Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Isdaan Floating Restaurant of Calauan, Laguna

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A place that took the definition of restaurant to a whole new level. A floating restaurant that take customers into a different world. That's how I define Isdaan Floating Restaurant of Calauan, Laguna. Though Isdaan Floating Restaurant is a Thailand inspired place, with all those larger than life statues of Buddhas, little monks and mermaids, they still managed to incorporate a touch of Filipino culture through their food. Yup, they serve appetizing Filipino food here. By the way, another site of Isdaan is located in the northern part of Luzon - Gerona, Tarlac. They have the same vibe so it will be just a matter of how close you are on these two sites in terms of deciding on which branch you're going to pick and visit.

How to get there?
Take a bus located at Buendia LRT Station with a signage of "Sta. Cruz", Laguna. It is approximately 2-hour drive away from Manila.Going to Isdaan is easy. The place is just along the highway and it's hard to miss because of the towering statues of Mermaid Buddhas located in the entrance/parking area of Isdaan Floating Restaurant.. But just to be sure, inform the bus conductor to drop you at Isdaan. Fare is 85 pesos.

Entrance to Isdaan Floating Restaurant
Yup, this is their parking area
Isdaan is owned and operated by the Barrio Fiesta group of restaurants. Therefore, never doubt the taste of the food being served here. And so I decided that this blog entry will be more on the side of travelling rather than a food blog...

As we reach Isdaan Floating Restaurant, my initial reaction was astounded. I can't help myself as my eyes went wide because of amusement on the beauty of this restaurant. I have already saw this place in the internet and photos but still, I was blown away of its architectural design as well as how artistic this place was built and constructed. Kudos to the owner!

We're still in the Philippines :]
Actually, me and my girlfriend felt like we were foreign tourists in land of Thailand during our stay in Isdaan. Mermaid Buddhas were everywhere in Isdaan and they're more than life-sized statues. In addition to this are the bamboo pathways and cottages which adds flavor and makes Isdaan more to be like ancient Thailand.

This place is remarkable
Happy couple! Cheers!
We were then directed to our cottage. We've given a small but cute nipa hut that can accommodate up to 4 persons but since we were only 2 on this trip it was more than enough for us. Then the waiter hand over us their menu... a long list of menu. It was as long as 3 sheets of long bond paper and it is written back to back containing their list of foods. We had a hard time picking what food to eat because there were a bunch to choose from. I also noticed that their target clients are family and groupies because their servings come in bundles or in kilos.

Heading to our cottage... It looks like the one in the background
Sinigang na Hipon and Iced tea with Gumamela flower on the side
We ordered 1 kilo of Sinigang na Hipon (Sugpo, actually), 1/2 kilo of Inihaw na Tilapia, 1 kaldero of kanin (good for 2-3 persons), and 1 pitcher of iced tea. Imagine how full we are after we ate all of it. *laugh

They serve the rice here along with the "kaldero"
After that blockbuster lunch, we started to explore the whole vicinity of Isdaan Floating Restaurant. It is pretty big and has a total land area of 56.6 square kilometers. We were blessed because it was a shady afternoon when we visited Isdaan. The weather is just fine for taking photos, not too sunny neither dark.

Very detailed...
One of the highlight of this place is the entrance as you come inside the place. You will be walking in between tall statues. This give visitors a feel like they're not in the Philippines anymore. Under your feet is a pond because you are also walking above a bamboo trail since this is a floating restaurant. The whole place is a large fish pond. One can do fishing in which they can ask the staff of Isdaan to cook their catches.

It is still expanding so we can expect more on this place in the following years
Aside from the very South East Asian vibe of the place, it has an impressive Fiesta atmosphere which is very Filipino in a sense. There are bands that serenade each nipa hut, performers and actors that performs acrobatic stunts and other extra ordinary talents. It is a happy place. Everyone will definitely have a good time when they visit Isdaan Floating Restaurant.

Bring the whole family...
... Also the one you love.
Isdaan didn't forget the interest of the kids. Bikes and trolleys for children are available which can be rented. They also installed statues of cartoon characters, animals and other personalities that will surely loved by kids and kids alike (like me and my girlfriend). These include angry birds, Batman, Pres. Barack and a lot more.

Wazzup Kiddo?!
Slave by your love Baby ko! Lol 
Aside from the photo above, simply refer on the photos below to see how playful and crazy we are in this trip. We're like children in this themed park/restaurant.

May this love be blessed... 
Evolution of man.. 

