Get To Know Nagcarlan

Exploring the province of Laguna.

1^st Town: Nagcarlan, Laguna

Historical places and rich in natural resources – these are the best descriptions for this town located near the foot of Mt. Cristobal.

Nagcarlan is a second-class municipality in the province of Laguna. It has a mix of low-land and high-land areas. 

According to history, Nagcarlan became a town in 1853 through the efforts of Fr. Tomas de Miranda, who also brought and planted in the area, the first wheat seeds in the country. 

It’s interesting to note that the name Nagcarlan came from a rich and famous native woman known as Ana Kalang or Ana Panalangin. People know her because of her golden “salakot.” One day, a Spaniard came to her house, and while looking out the window, there were branches of trees swaying and hitting each other. He asked what that was, and Ana answered “nagkakalang sila.” The Spaniard repeatedly pronounced it until it became “Nagcarlan.”

Here are the places that you can visit in Nagcarlan.

• Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery was built in 1845 and was supervised by Fr. Vicente Velloc, a Franciscan priest. The cemetery is one of its kind in the country. It was built away from the town center to be the resting place of the people of Nagcarlan. The underground crypt of the cemetery was made for the Spanish Friars and prominent people.

During the revolution, the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery served as a meeting place for revolutionary leaders of Katipunan.  They say that the “Pact of Biak-Na-Bato” was planned here.

The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery is a National Historical Landmark. The place is well-maintained and there’s no entrance fee.

Address: Nagcarlan Undergound Cemetery is located Barangay Bambang, Nagcarlan, Laguna

• San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church

Have you watched Kampañerang Kuba? If you did, the scenes were from this church.

The first structure of San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church was made of nipa and wood and was built in 1583. An improved structure was made using bricks and stone in 1752.  Fire destroyed it several years after and it was repaired. In 1845, another restoration happened using adobe materials.

The San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church has a four-story brick bell tower where the famous “Kampañerang Kuba” was shot, both the versions of Vilma Santos and Anne Curtis.

The overall external look of the church is beautiful, from the front area up to the side area where you can see the grotto of Mama Mary.   It has a very solemn vibe especially if you’re inside and praying near the altar.

Address: San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church is located at Banahaw Street, Nagcarlan, Laguna

• Yambo Lake

Yambo Lake is a perfect getaway for families and friends who want to experience nature at its best. Imagine the view of the green lake with trees surrounding the area.

This place is a favorite attraction here in Nagcarlan. A portion of Yambo Lake is under San Pablo City and part of the famous “Seven Lakes.” 

Inside the area, there are cottages to accommodate the guests, a camping area, a bike rack, floating balsa, and many more.

There’s an entrance fee of Php20 per head before you can enter Yambo Lake.

Address: Yambo Lake is located at Barangay Yukos, Nagcarlan, Laguna

• Camp Yambo

Just a few steps away from Yambo Lake are Camp Yambo, a charming tropical-themed café, restaurant, and glamping site.

Camp Yambo offers a relaxing ambiance, a wide area for parking, and friendly service from the staff. 

To make sure that you have a table when you arrive, we recommend that you make a reservation before going there. 

Address: Camp Yambo is located at Barangay Sulsugin, Nagcarlan, Laguna

• Bunga Falls

Another pride of Nagcarlan is Bunga Falls, a twin falls located 500 meters away from the highway. There are directional signages that will guide the visitors to reach the area.

Inside the vicinity of Bunga Falls, guests can rent cottages, cook food or just enjoy the water.

The entrance fee is Php35.00 per head, excluding the parking payment for your vehicle. For commuters, you may take a tricycle from the highway and just ask them to bring you to Bunga Falls.

Bunga Falls is managed and supervised by the Local Government of Nagcarlan.

Address: Bunga Falls is located at Barangay Bunga, Nagcarlan, Laguna

• Kookoo’s Farm and Garden Resort

Kookoo’s Farm and Garden Resort is a family business, built and developed through the hard work of the owners.

Kookoo’s Farm and Garden Resort has both private and public areas. There are pools and accommodation houses for the guests. Parking is also not a problem since they have a big space for it.

The road going to this place is challenging but the view is beautiful.

Address: Kookoo’s Farm and Garden Resort is located at Barangay Banilad, Nagcarlan, Laguna

• Landing Point

Last but not the least is our favorite spot in Nagcarlan, the Landing Point.

Landing Point is approximately a 30-45 minutes drive from the main road of Nagcarlan.  It’s on the high side area with a scenic view of other towns in Laguna and several mountains surrounding Nagcarlan.

Before reaching the Landing Point, visitors will see several vegetable plantations and if one is lucky, they can buy veggies at a very reasonable price.

Landing Point is stunning. You can just park and enjoy the view, eat barbecue, drink with your friends or stay overnight by bringing a tent.

There’s no entrance fee.

Address: Landing Point is located at Barangay Abo, Nagcarlan, Laguna

Note: All pictures are original and owned by the publisher, and do not allow the reproduction of them.