Top 11 Things To Do in Liliw, Laguna, Philippines

Liliw is a highland town which is visited by a lot of tourists in Laguna Province, Philippines. It was originally named Lilio then converted to Liliw in 1965. Here are Our Top 11 Things you can do in Liliw, Laguna, Philippines!

1.) Shop for Shoes/ Slippers

Liliw is one of the top producers of export-quality shoes and slippers. They even have the Gat Tayaw Tsinelas (Slippers) Festival every April to celebrate their well-made handicrafts. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

2.) Try their cafes/ restos

There have been many creative restaurants sprouting in Liliw. Apart from nice design concepts of these cafes/ restaurants, food is great! Our top favorites are Umpay’s, Phở HoaHồng, Chef Mau Restaurant, and Celestine’s. Read our separate blog for their cafes/restos here. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

3.) Shop from their Pasalubong Center

You can find their local produce such as river crabs, ferns, honey and local biscuits. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

4.) Visit their Plaza

Get a selfie with the big letterings LILIW in the plaza or the largest slipper in the Philippines.

5.) Visit their centuries-old church (Church of Liliw aka St.John The Baptist Church)

The ecclesiastical administration of Liliw belonged to the town of Nagcarlan up to 1605. The Church and convent of Lilio (now known as Church of Liliw) were seriously damaged by earthquakes of 1880. The reconstructed church were partly burned on April 6, 1890.

6.) Get IG-Worthy Photos in Esmeris Farm

From the town center, you can take a tricycle for 40 php per person. The tricycle will drop you off to the parking area nearest to Esmeris. From there, you will still have to walk 500 meters before seeing these IG-Worthy structures. Entrance fee in Esmeris farm is 50php per person. You can also stay for a night by glamping. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

7.) Hike in A4J Brena’s Farm

Similar with Esmeris Farm, A4J Brena’s Farm also has nice IG-worthy structures. The only difference we observed is that A4J Brena’s Farm is steeper (means more hike), sunnier (due to lesser shades from trees), and more expensive entrance fee (80php per person). (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

8.) Staycation in Casa Cion

Casa Cion is the only accommodation we know nearest the town center’s church and slipper shops. It is an ancestral house turned into a hometel by the founders’ 4th generation bloodline. The house (casa in Spanish) is named after its original matriarch, AsunCION. There are a lot of antique collections displayed such as 1800s fine bone china, wooden furniture, kitchen utensils, and crochet covers.

9.) Meet Liliw’s First Inhabitants

Liliw was founded by Gat Tayaw. According to legends, people that time normally carry spears to protect themselves from enemies and hunt for food in the mountains. They are also dressed in a way where they can easily move.

10.) Try Belen’s Palabok

If you are on a budget, try Belen’s Palabok located just beside the oldest surviving Liliw Bakery facing the Mercury Drug Store. You can enjoy a sumptuous Palabok or Spaghetti at a cheaper price.

11.) Buy Pastries from Liliw Bakeshop

They sell simple but delicious chocolate or caramel cakes.

Next time we visit Liliw, we’ll explore some of its river or mountain resorts. Please also check out some of our videos on youtube. We embed English subtitles for better understanding (just navigate the youtube caption options).

Other Photos Taken in Liliw