Things To Do
in Calauan
Calauan is a small, agricultural municipality in the province of Laguna, Philippines, known for its rice paddies, coconut groves and quiet provincial life. It sits inland from Laguna de Bay and serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby natural attractions like Mount Makiling and the lakes and waterfalls of eastern Laguna. The town has a close-knit community with simple markets, family-run eateries and local festivals that reflect Tagalog culture and Catholic traditions.
Calauan is best visited if you enjoy rural scenery, easy access to outdoor activities and a slower pace away from Metro Manila.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic San Antonio de Padua Church, known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate details of the church's facade and the vibrant surroundings. Afterward, stroll through the local market, where you can mingle with residents and sample delicious local snacks.
In the afternoon, head to the Calauan Municipal Hall, a historic site that showcases the town's heritage. Spend some time learning about the local history through exhibits and displays. As you wander around the area, be sure to capture photos of the charming colonial-style buildings.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local eatery where you can savor traditional Filipino dishes, such as adobo and sinigang. Engage in conversations with the friendly locals, who are eager to share stories about their culture. Finally, take a leisurely evening walk by the lakeside, breathing in the fresh air as you reflect on the day's experiences.
Begin your day with a guided kayaking session on Calauan Lake, where you can paddle through the tranquil waters surrounded by lush greenery. The morning mist creates a magical atmosphere as you glide along, observing local bird species and other wildlife. Take a break on a small island for a light breakfast amidst nature.
After a refreshing morning, enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake and soak up the sun on the grassy banks. Spend the afternoon hiking the scenic trails that wind around the lake, offering stunning views and opportunities to connect with nature. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna, making this a perfect day for nature enthusiasts.
As dusk approaches, return to the lake for a sunset boat tour, where the sky transforms into a palette of oranges and pinks. Capture the breathtaking views while enjoying light snacks provided by your guide. Wrap up the evening with a bonfire on the shore, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-5 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short tricycle ride / jeepney fare | $0.30-1.50 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / simple hotel (per night) | $20-40 |
| 💧Bottled water | $0.30-0.80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful rural atmosphere and scenic countryside
- Affordable food and local services
- Convenient base for nearby natural attractions (Mt. Makiling, lakes)
- Friendly locals and authentic provincial culture
- Limited nightlife and few high-end amenities
- Public transport options are basic; may require tricycle or private car
- Weather (typhoon season) can disrupt outdoor plans
- Fewer medical and specialist facilities inside the town
- "Kumusta?" - How are you?
- "Salamat po" - Thank you (polite)
- "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
- "Saan ang palikuran/CR?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Paumanhin / Mawalang galang na po" - Excuse me / I'm sorry (polite)
- "Oo / Hindi" - Yes / No
Places to Visit in Calauan
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic provincial plaza scenes with the church, municipal buildings and town life—good for street and cultural photos.
Open landscapes near the outskirts provide golden-hour shots, reflections in flooded paddies and rural details.
Short drives toward Los Baños reveal vistas of Mount Makiling and the surrounding valley—great for sunrise and panoramic shots.
Colorful market scenes with produce, traditional snacks and people—excellent for candid, cultural photography.
Within driving distance; dramatic water and hillscape photos, particularly at dawn or sunset and when kayaking on the lake.
Food in Calauan
Calauan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh buko juice and desserts (buko salad, buko pie sold in nearby towns). Look for roadside vendors and bakeries in the morning and afternoon.
Must-Try!
Classic Filipino mains served in most carinderias and family restaurants; hearty, affordable and widely available throughout Calauan.
Rice-based sweets common in Laguna; try stalls in the market or bakeries in neighboring towns for authentic versions.
Fresh fish dishes are often served in local eateries; ask for grilled or tinapa-style preparations.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local hub for fresh produce, seafood and ready-to-eat snacks—great for tasting local kakanin, fried banana (turon) and simple lunch plates.
Look for vendors selling halo-halo, buko juice, skewered meats and local sweets near plazas and busier intersections.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Filipinos place high value on showing respect to elders. Use polite greetings, accept invitations graciously and consider using the traditional 'mano' greeting if offered.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious events; remove hats and avoid revealing clothing inside places of worship.
Filipinos are warm and hospitable—smiling, saying 'po' and 'opo' (polite forms) for elders and being patient during conversations goes a long way.
Bargaining is acceptable at markets for non-fixed-price items; be polite and reasonable when negotiating.
Safety
Tipping in Calauan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small eateries—round up bills or leave small change for good service. In restaurants with larger service or tourist establishments, a 5–10% tip is common if service charge is not included.
Cash (Philippine peso) is the dominant payment method in Calauan; credit and debit cards are accepted mainly in larger businesses or nearby towns. ATMs are available in larger neighboring towns; plan to carry cash for tricycles, markets and small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hottest months with temperatures often in the high 20s–30s °C (80s–90s °F). Expect dry weather and occasional haze; ideal for outdoor activities but bring sun protection, stay hydrated and plan morning activities to avoid midday heat.
Frequent heavy rains and thunderstorms, with peak typhoon risk from July to October. Outdoor plans can be disrupted; check weather forecasts, bring waterproof gear and be cautious on rural roads prone to flooding.
More comfortable temperatures and generally drier weather—popular months for travel and festivals. Mornings can be pleasantly cool, especially after rain.
Calauan at Night
Hiking in Calauan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular forested mountain with established trails and biodiversity; accessible within a short drive from Calauan and suited for day hikes and nature study. Check trail access rules and permits.
Sacred and rugged mountain popular with pilgrims and hikers—access points vary and some trails have seasonal or permit restrictions; typically a longer, more challenging hike.
Rolling hills and lakeside terrain around Caliraya are good for easier hikes, trail runs and scenic viewpoints; allow a short drive to reach trailheads.
Airports
How to reach Calauan by plane.
Main international airport in Metro Manila, roughly 1.5–3 hours by car depending on traffic. From MNL take a bus or private transfer south toward Laguna, then local transport to Calauan.
An alternative international airport north of Manila, approximately 3–4 hours’ drive depending on traffic; useful for some domestic/international connections but less convenient than MNL for direct travel to Calauan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are ethnic Tagalog, predominantly Roman Catholic, and involved in agriculture, small businesses and commuting work in nearby cities.
Many people commute to larger towns (Los Baños, Calamba, Santa Rosa) for jobs and education, including students attending the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is the most popular sport across the Philippines, and local barangay courts host games and tournaments regularly.
Commonly played in schools and community events, especially among youth and women’s leagues.
Traditional regional favorites for informal matches in barangay halls and school yards.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Calauan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in small eateries; ask for vegetable stir-fries, omelettes or rice and vegetable stews. Bring snacks if you have strict needs and consider visiting Los Baños for more vegetarian-friendly cafés.
Halal-certified restaurants are uncommon; seafood and vegetable dishes are safer choices but confirm cooking methods. In larger nearby towns you may find more options.
Rice is the staple, so many dishes are naturally gluten-free, but sauces and marinades can contain soy (gluten). Communicate restrictions clearly and consider bringing substitutes.