LAGUNA - Whitewater Rafting and Water Tubing Adventure in Magdalena

Whitewater Rafting in Laguna

The thought of a heart-pounding adventure and an awesome weekend with friends made me decide to say "yes" to an invitation for a river rafting and water tubing adventure in Magdalena, Laguna. Despite being tired coming from a 2-day trip in Laoag, I woke up early and met up with my friends in Buendia where we rode a bus bound for Sta. Cruz, Laguna. From there, we took a jeepney that brought us to the town center of Magdalena.

Where to go Whitewater Rafting in the Philippines?

Upon arriving, we were fetched by the rafting organizer, Tito Raf. He then brought us to their office where we had a brief orientation on what to expect on the entire duration of the adventure. After the orientation, he toured us around the town center (I will make a separate post on this later) while his assistants prepare the gears we will be using.

After everything has been set up, we took the hired jeepney to the jump-off for the 3-kilometer river rafting at Balanac River.

We were so excited as we saw the rushing current of the river. This will be my 2nd time to do this as I have done it before in Davao City last 2011; but I'm still so excited to do it again. We fitted our gears - helmet and life vests and off we start the river rafting! Woohoo!!!

Whitewater Rafting Experience

We rode the raft, secured our feet into the strap on the raft's floor and started to paddle as we go through the rapids. Paddle forward!!! Ahahaha! :)

It is indeed a heart pumping experience when you go through the rapids! Ahahaha! At the same time you feel relieved when you survived without falling off from the raft. Hahaha!

There's a part where our guides told us to get off the raft so we could have some photos taken at the hanging bridge. It would be better if your camera is waterproof like these brand. Ganda ng view sa taas ng bridge!

We continued the adventure at Balanac river with more rapids waiting for us! We were so excited to conquer them all as we paddle our raft closer to the rapids.

Water Dam Slide

Until we reached the dam, where our raft glided through it. This is I guess, one of the highlights of this whole adventure! Ang saya lang! Hahaha!

After the "slide", we got off the raft, swam and just had a relaxing swim. The water flowing at the dam is so relaxing! We love it here!

It was already 11:00 AM when we decided to take a break and eat our packed lunch.

Water Tubing Adventure

After which, we tried the water tubing in one of the rapids. It is not actually part of the package, but Tito Raf let us try it. Yahoooo!

Again it was a very thrilling experience! Tito Raf sees to it that we are safe. He made sure that we do it with one of his guides assisting us.

Enjoying the Dam

Then we just enjoyed our time swimming at the cold water of the dam. What a refreshing treat and a great way to escape the summer heat! Ang sarap!

At around 3:00 PM, we decided to go back to the town center, took a shower, changed to our dry clothes and went home. It was one great weekend adventure with my friends. Thanks to Jane for initiating this trip and for taking care of everything. Next time ulit?! Hahaha!

There's really a lot of hidden gems that the province of Laguna offers. Who would have thought that there is such a thing as river rafting and water tubing in Magdalena? Though it is not as thrilling and adrenalin-pumping like the ones in Davao City, Cagayan de Oro or Kalinga, still, this is one awesome adventure that is worth trying. It's best to do it during rainy days as the water level will surely be higher and the water current is much stronger. I highly recommend this activity if you want to try white water rafting soon.

Whitewater Rafting Package

Fee: 550 pesos per head
Inclusions:

• Transportation (From Magdalena town proper to rafting area and back)
• Use of Gears & Equipment
• Raft guide
• Cottage at Dam area
• Photos

For inquiries and bookings, you may contact Tito Raf Bueno at 0928-2585554 / 0916-5906424 or send him a message on his Facebook account at facebook.com/buenojanraphael.

Summary of Basic Expenses

• Bus Fare (Buendia - Sta. Cruz) - 140 PHP
• Jeepney to Magdalena - 15 PHP
• Rafting Package - 550 PHP
• Packed Lunch + drinks - 60 PHP
• Jeepney to Sta. Cruz - 15 PHP
• Bus Fare (Sta. Cruz - Buendia) - 140 PHP
• TOTAL - 794 PHP

How to Get to Magdalena, Laguna

From Buendia, take a bus bound for Sta. Cruz, Laguna, fare is around 140 pesos and travel time is 2 hours. In Sta. Cruz, take a jeepney to Magdalena, fare is 15 pesos and travel time is around 15 minutes.

Where to Stay in Laguna?

[ CLICK HERE TO THE LIST OF TOP-RATED HOTELS IN LAGUNA ]

This adventure happened on April 6, 2013. Thanks to Tito Raf and Jane for the photos.

UPDATED RATE AS OF JANUARY 2017

More photos on Pinoy AdvenTurista's Facebook Page, click here.