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and point of origin. Fares from here are marginally cheaper at Php 209.50 (JAM Liner).

Getting Around

As a well-developed first income class city, various jeep routes are available throughout Calamba. You can also avail of local transport services such as tricycles for short trips.

Tourist Attractions

Aside from its famous resorts, Calamba also contains a number of historically significant places. As the birthplace of the country’s national hero, the city is home to the Rizal Shrine. Built beside the equally-historic St. John the Baptist Church, this place is a reproduction of José Rizal’s childhood home. As a fairly accurate reconstruction, it provides a look into the childhood of one of the country’s most important founding fathers.

The shrine is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Admittance is free. In Barangay Real, a public park also commemorates José Rizal. The Calamba Rizal Park is located inside the Calamba City Hall Complex, anchored by a 22 ft. tall monument.  

Also nearby is the Calamba Claypot or Calambanga. Believed to be the world’s largest clay pot, it is derived from a folk tale of how the city got its name: a combination of the Tagalog words for a clay stove and a clay pot.

Top Things to Do

Despite its reputation as the country’s resorts capital, this lakeside city has more to offer than a few private pools and hot springs. As a recently urbanized municipality, Calamba still offers both the relaxing air of the countryside and the amenities of a first-class city. With this unique combination, you’ll have a hard time running out of activities and fun adventures.

As previously mentioned, you can take a historical tour of the city’s shrines, landmarks, and other monuments. But if you’re looking for a more exciting and fun time, you can pay a visit to the Republic Wakepark in Nuvali, Canlubang. Located in the western part of the city, this water park provides an enjoyable wakeboarding experience for first-timers and pros alike. Facilities are open every day of the week, with 1-hour sessions costing at least Php 250, and 8-hour sessions costing Php 995.

Where to Eat

If you’re craving for some bulalo to go with Calamba’s chill atmosphere, then you should check out Aviles Restaurant. From the first taste, their signature recipe is simply irresistible.

For a more familiar ambiance, RSM Lutong Bahay will be your instant favorite. Whether you’re longing for some sisig, crispy pata, or sinigang, the food here will be worth every extra pound you gain.  

But if you’re looking for some delicious and exotic food to go with the city’s cool vibe, then 88 Restaurant Could be the place for you. Offering a delicious menu of Korean dishes, this restaurant is a great way to spice up your trip.

Nightlife

Being a relatively quiet city, Calamba offers little when it comes to a fun night out. But if you’re finding yourself restless in the evenings, Tita Lettie’s Grill and Resto Bar provides tourists a friendly vibe and a chance to dine with some locals. For a more fun take, you can also try out Bertito’s Anyhaw Restaurant. Both of these establishments hire local musicians to help you enjoy your meal.

Where to Stay

As the city is known for its numerous accommodations, you will never run out of resorts or hotels in Calamba, Laguna. Popular places in the city include the Riverview Resort & Conference Center and the Villa Quadra Resort. For a thoroughly enjoyable experience, places like the Doña Jovita Garden Resort even offers in-room massages, packaged hiking trips, and horseback rides.

Travel Tips

• Calamba is one of the cities in Laguna that has implemented a No Plastic Policy. Whenever possible, bring your eco-bags along for an easier time with shopping.

• If you’re bringing your friends or family with you, it might be much easier to rent a van. Though it may cost up to Php 2,000 or more for one trip, it may prove more cost effective for large groups of people.

• For commuters, feel free to pack light. This allows for an easier trip when taking the bus. For convenience, you can buy some essentials and other travel needs at SM City Calamba.