The hometown of the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal, the city of Calamba is one of the most interesting destinations in the country. It is also well known as the Resort Capital of the Philippines and is conveniently located close to the national capital of Manila.
Top landmarks around Calamba include a monument to Jose Rizal, the Calamba Church and the Calamba Giant Water Pot. There are several hot spring resorts sprinkled throughout the city and its surrounding areas, making it a popular spot for tourist retreats in the Philippines. The Wonder Island Resort is particularly notable, located on an island in the country’s largest freshwater lake.
Located in the Laguna province about 60 kilometres from Manila, Calamba is around a two hour-drive from the nation’s capital depending on exact route and traffic. There is bus service between the two cities, via the JAM Liner Buendia Terminal and the Turbina Bus Terminal.
Calamba is famous for being the hometown of Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. His political activism was instrumental in ending Spanish colonial rule of the country. Today, Rizal Shrine and Rizal Park are two of Calamba’s most important attractions, honouring his legacy.