What are you looking at bro?
I'm happy when she's happy (but I envy that lil monk!)
Just having a good time!
Just like the water... I wish time freezes when I'm with her (baduy ko na!)
Cheated by your boyfriend/girlfriend? Have you been a victim of rubbery? Stressed out with your bosses? Discovered a dark secret? Been fooled by a scam? If your answer is yes then there is a place for you in Isdaan that can lessen your anger and stress. There's a famous wall in Isdaan that is called Tacsiyapo. It is an open area and at the end point lies a wall with written words. Words that refer to someone we found annoying in one's life. The key here is to buy a ceramic cup, plates, wall clocks and even a working television at the station then throw or smash them into the wall while targeting the words you are angry with. An ideal place for people who are walking timebombs. Time to release all those pains and anger! Price of items that you can throw into the wall ranges from 20 pesos (cups) up to 2,000 pesos (television).

Target Locked!
I want to throw that television that day. Too bad I don't have enough money!

There are also gigantic Buddhas and a gorilla in this area. This is a place where people will be amazed how great Filipinos are in creating this kind of sculptures. Even I, I couldn't imagine that there is an existing place like this and can be found in Laguna. This is one spot that people should not miss when visiting Laguna. It will not only satisfy your tummy with their food but also your eyes with all those larger than life statues.

I think this is the biggest display in Isdaan...
People behind the beautification of Isdaan
Breakdown of Expenses:
Bus (Pasay Terminal - Isdaan Floating Restaurant) - 85.00 PhP
Bus (Isdaan Floating Restaurant - Magallanes | Mantrade) - 107.00 PhP
Sinigang na Hipon (1 kilo) - 483.00 PhP
Inihaw na Tilapia (1/2 kilo) - 176.00 PhP
Bagong Saing (rice) - 110.00 PhP
Pitcher of Iced Tea - 204.00 PhP

71 comments:

  1. Oh another Isdaan! I actually haven't been to the one in Gerona, and I'm from Tarlac. LOL. But will certainly keep this in mind in case we wander within the area. My family will love the place fo sho, and not only cause of the food. Haha!

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    1. Yep, medyo masakit sa bulsa yung price ng food but the place is really awesome. Like what I said in this post, it is like a tour on a South East Asian country. =]

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  2. I've been to Isdaan in Tarlac. Didn't know meron din pala sa Calauan. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Hello! I nominated your blog as one of my Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2013. I hope that you can check out my blog too, drop a comment or two, and share it to your fans and readers too. Thank you so much and I wish you all the best on this writing project.

    STAY AWESOME: http://www.mediactiv8.com/2013/09/my-top-10-emerging-influential-blogs.html#.UifBozanp3E

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  4. Wow Lapit lang nito ah :) will bookmark this - thanks for sharing

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  5. OMG! your girlfriend is so pretty!! thanks for sharing!

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    Replies
    1. She really is. A beauty not only from the outside... as well as the inside. Naks!

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  6. Hi,.. May entrance fee po ba jan da isdaan?

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  7. San po mismo sa buendia ung sakayan papunta sa isdaan?mlapit po ba sa my arellano university? Please reply po.. Gsto ko po dalin ung anak ko at ung ka live in ko dun this sunday.. Thanks..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yup doon nga po yung bus terminal na papunta sa Isdaan. yung tabi mismo nun.

      Maganda nga po dun for family bonding. Have a safe trip ahead! :]

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    2. Thank you for the info geejay...

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  8. kailangan pa po bang mag pa book or reserve. my sister is planning to take the whole family at isdaan in january.

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    Replies
    1. Not necessarily, you can just go there directly like what we did. =]

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  9. Shame. I'm from around here pero di pa ako nakapunta. Nagutom ako bigla sa isang kalderong kanin. LOL. Next project: isdaan!! Nice blog. :)


    -Kweng
    http://heyitskweng.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. so you're from Laguna? Punta na! :) hehehehe

      Thamk you sa pag-visit sa blog

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  10. We're planning to go there tomorrow. May fee ba ang cottages?

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    Replies
    1. Nope, wala pong fee ang cottages dito. you just need to dine here para makapasok kayo :)

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  11. one of the more informative blogs I saw while searching for this place ...thanks, bro.

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  12. you are blessed geejay, you are caplable to visit many beautiful places in our country. have enough time to get bonding with your friends and love one.how i wish i could the same thing coz i really love to explore our beautiful country. thank you for sharing this blog.
    keep it up!

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome sir! Well I guess we're just all "gala" that's why travelling has always been our kind of bonding. hehe.

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  13. When I was searching for Isdaan and saw your blog went straight to it.
    Planning to visit this weekend.
    Say hi to Naulan (Faye) :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Classmate! Glad to know that my blog is searchable over the net. Thanks for dropping by. Sure sabihan ko si Pepay :)

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  14. Hi, may reservation ba jan? or pwede naman kahit walk in lang? thanks.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Anon, pwede po mag walk-in dito kahit di na mag pa-reserve :)

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  15. Hi open po ba toh naun xmas dec25? Thanks :)

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    Replies
    1. Im not sure about this one pero pwede nyo po itry tong number na ito and check with them po: (049) 566-0880 to 81

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  16. Great place! Tnx for the blog! Khit walang website ang isdaan restaurant atleast my reference kmi mkukuha from u.. Were planing to go there on feb! :)

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome po. Ingat and enjoy on your trip sa Isdaan!

