Discover Nuvali's Family-Friendly Attractions in Just Half a Day

For three years now, every time I go home to the Philippines, my sister would always bring me to this green community in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

We live in a subdivision in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and so going to Nuvali doesn’t take that much time and effort. We can go there at any time of the day if we want to.

Nuvali was a sugar plantation back in the 1900s and is now a great leisure and shopping destination in the heart of Sta. Rosa, Laguna. A pollution-free place an hour away from Manila.

From left to right: my sister, my mom, yours truly, and my cousin.

Nuvali features a 4-hectare man-made lake at Solenad. For ₱30 per person (minimum of six), you can hop on a water taxi for a round-trip ride beneath the bridge and past floating lilies, and maybe even enjoy a playful drift in the breeze.

A very popular activity here for kids is fish-feeding. Watch how hungry these huge numbers of orange-colored fish swarming towards you when you throw the feeds at them. 

Fish-feeding in Nuvali

You can buy fish feeds for ₱15/bag at the booth. On a New Year, I went there with my sisters and their kids, and as it was late in the afternoon and a lot of families were celebrating the New Year there, the facility ran out of fish feed, disappointing my nephews and even making one of them cry. To pacify the kids, we ended up going to Tagaytay.

If you’re up to pedaling around the complex, you can rent a bicycle for ₱60/hour and bike away on the designated bicycle path.

Don’t forget to check the shops and go home with new hordes of shoes, bags, and clothes.

Also, you won’t get hungry here in Nuvali. You can find a lot of restaurants offering a great variety of food to choose from. Our favorite is the Pig-Out! which specializes in seafood and meat grills.

Pig-Out - Nuvali

If your budget is tight and you only want to spend time outside your home, pack a picnic mat and some sandwiches and drinks, and you’re good to go to Nuvali for a picnic.

Why Nuvali Stands Out

• Eco‑living at its best: A sustainable oasis with a tree nursery, wildlife sanctuary, and fresh air.
• Family‑friendly and affordable: From kayaking and biking to fish feeding, all under ₱60.
• Safe and welcoming: Well-maintained paths, bike policies (helmet required), and free parking make it hassle-free. 

Quick Tips

• Best time: Early mornings on weekdays are quietest and most serene.
• Bring essentials: Wear closed shoes for active fun, bring helmets if cycling, and don’t forget water and sunscreen.
• Picnic-friendly: Bring a mat and light snacks. It’s perfect for an easy outdoor meal.
• Bike rentals: Call ahead or bring your own (availability may vary).

Nuvali is more than a quick escape. It’s a green breath near the city. In a few hours, you can paddle, feed fish, cycle, and soak up nature, all at minimal cost. Perfect for families, fitness lovers, and anyone needing a peaceful reset.