Viaje del Sol

Journey of the sun it translates. Viaje del sol is not a place. It is a trip that takes you around Laguna, Batangas and Quezon's best kept secret restaurants, gardens, art workshops, farms, B and Bs and such.

This is how it works:  you get a copy of their map either online or from one of the cafes and choose which destinations you'd like to see. Currently there are 19 places on their list. You also have the option of staying overnight as some of the stops offer accommodations, really nice ones at that.

I learned about this trip from a friend a couple of years ago. When the long weekend kicked in, this trip seemed like a good idea for the following reasons: it was near, it was away from the Batangas/Tagaytay traffic, it was away from the crowds and it wouldn't cost much! My main goal was to be surrounded by greens and to take my five year old to a wide space of grass where she can run around and forget about our Ipad! I wasn't expecting much from this trip but boy was I blown away. Despite the exhaustion after, I was left inspired and refreshed.

OUR TRIP
We ended up going to four out of the five places we had planned to see. And yet already I'm looking forward to going back to explore some of the other destinations. Click on the links below to see my blog on each of the places we visited.

First stop: Casa San Pablo
Lunch on the lake: Pandin Lake
Merienda: Sitio de Amor
Last stop: Ugu Bigyan Potter's Garden

TRIP TIPS

1. Get a map online. Most of the places we went to ran out of copies.
2. It is essential that you plan ahead to maximize your trip. Research and choose which places appeal to you. Although the four places we've seen did not dissapoint, I've read some blogs say some of the places are not worth seeing. Take note that Colette's (buko pie) is one of the 19 stops.
3. Call ahead of time. Most of them require reservations prior to your visit.
4. Start early! Each place is quiet and relaxing. This will keep you from moving forward! 
5. if you have kids with you bring lots and lots of extra clothes. My daughter must have changed 4 times as she was always sweaty from all the running around!
6. Ask for directions from your last destination before leaving. They are very happy to help as they are a community. The roads are small and provincial. It is easy to miss certain places. Also, the map does not help much, it's just a general guide on where each place is located.
7. Although there are gas stations, banks and convenient stores on the bigger roads, it's best to have everything on hand. Time is of the essence!

See Viaje del Sol's website for more information.

Here is a copy of the map. These were the biggest files I could find online. They are rather hard to read when printed. Check out Casa San Pablo's website for directions. Their site pretty much has all the information you will need for the San Pablo destinations.