Mt. Lansay and Sagilala Falls: Short Trek, Sweet View, Nice Falls and a Cocoa Treat

In Brgy. Banilad of Nagcarlan lies hidden a waterfalls and a hill with a breathtaking view of Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal; Mt. Lansay and Sagilala Falls. They sit in the outskirts of Nagcarlan adjacent to the town of Rizal in the province of Laguna. At approximately 103km south of Manila, it takes about 2 and a half hours to reach Nagcarlan where these treasures lie.

Mt. Banahaw(left) and Mt. Cristobal(right).

The common routine here is to hike Mt. Lansay first to see fantastic views of the town proper as well as the nearby mountains that encircle the town. Among these mountains are Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal. The trek up Mt. Lansay is quite easy even for those who don't hike often. It takes about 20-30mins to reach the peak at a relaxed pace. The top of the hill takes you to an extraordinary position to look at Nagcarlan town proper and its nearby towns. You can see the rich natural resources of the town and of its people. Among these are the rice fields that terrace down the hills of Brgy. Taytay of Nagcarlan. On the northern side of the peak you can see the Laguna Lake.

View of Laguna Lake.

Rice terraces of Nagcarlan.

Nagcarlan Town Proper on Mt. Lansay.

At the side of Mt. Lansay awaits the majestic Sagilala Falls. Trekking downhill to reach the falls takes about just 15mins. A dip in the cool water and tread the river is a must to reach this 18-foot waterfall that drops to a shallow catch basin of only about 2 feet deep. Cold, refreshing and a magnificent sight to behold, that's Sagilala Falls.

Kuya Fred's Tsokolate

After trekking back to the main road there is still another treat waiting for you. Home-made hot-choco made from cacao seeds is available at Kuya Fred's house near the school. I'll feature the how's of making choco on the next post. Enjoy a sip of hot choco. Till next time! :)

                      The video above was taken during the hike of Lakbay Kalikasan with Santo Niño de Eucharistia Academy of Las Piñas City.

Travel Guide:

You can reach Nagcarlan's Brgy. Banilad from San Pablo City, Laguna. It is a left turn after passing the ark boundary of Nagcarlan and Rizal. 

From Manila:
                Bus Ride to San Pablo via Lucena City bound buses.
                Land Mark is SPC Medical Center
                Fare P127

                Jeepney ride From SPC Medical Center to City Proper of San Pablo
                Fare P8

                Jeepney ride from San Pablo City to Nagcarlan
                Terminal is near the San Pablo Cathedral.
                Fare P25(fare is cheaper if you're bound to Brgy. Banilad)