Paete Voyage Tips and guide

Paete is a town in the province of Laguna in the Philippines. The town is known for its woodcarving industry.

Paete as a settlement had existed long before the Spanish conquest. It derives its name from the Tagalog word paet (chisel), a reference to the town's woodcarving tradition.

Paete's town center is wedged in a narrow plain between the Sierra Madre Mountains to the east and Laguna de Bay to the west. The creek-like Paete River passes through the center of town. Transportation-wise, Paete is bounded to the west by the wide national highway by the side of Laguna de Bay and a two-lane inner road that begins at a junction at the southern edge of town and continues northwards through the town center and Pakil before rejoining the national highway at the boundary of Pakil and Pangil. Paete also has an extensive highland area leading to the boundary with Quezon.

Paete lies along the Santa Cruz-Siniloan jeepney route. Check if the signage includes Paete Loob (Inner Paete for the town center), meaning that the vehicle will pass through the inner road, otherwise you will have to stop at the national highway on the western edge of town and either walk or take a tricycle to the downtown area.

Map of Paete

Tricycles are the primary means of transportation in Paete, particularly if heading towards the upland areas.

Roads in Paete's downtown are narrow, and the inner road can get congested, especially during the town fiesta, religious holidays and when the national highway is closed due to flooding from Laguna de Bay.

• 14.364582121.4918641 Tatlong Krus. As suggested by its name, the site features three white crosses which was patterned after the cross in Mount Calvary.  (updated Feb 2018)
• 14.364784121.4814142 Saint James the Apostle Parish Church (Paete Church). A Roman Catholic church built during the Spanish colonial era. Inside the church are murals by local artist, Luciano Dans namely Langit, Lupa, Impiyerno (Heaven, Earth, Hell) and large murals of Saint Christopher. The murals are designated as national cultural treasures, although some of them are in urgent need of repair due to termite damage. There are also statues of saints whose limbs can be moved like puppets. This is usually done during religious processions for events such as Holy Week.  (updated Dec 2025)

• 14.362509121.4733811 Wawa Park (Wawa Bayshore Refreshment Park). Board on motorboat rides to Laguna de Bay at the Wawa Park.  (updated Feb 2018)

As a town known for its woodcarving traditions, there are numerous workshops selling wood sculptures, mostly of a religious nature. Also look out for the taka, folk toys made out of papier mache wrapped around wooden animal figurines.

• 14.364146121.4830981 Benga's Paete Eatery.  (updated Feb 2018)

• 14.364153121.4829181 Kape Kesada, Quesada Street. Small coffeehouse which also features paintings and artworks by local artists. A patio overlooks the Paete River.  (updated Dec 2025)

In the rainy season, Laguna de Bay can overflow, resulting in the blockage of the national highway. Likewise, flashfloods can happen within the town center due to the Paete River, which can become a raging torrent.

Famy ← Pakil ←

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