So, I may be changing subjects a bit. Unfortunately, I don’t have my pictures of the rest of my trip in Palawan yet so I decided to move along with the subject. Living in Manila and looking for a unique place to spend an afternoon in? Here’s something really unique – a floating restaurant!

Although its not exactly like the one in Manila Bay where the restaurant was in a boat and floated on the bay, it was even better.

Bulawan Floating Restaurant is located in Tanay, Rizal which is about a three hour drive from Manila and probably only an hour away from where I lived in Cainta. My first time to go to the restaurant was about 3 years ago – I was with my sister and my uncle who had decided to treat us. The restaurant was owned by my mother and uncle’s co-teacher in Papua New Guinea. They were close friends and had been inviting my family to the restaurant forever. Anyway, unfortunately at that time, I wasn’t very travel-ly much so I didn’t get to appreciate the scenery much. Recently, the restaurant has been my family’s favorite dining place away from the hustle and bustle in Manila and at home.

To get to Tanay, you can go through two routes – through Antipolo City or through Laguna. Getting to Bulawan, we’d go down a mountain, pass rice fields and empty lots and see other mountains and as most tourists would notice – many resorts. Eventually, the path divides into two, one way going to Laguna’s famous Caliraya, a seminar – convention - team building center with loads of cool activities to try and to the left, is to Bulawan Floating Restaurant.

Bulawan Floating Restaurant rests on the waters of Laguna Lake. Although the waters there aren’t crystal clear, the view is spectacular and the breeze is heaven. Newly renovated, the restaurant offers huts for overnights, Jacuzzis and a swimming pool that’s still on repair since 2008’s storm. With a wide area, you’ll be able to walk through the restaurant, appreciate the scenery and take awesome pictures – possibly even with cows at your background! Other activities include karaoke, fishing (they offer bait as well, or lets you fish and choose your meal) and on good days, boating around the little lake.

Aside from the activity-packed area, the seafood – is unbelievably delicious. There is no other place to have steamed Lapu-Lapu and Sinigang na Hipon (shrimp) elsewhere. Luckily, the last time we visited, we were with the owner so we got to bust a free meal.

For those looking for a relaxing afternoon, Bulawan Floating Restaurant is definitely one of the best places to enjoy.