Are you on a trip down south and looking for unusual places to visit? Check out Magdalena Laguna Tourist Spots to satisfy your wanderlust!
Magdalena is a very quaint, unassuming town in Laguna that is not your typical tourist destination. Laguna has a lot of municipalities, but given the more popular ones such as Liliw and Nagcarlan, Magdalena might not be on the top of your mind.
Apparently, like any other small towns with hidden gems that remained unexplored, Magdalena unknowingly also has a lot to offer to tourists. In fact, it is the hometown of Emilio Jacinto, a Filipino hero who led and fought with the Battle of Maimpis during the Spanish Colonization Period in the Philippines.
Magdalena is also known to have been the filming locations of several local movies. According to the actors who experienced filming scenes in Magdalena, there will be almost no one among the locals who would flock and watch the filming activities. Locals would just continue with their usual business despite the presence of entertainment personalities. Given that, it has also inspired several recent TV shows and films to choose Magdalena as their filming location. Among the popular films that are shot here is Heneral Luna.
Magdalena is a 5th class municipality (hence the very small town vibe), and it was formerly part of the town of Majayjay, until it was separated to become a standalone town initially named “Magdalena de Ambling”.
So without further ado, listed below are some of the “hidden gems” you can visit during your trip to Magdalena, Laguna:
SEE ALSO:
Calamba, Laguna Tourist Spots
St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church
This beautiful parish church was one of the remnants of the Spanish Colonial Period in the Philippines, hence the architectural features. It was named after their patron saint, St. Mary Magdalene, the heroin of love. This is obviously where the town got its name.
The whole structure of the church might look like any other stone-built Spanish colonial church in other parts of the Philippines, but Magdalena Church has its own unique type of charm. The bell tower looks magnificent, and climbing up here is worth experiencing.
Magdalena Municipal Hall
The facade of Magdalena Municipal hall signifies how elegant the structures way back in time and it also signifies how Magdalena was able to preserve the building’s original beauty, when most municipal and city halls have been replacing their buildings with modern ones.
Bahay Laguna
Bahay Laguna is a museum in Magdalena which houses memorabilias belonging to former Governor Felicisimo T. San Luis, who was also known as “The Living Legend of Laguna”.
Emilio Jacinto Shrine
Located inside the Magdalena Church, this shrine houses the bloodstained bolo and hat of General Emilio Jacinto when he fought the Battle of Maimpis.
Kawayan Festival
The bamboo industry has a big contribution to the livelihood and local economy of Magdalena, hence the town celebrates the annual Kawayan Festival.
Magdalena Park
In Magdalena Park, you will find the “Walk of Fame” and the Marvel Heroes Statue, because this part of the province is also known as “The Little Hollywood of Laguna” because of its role in the film industry.
Jose Rizal and Emilio Jacinto Statues
Just right by the Magdalena Church, you will see a statue honoring Emilio Jacinto and another statue honoring the National Hero of the Philippines who is a native of Calamba, Laguna, Jose Rizal.
Tulay Agarao
Agarao Bridge connects one part of the town to another separated by the Balanac River. It looks like a typical suspension bridge that you can find in other provinces, but this one provides a nice view of the Balanac River. It just needs to be repaired, though.
White Water River Rafting
The Balanac River has currents that are perfect for river rafting, and in fact, the river rafting activity in Magdalena is gaining popularity among tourists from outside the town. The river rafting activity will be a fun 3-kilometer experience.
Balanac River Irrigation Dam
This irrigation dam has been a popular diving site for adventurous locals in Magdalena. Most of the time you will find boys having fun at this place.
Kart for Rent
There are Mario Kart-type rides which you can rent for Php20 per hour to drive around the premises of the municipal hall.
Tulip Garden
At the end of the day, you can choose to relax by this part of Magdalena Park where beautiful artificial flowers are lit.
MAGDALENA LAGUNA TOURIST SPOTS: Your recommendations are welcome! 🙂
There you have it! Please let me know if I have to add something to add to this list of Magdalena Laguna tourist spots by sliding a DM to my Instagram account @wheressherlyn. Happy travels to Magdalena and enjoy!
HOW TO GET TO MAGDALENA, LAGUNA
From Manila, ride a bus going to Santa Cruz, Laguna. From Santa Cruz, ride a jeepney bound for Magdalena.
WHERE TO STAY IN LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES
You can check available accommodations in Laguna via agoda.com
SIDE TRIPS IN LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES
Afte your trip to Magdalena, you can consider going to Hidden Valley Springs in Calauan or to the majestic Pagsanjan Falls.
