San Pablo, Philippines – Hidden Gem or Just Another City?

San Pablo wasn’t even on my radar — never heard of it until one of my subscribers (cheers, Ray!) said, “Get yourself down there.” So I did. Took a packed jeepney from Calamba (2 hours, ₱62), and ended up in a peaceful little budget hotel for just ₱840 a night. Absolute result: colonial vibes, chilled energy, and cheaper than most places I’ve stayed in the Philippines. In this vlog, I head out for a first wander through San Pablo’s city centre. I find a budget laundry (you’ve got to do it sometime), stumble across a 1915 colonial mansion, dodge some fast food chaos, and treat myself to one of the best pistachio cakes I’ve ever had in a tucked-away café. Unreal. It’s my first day here and it already feels way more relaxed than the last few cities — less noise, friendlier faces, and a vibe I didn’t expect. Tomorrow, I’ll be checking out the cathedral and the famous lakes, but for now, this is just about first impressions, soaking in the atmosphere, and seeing what this underrated Philippine city has to offer. If you’re into off-the-beaten-track spots with history, real life, and budget-friendly surprises — this one might be worth a look. I am an older backpacker travelling the world proving that backpacking is not just for the younger generation. If you would like to support my adventures: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/army057D Follow me on Instagram:   / olderbackpacker22   If you enjoyed this video, please like, comment and subscribe to the channel. #SanPabloPhilippines #BackpackingPhilippines #HiddenGemsPhilippines #TravelVlog #OverlandAdventure