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  17. Wow naman ang ganda diyan.Ang swerte ng GF mo, hehe.. i envy her

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    Replies
    1. Yup talagang maganda po dito. Grab your family and friends then visit na din kayo... o kaya si BF mo :)

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  18. Hi Geejay..you and your gf looks familiar, are you guys from Adu?..also can we get a bus in Edsa Pasay near MRT station? TY...

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    Replies
    1. Hello April! Yes, we're from AdU batch 2010. I checked you on FB (please dont freak out) and we have 21 friends in common :)

      Regarding your question, I believe buses near Edsa Pasay has a different route. So I suggest take the one at Buendia LRT when going here po.

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    2. For as long as you ride a bus with a "Sta Cruz" sign board, you're on the right track hehe :p Enjoy Laguna! :) -Proud Lagunena ;)

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  19. As a Buddhist living in the Philippines, I felt quite Offended when they make the Buddha Statues as some mere sort of Decoration, kindly please treat it with UTTER RESPECT naman! What if I do that with your Christian's Crucifixes and you know how I feel! Thank you.

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  20. Thanks for the info! We'll be there soon... real soon! :-)

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    Replies
    1. Enjoy your visit po and have a safe trip as well!

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  21. Replies
    1. Yung serving po kasi nila dito is malalaki or pang group kaya kung 2 lang kayo na pupunta dito like what we did is medyo mahal po. Pero kung grupo kayo na pupunta dito eh swak na swak na ang price.

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  22. mahal ang mga foods nila.. ung halabos na hipon nila siyam na pirasong malilit lang 498... pero bakit sau 1 kilo na..

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    Replies
    1. Talaga po? Well ung visit ko naman po is ok ung serving nila...

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  23. So nice... i want to go there.....
    S der dombody want to treat me? Hehe joking
    Kakagutom nman un food gosh need mg ipon para maipasyal ang buong Pamilya...
    Pwede b mgbaon ng kanin? Hahaha lol ;)
    I ♥ dis blog thank u... more power

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    Replies
    1. Magandang idea yung pagbaon ng rice kaso di ko lang alam kung pwede. hahahaha :)
      Thank you din po sa pagvisit!

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    2. Thanks to your blog. A very nice place for family bonding. We will visit the place this coming Friday and celebrate my son's bday there. God bless you and your GF.

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  24. Hi Geejay, very nice blog! Very informative ... nice pictures too ... and complete talaga ... pati breakdown of expenses you shared it ... galing! ... if you are tight on a budget, medyo mahal lang talaga food nila ano? pero siguro pde naman magbaon ng water? hehehe ...

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    Replies
    1. Thank you po. Sa tingin ko naman oks lang magdala ng tubig. Im not sure though. hehe

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  25. Hi Geejay (feeling close) hehehe... Thanks to your blogs.. I think I'll end up going to the places na pinuntahan mo na hehehe. Mukhang ito na ang next namin na pupuntahan ng hubbysan ko.. :) Because of your other blog (Boracay de Cavite), naging happy kami ng mga highschool friends ko :) Thanks much!!!

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    Replies
    1. Np, thank you also for trusting Geejay Travel Log on your travels! :)

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  26. We will go there in a bit. Thnks for sharing yer blog.

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  27. Hi Geejay! Yung bus terminal ba na sinasabi mo, yun ba yung sa may tabi ng mcdo? :) thanks!

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    1. Nope, yung sa kabila po, yung malapit sa babaan ng LRT Buendia pag galing kang EDSA Station. :)

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  28. Hi, awesome place and awesome article! Isdaan also offers a boat (bangka) ride around the restaurant. Everyone should try it! I think it's for free, we just have to pay a tip to the bangkero. Thanks for this! :)

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  29. big thanks for the info...i was looking for the exact location of this floating resto...seen lots of amazing photos on FB of this ISDAAN...

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  30. Informative post sir! Thank you for sharing!

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  31. Hi! May swimming facility din ba sa isdaan? Salamat po :)

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  32. hi..just saw your blog po..
    ask lng..ok lng po ba kung hnd umorder ng foods hehe..i mean is ung parang maglilibot k lng sa place??
    TIA

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    Replies
    1. Entrance is free po pero you have to order food from them.

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  33. Great blog! Pupunta ako dun ngayon magisa. Thanks for sharing this. Goodluck sa oorderin kong pagkain hahaha

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  34. pupunta kami dito bukas. salamat sa info.

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  35. Another great blog Geejay! I really love this article. Thanks for sharing!

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