INSID E THIS ISS UE:

Tourist Circuits Classification of Resorts and Existing Rates Peak Season

TOURISM

As birthplace of the country’s national hero, Calamba’s role in history can never be repealed nor dis-
counted. It is actually the prime attraction why tourists, both local and foreign, never lost interest in
visiting the country particularly the city. Moreover, the tag “Hot Spring Capital of the Philippines”
brought additional charisma and now considered a tourist haven of Laguna.
To uplift more the tourism industry, the following programs and projects are considered: The develop-
ment of heritage tourism, promotion of tourism circuit, development of tourism related establishments,
development of hot spring district, identification of tourism development sites are expected to keep
tourism at maximum level.

Tourist Circuits
Over the years, tourist potentials in the city accumulate with the unfolding of more tourist attrac-
tions referred to as tourist circuits. Its appeals dazzle the fascination and satisfy their interests and
passions. Certainly, the six circuits are the reasons to the progressing tourist industry in Laguna
as well as the City.
The following discusses the characteristics of each and the drawing factors offered by each.

Historical tractive landmark. Its map like body acquaints

Rizal Shrine, Calamba’s oldest historical
treasure was a replica of the Spanish co-
lonial style house where Dr. Jose Rizal
was born. Reconstructed in 1949 and
maintained by the National Historic Insti-
tute
The wishing well outside the house is an
added attraction. It is a spot where visi-
tors never missed to inspect simply be-
cause of the notion that it makes wishes
come true.
Banga, a huge clay pot created on top of
a cave like structure is considered an at-
onlookers on the geographical set-up of the city.
Hot Springs
Calamba, now considered the hot spring capital of
the country offers the best resort accommodations
with modern facilities and amenities. It is known as a
good hide away for pleasure and relaxation for peo-
ple wanting to put on hold or escape their present
pressures.
To meet the rising turn of visitors, more and more
investors are interested in putting-up resorts and pri-
vate pools bringing the total to more than 300 from
only 193 in 1998, thus providing a big increase over
6 years. Most of the resorts are located in Baran-
gays Pansol, Bagong Kalsada and Bucal, all adja-
cent to Los Baños where Mt. Makiling silently re-

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sides.
At present, there are about 42 big public resorts that accommodate great number of visitors simulta-
neously. Some of these are accredited by the Department of Tourism and even included in their
recommended line of destinations in Laguna.

Some of these are La Vista Pansol with its wet and wild giant slides, Agua Caliente with an olympic
size swimming pool, Batis ng Makiling boasting with the biggest pool within the area. Blue Palm with
a lagoon sized pool, Doña Jovita Resort offering a forest ambiance with its collection of flora and
fauna, Monte Vista giving a 24-hour service with choice of pools and Henry’s Barn best for big
groups and team building activities.

Lakefront Area

Calamba City situated along Laguna de Bay, takes advantage of its opportunities. All year round,
tourists are attracted with the famous Wonder Island, set in the middle of the lake. This provides not
only picturesque view but more so provides jet-ski facilities and boat sailing thrills.

Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve

This serves the interest of adventurous people who loves mountain climbing, bird watching, nature
gazing and camping. Mt. Makiling, with its foot resting on the side of the city, is the best venue for
such gratification.

Industrial Parks

The presence of industrial parks totaling to eight (8) provides home to industrial companies and fre-
quently visited by students around the country. This serves as avenue for educational tours provid-
ing knowledge on Calamba’s commercial and industrial transformation.

Eco-Tourism

This caters for plant lovers where ornamental garden abound in Barangays Pansol, Bagong Kalsada
and Real.

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Classification of resorts and its existing rates
Resorts are classified according to the existing facilities. The highest possible class in which
Crystal Springs and Monte Vista belong is Class AA. Resorts like Villa Florencia, Villa Virneo,
San Lorenzo, Spring World, El Pansolito and Cuyab belong to class B.
Class AA entrance fees range from 85 pesos to 200 pesos and class B range from 40 to 60 pe-
sos excluding cottage and rooms. Class AA usually has more recreational facilities such as ten-
nis courts and restaurants. However, volatile economy leads to intermittent change of rates.

Peak Season

Just like in any other tourist declared area, peak season in the city is during summer months spe-
cifically on holy weeks. Likewise, October since it signals semestral break until November that
are often extended to December are also visitor’s months as tourists take advantage of the holi-
day seasons.

Appendix at the back lists down the names of resorts and private pools operating in the city.

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