Laguna | Things to do in Nagcarlan

You don’t have to go very far to enjoy the great tourist spots in the Philippines. We toured Laguna to share some of these stunning finds with you.

Together with Larry, a close friend and travel blogger behind simpletripper travel blog, I explored and re-visited interesting spots in north to north-eastern part of Laguna in one whole Saturday of October. Our first stop in this Laguna tour is the beautiful town of Nagcarlan.

Nagcarlan is actually a wonderful place to visit; though it is often overlooked by tourists who simply head off to more popular spots in Laguna. This is often attributed to the lack of promotion of what the place has to offer.

Enjoy a visit and explore the following spots in Nagcarlan:

Underground Cemetery

If Camiguin has its Sunken Cemetery, Laguna has another unique cemetery version: the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, the only underground cemetery in the country.

This cemetery was built in 1845. It is also quite unlike the cemeteries of the period because it was built 2 kilometers away from the town whereas most cemeteries were built around church grounds or just a few steps away.

The upper grounds of the cemetery were for the public while the lower, underground (catacombs) were dedicated for prominent people and Spanish friars.

Nagcarlan Church

Nagcarlan Church is an old Baroque church built and dedicated in 1583. This church building was first made of various native materials. It was not until 1752 that the church got an upgrade; this time it was built with adobe bricks and stone. Though it was partially destroyed in the 1781 fire, the church was rebuilt immediately. Further improvements included the addition of a choir loft.

The church is formally known as the San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church but locals often refer to this as Nagcarlan Church. If you are fond of watching teleseryes, then you’ll easily recognize this church as the venue for the popular Kampanerang Kuba in 2005.

Nagcarlan Municipal Hall

An old building with National Historical Commission mark, the Nagcarlan Municipal Hall is another great spot to visit in Laguna. It looks old – evidence that it has seen its fair share of Nagcarlan’s history.

The building was built during the Spanish era; so its architecture fits the buildings of this time period.

The Poblacion

Take a tour of the Poblacion where you can find a hodge podge of great spots to visit or stores to buy pasalubong and native delicacies to bring back home. The Poblacion also features the Pamilihang Bayan or Public Market where you can also find great items at cheaper prices than what you’ll find in the malls.

Bunga or Twin Falls of Nagcarlan

After enjoying walking tours of the heritage sites in the city, you can have a good time nature tripping to top spots such as Bunga, best known as the Twin Falls of Nagcarlan. This beautiful pair of waterfalls is split into two, creating a twin effect similar to that of Iligan City’s Maria Cristina Falls.

Although not too the high, the falls still hold its own appeal to tourists. According to local lore, creatures live underneath the waters of the falls. Outsiders who take a dip in the waters will be pulled down by the vengeful spirits.

photograph by: Billy of Galaero

To keep the lore alive, locals share the folklores to amazed tourists who readily jump in the waters, anyway, despite warnings of ‘mysterious creatures’ that snatch away outsiders.

Truly, Nagcarlan and the rest of the towns in Laguna are a wonderful place to visit anytime of the year. Schedule a trip to this less-visited town and see its great wonders.

READ RELATED POST:

Laguna | Things to do in Liliw
Laguna | San Sebastian Church in Lumban
Laguna | St. Mary Magdalene Church of Magdalena
Laguna | San Sebastian Church in Lumban

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's #explore7107islands

Follow TRAVELING MORION's Journeys and  Travels

Follow me on Twitter| @travelingmorion

LIKE my Facebook Page| Traveling Morion