Ever dreamed of escaping the relentless Manila traffic and noise, just to find yourself sipping buko juice by a river with a backdrop of misty mountains and waterfalls? Yeah, me too. If you’re reading this, you’re probably planning to breathe in that crisp Laguna air and soak your feet in the cold waters of Majayjay. Good call.
Majayjay, a charming town tucked in the province of Laguna, is like that cool tita who’s always calm, collected, and lowkey knows all the best spots. It’s a favorite among nature lovers, road trippers, and anyone craving that sweet, rural serenity. So let me walk you through how to get there from Manila — plus throw in some tips, hacks, and side detours along the way.
Public Transport: The Budget-Friendly Way
Let’s say you don’t have a car or you just want the “commuter life” experience (hello, jeepney selfies!) — don’t worry, getting to Majayjay via public transport is totally doable.
Step 1: Manila to Sta. Cruz, Laguna
First, head to Buendia or Cubao terminals and look for a DLTB or HM Transport bus bound for Sta. Cruz. These buses are fairly common and leave almost every 30 minutes during peak hours. Fare’s around ₱150–₱180, and the ride will take you approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on Manila’s mood (aka traffic).
- Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the EDSA madness and to make the most of your day in Laguna.
Step 2: Sta. Cruz to Majayjay
Once you arrive at Sta. Cruz, head to the jeepney terminal (it’s just a short tricycle ride from the bus drop-off). From there, hop on a jeepney bound for Majayjay. The fare is under ₱50, and the trip takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
- Bonus Tip: Ask the driver if the jeep goes all the way to the barangay or jump-off point of your destination (like Taytay Falls or Dalitiwan Resort). Some jeeps only go as far as the town proper, so you might need to take a trike afterward.
Private Car: The Chill, Road-Trip-Style Option
Got a car? Even better. Cue the road trip playlist.
Option 1: Via SLEX (South Luzon Expressway)
- Take SLEX and exit at Calamba.
- Follow the road to Los Baños, then go straight to Bay, Laguna.
- From Bay, pass through Calauan, then Nagcarlan, and finally, Majayjay.
Estimated travel time: 3 to 4 hours, depending on stops and traffic.
- Fuel cost: Around ₱700–₱1,000 (round trip)
- Toll fees: Around ₱200–₱300, depending on entry/exit points
- Parking: Most resorts and public spots in Majayjay have parking available for a small fee.
Option 2: Waze/Google Maps Route
Just type in “Majayjay, Laguna” and let the GPS take over. But remember: GPS doesn’t know where the best bulalo is. That’s where locals come in handy.
Best Places to Visit in Majayjay
Okay, so you made it. What now?
1. Taytay Falls (also known as Imelda Falls)
- Super cold water. Like, make-you-squeal kind of cold.
- Surrounded by lush forest.
- ₱30 entrance fee. Tent camping allowed!
- Pack light but bring food — not many stores nearby.
2. Dalitiwan Resort
- Natural spring pools surrounded by rocks and trees.
- Good for families and groups of friends.
- Cottage rentals, day tours, and overnight options available.
3. Majayjay Church (St. Gregory the Great Parish)
- Built in the 1700s. Very old. Very Instagrammable.
- A nice break from all the nature-hopping.
- It’s peaceful, and you can light a candle and just relax.
4. Bukal Falls (also called Kilangin Falls)
- Lesser known than Taytay, but just as stunning.
- Requires a bit of hiking, but totally worth the effort.
- Guided tours available at the barangay hall.
What to Pack
- Waterproof bag (trust me, something will get wet)
- Extra clothes and towel
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes love the fresh air too)
- Snacks and water (especially if you’re going somewhere remote)
- Trash bag (leave no trace, please!)
- Power bank — mobile signal is spotty in some areas
Where to Eat
Let’s be honest, food is half the trip.
- Ate Vicky’s Lutong Bahay – Home-cooked meals with affordable prices.
- Farm-to-Table Cafes – Some homestays and small cafés around town offer fresh harvests.
- Local Karinderyas – You’ll never go wrong with a plate of adobo, rice, and some hot sabaw.
Budget Breakdown (Day Trip)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Bus (Manila – Sta. Cruz RT) | ₱300–₱360 |
| Jeepneys & Trikes (RT) | ₱100–₱150 |
| Entrance Fees (Falls, etc.) | ₱30–₱50 |
| Meals & Snacks | ₱150–₱300 |
| TOTAL | ₱600–₱850 |
If you’re staying overnight, add around ₱500–₱1,000 depending on where you sleep (camping vs. lodging).
Best Time to Visit Majayjay
Majayjay is magical all year round, but:
- Dry Season (November to May) is best for waterfalls and trekking.
- Rainy Season (June to October) brings stronger water flow, but trails might be slippery. Also, watch out for leeches.
Quick Reminders
- Be kind to locals. A smile and a “po” go a long way.
- Don’t litter. Nature’s a gift, not a trash bin.
- Support small businesses. Buy from the sari-sari store, not the convenience store before leaving Manila.
- Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints. Yes, that quote still applies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something healing about places like Majayjay. It’s simple, unpretentious, and quietly beautiful. The kind of beauty that doesn’t scream — it whispers. You don’t need fancy hotels or luxurious spas. You just need time, a little spirit of adventure, and maybe a warm pandesal after a cold dip in the falls.
FAQs:
How long is the travel time from Manila to Majayjay, Laguna?
Travel time depends on the mode of transportation. By private car, it’s around 3 to 4 hours. If you’re commuting via bus and jeepney, expect about 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.
What is the cheapest way to get to Majayjay from Manila?
The most budget-friendly way is by taking a bus from Manila to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (around ₱150–₱180), then a jeepney to Majayjay (₱50 or less).
Are there direct buses to Majayjay from Manila?
No, there are no direct buses to Majayjay. You’ll need to transfer in Sta. Cruz, then take a jeepney or tricycle to reach Majayjay proper or nearby attractions like Taytay Falls.
