Thursday, May 14, 2020

NUVALI STA. ROSA

Location: Tagaytay Road, Don Jose, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines



The long lake boardwalk 

Nuvali is a 2,290-hectare Ayala Land Real Estate Development which is considered to be the country's first and largest eco-city development built on the principles of sustainable design.  It straddles the cities of Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao and Calamba in Laguna. This place is accessible to the public without an entrace fee.

The 150-room Seda Hotel along the lake

I happened to tour around this place, when my friend, Mr. Resty Rodelas, drove me to this destination coming from a seminar from Tagaytay City along with two friends, Leovee Gempisao and Winnie Lopez-Cruz.  It was my first time here and I was really amazed of its charm.

Dining at a Yellow Cab (L-R: Winnie Lopez-Cruz, Mr. Rodelas, me and Leovee Gempisao)

The first thing we did was to dine at Yellow Cab, located at the central business district of Nuvali.  It was already around 4:00 P.M., but the place was packed with tourists mostly in groups and families.

The multi-functional lake at the heart of Nuvali

This high-end real estate boasts a profile of residential communities, business spaces including the LEED silver certified NUVALI One Evotech, prestigious schools, shopping centers, and the 150-room Seda Hotel.  As a veritable stomping ground for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, this haven offers nature amenities such as its 35-kilometer mountain bike trail, a multi-functional lake, hiking paths, a wildlife and bird sanctuary, and Camp N teambuilding and camping grounds.

The open green spaces or parks for picnic goers

A hike within the place is refreshing as every part of it except for the lake is composed of green grasses and trees.  Groups and families are dotting around the area to savor its fresh-air environment and others stay for picnic.

Well-developed and well-maintained parks and roads

Based on its real estate profile, Nuvali is equipped with business and lifestyle centers, recreational venues, and other living essentials flourish in a vibrant environment with over 51,986 trees, 86% of which are native species, and even more to be planted in the future. Its planners and developers envision to unlock the potential for both future and existing communities in the burgeoning Southern Luzon corridor imbued with a three-fold vision: harmony, diversity, and sustainability.

The multi-functional lake as a sight to behold

One of the purposes of the multi-functional lake is to cater guests and tourists to a water taxi ride which costs P30 per head for 10 minutes. Upon purchasing a ticket, you will be assigned a boat docking number and the order of boarding. The boat can accommodate a maximum of 10 pax.  For convenience, a group with a minimum of 5 persons can reserve for an amount of P180.  It is suggested that if you want to capture the best view while on board, stay in front.  

The Evozone Lane where the Evotech is situated

Another relaxing activity, one can do in Nuvali is the fish feeding on its pond.  They are mainly koi fish and guests can feed them with feeds strictly bought from them at a cost of P15 per pack.  You will be entertained to see how they swarm on the feeds you will give them. Koi are omnivorous fish specie, which means that they feed on both plants and animals.  Animals here may mean, insects, crustaceans and meat proteins.

Grown with a variety of trees and ornamental plants

With the variety of trees totalling to 51,986 where majority of it are native species, no wonder birds will definitely make this place their habitat.  Thus, guests and tourists, when staying within the area will enjoy another interesting activity which is bird watching.

Leovee and I enjoying the lush green park

Our stay was too short for such a beautiful place to stroll around.  However, we enjoyed every second of our stay.  A nature-lover like me definitely liked the place.

Nuvali Lakeside Picnic Grounds

Renting a bike for an hour or two to stroll around the place is worth it.  It is only P120.  However, our group decided to just have a leisurely walk and from time to time, we sit on the grass-covered ground.

The mountain biking trails lining along the grass-covered landscape

As mentioned earlier, the place has 35-kilometer stretch of mountain bike trail.  With this, guests are offered bike rental services for P60 per hour.  In this manner, you mobility will be more easier and convenient.

What a relaxing scenery

Our group haven't tried the water taxi ride, since there was a long line first in buying its ticket and much more in waiting for boarding.  While Sir Resty's car was parked somewhere, we made the tour around with walking only.  But I tell you, it was such a refreshing walk.

The Seda Hotel and the lake at the background

By the way, there is something in Nuvali that you will enjoy it for free.  There is a shuttle service.  However, the free ride is only limited from Technopark to Nuvali and vice versa.  It is amazing to know that these shuttle service vehicles are powered by electricity generated from a solar panel.

Wherever you are in Nuvali, sightseeing is at its best

Another activity that you can do in Nuvali is watching the sunset.  Don't worry, it does not close, though the establishments and activities open at 8:00 A.M. and closes at 10:00 P.M. Beyond this time, lights are turned off.

The place is also ideal for dating

It is surprising to note that another activity that you can have here is the outdoor cinema watching.  You should, however, check it in their Facebook page, since it is not scheduled everyday.


HOW TO GO THERE

By Public Transportation

If you are from Metro Manila, take a JAC Liner Bus in Gil Puyat LRT Station bound for Balibago. Note that after the toll exit, get off at Coca-Cola Factory where you can take a tricycle going to Paseo de Santa Rosa.  Just tell the driver to drop you right there in Nuvali.

By Private Car

Take the Southern Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and exit at Sta. Rosa where you to take a right turn after passing thru the tollgate.  Then drive straight ahead. Using the Waze app can help you find the place easily.


NUVALI SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

Address: Facebook: NUVALIOfficial
Instagram: NUVALIPh
Twitter: NUVALIOfficial


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