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Relax and Go to Lake Caliraya

     If we want to just relax and get away from the noise and heat, we ride our van and cruise going to Lake Caliraya. A mere 20-minute ride from our house in Sta.Cruz, Laguna, Caliraya is also second home to us. This priceless view (below) of Laguna Lake and parts of Kalayaan and Lumban is part of the scenery that you will encounter as you make your way up the Caliraya mountain lake.

View of Laguna Lake.

     As kids, our parents always reminded us that their parents owned a piece of property in Caliraya. But because the Caliraya River was constructed into a dam in 1939, my grandparent’s property in Caliraya, was purchased by the government (for a mere pittance) to form part of the dam. So we always become nostalgic every time we make the trip up to this man-made lake on the mountain. Presently, Lake Caliraya occupies the towns of Lumban, Cavinti and some parts of Kalayaan in Laguna.  

Border between Lumban and Cavinti.

     Sight-seeing. Our favorite spot is the view of the spill way. When we last went there, the sky was cloudy, a little bit of the blue sky was showing and a strong wind was blowing. It was always a treat to just drink in the view, feel the cool wind on your face, and breathe in the clean, unpolluted air. As kids, little did we know that the Caliraya dam could generate hydroelectric power for Southern Luzon with an output of 40,000 horsepower.

Caliraya spill way fronted by a tree being blown by the strong wind.

     Swimming.  When we were children, once we saw the spill way, we knew that my uncle would stop his owner-type-jeep. It was the signal for us, my cousins, and my sister to go down and bathe in the lake, always making sure that we stayed close to the embankment. After swimming, we always found ourselves muddied by the red clay soil of the lake, typical in the area.  Nowadays, a few people still find the lake inviting for a summer swim.

    The lake embankment, beside the spill way, where we used to go swimming.

    It is indeed a very calming experience to go to Caliraya. The relaxing drive up the mountain and seeing nature’s gifts are invaluable de-stressors in this fast-paced and competitive life.

               How to go there:

• From Manila (Southern route): You can take the bus, either from Cubao or Pasay LRT, to Sta.Cruz, Laguna. Once in Pagsawitan, Sta.Cruz, you can ride the jeepney going to Lumot, Cavinti.   
• From Manila (Eastern route): From Ortigas Avenue, traverse the towns of Rizal onward the eastern towns of Laguna through the Laguna de Bay road network.