My friends know I’m a beach lover, so farm tours never really made it to my bucketlist. I quite honestly didn’t know what to expect, and I hate to admit that the only thing that really came into my mind upon hearing about Costales Nature Farms was chickens and pigs. I was completely wrong.
A day before our trip though, Tropical Storm Jolina slammed into Northern Luzon, brought heavy rains and strong winds. Heavy rains were experienced over most parts of Luzon, including Laguna where the farm is located. I’ve already packed my stuff that day, so I was hoping for the weather to be okay the next day. Thank God it did!
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Arrival in Costales Nature Farms
The next day, I traveled alone from our home in San Mateo, Rizal to Majayjay, Laguna. I was anxious as hell because it was my first time to travel alone in Majayjay. My home is just a few hours north of Laguna and yet, I never really had time to explore this province. Ironic, isn’t it? May be because of its proximity that I thought it was so near I can always visit it anytime; That’s why I’ve traveled alone in Japan last year but never really traveled on my own to the provinces near my home.
Anyhow, I successfully reached my destination. I arrived at around 2:00 in the afternoon with no idea of what lay ahead of me. Farm orientation with the travel bloggers was already done and they already started the garden tour. I was welcomed by Jherson and he introduced me to the other bloggers present. It was actually my first time to meet them, but they never made me feel out of place. Thanks you so much guys!
Wellness Tour of Costales Nature Farms
Whether you need a quick weekend getaway or you’re looking to spend a week in absolute relaxation bliss, check out Costales Nature Farms in Majayjay, Laguna. It’s one of the best destinations I’ve been this year because it was a mindfully green retreat with breathtaking sceneries, organic farm, wellness and green living tours, and organic farming programs.
Learn about Organic Poultry, Vegetables and Herbs
Prior to my trip to the farm, I haven’t heard anything about Costales and its organic produce. During the tour, I learned so much about it and started questioning myself, “Why I didn’t know about this farm at all?” Seriously. I didn’t know Healthy Options, Solaire Resort & Casino, Shangri-La Hotel and Italianni’s source their organic veggies from Costales! I also didn’t know that they are the first agri-tourism destination in the Philippines accredited by the Department of Tourism.
Learn the basics of integrated organic farming through gardening and harvesting
Costales Nature Farms was founded in 2005 by the late Ronald Costaleand his wife Josephine “Josie” Costales. Both from the IT industry, they decided to retire early and establish a farm specializing in organic farming. Having zero knowledge in farming, they participated in different trainings just to bring their dreams to fruition.
Looking back, they not only made their dreams come true, but they also helped the development of farmers and youth through their farm courses. They are now one of the biggest organic produce suppliers in the Philippines, but they still help the small farmers through imparting farm technologies and knowledge. Mr. and Mrs. Costales are truly an inspiration.
Relax and experience farm life
Set at the foothills of Mt. Banahaw in Majayjay Laguna, Costales Nature Farms is the premiere agri-tourism destination in the Philippines. The farm offers 5 types of accommodation options of carefully crafted classic native houses (Bahay Kubo) to complete the Farmville adventure. They have the Bahay Kubo and Balai Liwayway, which is good for 2 people. Villa Josefa, on the other hand, could easily fit in 3 people. Villa Marcus and Villa Angela are perfect for big groups (maximum of 10 people).
Aside from gardening, harvesting and feeding the animals, Costales Nature Farms also offers other farm-related activities for adults and children. During our stay we were able to try Tupig Making, Fishing, Green Salad Making, Herbal Tea Making, and Kale Juice Making. There’s really all kinds of different activities on the farm to keep the guests engaged. You can pick your favorite activities and also choose from day trips and farm stay packages.
Pasalubong Shopping at Costales Nature Farms
Staying a day or two in Costales or just doing a day trip will never be complete without buying these pasalubongs from the farm. They have organic pork, eggs, skincare products, and other organic produce for sale. You may buy seeds too if you would like to start gardening in your own home. You should definitely try their Longaniza, which is made from organic pork. It is a great treat for those who would like to indulge without feeling guilty for health reasons.
Trivia: Did you know that Costales Nature Farms is now the major single producer of organic high value vegetables and herbs for major restaurants and hotels in Manila? The farm also produce organic chicken, eggs and pork available at Healthy Options, Shopwise and Rustan’s for those who wish to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Travel Notes
How to get to Costales Nature Farms
By bus: Take a bus from Buendia, Pasay or Cubao to Santa Cruz Laguna. Get off at Waltermart or SM Calamba. Then, take a van bound for Lucban, Quezon at SM Calamba. Get off at Costales.
By van: Take a bus from Buendia, Pasay or Cubao to Festival Mall in Alabang. Then, take a van going to Lucban, Quezon. Get off at Costales.
Sample Budget Breakdown
Sample Day Trip Budget
Cubao to SM Calamba – 80 php
SM Calamba to Costales Nature Farms – 120 php
Green Living Tour – 1,275 php
Costales Nature Farms to SM Calamba – 120 php
SM Calamba to Cubao – 80 php
Total: 1,675 php
Sample 2D1N Budget
Cubao to SM Calamba – 80 php
SM Calamba to Costales Nature Farms – 120 php
Life at the Farm Tour – 2,725 php
Costales Nature Farms to SM Calamba – 120 php
SM Calamba to Cubao – 80 php
Total: 3,125 php
Sample 3D2N Budget
Cubao to SM Calamba – 80 php
SM Calamba to Costales Nature Farms – 120 php
Wellness Tour – 4,245 php
Costales Nature Farms to SM Calamba – 120 php
SM Calamba to Cubao – 80 php
Total: 4,645 php
Overall Experience
If you’re wondering about my experience with Costales Nature Farm’s Wellness Tour, here’s my most honest opinion: it was awesome! Agri-tourism was new to me until this tour, and I blame it on the lack of an extensive promotion/support of agri-tourism in the Philippines. Hopefully, more farms will open their doors to this kind of activity. I really believe agri-tourism will bring in additional income to the rural people, while complementing farm production.
A big thank you to Jherson Jaya of Lonely Travelogue for asking me to be a part of this tour. A big thank you to my fellow Pinoy Travel Bloggers as well! Lastly, thanks a million to Costales Nature Farm for this great opportunity! To my dear readers, if you are interested in this farm tour, you may visit their official website at www.costalesnaturefarms.com 🙂
First Published: September 17, 2017
One reply on “Costales Nature Farms: Agri-Tourism in Laguna”
Please send info on your farm!